Hey Family!
We interviewed actor and entrepreneur Reg Rob (Reginald Robinson). Reg is from Monroe, Louisiana. So, you all know the drill. I’m going to take a minute and give a special shout out to my fellow Louisianan. Love my Louisiana peeps!
Reg’s acting career began in the Lord’s house, at church. His mom would tell him he was going to participate in plays at church, whether he wanted to or not. LOL. Yeah, some of us remember how that was. He would have to learn all of these lines and he was able to pick them up with ease. Reg began being recognized for his craft when he was in junior high and high school. He starred in their town’s Annual Black History plays. He and a cast of over a hundred actors performed in front of sold-out audiences.
Although Reg was good at and enjoyed acting, he pursued traditional undergraduate and graduate studies. Reg received an undergraduate degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Grambling State University. Why not study acting in college? We asked him. “I don’t know for sure. But honestly, I think it was my mindset back then. I would watch TV and think I could do that. But I was living in Monroe, LA. It’s not like I was in Hollywood. I thought Marketing would be better for me. I could use my personality. I know how to sell things and I’m an easy going person. So, that’s where the idea of Marketing came from.”
Reg might have been majoring in Marketing but the acting was in him. He couldn’t stay away. “As soon as I transferred to Grambling in undergrad, someone told me, I should try out for this stage play called, Serial Killer. I went in and I booked the lead. I had a blast. I loved doing it. I loved the rush. I loved the thrill of it.” This was his first leading role. And what a first leading role it was. Reg played “Johnathan”, a popular college guy. Johnathan contracts AIDS at a young age from a teacher who raped him. Johnathan is a healthy good looking guy, dating several women and spreading the AIDS virus. Whew.
Reg enjoyed theatre but his heart belonged to television and film. He wanted to make sure his experiences would transfer there. After he researched the industry, he decided the best way to start was by being an extra. That was around 2010 when Louisiana was called Hollywood of the South. “I became extras in television shows and movies. I quickly realized this is not what I want to do. I would get out of class and drive to Shreveport or New Orleans, go on set and just watch. I remember one particular movie, Green Lantern, which was shot in New Orleans. It was hot, in the middle of the summer and I am running up and down Poydras Street in a full-blown suit. We broke for lunch and one of the production guys, I kid you not, he asked me, ‘Why are you doing this?’ I was like, ‘Man, you are right. Why am I doing this?’ That was the last time I ever was an extra.”
After hanging up his “extra” hat, Reg was cast in his first feature film, New Hope, shot in his hometown. Get this. Reg worked on the film for free. Yes, free. The experience he gained was invaluable. “I learned so much. When you are in the theatre on stage it’s more about projecting. However, in film, it’s knowing your pitch. Know your tone. Know where your mark is. It helped me tremendously. Once the movie came out, I signed with two different agents. Things started rolling for me.” There are truly somethings money can not buy.
His first television role was in Breakout Kings playing opposite of Omari Hardwick (Ghost, Power.) Working with Omari was another invaluable learning experience for Reg. Omari took the time to talk to him and to give him some direction and advice. That advice is forever seared in Reg’s memory.
Reg moved to Atlanta. There he landed several national commercial accounts and expanded his television career further. He appeared in NCIS: New Orleans and on Queen Sugar as Trucker, who shared a past with Darla, Ralph Angel’s love interest. He premiered in his recurring role as a “thug” in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots on Tuesday, June 11th. He is also slated to return in season seven. He had a recurring role in season two of CW’s hit show Black Lightning as Romel, a member of the 100 gang. Will Reg return? “I didn’t get killed. That is all I can say. I came in and got beat up a lot in season two. But I made it out. So, there is a chance I’ll be back in season three. It depends on the storyline.”
Reg can’t release the specifics yet but he has landed a series regular role on a television series and he just signed on to do a movie. His dreams are coming true. “That’s the kind of work I’ve been waiting on.” The specifics about the television series should be dropping soon. Stay Tuned.
Reg also has a clothing line called F.L.Y Republic. F.L.Y is an acronym for faith, love, yourself. Republic means for the people. people. F.L.Y Republic produces and ships to nine different countries. You already know by the acronym there is a bigger meaning behind Reg’s endeavor. “This is about self-empowerment, self-belief. It’s about faith in God and love and belief in yourself. I’ve been doing it almost 10 years now. I did have to step away to focus on acting.’
Reg has also written a comedy television show that he and his partner are shopping around. So, Reg most definitely sees writer and showrunner in his bright future.
We will close with our favorite portion of the interview. We really don’t like to call it an interview because it was more than that. So rather, we will close with our favorite part of our conversation when Reg said; “I like to create content. I like to put out something with meaning, for dreamers, for believers, for people that really want something out of life, for people who stand for something and for people who want to be inspired.”
Don’t you just love that!
For more information on F.L.Y Republic and all things Reg Rob, check out his website.
Reg loves connecting with his fans. You can follow him at;
Twitter: @iAmRegRob
IG: @iAmRegRob
Facebook: Reg Rob
Fam, make sure you keep your eyes and ears open for updates on Reg’s new series and new movie as well as his season seven appearance in #HAHN!
Reg, please hit us up again! Anytime!
I AM KP Smith
Leave a Reply