Our exclusive interview with talented up and coming actor and one of the leads of very successful HBO’s hit show “Ballers” Donovan W. Carter.
Donovan plays the role of the young and talented NFL defensive tackle ‘Vernon Littlefield,’ who is doing his best to self-navigate his newly found wealth and status within the NFL’s elite social circle, which is fraught with opportunists and enablers only out for themselves.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Love for everybody.
Do you have or had acting classes?
Yes, I’m currently finishing my 2nd year of acting class.
What was your first acting role?
“Ballers”
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My parents and God, I just do my best to make them proud and stay humble!
How do you prepare for a role?
I read the whole script first, and then break it down piece by piece.
Please tell us about “Ballers” and about your role as Vernon Littlefield?
“Ballers” is about professional football players and their lives during off-season. Vernon is young, family-oriented, humble, and very successful, but he has no sense of saving or how to make his money last. He finds himself broke and looks to his friend and financial advisor, Spencer, for guidance.
How did you get selected for the role?
I auditioned for the role and God did the rest.
Where do you think the huge success of “Ballers” comes from?
From the writers, directors, producers, and everyone that has contributed a piece working on the show. Also our relationships on set – we truly are a family. I love each person I work with and love being around them.
What we can expect of season 2?
You can expect another great season!! Viewers will get the chance to see the lives of football players during offseason and the problems they face just like everyone else.
How is working with a very talented cast members like DeWayne Johnson?
It’s such a blessing working with Dwayne. He’s a true leader and a very humble, hardworking guy. He leads by example, so I just watch and take notes of what he does. He’s shown me that no matter how successful you get, you can stay humble and driven.
How do you handle criticism?
I listen and let it process, then do what I think is best to change whatever the problem is. When someone can approach me face-to-face and give me things to work on, I’ll respect them and listen.
What does your typical day look like?
I don’t really have a set schedule, but I usually wake up and thank God, make my bed, read the Bible, and work out. Then I just see what blessings come for the rest of the day. I live spontaneously and don’t make a lot of places, I just go with the flow.
What kind of training do you do to keep fit?
I’ve been training at Jay Glazer’s Unbreakable Gym – I love it there. I get good work in and I love the people. The way they really push me reminds me of my football workouts. I have also been boxing at my friend Leyon’s gym Gloveworx. Being a former athlete, I like to go places with a good vibe and that push me.
What advice do you have for young actors?
Get into [acting] class if you’re not already in one. Keep working on your craft, stay positive, and remember mistakes are gifts. You’re going to get a lot of rejections and fall on your face, but just keep getting up, brush off the dirt, and go after your dreams –it’s worth it! Surround yourself with good people –MAJOR KEY.
What’s your favorite show on T.V. right now?
“Ballers,” “Power,” “Empire,” and “Narcos” are my faves right now.
What is your favorite music and what type of music you just can’t stand?
I love hip-hop. I’m pretty open to any music as long as it has a good beat. I can’t really get into country and opera though haha!
What we can expect of Donovan W. Carter in 2016?
You can expect from Donovan another great season of “Ballers” and definitely see me in a movie or another TV show soon.
What do you wanted to be when you were a child?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to be, I struggled with that until I finished college.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My phone, chapstick, and gum
Do you have a celebrity crush?
Sanaa Lathan
Do you support any charity?
At the moment, I’m not directly involved in any specific charity on a day-to-day basis but I always support UCLA. Anytime I can go talk to kids or do any charity events, I’m always down because you have to give back and tell your story to motivate people.
In 5 years you will be…?
A movie and TV star, motivational speaker, working on my own projects to share with world, and be in the position where I’ll be able to offer people opportunities like those that I was given!!!
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on…
Twitter: @dcsofly90
IG: @ donovanwcarter
Facebook: Donovan W Carter
Photo Credit: Rowan Daly
