Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to know about you?
My name is Dre Marquis. I am an actor and content creator. Originally from the south side of Chicago but I currently reside in Atlanta, GA.
I have had co-star and guest star appearances on Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Netflix’s Easy. Proudly represented by Hayes Talent Agency and 831 Entertainment.
Many people ask if I always wanted to be an actor. And the answer is NO! Fun Fact: I wanted to be a part of marine biology for the longest. Everything about the water and what lies beneath excites me. But one day in Highschool I was told to try to do acting.
Two degrees and several projects later, I’m still getting my feet wet.
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
Okay, here’s a scenario: You’re on set, it’s been a long day and at this point, you’re ready to call it a day. We have all been there. Then, during one of the moments when there are camera adjustments or moving on to the next scene of the day… music starts playing.
But not any music. The music you hear at the cookouts. That’s me. I’m the one that will start line dances just to keep the energy up. Who doesn’t love to dance? On top of that, you leave with dances you can take back to your family and share them if you didn’t know about them before.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.
I remember this moment back when I had just guest-starred on Chicago Fire. And I started feeling bad like I wasn’t good enough. Because I kept asking where is the work, you know? I have a guest star. Where are the offers!?
I wanted to give up. Seriously. Then, months later on a trip to Miami, I was in the airport and this little boy walks up to me. He looks me in my eyes and says “Weren’t you the guy on Chicago Fire?” He lit up when I told him yes and he asked for a photo. I kept staring as if I was looking at a younger me being excited to see actors and artists in person.
It was a sign of “hope” for me at that age that I would be in a room with people like that and would nudge the world toward growth. To be frank, that little boy gave me the juice I needed. Shortly after that, I started booking other work. I knew if he somewhat looked up to me then I’m doing something right.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?
Moving to Atlanta has been a challenge. I left Chicago with not much and just took a leap. And I’ve been here for a little over a year. It has been challenging to get acclimated. The environment and energy are different from what I have known my entire life.
The challenge for me is I have this mindset that I came out here on a mission. To learn from a different market. To bring my Chicago talents and training to different regions. And I have made some connections but there’s many more to be had.
Balancing moving, trying to work to support this moving, and being active in the industry is a roller coaster ride. But I know that it comes with the territory. It’s the patience, faith, and KNOWING it will happen to me and for me that will get me through.
So at the end of the day, I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?
Micheal B. Jordan – I want to learn from that guy. Top tier when it comes to opening doors for others and being an asset to not only the industry but his community. Reasons why I call him unofficially/officially my mentor.
Lena Waithe – I would love to pick her brain about the process of writing and creating in some capacity.
Prentice Penny – I have witnessed how hectic yet rewarding behind the scenes can be and I believe his work speaks volumes. Can’t be a great self-business without knowing the ins and outs.