Keith Machekanyanga
Interviewed by: Jessica Sherman, CSA
1) Has there been a Casting Director that has encouraged and/or supported you in your career?
Out of all the Lovely Casting Directors in this industry, one holds a very special place in my heart. Jessica Sherman, who I like to call my fairy Godmother, has championed me before and even after I moved to LA. The support I have received from Jessica surpasses anything that I could have anticipated. She saw a future for me that I could only have dreamed of. Without her I would not be in the position that I am currently in. Many thanks, and much love to you, Jessica.
2) What work are you most proud of?
The work that I am most proud of would have to be the role of Little Mo in Showtimes “Your Honor”. It is a griping crime drama set in New Orleans that tells the story of three influential families and their struggles with themselves, and their rivals. This show will forever be marked as a triumph for me. I really enjoyed diving into the rich and complex life of my character. From understanding the life and culture of New Orleans, to discovering the humanity of surviving the day to day, this show only doused more fuel to the flame that is my passion for acting. Oh, and being a part of a show with Bryan Cranston is totally Iconic.
3) What or who inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
There is a whole village of people the inspired me down this path. I would be remiss to not mention the person who jump started me. At the beginning of my 10th grade year in high school, I was looking for an easy arts class to fulfill my arts credit. Theatre 1 was the obvious choice. Getting to watch movies and play out scenes sounded like a breeze. However, Mrs. Kennedy, my Theatre teacher, had other plans. She saw how much fun I had in the class and encouraged me to join the Theatre club. Of course, I took her advice, and here we are now. I truly believe that I would still be bashing heads with other men on a football field if she didn't nurture my curiosity. Sometimes, all someone needs is someone else to tell them that they are good at something for that person to truly realize their passion.
4) What was your first IMDBPro credit and how did you feel when you saw it?
My first credit on IMDbPro was the first feature film that I had the opportunity to be a part of. The film was called “Deadcon”. When i found out that the credit was officially on IMDbPro, everything started to feel more real. Dreams where finally turning to reality. I am proud to say that credits just keep coming, and I hope they don’t stop anytime soon.
5) How has IMDBPro helped you market yourself to filmmakers?
IMDbPro has helped in proving that I am a working actor. The great thing about IMDbPro is that it showcases all the work I have ever participated in - from big to small. I think it’s important because anybody can make their own work and have it as a credit under their name if they are just starting out in this industry.
6) Any funny casting room stories?
Unfortunately, I have no funny casting room stories to share because I have been self-taping since the start of the pandemic. I can share that in one self-tape, I had a bugger hitching a ride on my mustache for the entirety of the tape. Worst part is, I absolutely crushed the tape too.
7) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting:
A fun fact about me is that recently I became an American Citizen. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! That’s right, your boy officially has rights. It’s been a long time coming. I didn’t think that I would be so proud of this moment, but I can’t express how elated I am. I can finally do international projects now without it being complicated.
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