When I think back to my early days, it’s hard not to smile. I was born in Oakland and raised in Los Angeles, two cities that shaped me in very different ways. Oakland gave me roots—a sense of community, culture, and resilience—while Los Angeles exposed me to possibility, ambition, and the endless dream of Hollywood. Growing up, I didn’t have a clear roadmap for making it in entertainment. All I knew was that I loved stories—movies, TV shows, and anything that could transport me into another world. That passion has guided my journey, from those early days to running my own studios and creating content that reaches audiences worldwide.
Early Inspirations
I didn’t grow up in an industry family. My parents valued hard work, education, and creativity, but Hollywood felt like a distant dream. What drew me in was the power of storytelling—how a show or a movie could make you laugh, cry, or see the world in a new way. I remember watching classic sitcoms and films, thinking, “I want to do that. I want to make people feel something through stories.”
High school at Westchester High in Los Angeles gave me more exposure to the arts and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I participated in drama programs, wrote scripts, and learned how to collaborate with others creatively. Those experiences planted the seed that eventually grew into a career in television.
Breaking Into Hollywood
Breaking into Hollywood was not easy. There were countless “no’s” before any “yes,” and the journey required perseverance, patience, and a lot of learning. My first break came in 1990 when I made my acting debut in House Party. That experience taught me the mechanics of a professional set and the dedication it takes to bring a project to life.
But I quickly realized that acting was just one piece of the puzzle. My true passion was storytelling, writing, and producing—the art of shaping narratives from the ground up. That realization led me to work on shows like Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show, where I could combine my love for comedy with authentic representation of Black life. These shows taught me that success in Hollywood comes from a mix of creativity, strategic thinking, and building strong relationships.
Learning the Business
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on is that talent alone isn’t enough. Hollywood is a business, and understanding the industry is just as important as being creative. Learning about contracts, rights, production processes, and the importance of ownership has been crucial to my journey.
When I started my own studio, Harvest Studios, I made it a priority to create a space where Black creatives could maintain control of their work while telling authentic stories. That was my way of turning the dream into something tangible—a place where the next generation of storytellers could thrive without compromising their vision.
The Role of Family
Family has always been central to my journey. My wife, Valicia, is a creative force in her own right, working as an art director and set decorator. My son Bentley Jr., daughter KyLee, sister, and nephew all contribute to my projects as actors, writers, and producers. Building a family-based creative team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Working with family brings trust, honesty, and a shared vision. We push each other to be better, celebrate each other’s successes, and navigate challenges together. This collaborative environment has strengthened our work and allowed us to tell stories that are deeply personal and culturally authentic.
Embracing Challenges and Failures
The journey from Oakland to Hollywood hasn’t been without challenges. Rejection, setbacks, and tough decisions have been constant companions along the way. But every obstacle taught me resilience and problem-solving. Hollywood is full of ups and downs, and learning to navigate them while staying true to your voice is what separates dreamers from achievers.
I’ve learned to embrace failure as a teacher. Each project that didn’t land or script that was turned down offered lessons that I carried into the next opportunity. Persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to keep learning have been my guiding principles.
Giving Back Through Storytelling
Today, I look at my journey not just as a personal success, but as a responsibility. I want to show other Black creatives that it’s possible to dream big and achieve those dreams without compromising authenticity. My upcoming book, The Hollywood Blueprint, shares the lessons I’ve learned, offering guidance for anyone trying to break into the industry.
Through my work, I aim to create opportunities for others, especially young creatives who are looking for mentors, guidance, and representation. Hollywood can feel intimidating, but it’s important to know that your voice matters, your stories matter, and your perspective can change the cultural conversation.
Reflections and the Road Ahead
From Oakland to Los Angeles, from a young dreamer to a studio owner and showrunner, my journey has been shaped by persistence, passion, and purpose. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about lifting others, creating legacy, and staying true to your voice.
The road ahead is filled with opportunity. I plan to continue producing and directing shows that reflect real Black experiences, mentoring the next generation, and expanding the family creative team I’ve been fortunate to build. Hollywood will always evolve, but the principles of hard work, authenticity, and resilience remain timeless.
The journey from Oakland to Hollywood has been a rollercoaster filled with lessons, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Every challenge, every success, and every story I’ve been a part of has reinforced the idea that dreams are achievable when combined with hard work, vision, and collaboration.
To anyone out there dreaming of Hollywood or any creative field, I say this: honor your roots, trust your voice, embrace the lessons along the way, and never stop believing in the power of your stories. The journey may be long, but the rewards—both personal and cultural—are worth every step.