Variety has a very good story today about the training Sean Combs is currently going through in order to become a working actor. I have provided a small excerpt from the story, but I recommend that you check out the article in its entirety.
Combs, who lives in New York City, recently signed with the William Morris Agency for acting and is scouting the L.A. real-estate market in an effort to become bicoastal. “I understand that nothing hard comes easy,” he says. “I’m not coming to Hollywood expecting anybody to give me any handouts. I don’t want to just be in movies,” he adds. “I want to do what I have to do to be considered a great actor one day.”
“I was pulled into acting the first time I saw ‘Cooley High’ or ‘The Godfather,'” Combs says. “Everybody is called in a different way, and I always had a dream inside of me that I wanted to be considered a great actor.”
He says being on Broadway was when he “caught the acting bug” in a big way, and ever since he’s been working to transition his life so he can focus more singularly on his new calling. This has meant stepping down as CEO of his companies and delegating responsibility to others. Combs’ new passion is so intense that, while in the run-up to “Raisin” on Broadway, he rebuilt the set in his living room in order to rehearse at night.
No one is thrilled when a singer decides to act, usually it’s a recipe for disaster and millions of eyeballs roll in their sockets. In the case of Mr. Combs however, one must take a step back, admire his humility, dedication and respect for the craft. The man is going through the same hoops anyone would (albeit with unlimited time and resources) to become a well trained, respected, thespian. The man could be in a film tomorrow on start power alone, but he has no desire to disrespect the profession, the art and most importantly himself.
I do not fancy the music of Combs one bit, but I have always admired the man as a business professional, and find his drive inspiring. This is a fellow that focuses on what he wants till it happens, through hard work and dedication. We all could stand to learn, from the discipline he commands.
Diddy also sites Cooley High as one of his motivators. Fuckin’ right! Cooley high is a fantastic film that each and every one of you should see. It’s among my favorite teenage/coming of age films and I applaud Combs’ taste.
When it comes to seeing Combs on the silver screen, it is not a matter of if, but when.
