It was so great to catch up with legendary Actor and Artistic Director Gregg Daniel. I haven’t spoken with Gregg since our last interview in 2014, around the time HBO’s True Blood was ending.

Now, Gregg can be seen starring in the Center Theatre Group’s virtual production of Roger Q. Mason’s play The Duat, which connects real mythology with true events that took place during the infiltration and destruction of the Black Panther Party movement. Gregg plays “Cornelius Johnson” (based on real informant William O’Neal) who navigates the crimes he committed against his community and must face eternal punishment for said crimes.

The Duat streams until August 12, 2021.

In this interview, Gregg once again answered my call, but this time around he reveals:

• How The Duat found its way to him
• How he incorporated is own family history into portraying Cornelius Johnson
• 3 Thing Gregg does to help him get through troubling times
• How he wants to be remembered
• So much more

Connect with Gregg: Facebook, Instagram

Gregg Daniel in The Duat, Photo Credit: Center Theatre Group

1. It has been seven years since our last interview together. In that interview you mentioned that one day you hoped to work with Viola Davis, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, or Christophe Waltz. Has working with any one of these dream actors come to fruition? My goodness has it been seven years since we last spoke? The Pandemic has thoroughly thrown off my perception of time. And while I haven’t worked with these names you cited, I certainly have worked with some remarkable actors younger and older whose work I admire and respect.

In January of 2020 (yes, right before the Pandemic hit) I was in New York shooting multiple episodes of what was an ABC episodic series which 50 Cent was the Executive Producer on. The series was, FOR LIFE which starred a young British actor named Nicholas Pinnock.

Nicholas was absolutely delightful to work with. The way he and I were able to enter into a scene and explore the dynamics of two very different men (one older, one younger) who needed each other was exhilarating. This was an actor who wasn’t afraid of taking risks and who welcomed my input into any scene we did. The series has since been canceled, however, I greatly look forward to working with Nicholas again and actors who are as multi-faceted and talented.

2. Now, you are starring in the virtual production of Roger Q. Mason's The Duat, at Center Theatre Group’s digital stage. How did this play find its way to you? I’ve known Tyrone Davis who is an Associate Artistic Director at Center Theatre Group for a number of years. And I’ve seen the work of playwright, Roger Q. Mason among L.A. Theaters for some time.

They approached me about working on, The Duat, and naturally sent me a script. I was stunned by its honesty, intelligence and the use of rhythm in the language. However, I was very hesitant about doing a solo performance piece (with choreography no less). Both Roger and Tyrone were extremely patient and supportive. They allayed my doubts regarding my ability to access the character. Calling it a solo piece is a bit of a misnomer since I’m working onstage with a very versatile and talented percussionist, David Leach. The project turned out to be one of the most gratifying artistic experiences I’ve had all year. I continue to thank Roger and Tyrone for trusting me.

3. What did you relate to most about your character "Cornelius Johnson?” I’m a child of the sixties. I recall the excitement of the Black Power Movement as well the danger inherent in raising our collective voices in protest. Like so many Black Youth, I wanted to “be somebody” while the society at large wanted to deny me my humanity.

Cornelius Johnson made decisions based on an overwhelming need to belong. I, too, wanted to belong when I was coming of age, however in a racist society which sees Black men as a constant threat, how does one achieve a place of safety and self worth?

Ironically, I don’t believe my struggle in the 1960’s was any different from the struggles men and women of color face today. The times have changed, however, the struggle for equality continues.

Gregg Daniel in The Duat, Photo Credit: Center Theatre Group

4. How did you incorporate your own family's history in the civil rights movement into this role? My Father was an immigrant from the West Indies. When he first came to America, he was thrilled at the opportunities this country offered. He was even more thrilled that his two sons had the opportunity to enjoy a free education.

On the Caribbean island where he grew up, education was not free, as a result, he was forced to stop his formal education when the family funds could not longer afford it. And while he believed America offered greater opportunities than where he grew up, he also discovered there weren’t equal opportunities for people of color.

The Civil Rights movement was about empowering people of color by affording them the same rights as all citizens. Cornelius Johnson’s struggle in the play mirrors many generations of Black Men & Women who feel disenfranchised by the bigotry around them yet want to fully participate in their society. I brought all that history with me when I got into the role.

5. X amount of years from now when someone mentions Gregg Daniel, what do you hope people say about you? It’s interesting you should ask, the other day on Facebook, an actor who has seen, The Duat and was greatly moved by the work was making a pitch for others to stream it.

He wrote, “Gregg Daniel is not just an actor, he is a “THESPIAN” which is sort of the scholarly word for an actor. Thespis was the guy in Ancient Greek who first took the stage. I felt it was one of the highest compliments you could offer an actor.

It may sound corny, but use of the word “Thespian,” ties me to a tradition of performing which dates back hundreds of years. Drama and Theatre continues to speak to our humanity and informs our most treasured stories. I’d like to think that I’ve been part of this noble tradition and that an audience, as well as my peers, found my work worthy.

Gregg Daniel, Photo Credit: Diana Ragland

6. What is one mistake you made early in your career you take with you as a life lesson today? I can’t say there were mistakes made in my career, if anything, it was and continues to be a learning process. Rather than highlighting a mistake, I’ll share with you the smartest choice I made.

When I decided to formally attend a conservatory program and learn the craft and technique of acting, that was invaluable to my career. I encourage anyone who’d like to have a career in the industry to continue finding ways to learn about your craft. You may not have time to attend a formal program, however there are private studios where you can take ongoing classes, books you can read, and theatre you can work for as a means to learn the craft.

7. What is something you learned from a co-star? I’m always interested in how other actors I’m working with get to where they need to be emotionally in a scene or a film or a play. In other words, I like to observe the process of another actor when they’re working. They’re all legitimate paths to the truth of a character, they’re just different. I have my own path of working that has been developed over many years of performing, however, I’m never opposed to trying something new.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is to help your scene partner in giving the best performance they’re capable of. They’re responding to what you’re giving them, your tone of voice, your eyes, your intelligence and your generosity in wanting them to excel, so be there entirely for them.

8. We have all gone through an extremely hard time with the global pandemic and continue to go through challenges as the world reopens. What are 3 things you do for yourself to get through the troubling times?

• Helping those even more impacted than your situation is a great way to start. While I’ve lost work due to the Pandemic, I’ve still been able to maintain a roof over my head, feed my family, etc. I find volunteering (if it’s safe for you) always uplifting.
• Reaching out and checking on friends and family who you may not have kept in touch with is fulfilling. I’ve rekindled several friendships over the Pandemic by sending a simple hello to people I haven’t heard from in some time. In our busy, over programmed & overstimulated lives, it’s easy to fall out of touch with people, especially those you care about.
• Begin to acquire a new skill or revisit one you’ve neglected over time. I play Jazz Guitar and have always loved it, however the time I’ve given to continue developing real skills has been less and less. The Pandemic afforded me the time to pick the instrument up again and devote more time to it. It doesn’t have to be an instrument, you may have an interest in learning a new language or bird watching, just make sure you enjoy it and want to devote time to it.

Gregg Daniel, Photo Credit: Diana Ragland

9. How do you feel the pandemic changed you as a person and how you either look at your career or choose what roles you want to take? I’m the Artistic Director of an L.A. based theatre company known as Lower Depth Theatre. Throughout the Pandemic, LDT worked hard to find ways to curate new programming, engage a multitude of creative artists (playwrights, directors, actors) and reach an audience who might not have attended one of our productions physically, but could attend our work virtually.

In other words, I kept busy. Once we accepted what the obstacles were to live theatre as a result of shutting our doors, the only solution was to find alternative ways to create new platforms in which to share our art. Yes, I regret losing work as many creative artists did, however, the down time did afford me a chance to reflect on what I do, why I do it and the urgency to keep doing it.

10. What is something we didn't get to cover in this interview that you would like my readers to know about you? I’d like to make an appeal to individuals to help those people who’ve lost their livelihoods or are struggling during this Pandemic. May I suggest you start by going to FEED AMERICA or any organization with boots on the ground actively helping families and individuals in need.

Additionally, August is support Black Owned Businesses month. You can help create more opportunities for meaningful savings, property ownership, credit building and generational wealth for black communities by supporting a Black owned business.

Gregg Daniel, Photo Credit: Diana Ragland

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