My journey began when I was 14 years old. Before that, I was mostly just acting a fool. But then my mother suggested I audition for the Cleveland School of the Arts. I got in. Bam! The journey began.

To be completely transparent, I initially rejected the work. At that time, I was a very angry young man dealing with an absent father, sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts. On my very first day in the 9th-grade theater class, our instructor, Dr. Scott Miller, had us stand with our feet shoulder-width apart to warm up. I was down with the breathing exercises. But then he started making all these strange vocal noises and sounds. I thought, “Hell no! This ain’t acting!”

I was asked to leave class that day. But I came back. My mother, Dr. Miller, and countless others saw a gift in me that I couldn't see in myself. I am eternally grateful they never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself.

 

The Denzel Moment That Changed My Life

By the 10th grade, I was taking the craft a bit more seriously. Around that time, Denzel Washington was directing Antwone Fisher. Since the story took place in Cleveland, casting came to our school looking for young talent. After five intense auditions, I was cast as a 15-year-old extra. I was absolutely pumped for my first paying gig.

I will never forget being on that set—the trailers, the costumes, the craft services, and watching Denzel Washington block the actors. On the very first take, the cameraman moved through the house with a Steadicam. The principal actors were saying their lines. When the camera got to me, I just smiled. I didn't have lines.

Suddenly, I heard, “CUT!”

Denzel Washington walked right up to me and asked, “Why didn’t you say anything?”
I told him, “I don’t have any lines.”
He looked confused for a second, then looked at me and said, “Well, make something up.”

I thought fast and blurted out: “I’m your cousin Jason. Much love, much love.”
Denzel looked at me and said, “I want you to do it just like that every time.”

Just like that, I wasn't an extra anymore. I was a principal actor with a trailer and a new contract. Before I left, Denzel told me, “I’ll see you again one day.” I’m still waiting on that day, but that exact moment changed my life forever. I realized right then that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

 

Stage, Screen, & My Career Today

That spark on the Antwone Fisher set launched a professional career rooted in vulnerability, precision, and deep truth. Today, I am a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, working across major regional theaters and network television.

• On Stage: I regularly perform at incredible venues like Dobama Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and Karamu House. A true highlight was being named Best Actor in a Play by the Cleveland Critics Circle for my role in Sunset Baby. Other favorite credits include Sweat, Kill Move Paradise, and An Octoroon.

• On Screen: Beyond my early start with Denzel, you can spot me bringing dramatic tension to network television on shows like Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, and Person of Interest.

 

Empowering the Next Generation

My journey came full circle when I returned to the Cleveland School of the Arts to run the very theater program that saved me. I believe every young person deserves access to the arts, especially the kids who are angry, hurting, or lost.

• In the Classroom: Through Ananias J Dixon LLC, I partner directly with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) to bring vital arts programming into local classrooms. I also collaborate closely with Playhouse Square and Cleveland Play House as a teaching artist and coach.

• D.O.C. Studios: To honor my late mentor, Dr. "Doc" Miller—the man who didn't give up on the angry 9th grader I used to be—I co-founded D.O.C. Studios. It is a collaborative, active training space designed to uplift, sharpen, and support local talent.

 

My Purpose & Advocacy

My art is inseparable from my advocacy. Because I have walked through profound personal pain and mental health battles, I speak openly about the power of therapy, healing, and emotional vulnerability. I am deeply dedicated to dismantling barriers for artists of color and marginalized communities. When you watch my work or step into my classroom, my goal is to challenge your assumptions, touch your heart, and leave an impact that lingers long after the final curtain falls.