It was 4:45 p.m. and I was running up the steps to my office. I had to hurry because I needed time to get my notes together before my 5:00 interview. Ok, I was finally settled. Before I began dialing numbers, I slightly panicked. I became little nervous. No, it wasn’t because I was interviewing a celebrity. It was because I was interviewing my best friend. My brother. The world knows him as Chaz Lamar Shepherd, but I simply know him as Chaz. The Chaz that I’ve been friends with since high school. The Chaz that drank up all of my mom’s Kool-Aid. It was a little weird for me, because I never thought about asking him about his career choices. We usually talked about family and other things going on in our lives. I always just trusted that he was smart enough to make the right decisions. Once I really thought about it, I realized that all long Chaz has been making some serious power moves.
Philadelphia native, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, has been in the spotlight for many years. He is best known for his appearances on a long list of television shows and movies including: Me and the Boys, The Temptations, Seventh Heaven, Set It Off, The Parkers and The Game. Some people may not know that Chaz is also a singer. His national exposure began with his first place win in 1993 during the Star Search championships when he demolished his opponent. He also co-starred along the likes of Fantasia Burrino in Broadway’s version of The Color Purple, playing Harpo.
The phone rings and rings, and he doesn’t pick up. Almost immediately, he calls me back. After a few minutes of small talk and pleasantries, his phone began to die. He had to call me back. After he got his charger, we exchanged some more small talk and the interview began.
Raphael: Let’s get right to it. You have come a long way since playing that little kid in Alex Haley’s Queen. You now have one of the most recognizable faces in America. How does that make you feel?
Chaz: (laughs) I don’t know about having one. Very recognizable maybe, but not one of the most recognized. Nice. Just nice. It doesn’t feel irritating. As long as people are nice when they approach.
Raphael: Oh please, people always see you and say, “Hey isn’t that the guy from…!” You are very selective about the roles that you choose. Why are you so selective?
Chaz: I’m selective because my first goal is to be happy. My life goal is to be happy. To me, happiness comes before money and career success. I also have to agree with it spiritually.
Raphael: Do you feel that being selective has hindered your career?
Chaz: I may have a larger body of work if I weren’t selective. It has affected it, but hasn’t hindered it. It is more important for me to do what I like, rather than working just for the sake of working.
Raphael: You’ve rubbed elbows with some of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry. How do you manage to stay so humble?
Chaz: I am grounded. That is who I am. My genuine character is what people call grounded. I’ll be a grounded poor man or rich man. I don’t like arrogance, deceit or evil. Some people have to work hard to be what they are not. They need tactics to appear grounded. I love God, and to love God is to love God’s people.
Raphael: Say that again for me. Many people preach division and hate, although we are all God’s people.
Chaz: I love God, and to love God is to love God’s people.
Raphael: Amen! I wish more people would embrace that belief.
Chaz had to make a quick run and had to call me back. During the break, I gathered my thoughts. I was very impressed that my friend had matured into such a decent man. While some other actors simply take any role thrown at them, he actually chooses only those that make him happy. About 20 minutes later, my phone rings again. We laugh and talk a little more. Back into interview mode.
Raphael: Earlier, you mentioned that you take roles that make you happy. What types of roles make you happy?
Chaz: It depends on the story. Temptations made me happy. Also "The Parkers", The Color Purple…
Raphael: What made you so happy about those?
Chaz: The characters and the way I played them. They felt good. It was serene and fun.
Raphael: So we won’t see you in Boys in the Hood 2?
Chaz: (laughs) Depends. Even something in a movie like that can make you feel good. Even negativity can be turned into something possibly beautiful. Just like the Civil Rights Era. Although people were downtrodden and struggling, there was something so beautiful about that time.
Raphael: I see. So let’s switch gears here. Tell me a little about your music career. Tell me about some of the work you’ve done.
Chaz: I was featured on the Promise Keepers CD (Maranatha Records). I wrote the title song for the West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir CD, “No Limit”. I also led and arranged “Lord Prepare Me a Sanctuary” on that same CD. And my upcoming CD which is called The First One.
Raphael: Speaking of your own CD, why did it take you so long to put one out?
Chaz: I was signed to Atlantic a while back, but left the situation for the sake of being who I was creatively. I signed with the PRK Group in 2008.
Raphael: Hands down, “Turn Your Lights On” is my favorite song so far. What are your favorite tracks on the album, and why?
Chaz: All of them are favorites. I feel them all. They have different styles. What makes the difference is how I can feel them
Raphael: So when is the album going to be released?
Chaz: Stay tuned!
Raphael: Ok, so who would you like to do a duet with?
Chaz: (crickets chirping)
Raphael: Any Hints?
Chaz: (crickets still chirping)
Raphael: Ok, well who are some of your musical influences?
Chaz: Donnie Hathaway, Rashaan Patterson, Lalah Hathaway, Liz Wright and I am highly influenced by Stevie Wonder. Oh and Q-tip.
Raphael: What about Susan Boyle?
Chaz: (laughs)
Raphael: So what type of advice would you give to other aspiring singers and actors?
Chaz: A lot of advice. A lot of things… Everything falls under discipline. Discipline is at the top of all advice. There is no quick-fix answer for success.
Raphael: So what’s next for you? I mean are you starting the Chaz Shepherd clothing line, cologne or what?
Chaz: You know I’m heavily into apparel. That could happen. Putting out records. Motivational speaking. My own record company. Putting out music that inspires happiness safely. Quality and inspirational music. Acting. Theatrical writing. Continuing doing great work. Being happy and having fun.
Chaz Lamar Shepherd is making the world his oyster. He is dancing to the beat of his own drum. By making his own choices and the right moves, he is quickly emerging as a superstar in television, movies, musically and on stage. He is proof that hard work, persistence and discipline really do pay off.
