How he became an acting author...
The Origin of the Actor
Ravenna, Ohio native Dontez X. James caught the acting bug early while performing in elementary school plays, eventually studying acting at the University of Akron. After the school discontinued its theater program he continued his education on set as a background extra in Ohio-based film and TV productions, including extended work on "Fate of the Furious."
Dontez booked his first professional audition, a small role in "The Land" starring Eryka Badu, Michael K. Williams and Machine Gun Kelly. Although his scene was ultimately cut, director Steven Caple Jr. ("Creed II") praised his work. More roles in Ohio-filmed features quickly followed: "My Friend Dahmer," "The Assassin's Code" and "Last Flag Flying." Impressed with his performances, "Dahmer" producer Adam Goldworm and "Assassin's Code" director David A. Armstrong both strongly encouraged Dontez to move to Los Angeles. He took the leap and moved to LA in 2019, signing with Goldworm's Aperture Entertainment and Momentum Talent Agency.
Committed to personal growth and exploring the human condition, Dontez's gracious humility, warm humor, and ever-deepening acting range make him an up-and-comer who's one to watch.
Dontez booked his first professional audition, a small role in "The Land" starring Eryka Badu, Michael K. Williams and Machine Gun Kelly. Although his scene was ultimately cut, director Steven Caple Jr. ("Creed II") praised his work. More roles in Ohio-filmed features quickly followed: "My Friend Dahmer," "The Assassin's Code" and "Last Flag Flying." Impressed with his performances, "Dahmer" producer Adam Goldworm and "Assassin's Code" director David A. Armstrong both strongly encouraged Dontez to move to Los Angeles. He took the leap and moved to LA in 2019, signing with Goldworm's Aperture Entertainment and Momentum Talent Agency.
Committed to personal growth and exploring the human condition, Dontez's gracious humility, warm humor, and ever-deepening acting range make him an up-and-comer who's one to watch.
The Origin of the Author
He began writing at age 11. Facing emotional struggles because of his mother's battle with Lupus. Dontez put his pain into his art in the form of poetry. After moving from Cleveland Ohio, Dontez arrived at Ravenna OH, and he would go on to join the Upward Bound Program. There, they would help him become not only a first generation high-school graduate, but also the first published author in his family.
By the time Dontez finished his first year of college, he was an author of two novels and felt as if he'd already decided exactly what he wanted to do with his life. In the pursuit of becoming an Actor. Dontez would continue to face life experiences that would shape both his writing and acting career.
Mr. James explores universal themes of temptation and redemption, head vs. heart, too-much-too-soon, etc., using a refreshing first-person narrative. He creates authentic dialogue and well-painted settings. Dontez has recurring readers across the states that have shared their own testimony's about their personal growth and healings from the hidden messages within Dontez's work. Dontez James is an artist who is committed to contributing to the advancement of every human being who comes across his works.