arlton Cruise has
really shaken things up on the television series Greenleaf. Played by none other than Parnell Damone Marcano, the role and character of Cruise has become a pivotal moment in the show, which has already broken much ground in respect to the topics and scenarios played out in the church. By far, Greenleaf has become far more than entertainment with last year’s mid-season addition of Marcano. If nothing else, a space has finally been carved on television that addresses the often-covered reality of gay and lesbian people in church, and the effects. Marcano has rightfully earned rave reviews for his portrayal of Cruise, but as you’ll find in our exclusive, his humble spirit still has him in disbelief of just how impactful he is.
Those who have faithfully followed Marcano know that his impact didn’t just begin with Greenleaf. He’s spent close to 30 years building an illustriously colorful career that can be matched by noone. It was more than an honor to connect with Mr. Marcano, and discuss the influence he’s had on the entertainment industry, and the ground he has been able to break through his portrayal on Greenleaf. You’re in for an amazing treat with our exclusive!
great opportunity to play such a character.
U.G. Digital Mag: That was going to be one of my next questions. Obviously, with the offer of this role, it would be something to naturally jump at just because of everyone involved, but it touches on so many topics and subjects that are not normally talked about in church, but are clearly there. How was it to take on the role, knowing how pivotal it would be for people?
Parnell Damone Marcano: It’s funny how well-received Carlton has been. Maybe it’s just my own humility, or taking it for granted that people are paying attention to me, it wasn’t until my episodes aired that people would ask why I looked so familiar, or they realized who I was. People may walk up and thank me for my portrayal. Everyone knows it’s not really talked about in church, so I figured that I had to make sure I represented well. The writers do a great job.
U.G. Digital Mag: I think that as an actor, you represent yourself very well. I’m really into the show a lot now, but I’ll tell you who really digs it is my mother. She watches religiously, and when I mentioned I would talk to you, she instantly shouted “the choir director”.
Parnell Damone Marcano: [laughing] Well thanks Mom.
U.G. Digital Mag: I think it’s cool though. People are really watching you, and you’re really doing a great job.
U.G. Digital Mag: I thank you so much for the time you’ve given me this evening. I absolutely love Greenleaf. When the teasers originally started, I was so excited about the show, but as things progressed, I realized that I was missing it all because of working so much. I think there’s a lot of people like me who have recently just gotten into the show, so talk about your character, Carlton Cruise, and how he fits into the grand scheme of things?
Parnell Damone Marcano: Well, my character comes in on episode six of season one. It’s after Charity, who is the youngest daughter of the Greenleaf family, she and the prior choir director are butting heads. They have a falling out, and she decides she’s going to hire a new choir director. I’m one of the people she interviews. I think I was the first person she brought in, and we just hit it off. It’s a very interesting thing because the one thing about Carlton is the first thing he said was that he was gay, and that he had a partner who would be coming to church. She was fine with it, and they go on to become besties instantly. We laugh about it because every time they’re together, they forget about everything else. I was talking to Tye White, who plays Kevin, and was joking about how they just ignore Kevin [laughing]. It’s an interesting dynamic that Craig Wright and the writers are exploring the roles of gay and lesbian people in the church, and how the church handles it, as well as how the individuals feel. It’s a
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