Parnell Damone Marcano: I’ve been finding that out. It’s very interesting. I shouldn’t say I’m not recognized, but Merle and Keith, and Lamond have been around for some time, and they have a lot of recognition because they are like the principal actors. I’m just getting a fraction of the recognition that they get on the show because I’m still being discovered by the public. It’s still new to me. I was talking to Lamond Rucker and Jason Dearden, saying they had experience with this. It’s new to me for strangers to come up and say they love me.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s interesting to me because when you speak of their longevity, and that of Lynn Whitfield as well, you have just as much time here. You’ve done so many things: Children of the Night, Old Dogs, new Tricks, and you’re doing thins that have been recognized by the NAACP, and GLAAD, so you’re one of the bigger names, and I think they came to you for that reason.
Parnell Damone Marcano: I’ll take that [laughing]. I joke sometimes, and say it took me 28 years to become an overnight success. I’m still climbing. I see a lot of actors who get one good part, and feel that they’ve arrived. This is just the beginning of what I want to do and accomplish. I’m enjoying the ride like nobody’s business. It’s such a unique opportunity to have; to be in a hit television series. I’m going to go ahead and claim the third series.
U.G. Digital Mag: I’m glad you said that.
there’s Carlton and Reggie, just living their lives. Outside of the controversy that church people feel about it, they really are just living their everyday lives. Everybody goes to work, struggles to pay bills, and whatever the case may be. It’ll be very interesting how the church deals with Carlton. The whole thing with him and Charity being able to reconcile their relationship, what happens now? Does he come back, is he back full time, and how does that affect the church and morale. I hate that people say we’re attacking the church, but it comes a point where we as spiritual people and human beings have to evolve our thinking from what was 2000 and 3000 years ago. So much has changed. We have women preachers and evangelists. We made that OK, but we still have a problem with gay and lesbian people being in the church, and being open and honest about who they are. We’ve grown on some things, but stay “true to God’s word” on others.
U.G. Digital Mag: With shows like this, it definitely takes more time, but I think we will get to a point where people will be more accepting. I love the show because it touches on so much. It also hits on rape, and that’s been from the very beginning. These things are really happening in church, and it’s swept under the rug.
Parnell Damone Marcano: Right. I remember some of the initial things I saw, and it was like “here comes Oprah again, attacking the church”.
U.G. Digital Mag: I’m glad you said that.
Parnell Damone Marcano: It’s interesting because when we read episode two, and lady Mae Byers called, I kinda joked and said “I thought you liked me, I just bought a house” [laughing]. It’s been so funny to walk around. I was at the airport, and even the TSA yelled “hey, you’re on that show Greenleaf! They did you wrong” [laughing]. It lets you know the impact that the show has on people. People keep asking are you coming back. Yes, Carlton is back. There’s a meet up between Carlton and Charity because he felt abandoned after everything.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’ve been impactful, not just with this show, but throughout your entire career. They made an excellent choice in bringing you into the show. It’s only going to get better and better.
Parnell Damone Marcano: Thank you, and I receive that. I read the buzz feed article, and they interview Craig White about the role of Carlton, and the role of LGBT people in the church, and even though that’s not the main storyline, it’s an important part of it. I’m part of something bigger than I imagined it would ever be, and the fact that I get to play a part in that discussion going on in our country is huge. I’m just like, ok, you have to really make sure you maintain the integrity of the character. There’s all this drama going on in the Greenleaf lives, and then
Outside of the controversy that church people feel about it, they really are just living their everyday lives.