Urban Grandstand Digital Volume 2 Issue 3 [Cocoa Brown] | Page 36

It’s not an attack on anybody. Thankfully, I’ve had people come up and say they’ve been in church their whole lives, and this is exactly how it is, with the power struggles, and folks having affairs. All this stuff needs to be talked about and discussed, and stop making it a big secret. Let’s talk about it and get it out there. It’s not just in black churches. It’s everywhere. Let’s all talk about it and get it out there, and understand there are people in leadership who are still human beings at the core. Stop putting folks up on a pedestal like they don’t make mistakes, or they don’t have human desires. They are human beings.

U.G. Digital Mag: Obviously, the show is back very soon. What else is there to look forward to?

Parnell Damone Marcano: I’ve been doing my background vocals with Mary Wilson, Our friends across the pond in England. I still have a few gigs with Thelma Houston coming up. We’re trying to get the fourth season of the web series “Old Dogs, New Tricks” financed. We’ll have the fourth and final season wrapped up, so I’m keeping kinda busy.

U.G. Digital Mag: I think so. It’s amazing how far the internet has gone, and how you can do web series’.

Parnell Damone Marcano: I’ve been amazed by the content out there. You look at one show, and then see there’s seven other shows.

Parnell Damone Marcano: That’s a good friend though.

U.G. Digital Mag: Definitely. I really appreciate you again sir. I feel like I know so much more now. I appreciate all you’re doing for the world. I think we’re on the verge of change for the better, and I think things will continue to grow. Thank you so much. People really are paying attention. I can’t thank you enough.

Parnell Damone Marcano: Thank you James, for wanting to do this.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s great, and I definitely enjoyed the conversation. What type of advice do you offer for those who really want to do this? I ask because you inspire so many people, and you’ve worked at this for 25 to 30 years. You’re now on this amazing journey and on this amazing show that's taking you in a different direction. What type of advice do you offer to those who ahem worked a long time but in a sense, are still struggling?

Parnell Damone Marcano: It’s funny because perspective is so interesting. You watch your friends making movies and winning Tony Awards. You think how you’re happy for them, but you would love to be there. The same way you look at where they are, there are people who would love to be in your position. It’s about being grateful for the moment, living in it, and enjoying it. I’ve said this before that I was almost ready to give up. It just didn’t seem to be happening for me. This role came along, and it was really good for me. I’m really making a good living as an actor. It’s a good thing I didn’t give up because I would be missing out on this opportunity. I had three or four friends also up for the role. They looked like they wanted to hate me for getting it, but they were so happy for me. One of my good friends left me a message saying he was so happy, and when I walked into the office, he knew it was my role.