Hi, I’m D’Angelo.
That’s Italian for “God’s Messenger.” Named by my stylish dad, rest his southern soul. I wish he could see me now. To turn on his tv and see me acting on premium cable, which he used to say was “high as giraffe ass.” He was hilarious and I miss him.
But back to the bio. Take it away 3rd person.
D’Angelo was born on an October afternoon in Detroit, Michigan.
He was a wild child, suffering new injuries almost every week — forehead stitches, 2nd degree burns, busted mouth — but thankfully (for him) his mother was a nurturing, highly-proficient registered nurse who would put him back together, even after working double shifts.
He was kicked out of preschool and told he’d never amount to anything (diabolical, as the kids say). But his mother met a lady on a train who was eager to take him in at her school. It was there that he was immersed in a more Afro-centric education and was given opportunities to nurture his artistic and academic gifts, speaking before crowds as a Master of Ceremonies while still a kindergartner.
From then on, he was hooked on having an audience. He’d speak in school. He’d speak in church. He’d lead the grace at home. Whatever it took to perform, he did it. He taught himself to play trumpet, inspired by his dad’s love of jazz, specifically Miles Davis. He went on to play throughout high school and college, performing both nationally and internationally with the marching band.
After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, he went into corporate America but never lost his love of performing. So he performed there too — pioneering new programs, speaking at conferences, and leading division meetings.
Right before the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to enroll in the Studio Acting Conservatory to begin his professional acting training. Two years later, he appeared opposite Jon Bernthal and Josh Charles in the HBO crime drama, We Own This City, as recurring Officer Snell.
A year later he graduated from conservatory and has booked over 25 projects since. He has his own kids now and works hard to inspire them to live freely and artistically.
He’s been a sponsor for Children’s International for nearly a decade and recently became a sponsor for Doctors Without Borders. His 10-year plan includes expanding his charitable contributions and opening an arts high school with his wife, Tyra.
Not bad for a wild child.
Deke
