Marcus Scribner: An Actor Promoting the Voices of Young Black People Through ‘Black-ish’ and His Own Production Company
At only 13 years old, Marcus Scribner booked a role on what would become the hit ABC series Black-ish, kick-starting his career in the entertainment industry. The critically-acclaimed TV show returns today, January 26, 2021, with more episodes for its seventh season. We chatted with the now 21-year-old Marcus about the success of Black-ish, the importance of representation on screen, and the projects his production company is working on to promote the voices of young Black people.
Growing up, how did you get into film and acting? Was there a single moment that sparked your acting journey?
I don’t think there was a singular event that sparked the start of my acting journey. I really didn’t have any hobbies; I was super into school, that was kind of the only thing I liked to do. I liked to read a lot (I was a big nerd). I tried out a bunch of sports, but didn’t really vibe with them… Then my parents took me to an acting class, and I just fell in love with it. The acting coach there actually happened to be a manager, and she guided me through how everything worked. It really just started out as a hobby and a passion, and now I’m lucky enough that I’m able to pursue it as a career. It was definitely a long route—I started around the age of seven.
When you were younger, did you have any favorite actors? Why were they your favorite?
I loved Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Donald Glover. I don’t know… there’s just something about when you see them in their films. One of my favorite movies of all time—Goodfellas—feels so real. Obviously, the goal of being an actor is to portray a character as real and lifelike as possible and to really live in their shoes. I always felt really connected to the films they were in, and I loved them as actors, so seeing them on-screen kind of inspired me. Nowadays, obviously, people like Donald Glover, Michael B. Jordan, and Denzel Washington are inspiring to watch, but back then those were my “mecca” of actors, personally.
Tell us a little about your experience on ABC’s Black-ish. What do you like most about working on the show?
I think my experience has been a lucky one, for sure. Who can say that they’ve been on a show that’s gone seven seasons, at this point [in their career]? It’s definitely been a whirlwind. Right around the time I booked Black-ish, I was 13 years old, and I was thinking about giving up on pursuing acting... then I booked Black-ish, and I didn’t ever go back to school. I started doing online coursework and whatnot. It was a huge switch-up for me, and it definitely changed my life. I’ve been able to experience so many things at such an early age. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to learn so many things about the industry and business in general, and about acting. So, it’s been amazing. It’s been a great experience. I love everyone in the cast, we really feel like a family at this point. It’s been a great growing experience, and definitely where I got my starting point.
Aside from the show being your jumping point into acting, what are some of the things that you’ve learned from your years of being on set, either as an actor or just as a person?
I think one of the best things about being on a set like that is that it really teaches you to be quick on your feet. You always have to be thinking. Being surrounded by veteran actors who are used to doing it, always spitting out new things that are hilarious, you feel like, “Oh, well I have to up my game.” You’re always constantly evolving. I think one of the most important things you can do is to never stagnate, to always continue to learn and grow, trying to absorb as much as possible from all these veterans around me. It’s easy to grow content with what you have, like, “Alright, I’m good with what I have,” but I want to keep pushing because of the people I’ve been surrounded with. I think that’s one of the things that I’ve definitely learned. Also how to interview—that was one of the processes that took me a while because, although at this point I’m a little bit more outgoing, I used to be very, very introverted. Now, it’s definitely changed up because of being in this profession and having to go to parties and socialize and things like that. I’ve learned a lot of life skills.
Growing up, did you feel that there was enough BIPOC representation on screen? What were some of the first movies or TV shows where you felt represented on screen?
I think some of the first ones that I watched were The Mack, Everybody Hates Chris, Martin… some of those shows were the ones that inspired me comedically and were my first early representation of Black families. A lot of these things helped shape me into the person that I am, but I feel like, at the time, there definitely weren’t enough. And we’re continuing to progress, and we’re growing and expanding the [number] of Black shows that we’re able to have on TV. I feel like when Black-ish came out, it was kind of like, “Oh, we have a Black show now! Here it is!” And now, I can count like ten different shows off the top of my head featuring a Black lead family, which is amazing. It’s great to be a part of that change and to really shift the tide because representation is everything. When you’re a kid, and you’re looking on the TV screen and you get to see all these amazing actors, you’ll know that anything is possible. Or when you see a musician that you really relate to, it kind of just inspires you to pursue higher means. So I think that representation is everything. It’s still not enough for all cultures, to be honest: Black, Latino, Asian… there needs to be more representation on television for all minorities. But we’re definitely making headway, and I feel like it’s nice that we’re able to see ourselves on the big screen.
“It’s great to be a part of that change and to really shift the tide because representation is everything. When you’re a kid, and you’re looking on the TV screen and you get to see all these amazing actors, you’ll know that anything is possible.”
As an actor of color yourself, is there any particular message you hope to spread to other young people of color across the country who want to follow in your footsteps?
It’s so annoying because I feel like all of these have been said over and over again, and it’s kind of corny at this point, but never give up. I’m telling you, it is the key to everything. If you just continue to push and move forward with whatever you’re doing, if you’ve got the right intent and you’re enjoying what you’re doing, just never give up. I can’t stress the importance of this enough because it’s easy to really get down on yourself. I feel like social media is such a great tool we have nowadays to spread messages and positivity and create change, but at the same time, it can also degrade one’s self-confidence. Like, you look on Instagram and see people with these amazing physiques, and think like, “Oh, she’s so pretty or he’s so handsome, why can’t I be like that?” But have confidence in yourself, never give up, and always strive to be successful and better yourself. Continue to learn. That’s the best advice I can give to people. Don’t be content with where you are. Unless you are content!
Talking specifically about social media, do you like it, do you think that it’s a powerful tool, and do you think that it’s harmful in any way?
When social media first came out, I was like, “I hate this, it’s so pointless.” I was extremely introverted, so I really didn’t like conversing or communicating with people in general. Now, I see the power in social media, and what a tool it can be to create change, like I was saying. With our whole voter registration project, we got voter registration up by an exorbitant amount because of social media, and we were able to do that in communities of color and in youth, which are huge demographics that are untapped when it comes to voter registration. So, social media can definitely be a tool for change, like what Greta Thunberg is doing for climate change. It can be used to drive these powerful messages, but at the same time, we can't let ourselves get too wrapped up in it, and absorbed in the glitz and the glam of “I wish I had this, I wish I had that.” We’re definitely living in a flex culture, where everyone is trying to out-flex everyone. It’s trash. I think it’s important to not get wrapped up in that, but at the same time, social media is definitely a powerful tool for positivity.
“Continue to learn. That’s the best advice I can give to people.”
Shifting gears a bit, do you have any goals or aspirations, either within acting or outside of acting, that you’re currently working towards?
I’m currently building a production company, which is really exciting. It’s something that I never thought I would take part in. I feel like it’s definitely the wave currently—everybody’s trying to become multihyphenates. But in my lane, I definitely want to help to promote the voices of young Black people, because I feel like there are not so many places that we can go to get our start and everybody always asks me, “How do I become an actor? How do I break into the industry?” There’s no solid route, but hopefully, my production company can change that. Over at Scribner Productions, we’re creating a few projects. I’m working on a project with Issa Rae and adapting a novel by Victoria Schwab. So, there are exciting things coming up in the works on the producing side. And I’m a huge gearhead. I love cars, so I’ve been working on this 1970 Chevelle SS with my dad. Restoring that has been a lot of fun.
What you said about the lack of a single-tracked route to acting leads perfectly into my next question: What advice would you share with other young people who are attempting to make their way through the film industry?
A lot of people ask me immediately off the jump, “How do I get an agent? How do I get a manager? How do I get into these casting calls?” and whatnot. I think the best advice that I can give is that the best thing for you to do first is to work on improving your craft. Because at least for me, the way that I got in was through it starting out as a passion and a hobby, as something I enjoyed doing. I think that’s what’s really important in this industry, and it translates to your work. It’s a lot harder than it seems, and there’s a lot more work that goes into it aside from the acting portion. You’ve got to really love it if you want to push and make it in the industry. So, working on your craft, self-improvement, and then, eventually, hopefully, you’ll be discovered or try to figure out a way, because honestly, I could not tell you how to get an agent. I went through a super sketchy route with my parents, one of those group casting call type situations to get a manager. There’s no good way to get in. I would say focus on self-improvement and be ready when the opportunity presents itself.
Just a fun question to wrap things up: If you were starting your own new city, what are three things that you would require from all inhabitants?
Oh, snap! We’re trying to build a Wakanda! Alright, the first requirement would be complete lockdown and social distancing so that we can get rid of [Covid-19]. I mean, if you want to move in the city, you’ve got to get rid of the virus! I’m just so sick and tired of people going out and going on vacations and ruining it for everyone else. I’ve got to go to work bro, let’s end this, let’s cut this! The second requirement would definitely just be common sense. You know, I feel like a lot of people don’t have common sense anymore. It’s just like, respect your neighbors, have compassion for others, respect the environment, respect your surroundings, and we’re all good, you can live here, we can be homies. And the last one… I don’t know, to be honest, just be happy, I guess. At the end of the day, that’s the meaning of life. I feel like a lot of people bend over backward to meet the expectations of society, and it’s just like, at the end of the day, if you’re doing what you love to do and you’re enjoying it, then you’re winning. So, just be happy, that’s the last one. I’m from LA, so it’s a very carefree, slow attitude. Oh, and I’ve got another one, the final one: no smoking cigarettes!
STORY ISHITA SHAH
PHOTOS MATT SAYLES
GROOMING AMBER AMOS
STYLIST BRANDON NICHOLAS