Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like talented voice actor, Malcolm Farrell.
Malcolm is a versatile voice actor known for his work across various platforms and projects. His voice brings the character of ‘Smith’ to life in Shenmue, which airs on Cartoon Network’s AdultSwim, Crunchyroll, Hulu, YouTube TV, and SlingTV. Additionally, audiences can hear Farrell’s voice talents in the popular anime series Haikyuu, available on Roku, Amazon Prime Video, and Crunchyroll, where he contributes to the character ensemble. He also voices ‘Akikawa’ in the anime Kaiji on Crunchyroll.
In the realm of film, Farrell takes on the role of ‘Crypto Kid’ in the remake of The Dirty 3rd: Next Generation, a cult indie favorite that chronicles the true-to-life story of Southern hustlers and players striving for success. He is set to star as the lead in the upcoming indie comedy film It Ain’t What You Think, currently in production in Austin. Additionally, Farrell’s horror film He Would’ve Laughed is making its rounds in film festivals, showcasing his diverse range as an actor.
Farrell’s portfolio extends to several indie film projects, including Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison alongside Romany Malco, All Screwed Up, and The Freshman Year, where he has demonstrated his ability to inhabit various characters across different genres.
With his talent and dedication, Malcolm Farrell continues to make significant contributions to the world of entertainment, captivating audiences with his performances in both voice acting and film roles.
What’s your origin story?
My origin story is I was born in Brooklyn, New York. I am fully Trinidadian. Both sides of my family were born there. After a few years in NY my family moved to Piscataway, New Jersey and that’s where I was raised most of my life. Once I finished high school, I moved to Houston and attended the University of Houston.
How did you get into voice acting?
I got into the entertainment industry when I first moved to Houston. In the beginning, I did a lot of background roles. It’s rough at first not having anything on your resume but you have to start somewhere. I did that kind of acting work for a year and then slowly but surely, I started booking smaller roles or featured extra roles in commercials. The casting directors took notice of me and started giving me bigger roles in that market.
The commercials helped my confidence with the energy on screen and what casting directors, producers, and directors were looking for in talent. Commercials are very different from regular acting when it comes to your on-camera presence and what you’re selling. It was two years ago that my Super Bowl commercial for HEB Market in San Antonio aired. That was a special moment for me.
From there, I started getting opportunities for indie films and voice-over work. One opportunity would lead to another. I worked hard. Showed up on time. Took notes. Networked. Studied. And I always followed up with my contacts.
What did your parents think you would be?
I honestly don’t know where my parents thought I was going to be until I told them I wanted to be an actor. Once I told them, they fully embraced my decisions and supported me with everything. I don’t take that for granted. I appreciate their unwavering support.
Who were your mentors?
I don’t have any mentors when it comes to acting. I can say the book Self Management for Actors by Bonnie Gillespie helped mold me into where I am right now. It explained the art of acting but it also taught me about the business side. It trained me to be more confident in every sense and aspect of being an actor. Additionally, I appreciate my acting coach Ricky Catter who also instilled confidence in me when I needed it during auditions and projects.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
The bravest thing I have ever done was pull a young kid back from going into the street while he was playing with a bouncy ball. It was a normal day at the park and we just got done playing basketball and there was kid just minding his own business playing with the bouncy ball. Not realizing he was super close to the road.
The bouncy ball took a bad bounce and the kid went after it just when a car was coming and I pulled him back. He had no idea the car was that close. He was just worried about the ball and wanted to get it back. That being said, I would love to play a superhero!
How do you handle failure?
At this point in my career, I handle failure by embracing it but not letting it linger in my mind forever. In the past, certain projects would weigh me down and make me feel a certain way for a long time. Nowadays I’ve gotten used to it and I move on by the next day. It’s mentally draining and unhealthy to spend your time about something that already happened. I try to focus on future opportunities.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
I would LOVE to do a Nike campaign. Something with positivity or encouragement intertwined with a sport. I always loved their commercials and ads when I was younger. I truly see myself fitting in one of those marketing projects in the future. Or if I can voice the commercial that’ll be great as well.
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
I really would love to work with Mahershala Ali. I feel like what he does with acting, he makes it so effortless on screen. It seems like he’s at ease and he’s not even trying. Those types of actors truly make other actors feel better and become better.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
I think Black and Hispanic audiences gravitated to Rebel Moon because of the diverse cast. But also, I think both ethnicities are trying to watch more programming in different genres than what they’re use to.
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
For lunch, Happy Hour, and Dinner I really would love to sit down and talk with Chadwick Boseman. I was a fan of his work originally but when he passed it really hit me. I was surprised how much it did. He came off as an actor who was at ease as well with his roles and performances in front of the screen.
When he did Black Panther that was such a monumental time for Marvel and everyone. I’d love to hear the stories and lessons he has learned in this industry that helped him become better as an actor and as a person.
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
I would give up my career to go sing on tour with Mary J Blige. I love Mary so much and her songs. Growing up, her music was always being played on the radio. Something about her music is just timeless for me and I’d definitely quit my acting job to go and sing with her. Immediately.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
I believe Colman Domingo is a national treasure. I’ve been watching his interviews recently because he’s been on a roll with so many really good projects. He’s been talking about his process leading up to where he’s at now which I really enjoy hearing. It gives me hope on my journey and it reassures me that I’m not off course or denied.
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Nose bleed seats for Beyonce 100%. The show that Beyoncé puts on! I would love to see it every time she’s on tour. No matter how far away I am. She puts her all into it. I’ll get my money’s worth even if I’m up in the heavens watching.
What are your guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasures are playing videos and watching YouTube. Playing video games saves me so much money and it’s time consuming. I like playing them with my friends whenever I miss them.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
I recently moved to Los Angeles and look forward to more opportunities this city has to offer. I also have more voice-over projects in development and some indie film work coming up.
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