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Born Deven Lavale Purifoy on February 27th, 1983 in San Bernardino California; Deven Powers aka “Mr. Hollywood” is the 10th child out of 14 children. His father was a pastor and his mother is an amazing gospel singer. Deven started playing the drums at just 9 years of age, and at the age of 13, he was given his very first drum set by a member of the legendary Gap Band. At age 13, he also became California’s state drummer in his church congregation. When he became a freshman at Rancho Verde High School in the city of Moreno Valley, California, Deven joined the marching band which eventually went on to win several championships.
Fast forward to today, Deven Powers aka “Mr. Hollywood” is currently the host of the LA Live Film Festival from 2018 through to 2020. He’s also the founder and CEO of the Black Film Festival in Los Angeles. When it comes to the high life, Deven is definitely living up to it, hence you can catch him on the cover of High Lyfe Magazine’s highly anticipated Hollywood issue. When Deven’s not gracing the cover of magazines or hosting red carpet events, he’s hosting the “Mr. Hollywood TV show” which airs on AT & T, channel 99 in U-Verse, and channel 32 in Charter Spectrum.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Mr. Hollywood to discuss his journey in the entertainment industry and here’s what went down:
Can you tell us more about yourself? How did you get started in the entertainment industry?
My name is Deven “Mr.Hollywood” Powers. I’m the son of a pastor and a great gospel singer. Growing up in church, I began playing the drums at the age of 9, and at 13 I was given my very first drum set by a member of the legendary Gap Band. Around this time I became one of California’s state drummers. I got my foot in the door of the entertainment industry back in 2010 when I worked as an extra on several Hollywood movies as well as appeared on several TV shows and commercials. But it wasn’t until 2016 when I really got my big break in the industry – my TV and radio song “Rick James” became a hit which eventually went on to gain over 69,000 YouTube views. In 2018 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime when I was asked to become the host of one of Los Angeles’ biggest and brightest film festivals – the LA Live Film Festival, which eventually became Film Fest LA.
What do you love most about acting?
What I love most about acting is the fact that I can be myself in front of a camera. What you see on the big screen is me in my natural element. I love studying and getting into character. I can basically play any type of role but my favorite roles are within the action and suspense genre.
What are your strong points as an actor?
I would have to say my versatility because I’m able to play any character in the script and I’m very easy to work with. I also bring a positive attitude to the movie set. As an actor, I’m able to learn my lines fast and jump in and out of character at the drop of a dime. What I love most about acting is the fact that I love to act – I don’t do it for the money, I do it for the love of the craft.
What are your strong points as an actor?
I would have to say my versatility because I’m able to play any character in the script and I’m very easy to work with. I also bring a positive attitude to the movie set. As an actor, I’m able to learn my lines fast and jump in and out of character at the drop of a dime. What I love most about acting is the fact that I love to act – I don’t do it for the money, I do it for the love of the craft.
What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?
I’ve learned from various directors that you have to remain humble because attitude affects your amplitude in this industry. Basically, you have to be easy to work with and likable. If a director doesn’t like working with you he can easily go with another actor.
If you could play any other character in a movie or TV series, who would it be and why?
I would love to play James Bond because he’s so eloquent, smooth and charismatic. I’d love to play him because there has never been a black James Bond and I have to say – I think that I’m the right guy for the role because I’m young and I can bring a fresh face and style that Hollywood hasn’t seen yet.
You also mentioned you’re a model and TV and radio host – can you tell us more about this?
I’ve been modeling for 10 years now and I’m currently sponsored by Good Side Bad Side Clothing. In fact, I appeared as a model in a Sketchers shoe commercial several years ago. I’m also a former NBC news radio host and current TV host for the Mr. Hollywood TV show airing on AT & T, channel 99 in U-Verse, and channel 32 in Charter Spectrum within the greater Los Angeles Area. The show is also coming soon to Amazon. In 2019 I recreated the Black Film Festival Los Angeles and I formed a magazine as well.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
It would have to be becoming the host of the LA Live Film Festival because I got the chance to meet directors, actors, and actresses from all around the world.
Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met so far?
The most interesting person I’ve met so far has to be Jamal Antar, he’s the co-star of my upcoming movie The Bad Boyz of Hollywood.
How active are you on social media?
I’m very active on social media, I like to comment and share all the time. Sometimes I even loose needed sleep just to engage with my fans.
What is your favourite social media platform?
My favourite platform is Instagram and Facebook but I’m currently learning how to use TikTok.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
My future plan career-wise is to become one of the biggest names in Hollywood if not the biggest. I plan to follow in the footstep of my idol Denzel Washington. Most importantly, I plan to give back and inspire people. I plan to build homeless shelters for the homeless and help people in prison and on parole by helping them gain employment so that they can get a second chance in society.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Kickboxer: Vengeance
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? What’s within. I consider anything loving, caring, and compassionate beautiful. I say this because my mother is the most beautiful person I know and she would literally give you the shirt off of her back. For me, beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder but most importantly it comes from within.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Travel the world. I cant wait to see every continent and experience international cultures.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” travel to the most feared places on earth.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My past mistakes because I’ve learned from them so I’ve grown and become a better man because of them.
Jason Harris
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