74 Who Do You Think You Are?
Charles Holt
“If you don’t know what you want to do or what the path is for you, do
something. Do what’s calling you now, because what’s calling you now
will lead you down the path to what the call is for you later.”Charles Holt is an Actor, Singer, Writer, Transformational Speaker, and
Entrepreneur. Even though he grew up in Nashville, Tennesee, Charles
does not recall ever aspiring to be a performing artist. Instead, he dreamed
of one day playing professional football and becoming one of the game’s
most memorable players. In high school, he garnered many awards and
accolades for his outstanding athleticism, earning him local and national
recognition along with the opportunity to attend college on an athletic
scholarship. After graduating, Charles worked out for several professional
football teams as defensive back and return specialist, but despite his
valiant efforts and persistence he was not selected in the NFL Draft and
pursued a career in corporate America.
Charles has starred in some of the most celebrated productions
in American theatre history including Jesus Christ Superstar, Smokey
Joe’s Café, and the Lion King. Charles was the first person of color to
star as ‘Rocky’ in the European tour of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
He adds guest starring and lead roles to his television and film credits:
Law & Order: Criminal Intent, All My Children, the award winning
independent film, Anne B. Real (Universal Home Video), and the
penetrating comedy, Ed’s Trip, presently being featured in national film
festivals. In Fall 2001, following the tragedies of 9/11, Charles created
and produced his critically acclaimed national collegiate touring series
of the one-man play based on Richard Wright’s autobiographical
landmark, Black Boy, as a vehicle of inspiration, healing and freedom.
Over the past five seasons Charles has performed for sold-out
audiences for top, national venues, including The John F. Kennedy Center,
receiving rave reviews for his 20-character portrayal. In the show’s first
national review, The Washington Post praised, “Holt turned in a lucid
and self-possessed performance. Shifting among personalities, Holt
flared into moments of idiosyncratic animation, always settling back into
the grave tones and dignified posture of Wright the narrator.”
As a transformational speaker, Charles hosts numerous
workshops and forums around the country. He is founder and creator of
‘Miracle Monday,’ a program that encourages members of The Lion King
family on Broadway and the youth at Covenant House/New York to
empower and inspire one another in a group forum. Read more about
Charles Holt at: http://www.charlesholtproductions.com