Meet LeVance Rucker | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with LeVance Rucker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LeVance, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is probably one of the main factors of ending up where I am now. The most major risk I made was moving from Kansas City away from all of my family, a full time job and all I knew to pursue a career in acting here in California. And while I’ve had my challenges, it’s been a risk that’s been extremely worth it. Submitting and auditioning for film roles that were outside of the description of what the directors/producers were asking for and still being cast are other risks that paid off. I reflect on these things a lot in my life when I’m thinking about what to do next. Just press Go.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Heath Ledger is probably the reason I decided to become an actor when I was 20. I followed his career up until his death, and was fascinated how he could be so truthful playing different characters. And I wanted to do that in my own way. So, July in 2009 I memorized a monologue from Scent of a Woman, auditioned for a lead role in the play called Extremities by William Mastrimone. And I haven’t looked back. I knew this was for me. My main intention going into this was the hope that I could make people feel what I felt watching Heath Ledger. Or watching Denzel, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Lawrence or Michael B. Jordan. If I provide an enjoyable movie experience to audiences, that’s one of my ways to serve humanity.

In 13 years of doing this, I’ve learned that I don’t have to try to become another character. I, myself, am my own best instrument in this art form. So using myself, my own instincts, my own intuition and unique life point of view allows me to create the most authentic performances to the best of my ability. In the past, I tried to “become” the characters I was playing. But I didn’t feel free in my art and there was no richness or aliveness I felt as I performed.

Auditioning in this industry has taught me that you can be a great actor and still not be right for the part. Robert DeNiro was considered “too menacing” to play Sonny in The Godfather. This is a mindset that translates to dating, to job interviews and just life. At the end of the day, nobody can determine your worth. You might get some bumps and bruises, and some experiences can hurt. But you know what you bring to the table and no one can take that from you or tell you your worth. It’s not on you, it’s in you.

What I want people to know: Before you were born, while you’re here and after you pass, there has never been anyone like you. You’re a unique expression to all of existence. And I believe that sinking into that uniqueness is a component that allows us to happier, more secure, or in my case, a better actor. I love Denzel, but I don’t want to be him. I could never. But I’m me and I love that. I’ll never rob myself of all that makes Me me by trying to be someone else.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, I wanna thank God.

Second, Tiff Artis is one of my biggest inspirations. From the first day I met her she just oozed confidence you usually don’t see in people. Over the years, her confidence started to rub off on me. She’s such a huge support system for me.

Also wanna give a shout-out to my therapist because the work we do is worth what I pay. Who I’ve become and am becoming even astounds me. So thank you.

There are many others who provided me money, love, time, kind words and other support to help me get here. I can’t name them all, but a village has had a hand in who I’ve become.

Website: https://linktr.ee/LeVanceRucker

Instagram: levancethegreat

Image Credits
Danica Rose