Born and raised amidst the harsh realities of Detroit, Michigan, Dwayne Barnes found the hardships of his early life not as constraints, but as catalysts that transformed him into a poignant artist and a compassionate human being. The experiences of his upbringing deeply colored his perspectives, imparting a divine authenticity to his artistry.

During his senior year of high school, where he was voted "Most Likely to Succeed," Dwayne won a citywide acting competition. This victory opened the doors to higher education, earning him a scholarship to Eastern Michigan University. However, after a few years immersed in academia, a viewing of Robin Williams' "Dead Poet's Society" awakened Dwayne to the resonating principle of "carpe diem." Inspired by this call to seize the day, he set his sights on Los Angeles, embarking on a journey toward his destiny as an artist.

In Los Angeles, Dwayne's talent quickly blossomed beyond acting. Within two years, his vocal prowess led to a 'Best Actor' nomination at the NAACP Theater Awards for his performance in Robert Townsend's "The Five Heartbeats: The Musical." He also starred in the musicals "Letters from Nam" and "Dorian," where his performances were met with critical acclaim. His musical talents also paved the way for a contract with Capitol Records, recording an album with the group H20.

On the screen, Dwayne's portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive. He has guest-starred in over 60 episodic shows and appeared in numerous national commercials. His riveting portrayal of a troubled addict in the urban classic, “Menace II Society,” received worldwide acclaim and even inspired fan merchandise that continues to be produced and worn today.

Dwayne has also shared the big screen with Hollywood heavyweights, including Richard Gere in "The Flock." He showcased his talent in a supporting role in Sony Pictures’ “Big George,” directed by George Tillman Jr., alongside acting powerhouses like Khris Davis and Forest Whitaker. Most recently, Dwayne starred in the blockbuster video game franchise “Need For Speed: Unbound” 2022 edition alongside A$AP Rocky.

But Dwayne Barnes is more than an actor and a musician. He is a dedicated individual on a mission, using his life's journey and artistic platform to advocate for freedom, equality, self-love, and acceptance. Every performance he gives, and every role he takes on, is a testament to his deep artistry and his inspiring personal journey of healing and transformation. In Dwayne's world, art is not just an expression, it's a means of instigating change and inspiring others to embrace their own healing journeys.

NCIS: LOS ANGELES

DWAYNE.BARNES

ACTOR.ARTIST.CREATIVE.

Blog

Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.