Last time we caught up with “Manie,” it was actually a year ago fresh off his move to Atlanta in pursuit of his dreams of finding success in music as an artist and a producer. These days Emanuel Hodge has found a new lane in the Black entertainment capital as an actor. He’s slowly building up his catalog and is taking the time to dedicate his time toward the craft, and he’s seeing results. We caught up with the young thespian recently for a quick interview to catch up on his progress. Read up on Emanuel here…
Parlé Mag: I know you’re in Atlanta, talk to me about the transition since you’ve been down there.
Emanuel Hodge: It was crazy because I prayed everyday while in St. Louis to move and once I got here to Atlanta I told myself everyday I wake up, I need to accomplish something.
Parlé Mag: I know initially music was the focus, what’s new on that end?
Emanuel: It’s funny because I started to notice that people do’nt listen to artist unless they are on TV or on Empire, (laughs). So I figured why don’t I become an actor so then people will be forced to listen to me. I’m also watching documentaries and studying new ways to market myself.
Parlé Mag: Acting and television is where you’ve been dedicating your time. What was the first appearance?
Emanuel: I started off as a background extra and I portrayed a rapper on Devious Maids, episode 7 Season 3.
Parlé Mag: What was it like seeing yourself on television for the first time?
Emanuel: Seeing myself on tv was like winning the lottery! I knew at that moment this is what I really wanted to do.
Parlé Mag: At what point did you know this was something you could take on seriously?
Emanuel: Well we would have to go back actually. In 2001 I was featured in a Sylvan Learning Center commercial. People saw me on tv and the news. In 2002, I was in a high school play with the leading role, I never took acting serious as a kid but now I’m going hard and learning as much as I can when I’m on set.
Parlé Mag: Most meaningful appearance so far?
Emanuel: I made my television acting debut on the Discovery Family Network show, “Lost And Found With Mike And Jesse” on episode 7 season 1. That aired December 23rd 2015. Let’s just say that was the greatest moment for me. You can watch the episode online for anyone who missed it or watch it below…
Parlé Mag: I know you have some upcoming appearances, tell me about those. What does the future hold for you?
Emanuel: Well I’m filming in March for my first role in a independent movie that will release online this summer.
Parlé Mag: Any final words you want to put out there?
Emanuel: I just want to say, a lot of people don’t know this, but Cornell (Nelly) Haynes Jr. is my cousin and I learned how to rap in 1998 practicing how to rap over the St.Lunatics instrumental for “Give Me What You Got.” I just want to say Thanks Big Cousin for inspiring me! To everyone else, chase your dreams, don’t listen to the haters.
For updates on Emanuel Hodge, follow him on twitter: @themanie25