Holly Buchanan
Staff Writer
Everyone has heard the stories about a character who has suffered from a troubled past and somehow perseveres through it, but not every day do we get the opportunity to be inspired by that character.
Gregory D. Marks is a new addition to the Pierce college student body. He’s starred in various commercials, one of which is a Snoqualmie ad that will air on television June 1. These accomplishments are made even more impressive because of the fact that he used to be a homeless man in Tacoma.
Suffering from a drug addiction and living in a poor environment, Marks sorted out a plan to get help. When meetings weren’t enough for his plan to grow he says he found God’s power of healing.
He started going to church and was able to feel his past getting left behind in order for his new start to begin. “It’s never to late to start over,” said Marks.
He didn’t have the money for acting classes so instead he began emulating actors via internet browsing. He started his acting career at age 43 and is now 46. “Ghetto Actor” is what some people call him in Seattle, referring to how he came to be.
Utilizing his skills in facial expressions, he became an extra seen behind the famous people in movies. In the film “21 and Over,” Marks is spotted in the background of a scene making a shocked facial expression. He has made a name for himself among actors such as Kim Basinger and Director Nicholas Gyeney He is also on a list to be a stand-in for Denzel Washington in an up coming film.
Through his success among celebrities, he remains humble and states, “I am successful because I want more than fame.” Upon receiving his ministerial license, Marks plans to go back to preaching. He states that he doesn’t want to become a celebrity. “I want a bigger forum for when I preach,” he said.
Marks rebooted his mind and way of thinking. He wants to encourage other people who are struggling. “You make your own destiny and you take control of your whole life,” Marks said regarding his transformation. He will spend 18 months at Pierce on LNI earning a fashion merchandising degree. “I’m not trying to be better than anyone, I’m just trying to be the best I can be,” said Marks.
