Written by: Mark Pollard

Being one of seven children, Ron J. Rock often sought attention from his family in the form of entertainment. Little did he know at the time, it was just the start of a booming career in entertainment. We recently caught up with the actor to talk about film, theatre, and his love for acting.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Englewood, NJ, a much younger Rock was quite the attention seeker amongst family and friends growing up. In fact, his spot-on impersonations of his crazy uncles would make his mother laugh until she was in tears. However, it wasn’t until the third grade that Ron got his first taste of acting that changed everything. Wearing white face paint, Ron starred in his elementary school’s production of “The Rosa Parks Story” where his act made the local newspaper and gave Rock the motivation and inspiration to learn more about the craft and dream of becoming an entertainer.

“I like the fact that you can act out a perspective. When you train as an actor for any role it’s about portraying a perspective on a situation. It’s important to move through life, learning people’s perspectives and the way they look may look at a certain situation. It helps with building and maintaining relationships.”

After getting bit by the acting bug at a young age, Rock eventually found himself in the Peppermint Players theater program, which allowed him to act in many well-known off-Broadway plays such as “Peter Pan” and “Alice in Wonderland”. He attended St. Joseph Regional High School where he was a part of their Broadway acting program. After graduating high school, Ron began acting in short films and, also attended the New York Film Academy where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts.

“Being in theatre helped a lot with my television and film acting. In theatre, you have one shot to get it right, and that transcended onto the set for me.”

Rock was last seen on the big screen alongside Gerard Butler and 50 Cent in the gritty crime saga, “Den of Thieves” (January 2018). The film followed an elite unit from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as they squared off against a crew of successful thieves who planned a seemingly impossible heist in the city’s Federal Reserve Bank. Rock goes on to tell what it was like working alongside acting vet Gerard Butler.

“Gerard’s trailer was across from mine. He’s a legend and very knowledgeable in this industry, so I did take a lot of pointers from him on and off the set.”

Ron played the character ‘Junior’ a young banker who unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a heist amongst thieves (50 Cent, Pablo Schreiber) and unit leader (Butler).

“Filming was fun! All the actors spent so much time together on and off the set and we ended up forming a bond with one another. There were no egos amongst the cast, which was lovely to work with.” Rock continues, “O’shea Jackson (Straight Outta Compton) who plays Donnie in the film was especially fun to work with. He was always cracking jokes, and making everyone laugh on set.”

Aside from acting Rock is also an executive producer on an upcoming musical, “Lucifer,” which is slated to premiere in New York City 2019.

“It’s the story of the Bible through the devil’s point of view. I jumped on the project with a crew of other creatives, and I’m very excited about its debut next year.”

If you didn’t know Rock also has a production company as well, Rocktober Productions. He and his team are currently working on and developing several projects from music videos and a new television series getting ready to make waves.

“We’re currently in the works of creating a television series which will be coming very soon. I can’t really say much right now, however, I’m super excited about it and the other projects we have lined up.”

Rock juggles many hats, including acting producing and being an entrepreneur. With such a thriving career, Rock goes on to tell what keeps him motivated to continue work.

“Everyday I think about what keeps me motivated because I want to do very well. I have such a love and passion for acting, it keeps me centered and focused.”

Aside from acting and producing, Ron is an avid and dedicated businessman, who has his hands on many projects around the world from restaurants to travel industries. The passionate and unstoppable Rock may be a newcomer in the entertainment industry, but he is moving full speed ahead in making a name for himself, and “Den of Thieves” is the first of many projects you will hear his name attached to in 2018. For more on this talented and well-rounded entertainer follow him on Facebook and Instagram @ronjrock and @ronaldjrock on Twitter. You’re dope for reading!