Dante Hoagland’s acting career started with a cell phone and YouTube. His mother Nicole would make videos of him and his brother Dylan and later took the videos to his current management, Shirley Grant Management. They haven’t looked back.
“As a young kid, my mom saw it [acting] in me,” Hoagland said.
Hoagland believes that his mother saw an entertainer in him when he didn’t see one in himself. He remembers his mother watching him sing and dance at his brother’s wrestling matches and football games.
“I think she always knew,” Hoagland said.
His mother’s instincts and ability to recognize his star quality resulted in a successful acting career at only 15 years old. Hoagland’s acting resume includes “30 Rock,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The New Edition Story” and more. His latest project is “The Last O.G.” starring Tracy Morgan, Tiffany Haddish and Cedric the Entertainer.
“The Last O.G.,” which is currently in production for season two, depicts the story of an ex-con, Morgan, who has returned to Brooklyn after being incarcerated for 15 years. After being released, he discovered that he’s the father of a set of twins, and his ex-girlfriend found love and married another man. Morgan is determined to support his twins, a son and a daughter, which comes with its own set of challenges. For Hoagland, the show is more than a comedy, but a depiction of real life. He also believes that it shows that it’s never too late to start over and second chances are important.
On the show, Hoagland plays the role of Morgan’s son Shazad. Shazad is a laid back and easy going guy. Hoagland describes Shazad as the person who thinks about what he does before he does it.
“He’s (Shazad) cool and stays to himself,” Hoagland said.
It’s not hard for Hoagland to portray Shazad because he sees himself in the character. Like Shazad, Hoagland comes from a blended family and embodies the same laid back and easy going characteristics. The stellar cast shines on-screen and off-screen. Hoagland has enjoyed being able to work with talented and seasoned actors. He said there’s never a dull moment on set.
“Working with them is great and a dope experience,” Hoagland said.
The experienced actors have poured into Hoagland as they have poured into their individual roles. They have taught him to always stay focused, keep good grades in school, be a man of your word, don’t worry about girls and learn the entertainment business. When he’s not acting or getting ready for a new role, you may see around Hoagland sporting a printed or patterned Sprayground, Nike, Jordan, Vans or Adidas backpack because he loves fashion. He always has a backpack because he has allergies and always keeps his medicine handy.
“Anything I feel l like looks fly and fashionable,” Hoagland said.
He also admires the styles of Russell Westbrook and Vic Mensa because they’re original. Acting wise, Hoagland loved the style of New Edition’s Michael Bivins from “The New Edition Story.” He liked Bivins’ flashy clothes including his chains and watches. He also liked Bevins’ matching wristbands and clothing with hats and Adidas. He is a strong supporter of Bivin’s clothing SportyRich Apparel.
“Younger Michael Bivins was dope and older Michael Bivins got even doper,” Hoagland said.
In addition, Hoagland enjoys keeping sea-sickening waves. He does a 30-minute brush session every morning; 50 brushes on each side. This is followed by 60 brushes every two hours and another 30-minute session around 8 pm each evening. He ends his brush sessions by wearing his silky wave cap.
With his silky-smooth waves, Hoagland is showing no signs of slowing down. He hopes to one day work alongside Larenz Tate and continues to work in comedy. Along with influencing others on and off camera.
Make sure to follow Hoagland @therealdantehoagland on Instagram, Dante Hoagland on Facebook, @dante_hoagland on Twitter and d_rabbit732 on Snapchat. Also, look out for season two of “The Last O.G.” on TBS.
