Join us to welcome Dontez James back to Ravenna. Dontez is an actor and local author. Dontez will be discussing his book Beautiful Hue. Books will be available to purchase and have autographed.
Seeing the light is about a Hollywood Actor that is on a journey of discovering self love in the midst of mental chaos. Dontez will be discussing the rise and downfall of Benjamin Watts and answering questions from the readers of the Beautiful Hue Series.
Ravenna, Ohio native Dontez X. James caught the acting bug early while performing in elementary school plays, eventually studying acting at the University of Akron. After the school discontinued its theater program he continued his education on set as a background extra in Ohio-based film and TV productions, including extended work on "Fate of the Furious."
Dontez penned his first novel “We All Do Dumb Things” while attending Brown Middle School. It would go on to be published as Dontez entered high school with the help of Upward Bound. Dontez focused on sports throughout High School, but after graduating he went on to write and publish his second book “Untold Nightmares” which is the prequel to his first.
Dontez booked his first professional audition, a small role in "The Land" starring Eryka Badu, Michael K. Williams and Machine Gun Kelly. Although his scene was ultimately cut, director Steven Caple Jr. ("Creed II") praised his work. More roles in Ohio-filmed features quickly followed: "My Friend Dahmer," "The Assassin's Code" and "Last Flag Flying." Impressed with his performances, "Dahmer" producer Adam Goldworm and "Assassin's Code" director David A. Armstrong both strongly encouraged Dontez to move to Los Angeles. He took the leap and moved to LA in 2019, signing with Goldworm's Aperture Entertainment and Momentum Talent Agency.
Once in LA Dontez began studying with renowned acting instructors Lesly Kahn and Chad McCord, and signed with 831 Entertainment for dual management with Aperture. He hit the ground running, booking several commercials; and within months he landed a featured role in the pilot episode of HBO's acclaimed comedy series "Made for Love" starring Cristin Milioti, Billy Magnussen and Ray Romano. Put on pause during Covid, the series premiered in April 2021 and Dontez's hilariously quirky standout performance as "Donnie" garnered rave reviews and fan buzz which earned him the opportunity to return to the shows second season as a recurring co-star. Dontez would also receive the opportunity to be the spokesperson for Lids Negro Leagues apparel campaign They Gave Us Game.
The 2020 lockdowns showed James how the world can change at any moment and he began writing his latest book series Beautiful Hue, which explores the idea that the relationship a person has with themself is the most important relationship they can have in this world.
Committed to personal growth and exploring the human condition, Dontez's gracious humility, warm humor, and ever-deepening acting range make him an up-and-comer who's one to watch.
