Actor and Filmmaker Omari Washington Discusses Film, Gracefully Broken

Omari Washington is an actor and filmmaker who booked his first co-star role as an actor in Episode 16 of Season 2 of the TV show Lethal Weapon.” This role paved the way for additional acting opportunities for Washington in television shows to include All- American, Good Trouble and The Bold and The Beautiful. Omari Washington’s first role was in the movie The Break-Up starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. “For the scene we had to watch a performance on stage. I was so excited to be on set for the first time, especially because I got to see how superstars perform,” states Washington. Omari Washington launched his production company in 2018, L3 Productions which stands for Living and Loving Life Productions. The mission - Washington “wants to inspire other creative professionals to create their own opportunities.” The first production of his company went on to win awards. The award-winning short film, titled Gracefully Broken won over 30 awards worldwide, winning 4 best actor awards and the lead actress award, and best director. “I am so proud of everyone involved and what we were able to come up with for the first production of Living and Loving Life Productions. "The film tells the story about two people who are ready to throw in the towel on finding true love, and to truly live life to the fullest, until they find each other and learn to live again through each other, loving fully. Washington felt inspired to create the film Gracefully Broken to create dialogue surrounding mental health and a story to which most can relate. “I feel as if this story can open up the door for people to be more open about their struggles and their victories as well after overcoming struggles.” Concluding, “I feel as if a lot people suffer in silence because they don’t know how to start the conversation and because it’s a touchy subject as well. We need to change that - we are all human and we all need love, compassion and to be heard. "Omari Washington discovered his love of acting at the age of twelve, in his portrayal of the tin man, in his school’s production of the Wizard of Oz, stating, “I knew this then and I know this now, I love acting because I can literally transform into anyone by studying their mannerism and characteristics. It’s what I like to call my superpower. "Washington is most inspired by some people closest to him. Naming his Uncle Mike, his Auntie Vernell and his fiancée. “My Uncle Mike inspires me -he’s a natural leader of the family; he is always stepping up to take care of those in need. He helped to raise me when I was in 8th grade, while teaching me vital life lessons that I still remember today. My Auntie Vernell inspires me because no matter what she’s been through, she always has a positive outlook on life and because her strength to overcome adversity is unheard of by most. She definitely knows the power of perseverance and never giving up. Last but not least, my fiancé inspires me because she always has a smile on her face no matter what our circumstance may be; plus she has the biggest heart ever.”Stating, “I've gone through the PTSD and trauma that goes along with being a survivor (and a thriver) after rising up from abuse. Growing up it was hard for me to connect toother people due to me being isolated most of my childhood. To be fully transparent, acting and having great friends saved my life. I found the strength to go on in part because of their unwavering support and of course, Thank God because he led me out of that situation onto a beautiful journey of self-discovery and dreams.”

Concluding, “When the negative emotions from surviving a rough upbringing come up, I use it as fuel for my acting career."Washington’s goals moving forward include booking a lead role in a feature film on a major streaming platform, booking role in a SAG national commercial, as well as a series regular role on a hit show on a major network.L3 Productions goals include, launching the premiere for the feature film Back Burner, the production of additional feature films and to work with a huge distributor for the release of all production’s future films. Stay tuned to his career by following his IMDb page at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5750399/, connect with him on social media Omari "O" Washington on Instagram.