Introduction & Background
In this interview, Damion Poitier, a versatile actor and stuntman, shares his journey in the entertainment industry, including his work on iconic roles like Thanos in The Avengers. The conversation, hosted by Kyle Treadwell, covers Damion’s experiences, challenges, and his progression from aspiring actor to prominent stuntman.
Starting in Stunt Work
Damion initially pursued acting, inspired by his family's connection to the industry. However, his interest in action films and martial arts led him to stunt work. His career began after he impressed industry professionals with his martial arts skills, securing his first major role on the set of Sheena: Queen of the Jungle. He credits the welcoming stunt community in Florida for helping him establish himself in the industry.
Balancing Stunt Work and Acting
Damion discusses how stunt work became a significant focus in his career, sometimes overshadowing his acting ambitions. Despite his love for acting, the steady flow of opportunities in stunt work, particularly roles that combined both acting and stunts, kept him deeply involved in this dual career path.
Iconic Role as Thanos
One of the most notable highlights of Damion’s career was being cast as the original Thanos in The Avengers. He explains how he landed the role without initially knowing it was for Thanos. The revelation came during makeup sessions, and he had to keep this information under wraps for months. Although he wasn’t involved in later portrayals of Thanos, Damion values his contribution to such an iconic character's legacy.
Experience in Video Games
Damion has also made a mark in the video game industry, notably in Payday 2, which began as a web series and extended into a long-term project. He describes the creative and logistical challenges of working in game development, noting the significant differences from film production.
Passion for Dungeons & Dragons
Damion is an avid fan of tabletop role-playing games, especially Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). He talks about his role in creating The Sundering: The Nation Beneath Our Feet, a new tabletop RPG setting that was successfully funded on Kickstarter. He expresses pride in the project, highlighting the creative freedom it provided him.
Closing Thoughts & Future Projects
Damion ends the interview by emphasizing the importance of pursuing personal creative endeavors, even in a demanding industry. He encourages others to dedicate time, even if just a few minutes a day, to work on their passions. While he hints at upcoming projects, industry NDAs prevent him from revealing specific details at this time.
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