Ronals McDowell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ronals , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I have had the opportunity to be back home with my family. The past 3 years I resided in Atlanta, Ga. where life brought me back to take care of my mother and grandmother. The joy I have is like no another. To be around loved ones, that once cared for me, and to be able to be there for them, brings so much happiness to my life. The love of my family means everything to me. To see my mother & grand mother everyday along with my cousins, and other relatives. Pushes me even more to purse my goals.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a distinguished graduate of Governors State University, I recently graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies. While at GSU I obtained collegiate stage credits in notables roles such as; the Scarlet Letter, Alice in Wonderland, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Parallel to my theatre career, I am also, an established professional vocalist. Music is my first love and gift. With this gift comes my passion to entertain. That was my reason to pursue Theatre. I have lent background vocals to acclaimed gospel artist such as Deitrick Haddon, & Hezekiah Walker, and have shared the stage with Dorinda Clark Cole. I am currently working on the Play “The House That Will now Stand” written by Marcus Gardley directed by Aaron Boseman.
I knew I was unique at the age of 4, I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I would attend church every Sunday, it was my Aunt Carrie that first heard my voice, and worked with me. She pushed me to use my voice and to sing. Singing at an early age, did something to me, having the ability to make people happy by just singing allowed me to perfect my craft. This is why I am who I am today. I often think about these moments, and if my Aunt wouldn’t have poured into me. Would I have this gift? Would I have this talent. But I am so thankful that she did. I am committed to a career in the arts and aspire national recognition.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
In 2002 , at the age of 12 years old. I was diagnosed with an Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A most common mental disorder affecting children. I was told that I would have to depend on someone to help me survive in life. I believed that. It put me in a box. In that box I would only be able read at a third grade level, and that I wouldn’t be able to excel. I was struggling with Reading & Math. Once my teachers found out, they tried to encourage me and steer me in a different direction of learning. I strayed away from it,I felt so uncomfortable. I was embarrassed when put-on the spot and asked to read out loud, because I couldn’t pronounce words. I didn’t read out loud in class. Afraid my peers would find out, and laugh, or make fun of me, because they wouldn’t understand. I took the easy way out and listened to audio books. In the back of my mind I new I had this ability, but the diagnoses was always on my mind. I just knew couldn’t do it. Therefore I didn’t try. Years later after seeing my peers excel, I felt lost, and hopeless. My peers where independent. I wanted to be just like them. I no longer wanted anyone to depend on. I made the conscience decision to change my mental, it pushed me to be more independent, and put in the work to be better. It’s not. like I couldn’t read, I later learned that I was lazy, I just didn’t want to try. I was uninterested to say the least. This moment in life pushed me to be better, and to strive for the best education. That push, lead me to get my Associates Degree Olive Harvey College, then on to Governors State University graduating with a Bachelors of Arts Degree.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up when I my Aunt Carrie died, the person that instilled in me the power, of me entertaining. When she passed away I wanted to stop. I was sadden by her death, it encouraged me to continue, because I knew deep down inside that she would never want me to give up. She introduced me to, singing, and acting.
I also gave up, when I made the difficult decision to come out to my father. It was difficult for me to have that conversation with him, and even more difficult for him to accept that I was gay. I was 16 years old when my father found out, Me telling him was a moment that I wanted to embrace myself, and live in my truth. The truth of the matter is, my family new, but with him not being in my life, I wanted to have him accept me, with the hopes of bringing him closer to me, but that didn’t happened, and pushed him away. It made him disown me. The fact that he said, ” I don’t have a son and I definitely don’t have a gay son.” He then let go me completely out of his life. To him I was non existent.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire, my grandmother, not because of the power she holds within our family, but because of the character she holds as a woman. My grandmother was born and raised in the delta of Mississippi, with no education. Even without an education she taught us to keep going, and instilled in us that God is on your side. With her growing up in a time, where education was not readily available to her because of the color of her skin. Her character taught us to love everybody, and to get an education and to excel at the highest level.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That knowledge is power. You have to work hard despite life challenges, because there is a story to be told.
My story I was always afraid to tell. But studying as an actor, I have learned that through other peoples story, that story has to be told. I hope to leave a legacy that is admired. That by telling my truth and sharing my art, that the little boy or girl that is just like me can be seen. The child suffering from ADHD, or the child struggling with finding themselves, or battling telling their family about their sexuality, lives in their authentic truth.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Ronnie Heart McDowell
Image Credits
Dion Wells Jr
IG @cixx.png
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