Pulling Back The Layers of Damian Toofeek Raven

What inspired you to take the role with the Chadwick Chronicles?
I was already Chadwick Williams when THE CHADWICK JOURNALS began.  In 2004 I auditioned for THE DL CHRONICLES to play the role of Wes Thomas in the first episode.  I was inspired to play Wes because he was struggling with his marriage and his identity as a whole.  During that time, in my life, I too was struggling with those same issues and the role just struck me as an opportunity to confront myself.  It actually woke me up and made me change my situation. After auditioning, though, I was offered the role of Chadwick Williams, which had been written for another actor.  I was actually a little bummed out that I did not land the role of Wes because he was so deep and so challenging, but I see why Darren Washington was cast, he was incredible...
 
How does it feel to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy?
Man oh man... I dreamt of being a soap star when I was in High School!  I would run home before football practice to watch "Santa Barbara" and "Another World" with my mom everyday!   My mother and I would

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watch the Daytime EMMYS and I would imagine myself giving an acceptance speech after winning. So, when I first came to LA, I met with a manager and did a cold read.  After the read he told me, and I quote, "you're a great actor but you are not good looking enough to be a soap star."  I remember that day, and I remember leaving the meeting and feeling super ugly.. It crushed me, but it taught me something about myself, and I decided that I wouldn't let him detour my dream..  Eventually, I landed a small role on Days of our Lives, and GH and to top it off I met one of my idols, and one of my moms favorite soap stars A. Martinez! So, to be nominated for a Daytime EMMY, is like receiving a warm hug from my mother.  
 
Tell us about your character.
CHADWICK WILLIAMS is so many things.  He is writing a book about Black Men who live their lives on the DL (Down Low), and keep their true hearts locked away.  Initially he was a very lost soul who found his power through psychology. Now that he is older, he's challenged with the truth about himself, and what is really driving him.  He is a Journalist with the mind of a Therapist, and he uses his intellect to dissect the lives of the DL men who share their stories with him. But, he is also a brother, who is heart broken over his decisions, and he is desperate to recover what he has lost.  I've been playing Chadwick for over 15 years and through the years he has become much more heroic and far more compassionate... He is one of my favorite people because he is always committed to the truth...   Chadwick has grown so much that the best way to describe him would be that he is simply a good man who's always trying to be a better man..  I love that about him...

What has been the most challenging aspect of the entertainment business?
The most challenging aspect of the entertainment business would be Myself.. I spent a lot of time sabotaging myself by not having the confidence to be me..

What advice do you have for someone who seeks working in the entertainment industry?
Don't spend a lot of time sabotaging yourself by not having the confidence to be you

Where would you like to see your career in the next five years?
In five years I would like to see Quincy, Deondray, myself and crew, filming season 9 of The Chadwick Journals and I know that we will be making our second feature film together as well.  I have a lot of stories to share and I am so grateful  that we are able to do just that..  Deondray & Quincy Gossfield are amazing writers, directors and producers, and I believe that we share something very special which has bound us together... 

Follow Damien:
@toofeek27 @toofeekraven