The Determined Society with Shawn French
Episode: "Killing Castro with Frankie Faison"
Date: September 19, 2025
Overview
This episode features actor Frankie Faison, best known for his wide-ranging roles on stage and screen, including Coming to America, The Wire, and recent, powerful indie films. The conversation spans Faison’s personal journey in acting, the upcoming film Killing Castro, the cultural resonance of historical storytelling, and raw, thoughtful exploration of perseverance, mental health, and artistic purpose.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Frankie Faison’s Hollywood Journey
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Early Beginnings and Training
- Raised in Newport News, Virginia, Faison found his calling performing in church plays from a young age.
"I was always the guy who was speaking and doing in the little place from about 5 years old on." – Frankie Faison [02:23]
- Teachers redirected his “boisterous” energy into public speaking and acting, instilling comfort on stage early.
- Attended Illinois Wesleyan (undergrad in theater) and NYU (masters in theater).
- Committed to “eat, sleep, breathe, theater, morning, noon and night.” [09:27]
- Raised in Newport News, Virginia, Faison found his calling performing in church plays from a young age.
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Path to Success
- It took about 15 years of intensive training and auditions before significant breaks.
"So many people try something for a year or six months or even three years...and you're saying you waited 15 years and now you're the quadruple 200 threat." – Sean [07:46]
- Faison’s philosophy: diversify and never pin yourself into a corner—do commercials, TV, theater, and film to stay employed and hone skills.
"That's why I call myself the quadruple 200 man club." – Frankie Faison [04:54]
- It took about 15 years of intensive training and auditions before significant breaks.
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Advice to Aspiring Creatives
- Importance of being versatile and finding your unique “lane.”
- “Prepare yourself, learn your craft—you’re not going to become a doctor by just cutting somebody open and experimenting.” [10:55]
- Accept the importance of continuous self-improvement.
2. Navigating Representation and Opportunity in Hollywood
- Making an Impression Beyond Auditions
- Even if a role is missed, auditions are a chance to be remembered for future parts.
"You don't always just go for the job, you go for the representation of your talent, who you are and what you potentially can do. And maybe they may circle back to you..." – Frankie Faison [12:42]
- Example: Faison wasn’t originally cast as the landlord in Coming to America, but was remembered for his previous audition and later offered the role.
- Even if a role is missed, auditions are a chance to be remembered for future parts.
3. Storytelling, History, and Social Relevance in Film
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Killing Castro: Historical Context
- Killing Castro explores a little-known chapter: Fidel Castro’s visit to Harlem at the Hotel Theresa in the 1960s, where he met Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, with an alleged assassination plot as backdrop.
"This story...was a part of history that I didn't know anything about...the number of assassination attempts on his life are unimaginable." – Frankie Faison [00:40, repeated at 15:34]
- Faison plays the hotel’s owner, whose daughter leverages Castro’s stay to revive the hotel's fortunes.
- Faison admits he—and many—were unfamiliar with these events, citing the film’s value in bringing forgotten stories to light.
- Killing Castro explores a little-known chapter: Fidel Castro’s visit to Harlem at the Hotel Theresa in the 1960s, where he met Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, with an alleged assassination plot as backdrop.
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On Portraying Historical Figures
- Faison cherishes roles rooted in real history (“I have a very clear journey in telling stories about history, about life, things that have happened before” [19:50]).
- Cites The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain as his most fulfilling film, calling it a “calculation of all the things…in my life and work” [22:16].
4. Mental Health, Empathy, and Cultural Impact
- Beyond the Rush and the Power of Story
- The film, Beyond the Rush, explores mental health, child abuse, and the unseen pain in everyday interactions.
“That movie was genius…we don’t know each other’s struggles. If we go based on the interview and the conversation, it’s all butterflies in our world – and it’s not necessarily like that.” – Sean [25:08]
- Faison reflects on the interconnection between trauma, compassion, and human complexity.
“How connected are the two [mental health and child abuse] and how forgiving or unforgiving should we be when that connection is brought to the forefront?” – Frankie Faison [26:47]
- Praises director Robert Sayer’s courage in turning personal hardship into helpful storytelling.
- The film, Beyond the Rush, explores mental health, child abuse, and the unseen pain in everyday interactions.
5. Staying the Course and Finding Meaning
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Professional and Personal Fulfillment
- Even in tough times, Faison’s passion for his work and relationships carry him forward.
- He speaks of gratitude, resilience, and treating every role and project as meaningful.
“Whatever it is you’re doing…treat it like it’s the most important thing in the world…Find a way to love those things and do them anyway.” – Sean [37:40]
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Honoring the Journey
- Faison reveals he turns to baking (granola!) during hard times and is launching his own brand—another testament to creativity and giving back.
"When I'm down and out, I'll go and bake granola and give it away to people and I feel so much better." [41:01]
- Faison reveals he turns to baking (granola!) during hard times and is launching his own brand—another testament to creativity and giving back.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
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On Artistic Preparation and Identity
“I should pursue becoming the best actor that I can be because there’s so many brilliant talents out there...there is no best of anything.” – Frankie Faison [03:50]
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On Auditioning and the Long Game
“I want to just make sure...they will understand that this guy has unlimited potential...maybe somewhere...he could be used for his talent." – Frankie Faison [12:42]
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On Historical Fiction and Representation
“I love doing [historical pieces] because I’m not trying to recreate the characters. I’m trying to tell their stories in as humane a way as I possibly can.” – Frankie Faison [19:50]
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On Artistic Integrity and Dignity
"I did the things I wanted to do and I found peace with it. I have been very privileged...I did what I wanted because I didn’t want to go into doing something that would make me unhappy." – Frankie Faison [38:16]
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On Perseverance and Self-Belief
"You’re standing the test of time. You’re going to be all right, you know, because you’re going to be all right." – Frankie Faison [37:00]
Important Segments & Timestamps
- [02:23] – Faison’s early exposure to stage and acting; path to professional actor
- [04:54] – The “quadruple 200 man club”: over 200 credits in all major mediums
- [09:27] – 15 years of strenuous, formal training before first break; necessity of craft
- [12:42] – The importance of leaving a lasting impression, even if you don’t book the role
- [15:34] – Killing Castro: historical context, Faison's role, excitement for release
- [19:50] – On the challenge and fulfillment of bringing true historical figures to life
- [22:16] – Why The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is Faison's most meaningful work
- [25:08] – The resonance of Beyond the Rush and exploring the unseen struggles of others
- [26:47] – Faison on the connection between trauma, mental health, and forgiveness in storytelling
- [41:01] – Faison discusses creating and launching his granola business as a form of personal therapy and giving back
Tone & Chemistry
The conversation is warm, encouraging, and introspective, marked by humor and unmistakable mutual respect. It blends industry insights with soul, and showcases Faison’s kindness and depth while allowing host Shawn French’s own sincerity and perseverance to shine through.
Suggested Further Viewing
- Killing Castro – watch for its festival debut and broader release
- The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain – Faison’s “swan song” and perhaps his most personally important film
- Beyond the Rush – a gripping exploration of mental health and trauma
- Coming to America – the comedy classic that became a pivotal moment in Faison’s screen career
Summary
This episode of The Determined Society offers more than just a celebrity interview; it’s a layered look at history, craft, adversity, and hope, through the lens of a working actor whose contributions far exceed what we see onscreen. Whether discussing the legacy of Harlem’s Hotel Theresa, the untold stories of American history, or the private challenges behind public personas, Faison and French challenge listeners to stay determined, keep growing, and bring purpose to everything you do.