UTICA - 10 years ago in 1998 Utica native Kevin Byrd walked across the stage at T.R. Proctor High School, the proud recipient of his high school diploma. Like many of his peers he had big plans. College, a degree and a fulfilling career as a Broadway performer.
Sounds easy right?
Since then the ambitious Utican has been living in New York City in hot pursuit of his dream.
"I've been here nine years and I have busted my butt," he shared from his Brooklyn apartment.
The Life & Times of Utica tracked Kevin down during a break in his busy schedule.
"You know since I left Utica it has been non-stop. busy busy busy," he said.
Busy is an understatement. The young card carrying member of the Screen Actor's Guild has been one of the busiest stars you may or may not know.
"I have been on magazine covers, in movies, commercials and book covers. The result of over 20 years of hard work," Byrd said referring to his early start in show business with Utica's well known Showstoppers.
He was singled out early in life, his innate abilities to transform on stage recognized by older, seasoned professionals. Many of those professionals took an interest in his skills as a performer and the rest is history.
"I have always juggled school with acting. When I was young I traveled and performed all over New York State." He did not stop there. "I rode my bike in the rain to dance classes. I paid for my own acting classes. I really wanted this."
After graduation Byrd attended Long Island University while simultaneously promoting himself throughout NYC. Four years later he received his degree, and unencumbered by the demands of a college curriculum his career began to take off.
"I produced and wrote a short film titled 'The Last Days.' It is an educational film about prostate cancer," he said.
According to Byrd the fill has been seen by millions.
Another film, "Honor Deferred" was seen by millions and aired on the History Channel in 2006.
"That was a nice break. I was able to portray a hero, a guy who killed over 100 german soldiers in WWII," Byrd said referring to Lt. John R. Fox who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor five decades after his heroic acts.
Coincidentally the likeness of John R. Fox (Kevin Byrd) was made into a doll by the Hasbro company for their popular G.I. Joe brand.
Byrd is an affable, friendly person, almost to a fault. Recently he received a proclamation from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for his outstanding efforts in the arts and the community.
The 27-year-old is highly accessible and spends a lot of his time giving back.
"I just started a 501(c)3 non profit organization to help spread awareness about prostate cancer."
Brown Byrd's Prostate Cancer Awareness Foundation has been functioning for a while and Byrd hopes to expand its influence as much as possible.
Along with the non-profit, Byrd also attends local schools in and around NYC to talk with the youth.
In 2006 Byrd made the trip back to his hometown to receive a proclamation for Kevin Byrd Day in the City of Utica. He made multiple stops throughout the city giving a handful of interviews and stopping at his alma mater T. R. Proctor to give a short performance from his one man show.
"I had just developed my characters and it was fun to practice my craft for those students," he said.
Byrd's one man show started off Broadway.
But Byrd will tell you it started "off off off Broadway."
"It has been a ride. The show has been well received for the 18 months I've been doing it." He reminisced on the shows humble beginnings. "I started out performing in front of 20 people, 40 people, 100 people. Now we are doing off Broadway shows with several hundred to a thousand people in attendance."
The show is booked throughout the state and will be at the Stanley Performing Arts Center on June 21.
"I hope all the people back at home come out and support the show. I have a world class comedian Arty Fuqua and another homegrown talent, international soul artist Angela Johnson. This show will be great."
The blend of homegrown talent alone will make the show memorable but to have it in the historic theatre in one's hometown will be like a dream come true.
To learn more or view more pictures visit his Web site at:
Send us your community news, events, letters to the editor and other suggestions. Now, you can submit birth, wedding and engagement announcements online too!
