Interview With Greg Tarzan Davis

There’s something honourable about a man who practices what he preaches – whose words speak integrity and actions louder than words. Growing up in an immigrant community where school books were almost always second hand and tagged with all sorts of teenage rebellion –high school simply seemed to be a baby sitting ground.

Whilst our programs were barely made to succeed and students quickly found other pathways – I discovered books. Reading and writing were the only things that mattered and seemingly that’s all I knew. Not knowing that writing could even be an option, I spoke to my senior English teacher (whom introduced the worlds of Harper Lee, F. Scott Fitzgerald, George Orwell to just name a few) that I might what to become a teacher and do what he has done for me.

Taken a back – the man who taught me how to appreciate words replied “Why? Its better to pick up a trade”.

That moment stays with me and now after speaking with upcoming talent Greg Tarzan Davis whom has recently just swapped out his educator status for Hollywood I think “I wish I had a teacher like that”.

With two blockbuster films both starring alongside legendary action star Tom Cruise lined up, Greg Tarzan Davis is making waves in the industry and turning heads to the big screen.

Reigning from New Orleans, Davis credits his hometown upbringing and family for his enthusiasm for the arts and people. Being fascinated at young age by movies and productions – Davis grew up thinking about becoming an actor. However as it happens, we all get to an age where we stop believing in dreams and follow what’s right - and so like many that follow the norm he became a teacher instead.

Although he loved inspiring young minds and cultivating ambition into their schooling, it was only when Davis found himself a hypocrite where he made the bold decision to change careers and pursue the acting. A decision we as an audience are very much so grateful for.

With the much anticipated Mission: Impossible 7 and Top Gun: Maverick – there is already so much to look forward to from Greg Tarzan Davis and undoubtedly more to come.

Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. This whole Covid-19 season has been considerably uneasy however it seems that despite everything going on – you’ve been able to keep busy with some exciting projects. How have you been doing given the odd year that has just passed?

Covid-19 has really been tough for everyone around the world and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost loved ones including my family and friends. Everyone has had their individual experience with Covid and how it has affected them mentally and physically.

But for every downside, the ship has to turn right side up and I was fortunate enough to see that upside at the right time receiving the call for Mission: Impossible. I don’t take the opportunity of working for granted and I find I have been much more appreciative of things in life now. I believe that is a lesson everyone has learned during these times.

cardigan KNIG & TUCKFIELD, vest Stylist’s Own, chain Tarzan’s Own

Aside from being on movie sets and working through productions, how have you been keeping yourself creative?

I believe creativity is birthed from life and experiences. Because this movie has taken us to different places around the world, locations I had never been to, it has given me the opportunity to expand on previous experiences.

I’ve been doing a lot of journaling which has allowed me to take all of my escapades in these different cultures and languages and express them on the page. Feels as though I have lived several lives on this film with each location we have been to.

Prior to committing yourself to acting, you were an Elementary School teacher. Could you tell us about your experience and what was the decisive moment that led you to change careers?

Throughout my short teaching career, I had the privilege of teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, and had a great time. You never knew what the day would bring with those kids and their imagination.

I realized it was time to change careers after preaching to my students that they should follow their dreams no matter what. That’s when it clicked that I was being a hypocrite. I’ve always wanted to be an actor and yet, although I was doing something I was passionate about, it wasn’t my dream.

How do I have the right to tell someone to do something that I wasn’t doing myself, so I decided to just go for it.

Is there any advice that you would pass onto your students?

Whatever dream you have, go after it. You can accomplish anything you want to if you Don’t Get Tired.

I hope I have set the example of that being true.

Can you tell us about your first memory of theatre and film as well as which movie/ character had the biggest impact on your creative pursuit?

My mom took me to the movies all the time. That was our bonding thing, and after each film we would discuss what we loved about it. I remember her taking me to see the first X-Men movie and I couldn’t stop raving about it.

Ultimately Denzel or Will Smith were the first people I saw that made me say, I want to do what they do that’s cool.

You grew up in New Orleans, how do you think this has shaped your adulthood and do you think your upbringing has an influence on your career?

If you have ever been to New Orleans, you would leave there saying it is like no other place you have ever been and that is true because of the people that live out there. Being from New Orleans, I feel it has shaped a different mindset from the people I have encountered. Not to say one is better than the other, but it helps me stand out. Which I feel has also played a huge factor in the decisions I make regarding my career.

Is there anything about the film industry you would change? Why?

I LOVE THE CINEMA. That is what I grew up doing, it was a huge event for me every time I went. The streaming services are amazing because viewers have a wide range of options, and I wouldn’t want to take that away. But I would really like to make the cinema releases the first priority.

We’re all waiting to see how Top Gun: Maverick is going to continue on from the original, can you tell us a little more about the movie?

Top Gun: Maverick picks up 30 years later with Pete Maverick in a different space in his life. Which is why I think this movie (TG:M) is such a great sequel. People who were around to see the original Top Gun when it first hit theatres will resonate with the film because it’s as if they’ve been on this journey with a close friend (Pete Maverick) over 30 plus years. While the newer generations will be able to create that feeling our parents and grandparents had when they saw the first Top Gun.

Could you share some details on your character and how did you prepare yourself for the role?

My character’s name is Coyote and he is the underdog who feels he always has to prove himself despite being one of the best pilots to come out of Top Gun. Competition runs through his blood just like so many other Naval aviators, but it’s different for him.

Preparing for Coyote was easy because everything we did was practical. So I took my experiences with flight training and wanting to be the best out of the rest of the pilots and applied it to Coyote.

knitted polo KNIG & TUCKFIELD, trousers ALBAM, vest Stylist’s Own

We hear that you have joined forces with Tom Cruise once again filming the latest instalments of Mission: Impossible. Is there anything you can tell us about the project?

To be honest, if I could tell you, I would tell you, but I can’t tell you. Sorry it's company policy hahaha.

What can be said is, I am very proud to be a part of a project that managed to find a way to start production, creating jobs across the world and making a kick ass movie during a very difficult time.

Despite everything being somewhat chaotic, is there anything that you are going to take away from these past two years?

With all the loss that came with these two years and the lockdown, the one thing I will take away from this year is seizing the moment of the moment. For example: If you want to travel, book that ticket to go. If you miss someone, pick up the phone and call. If you want something, get up and get it. I’ve gained a greater appreciation of what life has to offer.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In 10 years I will have won an Oscar, have directed, produced my own projects, started my PYC organization and my P.I.E non profit organization.

I’ve basically just put down some of the stuff on my vision board and 10 years from now I’ll come back to this magazine to check and see if I accomplished this stuff. Wish me luck, hahahaha.

Watch the exclusive video featuring actor Greg Tarzan Davis

Words / QUADE AU

This PIBE online exclusive has been produced by:
Talent / Greg Tarzan Davis
Photography / Ellyse Anderson
Video / Jacob Schühle-Lewis
Styling / Toni Caroline
Grooming / Ella Carter-Allen

© PIBE MAGAZINE 2024

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