Rising Stars: Meet Donnell Clayton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnell Clayton. 

Hi Donnell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Donnell J Clayton I was born and raised on the west side of Detroit. I’m a Detroit firefighter, actor, model, and author. I studied business at Clark Atlanta University (2010-2013), moved back to Detroit in 2014 to work construction with my father, and joined the Detroit fire department in 2017. Along the way, I took an interest in acting and modeling and it’s become another career path for me. I’ve been featured in BLAC magazine and I’ve been a part of acting projects with VH1 and Starz to name a couple. I’m a single father of a 4-year-old girl and we have a book coming out October 14th “Fire safety with Firefighter Clayton and Lola”, the book focuses on explaining to young children and their parents how to prevent fires and what to do if there is a fire. Since I’ve been with the city of Detroit, I’ve seen my share of child-related tragedy that could have been avoided with just a little awareness, The book norm only covers fire safety but home safety for kids in general focusing on gun safety, and things to be mindful of in the backyard that could be dangerous. For me, the city of Detroit is home and family so no matter if I’m at work as a firefighter or in front of the camera as an actor I take pride in representing the city to the best of my abilities. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road has ever been smooth for me but I’ve become quite good at finding my silver linings where there may be dark clouds. I struggled with finding my niche for years until I stopped into the fire department and found acting. Both allow me to fulfill two basic needs I have as a person. Firefighting helps be fulfill my need to be of service to others and acting helps me fulfill my need to entertain others by making them feel something no matter if it’s laughter, joy, or simply giving someone something to think about through a performance. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Detroit Firefighter- I persevere property and ensure the well-being of the citizens of Detroit is my number one priority. 

Actor – I make people feel things through artistic expression and I act as a piece of a puzzle that brings a script to life. 

I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to find balance in my life and between my two career choices. 

The thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to remain in the moment while navigating two separate worlds. 

What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is being able to look yourself in the mirror in the morning and at night, With the same sense of pride everyday, knowing you’ve done your best to give more than you received and you left a trail of positive while doing so. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Donnelljclayton
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirDJ21
• Twitter: @Donnelljclayton