By Ava Collier 

Darrin Henson may be best known for his roles in Stomp the Yard as Grant, the lead “stepper” at a fictional historically black college and Lem in the Showtime hit series, Soul Food. If you’ve ever seen Stomp the Yard, then you know that Darrin is an incomparable dancer. It’s no wonder that he is also a much sought after choreographer who has worked with such artists as Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and Nsync. Darrin also taught Tom Cruise all his booty shaking, “dropping it like it was hot” moves from the 2010 MTV Movie awards’ opening. For five seasons, Darrin portrayed former street hustler, Lem Van Adams. A now reformed Lem often struggled to leave his past behind as he assumed the unfamiliar role as husband and father with a real 9-5 job. Joined by a cast of talented actors, Darrin says that he was doing what he loves. “I loved being on that showed. I loved acting and going to work everyday. The best thing about that show is that it was truthful.” He spoke about his character Lem in regards to the challenges that Lem faced and the questionable background that he came from. “I loved my character on the show. He was real and was a person who believed that you can come as you are but don’t stay as you are. We have to grow. I really loved that about Lem’s character. The character evolved.”

Darrin states that he was very blessed to be involved with the show and says he gives all thanks to God for allowing Executive Producer, Felicia D. Henderson for casting him in the role. Darrin also shared that his mentor and best friend, legendary football great, Jim Brown, appeared as a guest on Soul Food. “He did five episodes. It was one of his most loved shows. For me, to be on the show with Jim Brown, who is also a great humanitarian and then to later portray Jim Brown in the movie The Express…It was a blessing.” Although Soul Food was canceled after five seasons, Darrin said that he would love to see people lobby to have Soul Food back as a series again. “They did it for the Game so I think they could do it for Soul Food. Whether or not they do, remains to be seen. In order for that to happen, there has to be an awareness, talking about it, making it a conversation on the internet and a general interest.”

Darrin was here in Atlanta attending the Gospel Fest when I caught up with him. He shared with me the reason he was here and what other projects he’s working on. “I’m here at the 2010 Gospel Fest to teach a Praise and Worship dance class. The dance class is done to praise and worship music. The hip hop dance style is still used but more with praise and worship movement involved.” Darrin was also doing meet and greets, signing autographs and taking lots of pictures! I was very pleased to know that Darrin has a number of films in the works. He is just as good looking in person as he is on the screen. His spirit is humble yet confident and his smile is absolutely beautiful! Oh, okay, back to the interview! Sorry, I just had a moment... He shared some information about his upcoming films. “I have a number of things coming out. I have a film called Tekken, another film called After and another one called The Inheritance, all feature films that will be in theaters. The trailers can be seen on my website at www.darrinhenson.com.” When I asked him about where he is in his life right now, he shared this, “Life is good. It’s what you make it and what you think of it to be. I’m having a great time doing what I’m doing. For inspiring actors, I would offer to you to study your craft. It’s about intention. It’s important to know your characters.”