Dorian Missick stars in Netflix’s highly-anticipated drama “Shirley” opposite Regina King, Lance Reddick, and Terrence Howard, releasing March 22nd. Directed by Oscar-winner John Ridley, “Shirley” tells the story of the first Black congresswoman, political icon Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president. It chronicles her audacious boundary-breaking 1972 presidential campaign. Missick plays the pivotal “Ron Dellums,” the congressman from California and one of the founding members of The Congressional Black Caucus who worked alongside Shirley Chisholm. Ron Dellums played an integral role in the rise and downfall of Chisholm’s presidential candidacy.

Missick first gained recognition when he starred in the critically acclaimed TNT series “Southland” opposite Emmy winner Regina King. He then stayed in the John Wells family and had a heavily recurring role in the TNT series, “Animal Kingdom.” Recently, he garnered critical acclaim in his starring role in ABC’s crime drama/thriller “For Life” which was based on the true story of Isaac Wright Jr. He also recently starred in Amazon Studio’s award nominated drama “The Burial” opposite Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones. The film, directed by Maggie Betts, premiered to rave reviews.

His film work includes “Brian Banks” with Greg Kinnear and Aldis Hodge, the SXSW independent “Jinn,” “Sony’s: Annie,” “Screen Gem’s: “Deliver Us From Evil,” and “Big Worlds” (Slamdance 2014), which was distributed by Ava Duvernay's Array films, in which he played the title character. Past films include “Two Weeks Notice” with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, “Lucky Number Slevin,” with Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley, “The Manchurian Candidate” with Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.

Tell us about your experience working on Netflx “Shirley” and your role as Ron Dellums?
Working on that film was exactly the kind of creative experience an artist looks for. A great role in an impactful script, a director with a clear vision, and in the opposite role a powerhouse star like Regina King. The odds are in your favor that you are going to make something great. Tackling a role like Ron Dellums was a welcome challenge. He was a dynamic speaker, with an extensive political mind, and a stylish dresser. His arc throughout the film was a surprise and a bit tough to justify at first glance. Overall, I was really happy with how he fit into the story. I think we were able to pull the curtain back a bit on Ron and Shirley's friendship.

Given that this film centers around the history of Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign, how does your process change when playing a character inspired by real events compared to a fictional role, and do you feel a greater responsibility in portraying real-life figures?
The process of developing the character is largely the same. You depend heavily on the script and the story that you're tasked with telling. However, with Ron I had the benefit of having tons of footage of his speeches and interviews as well as his book Lying Down with Lions as supplemental material with which to build with. There is definitely an added pressure to "get it right" when playing actual people, especially a public figure like Ron. With public figures, it gets tough because they mean different things to different people. Those who love his public persona want to see that aspect of him in the film, and those who know him personally want to see that side of him in the story. I would like to think we found that balance here.

In what ways do you think the narrative of the film is relevant to contemporary audiences?
I think this film really gives the audience an up-close view of the political process and the wheeling and dealing that happens in order to get anything done. The system is still the same. As a contemporary audience, my hope is that the takeaway is the understanding of just how influential local politics is on a national scale. If you can pressure your local congressman, who is forced to take your issues to a national stage, you will begin to see real change in your community. Too often we as voters only show up for the presidential elections and ignore our local elections.

Also the story of a Black woman who had the guts and audacity to run for president in the 70s can serve as an inspirational story for all of us, especially those of us in marginalized underrepresented communities.

Having worked with Regina King in the past on “Southland,” what was it like reuniting with her for “Shirley?”
Regina and I have remained great friends ever since we did “Southland.” That was a special experience and I have remained friends with a few of my castmates, but she and I are definitely the closest. The relationship between Ron and Shirley is sort of the reverse of mine and Regina's. Where Ron was the more seasoned mentor to Shirley, Regina has certainly been that for me. I cherish our friendship. As an actor, you do projects and make friends along the way, but she is much more like a big sis to me. We have been there for each other through some real-life moments. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

**Left:**
Jacket / Shirt by Hiromi Asai
**Right:**
Suit by Grayscale
Shoes by Converse

Can you share any memorable moments you encountered while working on “Shirley” that had a significant impact on your overall experience?
A big gift that this movie gave me was the opportunity to work with Lance Reddick, a giant among men. I had the pleasure of talking to him a few times before we ended up on this project together and I was looking forward to sharing the screen with him one day. Getting to know him was a real pleasure. He is missed dearly.

With a filmography that includes a variety of genres from crime dramas to independent films, how do you choose your roles and what elements in a script attract you to a particular project?
I've heard someone say that we don't choose the roles, but rather the roles choose us. I believe that. Looking back on the work I've done, I can see why I needed to do every project at the time. But the elements that attract me to projects are the writing, how the character factors into the narrative, and if I feel like the role will challenge me. Usually, if I read something and feel like I have no idea how I would approach the role, it's a good sign that I need to do it.

Having worked with a diverse range of talented actors throughout your career, is there any actor or actress who has significantly influenced your approach to acting or served as a mentor?
I remain curious and I truly believe there's something to learn from everyone with whom I work. The goal is to surround myself with artists whom I admire. You can learn so much more just from observing someone at work. My first significant role was in a film "Two Weeks Notice," where I worked closely with Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock. Hugh's comic timing and relaxed approach to the material has always stuck with me. Her graciousness as a leader was the best example I could have. I've gone on to learn from working with Regina, Jamie Foxx, Jeffrey Wright, Jonathan Demme, Josh Charles, and of course Denzel Washington. Admittedly, whenever I am around Denzel I tend to ask a lot of questions. That brother is like a life coach! He has quips, sayings, and Bible verses for every situation, lol.

Looking ahead, are there specific goals or types of roles you aspire to take on?
Right now, I've been wearing my producer hat more. I'm developing a project at A+E Studios that includes a podcast, a documentary, and an album. That has been a learning experience and I have enjoyed the challenge of creating from that space and working with the team I have there. As far as roles are concerned, it’s always been a dream to tackle the life of Richard Pryor. I would also love to further explore Vic Vance, a character I played in the video game “Vice City Stories” in a live-action narrative either a movie or a series. That would be fun.

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Aaron Jay Young
Talent: Dorian Missick
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Groomer: Brittany Thomas
Barber: Gina Grogan
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ethan Engh, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine