Karon Joseph Riley: The Multifaceted Journey From NFL Star to Silver Screen Stardom, A Hollywood Icon! 

Interview by Gina Sedman | The Indie Post Magazine Head Editor 

Karon Joseph Riley, a proud Detroit native, has always been destined for greatness, a sentiment his mother instilled in him from a young age. His passion for performance ignited in the first grade when he took the stage as Puss in Boots. This early experience in theater sparked a lifelong love for acting. 

Alongside his artistic aspirations, Karon showcased exceptional athletic ability, becoming a star player on the football field. He achieved All-American status and made history as the All-Time Sack leader at the University of Minnesota. 

Following a successful college career, Karon was drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears, spending seven thrilling years in the NFL, CFL, and AFL. Despite his success on the field, Karon had a promise to fulfill: to pursue his dreams in Hollywood. With unwavering determination and the work ethic instilled in him by his mother, he courageously dove into acting classes during his off-seasons in Los Angeles, inspiring many with his transition from one field to another. 

After retiring from professional football, Karon became a leading man, landing his first speaking role in the romantic comedy 35 and Ticking, which starred Kevin Hart and Meagan Good. This success paved the way for numerous appearances on popular shows like Single Ladies and Necessary Roughness. In 2015, he achieved one of his childhood dreams by portraying the legendary Muhammad Ali in the independent film The Last Punch alongside acclaimed actors Keith David and Ron Rico. Karon quickly became synonymous with holiday entertainment, starring alongside Malinda Williams and Greg Alan Williams in the beloved Christmas movie franchise Marry Me for Christmas. 

His involvement in this series led to several sequels, including Marry Us for Christmas, Marry Christmas Baby, Baby's First Christmas, and Chandler's Christmas Getaway. His holiday charm extended to the TVONE franchise Coins for Christmas, featuring Essence Atkins, and a supporting role in the BET film A Christmas Blessing. 

Riding on his growing momentum, Karon took on a significant role in Will Packer's film Little, featuring Issa Rae and Regina Hall. This exposure opened the door to two series regular roles in hit shows: Ambitions, alongside Brian J. White and Robin Givens, and Saints and Sinners, with Clifton Powell and Vanessa Bell Calloway. 

Beyond his acting career, Karon is a dedicated father to three wonderful children—Daylen, Kal’El, and Lola—with his incredible wife, actress Terri J. Vaughn. His commitment to family life, his book, and his production company, Dedicated Prophecy, inspire many aspiring actors and writers. 

With a blend of talent, charisma, and an unyielding work ethic, Karon Joseph Riley is well-positioned to make his mark in the entertainment industry. Hollywood and the world will undoubtedly recognize this rising star as he carves his path. I spoke with this multifaceted powerhouse about his career, and here's what he shared with me. 

Hi Karon, how are you today? I'm doing great. 

Wonderful. Thank you so much for your time. It's truly an honor to be speaking with you today. Thank you so much. The honor is all mine. Thanks for having me. 

Well, welcome to the UK! I've got to get over there again soon. 

Absolutely! It's stunning here. Karon, your career is truly remarkable. There's so much to explore, so I'll be mindful of your time as we dive into various topics. We can't cover everything, but let's aim to touch on as much as possible. To kick things off, I'd love to get a bit of background since many are already familiar with your incredible journey. Before we delve into the core of your career, I'd like to ask a few questions to uncover aspects of your daily life and share insights that might not be widely known.  All right. 

Fantastic! Let's dive right in. On August 23rd, a remarkable young man entered the world, destined to become a trailblazer—a true role model and an incredible father and husband. Interestingly, on that very day, Kobe Bryant was also born, and "Saturday Night Fever" topped the charts. It's truly a privilege to have you here today, Mr. Karon Joseph Riley. Thank you for being with us. Oh wow, you actually found out that Kobe and I share the same birthday. Wow! You're the first person who's figured that out. Yeah, I consider Kobe to be a cosmic twin. We thought a lot alike and had similar worldviews. Hearing him talk and watching him play, I felt like I really understood him. I think it would've been like looking in a mirror if we had ever met. 

Yes, absolutely. And here's another fun fact you might not know: your wife's birthday is on October 16th, and mine is on October 17th. Isn't that interesting? Look at that! And all I have are Libras and Aries in my life. That's crazy! 

It's amazing how many people unknowingly share common experiences or connections. I think it's lovely. Well, Karon, we're off to a great start here. But there's one more thing I want to ask before we dive in: I'd love to know what amazing thing God has done for you today that you'd like to share. I woke up, and I'm here. I got another day. I start with the very basics. Every day, when I open my eyes and am still in this dimension, I'm excited and grateful. 

Absolutely, I couldn't agree more! It's truly amazing to take a moment to appreciate God's goodness in our lives, especially when it comes to being grateful for the essentials. If we lost everything today, the simple things like eating, breathing, and living would become our main focus of gratitude. We can live without material possessions, but the basics are essential for survival. 

Thank you for that beautiful reminder to cherish the everyday gifts God lovingly provides us, especially the gift of life itself. That's truly wonderful. By the way, may I ask where you're originally from and where you currently call home? I was born and raised on the west side of Detroit, MI, but my ancestry traces back to Sierra Leone and Liberia. So, when people ask where I'm from, that's what I tell them. It's important to mention both my Detroit roots and my African heritage. 

That's fantastic! It's incredible to explore our heritage, especially as Black Americans, since many of us face uncertainty about our origins. Discovering our roots can be such a liberating experience. Yeah, I think it's necessary for all of us. If we all did that, we'd find new strength and renewed purpose. 

Absolutely! I recently discovered that I'm 56% Nigerian; it was an incredible revelation. It felt like I'd finally found a piece of the puzzle I'd been searching for my whole life. It's like being adopted and finally learning about your biological roots. While I've lived my life just fine, uncovering my heritage gave me a deep sense of joy and understanding about where I come from. Yep, those cheekbones come from somewhere! 

Exactly! So, Karon, how do you prioritize what's most important in your life? Well, I prioritize what makes me feel good. I've been moving into a space where what's best for me is ultimately best for everyone around me. For example, I make sure I get my workout in every day. There are a few staples I focus on, and among those is to be the best husband, father, actor, son, and friend I can be.  

The other is prioritizing myself first to ensure I'm available for everyone else. After that, my kids come first because they're an extension of me through my DNA, blood, and spirit. Then comes my wife and the rest of my immediate family. After them, it's my career and the work I must do. That's the order I follow. 

Thank you, Karon, for sharing that. What would you say is your daily routine? How do you structure your day? First and foremost, I'm up early. My son is a basketball player, so we head to the gym together. After that, I get the kids off to school. My schedule can vary; for example, I had a fitting today.  

So, I took care of the kids, got them to school, and then I started my day. Once that's done, I arrange my script based on the episodes I'll be taping, put my scenes in order, and start studying in an organized way. I mailed off a couple of books today, too. I'm an author now, and I wrote my first book, so I get orders to ship out. I'm also working on a new "Keep Pedaling" jacket design. I make a new one every year. 

Wow! I love it! You're a true entrepreneur and creative person. Thank you, Gina. I tell people it's all about being creative. Acting extends my creativity, and everything I do feeds the same spirit. I can't act every day, but I can express my creativity in other ways. For me, it's about moving forward creatively every day. Whether I have an audition or need to write, I get it done. Sometimes it's doing interviews with talented journalists like yourself. It's all part of the flow. 

But I've learned not to force things. I used to be guilty of trying to control everything, but I had to learn to stop squeezing the soap. Now, I go with the flow and do what life requires. The best advice I can give any actor is to live a full life. 

Incredible! Karon, your advice to "live a full life" is truly inspiring. Thank you for giving our readers a glimpse into your daily routine. Life can be challenging, much like our everyday experiences. I'm curious—what's something that hasn't been created yet that you believe would make your work significantly easier? I think we're getting closer to it, but I'd love to have an AI version of myself that can do everything I do. That way, I could focus on what I need to do while AI handles the rest. For example, if my daughter gets home from the bus stop and my wife can't make it, I could send the AI robot to pick her up while I continue working. 

That's hilarious, Karon! Would it also be able to mow the lawn and do all the other household chores? Yes! I'd let the AI robot handle everything that has zero to do with creativity and fun. 

Awesome! Love it. And as you said, we're not far off from that. In fact, it's already here. Love it! So, Karon, what did your parents do or say to you somewhere in your formative journey that positively impacted you and that you still carry with you today? My parents taught me self-love. My mother poured so much love, positive affirmation, and prophecy into my spirit throughout my life, and I truly believe that's the greatest gift I ever received from her and my parents. They let me be free, and they let me be me. They never made me feel bad about anything about myself. Instead, they made me feel good about the things that made me different and unique. I was never made to feel bad; I was empowered by my uniqueness. I'm thankful for that because it's the reason I move the way I do today. 

Awesome. So, would you say that's something, as a father, you'd like your children to carry into their adulthood as well? Absolutely. I tell my daughter, my son, and all my kids, "Look, love yourself more than you love anything on this planet, including me. If you love yourself more than anything, you'll be fine." You're still going to face challenges because that's part of the journey, but if you have real self-love and self-preservation, that will keep you away from a lot of the negative things the world can pull you into. 

I truly appreciate your openness in sharing your core beliefs with me. Karon, you've achieved so much in your life, and I often advise people to seize the moment and act now rather than saying, 'One of these days, I'll do this or that.' Every day is an opportunity to tick something off your bucket list. This is why I always encourage people who talk about their dreams for the future to take action today because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. So, what would you say is still on your list, and how are you getting ready to turn it into reality? Wow, that's a good question because there's so much. But what is my next move within the next three to six months? I'm already preparing for that and working on it right now.  

And there's so much more I want to do beyond that. Preparing for what I want to accomplish in the next three to six months will set me up for everything I want to do down the line. There's an order to everything for me. I could give you a list of a million things, but it's really about the sequence—a few key things need to happen in order for everything else to fall into place. I believe I'm living in the moment every day, but I also recognize that what happens in the next three to six months will set up the next three to six years. And those years will set up the next 10, 15, or 20 years. So, I'm just staying in the flow of that. 

It's truly inspiring to see you in action, Karon. In this world, some individuals are born with a vision, while others play a crucial role in bringing those visions to life. If everyone were a leader, there would be no one left to construct and create. That's why we have builders who chart the course and those who facilitate the execution of established plans. Think of it like filmmaking: just as a movie requires not only lead and supporting actors but also extras to create a complete and captivating story, we all have a unique role to play. Each of us has been given the opportunity to be a blessing to others in our own special way. Absolutely. Making a beautiful movie involves much more than just the actors on screen. Some of the most important people behind a film are the ones you never see or hear of, like the grips, makeup artists, wardrobe crew, and countless others. They're the backbone of the production, often more important than the actors themselves. Trust me on that.  

You could cast any actor with a decent look and good memory in a scene from "Game of Thrones," they'd probably do fine. But have you seen those sets? Do you see the incredible work those talented behind-the-scenes artists create for the actors to step into? That's what makes the magic happen. I always tell people I'm just a tiny part of what makes the whole thing work, and I'm grateful to be part of the machine that brings a movie or TV show together. Witnessing so many people collaborate to create something special is truly amazing.  

If our community could learn to come together like that, as a culture, we could change the movie that's currently playing out in the world. 

Absolutely. Those words hold so much wisdom. Karon, if you think of the world as a film set, countless individuals play crucial roles but remain in the background—like our grandmothers. They've quietly made an incredible impact, saving and nurturing those in need within our communities. Their contributions, though often overlooked, are truly remarkable. Yep, they're some of the most amazing people. 

Now, here's a light-hearted question for you: what's one of your favorite meals? And do you enjoy cooking? If so, what dish do you love to make? Well, as for my favorite meal, I'd have to say I love a good hamburger with a baked potato and some vegetables. And when it comes to cooking, I love making breakfast. I'm passionate about it! In fact, I'd love to open a breakfast restaurant someday. It's one of those goals I have, but I've got to finish the projects I'm working on now before that happens. But yeah, that's the type of food I enjoy. 

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more—breakfast foods are the best. Thank you for sharing that! Now, Karon, here's another fun question: what's a song you love that might surprise your friends? You know, the kind of song they wouldn't expect you to enjoy, but you just can't help but love it. Growing up in the '70s, I remember hearing some unique tunes, and even some '80s hits still resonate with me. It's amazing how certain music sticks with you! I'm one of those old-school guys when it comes to my jukebox. I love Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." I was just playing it the other day on repeat just to get into that feeling of the whole build-up. Do you know the story behind that song? It's a true story. 

Really? I didn't know that. Yes. It's about a guy who witnessed someone's (SA) and could have saved their life, but he didn't. 

Oh, man! That's wild! Wow, that's deep. Yeah, it's a heavy song. It's a really deep one. 

Absolutely! It's funny you mentioned that because it's also one of my all-time favorites. It's iconic. Yeah, and you know what made it iconic? That scene from "Miami Vice." Remember when they played "In the Air Tonight" during the scene with James ("Sonny"), Crockett (Don Johnson), and Ricardo ("Rico") Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) driving that black Ferrari, about to handle some real business? And that song was playing? Oh, man! 

Oh yeah, I love the build-up, and that beat when it finally kicks in! There were so many good songs in the '80s. People might laugh at that era, but it wasn't all bad. (laughs) Oh, I could talk about that all day, but "In the Air Tonight" is definitely one of the ones I love. 

Love it! It's so fun going down memory lane. Awesome. Now, if you could do a direct remix of one of your favorite old-school films, which one would it be? If you could produce or remake it for today's audience, what would you bring back to cinema for the younger generation? I'd have to say that I am a big fan of the movies from the '90s that we, as Black independent artists, created. That whole era covers so much ground. I would love to redo any of those films. I'd love to remake "Boomerang" or maybe "Love Jones" - even with Larenz Tate and the others, perhaps down the road. We had so many classics during that time. For whatever reason, we were on fire then. So, really, I'd be cool with redoing anything from that era. 

I'd love to remake a few Sylvester Stallone films. For example, I'd really want to redo "Cliffhanger." It would be something totally different because you don't usually see Black people in movies climbing mountains or doing crazy stuff like that. I want to make movies where we're doing things you don't usually see us do. 

If you could play a character from a 1970s movie, who would it be and why? I would love to play Tony Montana from "Scarface." I mean, who wouldn't want to play Scarface?    

What is it that gravitates you to that character? It's just the commitment he has to his dream. He's so dedicated that he will do whatever it takes to achieve it. It must be fun to portray a reckless character who lives life with that kind of intensity—someone who thinks, "I've got to get it done, no matter the cost."  

Now, what did you love about old-school parenting but hate about it today? What would you wish to get rid of? I think they've already started to get rid of it, and that's spanking. We have never spanked our kids.   

As an adult, I actually appreciated being spanked when I was younger. But now, as a parent, I can see where that behavior comes from and why we emulate it. When I dug deeper, I realized that it's just not the way to raise our kids anymore.   

As a young man who was passionate about life, I was fortunate to have gotten spanked a couple of times. It reminded me that there are consequences to everything. Depending on how strong your personality is, one or two spankings can be effective. Especially if you have a strong-willed personality like I did. I appreciated mine, but I've learned that it's not necessary with kids.  

I hear you on that! I got spanked myself, so I know what you're talking about. For me, it didn't take much because I hated spankings, so I tried to do whatever I needed to do to avoid getting another one. (Laughs) Thanks for sharing that, Karon! Have you ever revisited any films you've acted in or watched and noticed details that might have slipped past the audience? Perhaps there was something on set that was overlooked in the next shot, or maybe you spotted an element in a scene that just didn't quite fit. Have you experienced that? Well, there are a lot of people on set ensuring that kind of thing doesn't happen. Your script supervisor is one of the people who's supposed to watch everything in the scene. If you have your hat a certain way in the first take, you have to wear it that same way every time, or the continuity will be off.   

As an actor, I watch everything differently than most people. For the things I've shot, I rarely see discrepancies when I go back and watch them again. Honestly, I don't even watch much of the stuff I've done after it's finished; I keep it moving.    

Every once in a while, though, you'll remember some of the sets that were off during shooting and think, "I remember that wasn't supposed to be there." It also depends on the different takes. A lot of times, something might have been off on one take, but someone caught it on the next take, and they didn't use that one in the final cut. Most scenes have 30 to 40 takes from different angles from which to choose.  

It's always fun to catch those details on a bigger screen. I remember in the second-to-last season of “Game of Thrones’, there was a Starbucks cup in the background. One of the crew members had placed it down, and they didn't catch it before it aired on HBO. In the middle of the *Game of Thrones* world, I thought, "I didn't know they had Starbucks in this game!" It was hilarious and became a fan favorite.    

As a filmmaker, I'll sometimes purposely throw Easter eggs into scenes. I like to see if true fans will catch them. After you watch the movie five times, you might think, "Wait a minute, what's that?"   

Yes, that's hilarious!  Yeah, because the rule of thumb for film is that if the camera sees it, it somehow has to be part of the story. Nothing the camera sees should ever be purposeless. That's why it's always fun.  

Absolutely! I'm thrilled about that! From now on, I'll be looking for those oddly placed elements in movies just for sheer enjoyment. After hearing that, I doubt I'll ever watch films the same way again. (Laughs) It's fantastic! Thank you, Karon. Now, let's shift gears and discuss your journey in sports. I must confess that I'm not really into sports, though I greatly appreciate the dedication and effort involved.  

My passion lies in music. However, exploring this topic is crucial because you've accomplished remarkable things. So, let's dive in! Can you share how the lessons you learned from football have influenced your transition into acting? The biggest lesson I learned is from my older brother, Jomo. He said something that made it all make sense: making it to the NFL is the 1%. It's not an easy thing to do. When I transitioned into acting, my brother told me something powerful that I've lived by: "You made it to the 1% once, so the second, third, and fourth times are muscle memory." That's what sports and football taught me for the rest of my life. If you've done something amazing once, twice, three times, then the fourth time is just a matter of muscle memory. There's no need for doubt anymore; you can do it. Just follow the same plan, work hard, and believe without a doubt, and one day, you'll wake up and be exactly who you said you would be.   

Awesome, and congratulations on all your accomplishments again! Speaking of making it in the 1%, as a former gridiron football defensive lineman in the NFL, CFL, and AFL, who was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2001 NFL Draft and played college football for the SMU Mustangs and Minnesota Golden Gophers, when did you start thinking about transitioning into Hollywood? I wanted to be an actor in first grade before I even wanted to play sports. I played "Puss in Boots" in a first-grade play. I remember my line: "Not I," said the cat. My mother, grandmother, aunts, and everyone went to see the play, and they went crazy! They screamed so loudly that, at that moment, I knew I would be performing forever.   

After that, football and sports took over due to my athleticism. That became my focus as a young Black boy growing up in Detroit. In Detroit, you generally either play sports or rap. I couldn't rap, so that wasn't happening. I wasn't a musician like you, so I focused on sports until it was time to move on to acting. I knew football wasn't something I could do forever, so I made an agreement with myself: I would play as long as it was easy and viable.   

I wasn't about to be one of those guys traveling around the country playing football, trying to get a job. I didn't care that much about the game; I just loved being good at something. Sports were just a placeholder for what I truly wanted to do, which was to become an actor, a performer, and a true artist.   

Absolutely! Life is fundamentally a journey. It's crucial not to limit yourself to a single path. We all have multiple purposes during our time here, and I encourage everyone to explore as many of them as possible, no matter what.   

Now, Karon, when you pursued acting in the offseason, how did you juggle both football and acting? It was actually quite easy. Once the football season ended—especially if your team didn't make the playoffs—you typically had a six-month offseason starting in January. During that time, I would fly to LA to visit my older brother, who was living there at the time. I would spend a couple of months hanging out with him and just enjoying life.   

He was the CEO of his own record label, so it was exciting to be around him. I would stay with him, take some acting classes, and do all my workouts to stay in shape. Just like anyone with a job, I took care of my responsibilities, and in the meantime, I studied acting, hung out, and enjoyed life as a twenty-something-year-old. That's what I did.   

And being so young, you've got a great head on your shoulders and seem like a very focused young man. Karon, your first speaking role was in Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns," and your first movie role was "35 and Ticking". Let's talk about it.  

Yes. My first movie was "35 and Ticking" with Kevin Hart and Meagan Good. Both were incredible experiences. Being in Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns" was an amazing first experience, especially since it was my first speaking role, and I was in a scene with my wife.  

She's a comedic powerhouse, a sitcom queen, and just a beast in the industry. This was my first speaking role in my entire life, and to add to that, Kim Fields was directing me. I'll be honest with you; I was so nervous! 

I walked out there and said my line, "Excuse me, I have a liver for you." It was bad! Actually, it wasn't terrible, but at that moment, I thought it was. My wife gave me a look, like, "That was awful." Then I heard Kim from behind the camera say, "That was brilliant! Let's go again." I was like, "OK, let's go again." The second and third takes were much better.  

But yeah, that first take—man, I was scared. This is why I always shout out to Kim Fields for being such a positive voice in my life. If she had kept it 100% real and told me how bad it really was, I might've quit acting right then and there. But instead, she spoke life into me, giving me the confidence to keep going. Shortly after, I booked "35 and Ticking", which was another huge moment for me, especially standing in front of Meagan Good.  

"35 and Ticking" had some powerhouse talent—Meagan Good, Nicole Ari Parker, Keith Washington, Tamala Jones, and Kevin Hart. At that time, Kevin Hart wasn't even "Kevin Hart" yet. This was the last independent movie he did before blowing up. If I remember correctly, Meagan Good was even a bigger star than Kevin at that point.   

Russ Parr directed the movie, and it was an amazing collaboration for my first film. Kevin was, well, Kevin—amazing. And Meagan Good—I consider her this generation's Dorothy Dandridge. She has timeless beauty and talent. Being on set with these people confirmed that I was on the right path. Those first two projects were pivotal in my career.  

That's awesome. OK, let's talk about you playing Muhammad Ali in “The Last Punch”. Incredible! Oh, "The Last Punch"! My favorite! It was tough, but I'll tell you the story behind it. This happened during my eighth year as an actor, and I was starting to know people in town and feeling pretty good about things. So, the movie came about, and I auditioned for the role of Howard Bingham, the reporter who interviewed Ali during that time. The audition was in Atlanta. I showed up for the table read, they checked me in, I auditioned, and I got the role.  

Then, much to my surprise, they said, "Karon, you're going to read for Ali because the guy who's playing him is still in L.A., negotiating his contract." I thought, "Oh, I'm reading Ali's parts? Alright then, let's do this!"   

I had always wanted to play Ali since I was a little boy, so I already had his voice, mannerisms, and style down. When it came time for my parts, I went right into "my Ali." I did it so much back then that I can't even do it anymore! At the table read, I was sitting way in the back with the less important characters while the main characters sat at the table.  

As I was reading Ali's lines, I could see the producers at the front of the room, kind of glancing around, probably wondering, "Who's doing that?" After the table read, the casting director, George Pierre (shoutout to him), pulled me aside and said, "Yo, man, the director wants to talk to you."  

I went to talk to Jesse Vaughan, the director (shoutout to Jesse, too). He's an amazing director and an Emmy Award winner, so it was a privilege to work with him. He's also become a good friend. Jesse pulled me aside and asked, "How tall are you?" I said, "Six-foot-three, the same height as Muhammad Ali." Then he asked, "How much do you weigh?" I told him, "About 218 pounds right now."   

He said, "OK," and that was it. Later, George called me and said, "I can't say anything yet, but I think they're about to make you Ali, bro! You killed it, and they just need to work out the contract with the other guy." The producers and everyone were on board, and it was just a matter of time.  

Playing that role was the most incredible honor I've had as an actor. To embody the spirit of the great Muhammad Ali—it changed me. It made me a better man. I went so deep into who he was, studying every bit of tape and film. It took me a year to stop talking like Ali after we finished! This is because playing Ali got attached to my emotions. It was life changing. 

Sometimes, I'd be in the kitchen, and the kids would do something that made me start fussing—kind of like Ali. Back then, the kids were small. My son, Kal'El, who's 16 now, was little, and I think Lola was still a baby.  

I remember talking "like Ali," and the kids just stared at me, looking puzzled. My wife, Terri, was like, "Yo, you're doing it again." And I was like, "Oh snap!" because I had stopped noticing when I'd slip into it. Speaking that way had become so natural. Now I understand why Daniel Day-Lewis retired—he would go so deep into his characters. Man, I can only imagine what he experienced!  

I believe it becomes a spiritual thing. You tap into their energy, and you can truly embody them.  

Here's another story. Miss Dorothea Mohammed, one of the executive producers of *The Last Punch* (shoutout to Miss Dorothea!), was on set one day. During the entire time I played Ali, I never broke character. I stayed locked in. The cadence, the way he spoke—it became more natural the longer I stayed in that rhythm. Breaking out of it would've been harder.  

You might notice when watching a movie that sometimes an actor playing a character with a particular accent will slip in and out of it. If it's not their native language, that inconsistency shows. This happens because they're not always staying in character, which you're supposed to do. Your accent and tone are tied to your emotions. If you're imitating an accent or tone well, it becomes connected to your emotions the way your own voice would. And that's when you really start to mold into the character.   

One day, I gave Miss Dorothea Mohammed a hug, and she shivered and said, "You feel just like him." At the time, the champ was still alive, and he had given his blessing to the movie. I was supposed to meet him, but then he got sick and passed a couple of years later. He did see the movie, though, and said I did a great job.  

Carrying Ali's essence like I did was an honor and a privilege. Based on what I've listened to, studied, and learned from all the stories the producers shared about him, I now understand Ali, the man, on a deeper level than most people. In fact, one of the producers knew Ali personally, and they were friends. Between their stories and all my studying of him throughout my life—he's always been my hero—I felt like I truly understood him.  

Even before I played him in the movie, Ali was one of the men I looked up to and tried to emulate in my own life. I carry myself like Ali in real life, and during that time, I truly felt like I was that guy.  

I was kind of a showman, even when it wasn't really about the show. If I'd had social media and all the tools' kids have today when I was in college, I probably wouldn't have gone to the NFL. I would've made enough money in college and gone straight into acting. Playing Ali was definitely an honor. 

I'm so happy to see all the wonderful blessings that have come your way. That role was truly meant for you at that time and in that season. What an honor it must have been to play the legendary Muhammad Ali, and you portrayed him with such conviction and accuracy! Well done, and congratulations again on another amazing victory in your career.  

Among your many achievements, you've also starred in several Christmas films, including "A Christmas Blessing," "Marry Me for Christmas," "Marry Us for Christmas," "A Baby for Christmas," "Merry Christmas, Baby," "Chandler Christmas Getaway," and "Coins for Christmas."  

Karon, I have to say, I absolutely love Christmas! It's my favorite holiday—not only because I love reflecting on and celebrating my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but also because it was my dad's favorite holiday. He was truly "Mr. Christmas," and I lost him to cancer some years ago. Every Christmas, I am filled with happy memories of my amazing daddy. Your Christmas movies always bring those memories back for me. Since I just shared my love for Christmas, I’d be honored if you could share what you enjoyed most about working on those projects. Well, it was definitely another blessing early on in my career, just by the caliber of talent I got to work with. I had the chance to work alongside actors like Victoria Rowell, Chris Stiles, Melinda Williams, and so many other wonderful, talented people.  

Jason Weaver was also in the first movie with us. At that time, I was still cutting my teeth in the acting world, but I was getting to work with people who had been in the game for a long time. This helped me grow, both in skill and craft. I always tell people, you're only as good as the people you're working with. If you're working with people who are better than you, you're going to improve. And if you're working with people who aren't quite at your level, you may not reach your full potential.  

Sometimes, you may have to do more as an actor to make a scene interesting, but that's not the best training. You don’t want to overdo it just because your scene partner isn't making strong choices. But that’s where editing comes in.   

Absolutely, Karon! That’s spot on. Wisdom really does shine through in the company we keep. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 1:5, which says, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Your thoughts perfectly resonate with this. Just like a wise person sharpens their talents, they also elevate their understanding of their craft, leading to greatness.  

On the other hand, people who surround themselves with unwise influences often squander their potential, remaining stagnant. Their circle of influence plays a huge role in that. "Iron sharpens iron" is another profound truth from the Scriptures. Thank you for being such a role model for aspiring actors. Your experiences in Christmas films are just another delightful chapter in your journey! Thank you! Yes, the Christmas movies were a blessing. I never thought I'd end up doing so many Christmas movies in my career. And honestly, I’m not a huge Christmas guy—I could take it or leave it. I don’t get too caught up in any of the holidays. But, as an actor, that genre has been good and fruitful for me. I must have a joyful, Christmassy, gullible spirit or something! (laughs) 

That's awesome! I think it's a wonderful time of year. People come together, and everyone just seems nicer. Well, maybe not at Walmart... (laughs)  

Let’s fast forward a bit. You had a role in the TV drama series "Saints and Sinners." How did that opportunity come about? It’s pretty simple, actually. As an actor, when you’re climbing in the game, you don’t always have the luxury of choosing what you will or won’t take. You have the ability to say no, of course, but I was blessed because all of those projects—"Ambitions," "Saints and Sinners," "Little," and the others—happened around the same time.  

There was a stretch of time when I was just booked and busy. I did "Ambitions," and after the season ended, I had done seven episodes out of 20. I remember thinking, “Okay, I need to get to the point where I’m in all 20 episodes.” But not long after, "Saints and Sinners" came up, and I got that. I became a series regular for that show and did all eight episodes. Still, I was like, "Dang, I need to get to that 20-episode mark."  

And then, "Little" came into the mix. So, it was just one of those times where, when you're working, it’s easier to keep working.  

It’s like when your instrument is warmed up. You’re on different sets, meeting new people, and those people are connected to others. Your name starts buzzing around, and even if you're paired with a less experienced scene partner, you find ways to make yourself better. Every time you work, you’re strengthening that muscle.  

Each experience was unique, and I got to work on episodic television, which is different for every show. "Little" was a feature film, so the workflow was different compared to TV. Plus, I got to work with Issa Rae and director Tina Gordon. It was another chance to do something good with Will Packer, who was also involved with "Ambitions." 

"So, it was all connected. Like, the producers from “Saints and Sinners” were the same producers who did all the Christmas movies with me and hired me for those films. As your career progresses, you start to see how it all weaves together. You don’t really work from project to project anymore—you end up working for producers or networks. And that only happens when you’ve worked enough in the industry. When enough people know you, they want to work with you and your skill.  

Now, I’m producing my own content and movies, taking that step further to elevate myself as a leading man and actor in this industry, especially here in Atlanta.   

And the only way I’m going to elevate myself is by producing. I can’t expect someone else to say, ‘Karon Joseph Riley is going to be my new guy’ and put their whole life into me. No, that’s not how life works. I have to do it myself, and I’m cool with that." 

Yes, absolutely. Now let's talk about your role in “The Black Hamptons”. You play Malcolm Britton. Yes, I play the character, Malcolm Britton, in “The Black Hamptons.” 

Can you tell me a little bit about that role and experience? The role itself, again, is another connection and relationship. It came about through Trey Haley, the director and one of the producers of “The Black Hamptons”. He called me and was like, ‘Yo, man, I’ve got this role for you that’s really dope. It’s about Black wealth.’ So, he had me right there. It was about Black wealth, not shooting each other up and all that, but we’re still rich. So, I was like, ‘OK, cool, let’s talk about it.’  

Then he was like, ‘But...’ I knew there was a ‘but.’ He went on to tell me that the character is supposed to be a bisexual man or whatever. And I was like, ‘Yo, man, I’m not doing any of that on camera.’  

I said, ‘As long as it stays in the words, I’ll play it because I’m an actor and can do anything in the words, but there will never be a scene where it even looks remotely shady.’  

And he was like, ‘Alright, cool, we can do that.’ It came about, and at the time, it was really good because I had finished all the “Saints and Sinners” episodes. I hadn’t had a series in like a year, so this came about, and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is what I needed.’ I loved the character Malcolm Britton and all his complexities. Hopefully, he’s been cured of his bisexuality by season 3.  

But every opportunity is a blessing, and this one is no different than the next. 

Karon, you have a production company. You're a television actor, writer, producer, and director. So, what kind of stories would you like to tell through your production company, Dedicated Prophecy Productions? I want to tell stories that better serve our culture. I love the powers of the world, all the BMCs of the world, and those who are part of our legacy as Black people in this country and this world. But I also know we have stories like Mansa Musa’s and stories that raise awareness about Black people being the ones who built the pyramids. I’d love to see stories that depict our true history to dispel some of the lies that have been told to us as a people and to the world.  

I think it would do a bigger service to the world than anything. Because if everyone understood the truth and the real legacy of our people and our contribution to the planet, we wouldn’t be looked at and treated as second-class citizens by people globally.  

So, my job as a filmmaker and artist is to portray our people in a different light and see ourselves in the light we should be in—the true creators and true conduits of this planet. 

For me, I believe it all began with “The Cosby Show”. I remember being young and watching it, thinking to myself, ‘We can achieve more.’ Many Black children from challenging backgrounds likely felt the same way. 

Although I now reside in the UK, I grew up surrounded by demanding environments in Inglewood and central Los Angeles. Watching “The Cosby Show” made a significant impact on me; it opened my eyes to the possibilities that existed beyond my circumstances. I truly think that representation like this has inspired countless young Black kids in similar situations, even if they might not fully realize its influence.  

How can you aspire to do so if you have never seen those possibilities? So, it’s often surprising to realize the potential for presenting a more positive image of Black individuals. Highlighting not just our successes but also the diverse range of achievements and contributions we make is truly inspiring. Embracing this broader perspective is a fantastic vision to pursue. Definitely.  

I have just a couple more questions, and then we'll wrap things up. I really appreciate your generosity and your time. Thank you! Karon, I noticed you've published a book. Could you share a bit more about it? Yes. The book was released in July. It's called “K.E.E.P. P.E.D.A.L.I.N.G.: The Things I Learned On My Bike” (and the wisdom to keep you pedaling in life).    

I wrote this book to give to the young Black boys and the young Black girls of the world who may or may not have grown up in a beautiful village like I had, with the coaches, my dad, my brothers, and my cousins. I had a lot of great people in my life, and I still do, that have helped me to be in the position that I am in today. I never do anything or think that I'm doing anything on my own because I understand that I'm a product of my village, and I have a responsibility to that village to uphold the sacrifices that were made for me to be here. So that's what it is.  

Awesome. That is so true. Thank God for all the wonderful people that He has put in your life to support you on your journey because many didn't have that core family support as you did. But I'm so glad that you care about those who didn't have that support and are willing to write a book that will encourage them along the way. So well done, Karon! Thank you. And this is why people should pick the book up. It's the perfect book because the book is like my personal manifesto.     

It's about the way I think and the things that I believe we all need. I talk about self-knowledge and self-love. I broke the book down into an acronym (K.E.E.P. P.E.D.A.L.I.N.G.). For example, the first letter is (K), and it stands for knowledge. It is my belief that the only real knowledge that you can ever really get is self-knowledge. I believe if the world could understand our culture, and we could see ourselves in a different light, we would understand that slavery was a very small percentage of our history and that we have such a much more remarkable history and much more contribution to the Earth. In fact, the most illiterate African gave the world algebra. I don't even think people understand that we had the first quadruple genius.    

So, if we understand that about ourselves and we stand to self-correct, we will stop falling for the banana in the tailpipe. We'll stop running behind the very people who oppress us to get their validation and their approval. We will start to collectively come together and pool our resources until we can create a real resource of power and consequence. But that's way down the road, and there's a lot of work to be done. So, this book, “K.E.E.P. P.E.D.A.L.I.N.G”, is a nugget that I'm putting into the pool to help along the way. If I can't talk to the young brother or sister directly and give them some game and some of my energy and wisdom, then they can get this book and carry it with them wherever they go. I made it to fit into the back pocket so they can take it with them. You can find it on my website, www.KaronJosephRiley.com. It's just how my name is spelled.  

Thank you, Karon! In closing, what advice would you offer to a young person navigating the acting world? They’re just starting out and trying to find their way. What pearls of wisdom can you share with them about pursuing a career in acting? Well, I'll say first and foremost, don't do it (act) unless you love it. Don't do it to be famous. Don't do it to be rich because you're not going to be any one of those things for a very long time, if ever.    

You got to do it because it's what you came here to do. Everything within that is going to work out just fine and how it's supposed to work out. Believe that there's more than just acting within your creative instrument as well. To the young actor, the earlier you can understand that the more powerful and diverse you become as an actor.   

Awesome! Once again, it has been a complete honor and a privilege to be able to share this time and a slice of your life. I realize how important your time is. So, thank you so much for allowing me to have all this beautiful opportunity of time and exchange with you. My prayer for you is that God will bless the works of your hands and be it done according to His will for your life, and that the Lord will bring wonderful people into your life that will support you, be trustworthy and integral. I want you to know that I am so incredibly proud of you every milestone, and everything that you have achieved in your life. Karon, you are a phenomenal man, husband, father, and talent, and I pray nothing but the best for you! May God bless you and your beautiful family and keep you safe and protected through this time. Thank you so much, Karon. I receive that, queen. Thank you so much for those words. Thank you so much for that energy. I send it back to you, and I'm proud of you also for what you're doing. I'm proud of you for what you represent. Keep pedaling! 

Awe thank you Karon, I will! And thank you again for sharing. And thank you again for having me. 

My pleasure always.