Reflections and observations on happenings of the day, of days gone by, and on days to come…
Muscle Memory
In its simplest form, the folks at Wikipedia define muscle memory as follows: “a type of memory acquired and used subconsciously that can affect one’s thoughts and behaviors by enabling them to perform certain tasks without conscious awareness of previous experiences.” Some examples are tying your shoes or riding a bike.
It was here in Harlem that I learned to be resourceful.
It was here in Harlem where I learned to excel.
It was here in Harlem where I learned the importance and role of discipline.
It was here in Harlem where I learned to study.
And it was here in Harlem where I learned to compete.
And about six months shy of leaving 30 years ago, this place and those behaviors are very much a part of me as I strive to make my mark as an actor, print model, and voice over artist.
Born and raised in the village of Harlem, Roy's love for storytelling began as a child when his family purchased Stevie Wonder's magnum opus 'Songs in the Key of Life.' Moved by the lyrics and messages of its songs, it prompted a deep love for the power of words that first revealed itself in a desire to develop and hone skills as a public speaker. It was those skills that he leveraged to become an actor before eventually seeking training.
Roy's acting career began in 2007 at age 42 with a non-descriptive role in a regional commercial for a health care provider. Six months later, he was cast as a principal in a spot for 1 800 J LAW, a very popular commercial that ran for several years, primarily in the Northeast region of United States. In 2012, he was cast in his first community theatre role and has been cast in several lead roles since then. In early 2015 while working as a background actor on the former ABC show 'Forever,' he was literally plucked from holding and re-cast as the body double and stand-in for guest star and Oscar winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. Instantly eligible to join SAG-AFTRA, he spent several more years learning his craft via training, more theatre roles, and as a background actor on dozens of network TV shows. Shortly after joining SAG-AFTRA in early 2020, he earned his first Network costar credit. About a year later, he booked his first SAG-AFTRA commercials.
He lists nonpareil vocalists Sam Cooke and Frank Sinatra as acting influences.
View all posts by Roy Shuler
Great Read my Brother. There’s no place like Home. #Harlem
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Glory to God. Thanks, brother. I agree: there’s no place like home 👏🏾.
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Absolutely a great and inspirational read.
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Glory to God. Thanks and great to hear from you, Mike. Pray you and your family are well.
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Great 👍
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Thank you 😊!
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