Bo Yokely - Shining On and Off the Screen
Introducing Bo Yokely, the actor set to star in the upcoming series "Blue Ridge," who has not only delved into the entertainment industry but has also collaborated with the "Not Alone Foundation" to raise awareness about renal disease and kidney health. His efforts have not only garnered recognition from philanthropists, earning him the prestigious Diamond Award, but also endeared him to audiences. To discover more about Bo Yokely and gain insights from his advice, keep on reading.
Where are you based?
I am based out of Atlanta, Georgia, but I'm currently living in North Carolina.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
I had always been interested in the entertainment industry, even as a kid. To be able to play dress up and entertain people all day seemed like the best job in the world. I’m inspired by great creators like Ridley Scott, Michael Mann, Guy Ritchie, and Christopher Nolan, just to name a few. I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing directors thus far such as Elizabeth Rohm and Kevin Arbouet.
Are there specific actors or filmmakers who have influenced your approach to acting? If so, how?
Absolutely. They are huge, life-shaping influences to be more exact. People like Jim Carrey, Denzel Washington, Adam Driver, Berry Keoghan just to name a few. These artists inspire me each and every time I watch what they do. Seeing how their subtlety is eye-catching reminds me that less is more while filming. Not being too big or loud while giving a performance is the key.
You have starred in various shows throughout your career. As an actor, how do you approach character development and getting into the mindset of your roles?
Yes, every character is different to me and thus requires different preparation. I will compose a playlist my character would listen to. Then usually I will work on finding the character's voice and walk. The lines come absolute last.
We heard that you are to appear in the upcoming show “Blue Ridge.” Can you tell us more about your character and the show? What should your audience be excited about?
Yes, it is an amazing new drama/ mystery series set in the modern day in small town USA. We have such amazing stars in this series it sells itself. The stars include Johnathon Schaech, A. Martinez, Sarah Lancaster, Alyshia Ochse, and Kevin Lawson.
We love how you work with the “Not Alone Foundation.” Can you share the inspiration behind your commitment to this philanthropic work? Why is the “Not Alone Foundation” particularly important to you?
This is a group of individuals who focus on supporting individuals and families with end stage renal disease and kidney failure. As a child, my brother was fighting kidney failure, and fortunately because of people like the Not Alone Foundation, he is not only alive, but thriving.
What do you hope to achieve through your work with the organization?
I want to increase awareness for this horrible disease and aid those who are struggling to fight.
Winning the Diamond Award is a significant achievement. How do you hope your recognition will inspire others in the entertainment industry to contribute to charitable causes?
At the end of the day, I do what I do to have a platform and a voice for those who do not. I want to use my platform to help and inform as many people as possible of issues that are destroying people’s lives and, hopefully, one day find a cure for them and other diseases like it. I have been given so much that to give back my time is the absolute least I could do.
What would you like the lay population to know more about individuals battling end-stage renal disease?
Not only does it destroy individuals, but often, families as a whole. Treatments are extremely expensive, and many do not even know that they have kidney issues until it is too late. The Not Alone Foundation focuses on educating people who struggle with this disease on how to move forward with their new challenge.
What advice would you give someone struggling with renal failure?
Seek education on this disease and get annual screenings for preventative measures.
What advice would you give aspiring actors?
It is necessary to have a thick skin in this industry. Stand out by being original, don’t follow the herd and what “everyone else” is doing. Be you, the most authentic version of you.
Can you share any other upcoming projects or roles that you particularly excited about?
My newest film coming out is called, “Wallbanger,” and is directed by the amazing Tosca Musk. Our leads are the super talented Kelli Burglund and Amadeus Serafini. It is based on the best-selling book by New York Times Best-Selling author Alice Clayton. With such a dynamic and talented team, you know it’s going to be a wallbanger!
Do you have any hopes for 2024?
I have many hopes, but you are going to have to wait and see as I check each one off my list! It will be without a doubt the best year ever.
It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
I read a lot of positive books and a lot of positive films to be honest. I believe in that old saying "Trash in, trash out."
What is your motto in life?
Everything happens for a reason, and that reason is for my benefit regardless of what it may seem. Everything is a test.
To learn more about Bo Yokely, please follow the links below.
Instagram: bo_yokely
Facebook: Bo Yokely
IMDb: Bo Yokely.
