MIND OVER MATTER FOR ROBERT RI'CHARD

TEAM CREDITS: Photography: Carl Chisolm | Make-up: Ricardo Delgado | Grooming: Ron Desnoyers | Styling: Jamie Tonge Long Island City, NY

There are in fact many facades to being a Hollywood star but integrity, grit, perserverance, tenacity are qualities that are rare to come by…unless that is you are Robert Ri’chard. Well beyond the chiseled jawline, smoldering green eyes and ageless appearance, Robert’s career has made relatable connections and impact moments in more ways than one may assume. From being a brother-like figure on the Nickelodeon show Cousin Skeeter or that school crush from the timeless sitcom One on One, it’s clear that Ri’chard’s method acting abilities can transcend anyones expectations.

His upbringing in South Central, LA was all opposite of the “name in lights” perspective, but instead violence and mischief was his antidote of choice. And it took one person to change that all around for him, along with the positive influences of close family and friends to keep him on the straight and narrow. But with countless challenges Robert has faced throughout his life, he’s maintained devoted to acting while also finding solace and balance within the health + wellness realm for both mental and physical healing. And while he’s filming constantly and working out for only 10 minutes a day (P.S check his IG for the physique…INSANE), we were able to shoot Ri’chard in Long Island City, NY while he’s filming for an upcoming soon to be released comedy series by Amazon Studios from Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip, BET+ First Wives Club) and catch up with him.

(DH) Being from somewhere like South Central, LA (Crenshaw) comes with a lot of negative disparities yet some of the most iconic and legendary talents of our time come from such places. What was the turning point for you to get into acting? 

(RR) Yea, we have a lot of legends emerging from South Central and we would have so many more greats if [collectively] we could avoid the perils of gang lifestyle. As blessed as i have been in my career, my gang affiliation at that time could have resulted in an entirely different path in life. As my elementary teacher Ms. Hannah would say “If you’re not careful Robert you will end up as a statistic!” That really shook me to my core and stays with me even today 30 years later. To think on that California afternoon when i was confronted by a rival gang and darted through a random building to avoid an outnumbered altercation, that Faith Acting Studio changed and saved my life. That was the moment my life turned and why i support positive after school programs throughout America. 

(DH) Was there another career path in mind for you before acting? 

(RR) I desperately wanted to be an aviator and ultimately a NASA mission specialist astronaut. Studying engineering and science, math, technology was my passion and how I best saw to contribute to the world and universe. I was great at my computation scholastics! Scoring off the charts in many ways was my sport. I take that tenacity with me in every facet of life. I want to be great and exceed my potential as best as God allows in all aspects.

Jacket: Philip Plein | Denim: Lee

(DH) You've played some significant roles in such timeless, popular shows and movies like Cousin Skeeter, Coach Carter, Vampire Diaries, the CSI franchise. And even made appearances with recurring roles on hit shows like Lee Daniels' Empire and Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns. Majority of childhood actors often don't succeed due to the pressures surrounding Hollywood fame. What kept you on the straight and narrow and somewhat out of that negative limelight? 

(RR) I credit my family and my friends for keeping me down to Earth. I truly enjoy people and if you see me walking pass, say hello! Pressure is real as my grandfather would say “Pressure burst pipes or makes diamonds.” With that in the back of my mind i have always challenged myself to do something significant. That is much harder to do if I’m investing my time in things that will lead me nowhere. I know there is something grand on my horizon, so I stay the course and remain as consistent and disciplined as I can. And we all need teamwork and like-minded individuals in our corner to accomplish these things. 

(DH) With the huge push for inclusivity and diversity following the countless social injustices the world has seen this past year alone (on top of a pandemic) we've seen an uptick in representation in the many facets of business and entertainment with television/ film being at the forefront. With some of the best works being aired on major TV and streaming by some of today's leading talents. How important is this right now? 

Sunglasses: Brioni |Vest: Saturdays NYC | Necklace: Third Crown | Jeans: Ami Paris | Boots: Dr. Marten

(RR) People want to be heard! I think everyone is dying to be understood, acknowledged and celebrated. Every cultural group in the world now has access to broadcast their point-of-view and their perspectives. We are in a GREAT time in history! I’m very excited for the world to come as we power through the roaring 20s of the 21st century.  

(DH) Now throughout your acting journey you've managed to completely transform your body with a heavy focus on health and wellness? What initiated this part of the journey? 

(RR) We all know how debilitating a broken heart can be, right? A lot of individuals use that fuel to write music or do something creative. I choose to build a higher quality of life for myself and most importantly for others through attention to the body. Building ourselves up from the foundation of health, strength and wellness translates in other areas of our lives. Better mental health, better discipline in the office and overall better “I CAN” attitude with how we approach our day. Achieving this result while journeying with others has been one of my greatest achievements. It’s amazing how individuals passing me in the airport or the city and countryside yell out “HighwayFit” with great enthusiasm! Brightens the hell out of my day yelling back “It’s Your Road... Your Freedom!!!”

T-shirt: James Perse

(DH) Working out certainly can be tasking for most but you stick by a 10-minute routine which is all you need along with a good diet. Care to break the idea behind this? 

(RR) I pondered, how would we all achieve great health - no weights, no gym, and no travel necessary. Gaining two thumbs up at your next general health checkup was the foundation of the goal. The added bonus of a shredded core comes with your daily commitment - 10 minutes every day without fail come hell or high water. We make time to brush our teeth, check our phones, put gas in our vehicles when needed. Our health should be at the highest priority of that daily list. Dr. Amr El-Sergany and I teamed up to find the easiest possible way to get you in shape while committing to a healthy diet full of colorful vegetables [yes fruit too]. HighwayFit is a no excuse daily commitment to positive health practices and since everyone is “on-the-go” you can participate in your overall health anywhere, even on the side of the highway. 

(DH) You also have a health + wellness brand, EPM products. What's the story behind it and what are the products used for mostly? 

(RR) ELITE | PERFORMANCE | MEDIXINE Newport Beach, California has changed my life in the greatest way. Whether you suffer from pain, acne, inflammation, surface imbalance like scars or stretch marks, or muscle & joint discomfort, EPM transforms suffering for all. This includes combating anxiety and mental health. These formulas are fountain of youth in a bottle! The products [applied topically] are “All-Earth” and formulated with “All-Active ingredients.” Globally, the collective consumer market is looking for a version of pure products that are “fully natural” and nearly impossible to find. This is EPM’s scope. I’m nearly 40 years old and I’m in the best shape of my life thanks to EPM, my skin is flawless, and everyone compliments me on my youthful energetic glow and appearance. There’s zero fillers, chemicals, toxins, preservatives, perfumes, or inactive ingredients in all of their formulas. Truly just medixine for healing offered by nature. Better Science. Better Medixine. I highly recommend it! www.epmProductx.com

T-shirt: James Perse | Pants: HOMME PLISSE ISSEY MIYAKE | Ring: Third Crown | Jacket: MCM | Sneakers: Jimmy Choo

(DH) Most people get overwhelmed when it comes to all or any things natural when in fact some products seem to be the opposite. What are some key ingredients to look for that will improve one's overall wellness?  

(RR) Go to the website for EPM and get a deconstructed view of the ingredients in the products. This is a great way to see products with uncompromised health portrayed!! The founder of EPM, Meg Ellspermann, references Ezekiel 47:12 from the Old Testament as the north star when formulating, “Their leaves will not wither, their leaves are for healing.” ELITE | PERFORMANCE | MEDIXINE is referred to as "the most enhanced commercial approach to delivering Earth’s powerful matchless healing ingredients.” As a Christian founder she has an unwavering commitment to deliver better healing solutions through better science and better medixine. I fully endorse EPM and plan to share what has worked for me throughout the world. 

(DH) If you can choose one product from your line that everyone should own, what would it be and why?

Necklaces (from top to bottom): Miansai, Third Crown, David Yurman | Jacket: Valentino

(RR) Great question! All of them! All of the time! I’m really excited for the subscription and variety EPM box coming in the fall to our Legacy Members. The best part about this deal is that it is retro-active for all customers. You buy products now; you get the Member discount toward your subscription and variety box when it becomes available. Look at all these great products!

 CALM - for mothers & babies (prenatal safe), stretch marks, baby colic, stress & anxiety

REBORN - for muscle & joint pain

FLIGHT- for pro athletes, active military & Gov’t officials

ALLURE- for acne, psoriasis, eczema, redness

VACATIONX- tanning accelerator & cellulite

RIVERX- best arctic face wash & body lather

ELITE- for celebs, on-camera, red carpet & highly photographed individuals (this is the one I use), hyperpigmentation, alopecia, cystic acne

URGENTX- for first aid, cuts, bruises, scars, scrapes and external repair

...and more to come!

(DH) Now you have a few major projects in the works but one in particular that seems to be a really good one called "Harlem" by Tracy Oliver and to be produced by Amazon Studios, who will feature an old co-star, THE Megan Good. Care to elaborate (and feel free to name drop) 

(RR) Gladly! I play SHAWN and i fall in love with the lovely Grace Byers, who is outstanding to work with and share romantic scenes. She is just flawless all around and our chemistry is electric. Tracy Oliver [Girl’s Trip] is our show runner, teaming up with legendary Scott King [Mad TV]. Pharrell Williams is a producer on ‘Harlem’. Amy Poehler is a producer. Whoopi Goldberg and Jasmine Guy play roles in the show. I’m in it! [Robert laughs]. And the main cast is stellar: Meagan Good, Grace Byers [Empire], Jerrie Johnson [Mother’s Milk], Shoniqua Shandai [I Am The Night], and Tyler Lepley [Tyler Perry’s: The Haves and The Have Nots]

Jacket: Lee | Pants: Valentino | Sneakers: Jimmy Choo Suit: Canali | Ring + Bracelet: David Yurman

(DH) How was it filming parts of it in NYC? 

(RR) I love New York!! Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, The Bronx, Manhattan, and of course Harlem!! We shot all over New York and I just love the people end-to-end. ‘Harlem’ is a great television show and I’m happy to play my role as Shawn, a bartender who falls madly in love with Grace Byers’ character Quinn. 

Shirt: NK IMODE | Necklace: David Yurman | Pants: Ermenegildo Zegna XXX

(DH) What more can we look forward to with the Robert Ri'chard brand? 

(RR) Go download BET+ and watch my television show ‘The Rich And The Ruthless’ it’s out now. Tune into Amazon Prime and watch ‘Bolden,’ the biopic on jazz inventor Buddy Bolden. My faith-based movie ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ about the effects of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is available on On-Demand and streaming platforms. My pandemic horror movie ‘ALONE’ is a must watch zombie thriller about a deadly outbreak that sweeps the world, starring Donald Sutherland. I star in ‘California Love’ my love story with Christa Allen (13 going on 30) will be released theatrically this fall from the producers of Independence Day & Joanne Beck, and Real Talk directed by Preston Whitmore i star in with Jasmine Carmichael and Macy Gray. 

Shirt: John Varvatos | Sunglasses: LINDBERG | Pants: Rufskin | Shoes: Malone Souliers