Special Edition, Mz. OptimiZm Speaks to Marcus Franklin!

Mz OptimiZm is THRILLED to interview the talented and promising singer, dancer, actor Marcus Franklin! Marcus Carl Franklin now 17, has been acting, tapping and singing since the age of four. He has been in several commercials, the most popular being the Breyers Ice Cream commercial at age 5. He has had the privilege working with Woodie King and the National Black Theatre in the reading of The Amen Corner by James Baldwin and just recently read for the Ensemble Studio Theatre, Pluto written by Bridget Wimberly, under the direction of Mr. King. Marcus has been off- and on-broadway with the play Caroline or Change, directed by George C. Wolfe, who also directed the HBO movie Lackawanna Blues in which Marcus played the lead role. Marcus' first big screen debut was in the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There. He has also been in Be Kind Rewind and will be in the 2011 movie Homework. His TV credits include Law & Order and the Hallmark special The Water is Wide. Marcus also tap dances at any venue that he can get into with or without a jazz band, and is now working diligently on writing, producing and singing his own music. He is now embarking on a college tour to promote his music, as well as performing in teen clubs and having his music played at night clubs. [www.marcusphresh.com]