It would scarcely be an exaggeration to claim that Trinidad-born Hollywood actor, Sullivan Walker, has had an amazing career. Distinguished talent supported by unshakable determination have allowed Walker to transcend various boundaries and make a name for himself in the most competitive industry in the world. Starting out from very humble beginnings, Walker won a trip to New York City, after competing on Holly Betaudier's Scouting for Talent in 1969, and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since.
Now, through his own accomplishments and ties to the US market, Walker is the person to bring the Caribbean to the world. Some of his long-term plans include establishing a Caribbean network in the States and other regions of the world that will thrust our culture into the worldwide entertainment industry. Another exciting project that will put T&T's name on the map once again, is the implementation of a production company. "We have more than enough talent and resources to create our own Caribbean Walt Disney Company," said Walker.
With over 50 years experience under his belt, this actor has definitely been the missing ingredient to make all of these dreams a living, breathing reality. Having been through this before, Sullivan Walker is the key to making things happen. He is currently working with actors in Trinidad, with intentions to make this his permanent base, and plans to get most of these projects off the ground in the coming months. He said he had reached the stage in his career where he would like to talk about issues that he holds close to his heart. Once this artist has a pen close at hand, nothing will get in the way of him producing quality work which reflects our Caribbean essence with all our complexity, passion, imperfections and stoicism. He also plans to run open workshops for serious actors who desire the training and guidance necessary for success in this industry.
Contrary to popular belief, Walker's career had already begun in Trinidad at the San Fernando Drama Guild under the guidance of James Lee Wah. The young actor had participated in numerous local productions such as Zingay by Freddie Kissoon, Departure in the Dark, Hello Out There by William Sayaron, and Romeo and Juliet Brother Jerome prior to his departure, which enabled him to hone in on his craft from the early stages. Another popular misconception about Walker's journey is that it was smooth sailing upon his arrival to the Big Apple. Walker had to take the initiative to make things happen for him, because it was evident that no one else would have. He began to put on one man shows, which were usually two hour long comedic satires which touched on social issues.
They say that a rolling stone gathers no moss, and Sullivan Walker is a living attestation to the veracity and value of that philosophy. With credits that span from the stage to television sets, all the way to the big screen. His Broadway accomplishments include a riveting portrayal of the critically acclaimed Hambone, a character from August Wilson's Two Trains Running. Reviews praised Walker for his work, and his talent propelled him to understudy James Earl Jones in Athol Fugard's nationwide production Master Harold...and the Boys. But perhaps Walker's proudest moment in the theatre came when famed New York Times' caricaturist to the stars, Al Hirschfeld, sketched Walker during one of his performances of Two Can Play by Jamaican playwright Trevor Rhone. This is considered a huge honour for members of the theatrical community, seeing as Hirschfeld is known for his exclusivity and only sketches actors who well celebrated.
Once again, Walker opted to give back to the community by founding the Caribbean Experience Theatre. The main goal of this theatre company was not only to reflect and connect West Indian actors to their culture, but also to showcase that culture to the American market. Truly a chameleon, Walker proved that there were no limitations to his talent as he transcended borders and officially began wearing the hat of playwright. His original work include Two Soldiers at a Crossroads, Requiem for a Pan Mastah, Mother and Daughter, Survival, Eight O'clock Caribbean Time, Caribbean Woman, Boy Days and The Journey.
Television audiences will remember this actor as he broke through on the groundbreaking number one sitcom, The Cosby Show. Walker had a recurring role as Dr James Harmon, physician and friend to Dr Huxtable.
His other small screen credits include guest appearances on hits such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Sentinel, The Pretender, The Jamie Fox Show. He went on to land main roles on the critically acclaimed Where I Live and the early nineties hit Earth 2, also starring Antonio Sabato Jr. He eventually joined the ranks of actors who have been fortunate enough to grace the silver screen. His work in film began back in 1986 with Crocodile Dundee, and has spanned all the way to 2005, when he appeared alongside rapper 50 Cent in Paramount Pictures' big budget film Get Rich or Die Trying.