Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua D. Reed.
Hi Joshua D., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an artist began long before I understood that it would become a lifelong calling. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, I was introduced to storytelling through church productions and performances at The Potter’s House of Dallas. Those early experiences sparked something in me that I couldn’t fully articulate at the time—a deep appreciation for the power of stories to inspire, challenge, and connect people.
As I grew older, that passion continued to develop through theatre, leadership in youth ministry, and competitive performance. During my time at Life High School in Waxahachie, I had the opportunity to participate in One Act Play competitions, where I earned recognition at the state level. Those experiences not only strengthened my skills as a performer but also affirmed that creativity was more than a hobby—it was becoming an essential part of who I was.
One of the most influential moments in my artistic journey came when I attended The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Summer Arts Program under the mentorship of Curtis King and Akin Babatunde. Being immersed in an environment where artistic excellence, cultural storytelling, and creative expression were deeply valued expanded my understanding of what was possible and challenged me to pursue my craft with greater intention.
My transition into film and television happened in an unconventional but incredibly meaningful way. In 2016 I began working with a longtime family friend who was studying film at the the University of Texas at Arlington. After completing several student film projects, we submitted them to film festivals across the country. Rather than viewing those experiences solely as screenings, I saw them as opportunities to travel, build relationships, learn from other artists, and immerse myself in creative communities throughout the United States. Those early experiences taught me that success in this industry is not only about talent, but also about community, perseverance, and a willingness to continue growing through every season.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to work across multiple areas of the creative industry, including film, television, theatre, education, production, and creative leadership. I’ve appeared in independent and feature films, short films, television programming, and feature projects while also gaining experience behind the camera through production support, assistant directing, writing, and creative development. Each role and experience has deepened my understanding of storytelling and strengthened my commitment to creating work that is authentic, meaningful, and impactful.
Today, I continue to pursue acting and storytelling while also expanding my creative vision through film production, artistic collaboration, and creative leadership. Looking back, I’ve come to realize that my journey has never been a straight path—and honestly, I’m grateful for that. Every redirection, challenge, opportunity, and relationship has contributed to shaping not only the artist I am becoming, but also the person I continue to grow into.
Recently, I took a significant step in that journey by launching Derekh Studios, a production studio founded by myself and on the belief that stories have the power to reveal truth, inspire transformation, and help people discover purpose. Through Derekh Studios, we partner with artists, brands, and organizations to bring meaningful, story-driven content to life through film production, visual storytelling, and creative direction.
The vision for Derekh Studios extends beyond simply creating quality content. Our hope is to become a creative force that shapes culture through storytelling—guiding audiences into journeys that reveal truth, inspire purpose, and ultimately point back to God. At its core, our mission is to go the distance in telling stories through film, photography, dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts that honor God, reflect truth, and reveal that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
For me, Derekh Studios is more than a business venture; it is an extension of my calling as an artist and storyteller. It represents my belief that creativity is one of the most powerful ways we can foster connection, encourage healing, challenge perspectives, and invite people into deeper conversations about life, purpose, faith, and the human experience.
As I continue this journey, my purpose remains the same as it was when I first stepped onto a stage years ago: to create and participate in work that resonates deeply with others. Whether through acting, producing, directing, or collaborating with fellow creatives, my desire is to tell stories that not only captivate audiences, but also leave them feeling seen, inspired, challenged, and ultimately transformed. For me, this journey has never been solely about building a career—it has always been about fulfilling a calling and using creativity to create work that reflects truth, honors God, and leaves a lasting impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has absolutely not been a smooth road. In fact, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey is that purpose and pain often travel alongside one another, while pain also often eventually pushes us more into our purpose.
At a very young age, I experienced significant loss. I lost my father on my 11th birthday, and then approximately a year and a half later, I lost my maternal grandmother in a tragic car accident. Years later, in 2018, I lost my paternal grandmother while I was actively pursuing and growing in my acting career. Beyond those losses, I’ve experienced the passing of many family members and friends throughout my life. As a result, grief has never been something that I’ve simply “gotten over”; rather, it’s something I’ve had to learn to walk with, process, and ultimately allow God to help me navigate.
In addition to loss, I’ve also experienced the heartbreak of losing relationships and friendships that I once believed would last forever. There have been seasons where I’ve felt misunderstood, disappointed, abandoned, and uncertain about where I belonged. Those experiences have been painful, but they’ve also taught me invaluable lessons about identity, forgiveness, community, and trusting God’s timing, even when I don’t fully understand His plan.
More recently, this year itself has presented its own challenges. At the beginning of the year, I lost my job, and only a few months later, I was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in the loss of my primary means of transportation. Those experiences forced me to confront uncertainty in a very real way and reminded me that life can change unexpectedly.
Another significant part of my journey has been navigating the impact of sexual abuse that I experienced as a child, again during my teenage years, and even to some extent in adulthood. Those experiences created deep struggles surrounding my identity, my self-worth, and my understanding of who God had actually called me to be. For many years, I wrestled with questions about purpose, belonging, and what it truly meant to walk in the identity God intended for me.
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I began intentionally pursuing healing and allowing myself to be reminded of who God says I am, rather than allowing my experiences, wounds, or circumstances to define me. That journey has not been easy, and I would never claim to have all the answers, but I can honestly say that God has remained faithful through every season of my life.
Through every loss, every disappointment, every closed door, and every hardship, my faith and relationship with Christ have continued to provide me with hope, peace, and understanding. One of the scriptures that has anchored me throughout my journey is Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” I hold onto that promise because I genuinely believe that God has a purpose for my life, even when I cannot fully see or understand what He is doing in the moment.
Looking back, I don’t believe that my struggles have disqualified me from my calling; rather, I believe they have shaped me into the artist, storyteller, and person I am becoming. They have deepened my compassion, strengthened my faith, and given me a greater understanding of the kinds of stories I hope to tell—stories that remind people they are not alone, that healing is possible, and that there can still be purpose found in pain.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I am a storyteller. While many people know me primarily as an actor, my work extends across multiple creative disciplines, including film production, creative direction, theatre, education, and artistic leadership. I have had the opportunity to work both in front of and behind the camera, and each experience has contributed to my understanding of how powerful storytelling can be when it is approached with intentionality and authenticity.
As an actor, I specialize in emotionally grounded, character-driven storytelling. I am particularly drawn to projects that explore the complexities of the human experience—stories centered around faith, identity, family, grief, healing, redemption, and purpose. I enjoy portraying characters who feel real and relatable, because I believe some of the most impactful stories are the ones that allow audiences to see themselves reflected on screen or stage.
Beyond acting, I am also passionate about producing and developing meaningful, story-driven content through Derekh Studios. Through film production, visual storytelling, and creative collaboration, my goal is to help bring projects to life that not only entertain, but also encourage reflection, inspire conversation, and leave a lasting impact on those who experience them.
I think one of the things that sets me apart is that I do not separate my creativity from my faith or my purpose. For me, storytelling has never been solely about performance, recognition, or building a career. It has always been about service, connection, and stewardship. I believe that every role, every project, and every creative opportunity has the potential to impact someone’s life in ways that we may never fully understand.
I am also proud of the fact that my journey has allowed me to experience the creative process from many different perspectives. Whether serving as an actor, production assistant, assistant director, teacher, writer, producer, or collaborator, I have developed a deep appreciation for every person involved in bringing a story to life. Those experiences have taught me humility, adaptability, and the importance of creative community.
What I am most proud of, however, is not any one role, award, or accomplishment. I am most proud of the fact that despite setbacks, loss, uncertainty, and seasons of redirection, I have continued to pursue the calling that God has placed on my life. I have remained committed to creating work that is authentic, meaningful, and rooted in truth.
At the end of the day, I hope that people remember me not simply as an actor or creative professional, but as someone who used the gifts God entrusted to him to tell stories that helped others feel seen, challenged, inspired, and ultimately reminded that their own stories matter too.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have a core group of family members and mentors who have truly made an immeasurable difference in my life.
First and foremost is my mother, Zerlina Kirk Reed, who has always been one of my greatest supporters. She covers me in prayer and has consistently shown me unconditional love and support. She has made countless sacrifices to ensure that my sister and I were not only provided for, but also deeply loved and cared for. Her strength, faith, and dedication have had a profound impact on the person I am today.
Secondly, my younger sister, Courtney Reed, has been an incredible source of encouragement and support. Quite honestly, she literally makes sure I’m okay on a daily basis. She checks in on me, keeps me grounded, and walks alongside me through life’s ups and downs. In this season of life, she actually lives with me, and she has become one of my very best friends. She’s truly my ride-or-die.
Thirdly, there is my aunt, Katrina Kirk Franks. I often tell people that I grew up with two mothers in many ways. My mom is a twin, and her twin sister—whom I affectionately call Trina—has always been far more than just an aunt to me; she has been like another mother. She provides wisdom, guidance, and support in a way that is never judgmental, but always rooted in love, grace, and genuine care.
Outside of my immediate family, I have been blessed with three mentors who have become family and have played a significant role as positive male influences in my life. They have been instrumental in helping me become—and continue becoming—the Godly man I strive to be.
The first is my mentor and godfather, whom I call Uncle Ben. Deacon Ben Adams has been a part of my life since the first Father’s Day after my father passed away. He has served as a father figure, mentor, and guide for many years. He has walked alongside me through numerous seasons of life, consistently offering wisdom, support, accountability, and godly counsel.
Next is my big brother, mentor Pastor Robert Purvey. I had the privilege of serving as his teen co-host on a radio program on KHVN Heaven 97 called “Real Teen Talk” from my teenage years into my early twenties. Today, I continue to serve alongside him at the church he planted, Full Life Church in Grand Prairie, Tx. His leadership, mentorship, and friendship have had a lasting impact on my life and spiritual growth.
Another one of my newest and most cherished mentors is Apostle Reginald Robinson of Veir Church in Huntsville, Alabama. I had the opportunity to learn from him through Brand New You, a mentorship intensive and discipleship movement designed to help men find freedom from sexual brokenness through intentional conversation, community, and mentorship. His guidance, wisdom, and investment in my life have been irreplaceable.
These three men hold a very special place in my heart. They have done a phenomenal job of helping guide me through not only manhood, but what it truly means to be a God-fearing man. Their influence has shaped the man I am today and continues to shape the man I am becoming.
I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge two individuals who have been instrumental in my artistic and creative journey: Akin Babatunde and Curtis King of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Their mentorship, encouragement, and commitment to artistic excellence have had a tremendous impact on my development as an actor, storyteller, and creative professional.
Beyond these incredible family members and mentors, I am also blessed to be surrounded by a close circle of friends whom I have the privilege of doing life with. They support me, pray for me, challenge me, encourage me, and have faithfully walked with me through many different seasons of life. I am deeply grateful for each of them, and I cherish the opportunity to love, support, and walk alongside them in return.
When I reflect on my journey, I recognize that while I have certainly faced challenges, I have never truly walked through them alone. God has consistently surrounded me with people who have loved me, poured into me, and reminded me of who I am and whose I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7811867/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josuereed/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaDReed21/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-d-reed-7911b2189/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Joshuadreed?fbclid=PARlRTSASxQKJwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp_OlDEf0d58tqr56odhApMd2eHapdZr9ly9GchLKmncW03Pw9_Irn49D7Gb2_aem__Y0L5Er3knqIxmYLroA2Mw
