Whether climbing mountains or navigating the world of acting, Khobe Clarke is driven by a sense of adventure and determination
Khobe Clarke’s journey into acting reads like a modern-day Hollywood story. From biking 17 kilometers in the rain for a student film audition to his breakout role in “Yellowjackets,” Clarke has taken every opportunity to build his career with grit and dedication. Known for his nuanced performances in “Firefly Lane” and the “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn” series, the young actor is set to captivate audiences once again in “Cruel Intentions.”
DAMAN: For those who aren’t familiar with you yet, can you tell us about your journey into acting and what inspired you to pursue this path?
Khobe Clarke: I’ve acted my whole life. When I was probably four or five, I would put on improvised one act plays for my parents in the living room. There was this synagogue up the street in the neighborhood I grew up in that held acting classes in the basement. Probably tired of my chaotic performances, my mom signed me up for their afterschool classes to help funnel my creative energy into something I could learn from. From there, I did plays and musicals at the schools I grew up going to. It was not fancy but whatever size role or project, I always found the most freedom in myself playing someone else.
DA: Before transitioning into film, you had significant experience in theatre, including in productions like “Sweeney Todd” and “The Wedding Singer.” How did your time on stage influence your acting style?
KC: Calling it significant is maybe a little generous. They were wonderful little shows put on by my high school that I loved doing very much. “Sweeney Todd” was my first opportunity to play a villain in Judge Turpin. I learned guitar for the “Wedding Singer” as I thought that’s what a cool, serious actor would do. I sucked when it came to the performance, but it has turned into my favorite hobby. And I think I have played every day since. It may have been a theatre full of my parents, grandparents and friends, but the stress test of getting up on a stage, hitting a mark and saying a line without butchering it is an adrenaline dragon I chase to this day.
DA: What were some of the biggest lessons you learned from performing in theatre that you’ve carried over into your film career?
KC: The most embarrassing thing is half-assing something. When I did these shows when I was young, sometimes I didn’t get the part I wanted or I was more focused on something else rather than my material. I decided I was too cool for whatever show or role I was doing, so I kind of coasted through the preparation. I went up there and half-assed it and felt the energy get sucked out of the room. It felt terrible and the reaction from the crowd reflected that it was terrible. The person who commits all the way, goes 1000-percent, is cool. Even if you suck, people will always respect you for giving it your all. So, no matter what I do, a little theatre show, an Amazon Prime show, I want to always go 1000 percent.
DA: You’ve played in shows like “Yellowjacket” and “Firefly Lane.” How do you approach preparing for these widely different roles?
KC: My role in “Yellowjackets” was so small it was more about connecting with my scene partner and making the director happy rather than understanding the tone. “Firefly Lane” was a bigger part, and I just tried not to mess up in front of Ali Skovbye and Roan Curtis. I think I was and probably still am too much of a rookie to really understand the differences in tone.
DA: Many actors say that their first role leaves a lasting impression. Was it the same for you with “Yellowjacket”?
KC: I just remember everyone being so patient and supportive of my first day. I was so impressed by everyone doing their individual jobs so well. I remember thinking to myself, “Maybe I could actually do this.” It was the first time I had believed in myself like that, and it gave me the momentum to start auditioning for bigger parts.
DA: Tell us about your upcoming role in “Cruel Intentions.”
KC: I play Scott. He’s a very friendly, trusting, open minded guy who loves hot dogs, rocks and his buddy Blaise. We finished filming the first season in February.
DA: What was it that drew you to this project?
KC: What intrigued me the most was that they picked me of all people to be a part of such an iconic title. It was and still is the biggest opportunity I have ever received and it was an honor to be a part of something so great.
DA: What is the most important quality an actor should have?
KC: Patience, open mindedness, forgiveness and grit.
DA: Your career is steadily gaining momentum with new roles. What goals or milestones are you hoping to achieve in the next few years?
KC: I hope to continue to get the privilege to tell awesome stories and play characters that challenge me and grant me new perspectives.
I find that I solve more of my personal turmoil when I am in nature, allowing me to be a more observant welcoming actor
DA: As someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, do you think exploring nature and getting away from the noise of the city life helps your creative process as an actor?
KC: Nature serves as a place of minimal distraction. I find I get to reflect more honestly without the noise of life’s busy and regular routine. There’s no way to escape your thoughts in a tent, on a river or in the mountains. I find that I solve more of my personal turmoil when I am in nature, allowing me to be a more observant welcoming actor.
DA: Years ago, you made headline for your once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle trip across Mongolia with your father. What was the most memorable moment from that adventure for you now, five years later?
KC: Mongolia is the most untouched place I have ever seen. We rode motorcycles across the country and ran into no more than 10 little towns over a month. Its vastness baffled me: Just open country and big sky. The best part was not having access to my phone. I hated it then, but it gave me perspective to how unhealthy my relationship to it had become. Phones are poison. We drank a lot of Mongolian potato vodka which was also fun.
DA: Are there particular routines or practices that help you maintain your drive and focus?
KC: For me, it has a lot to do with staying inspired and staying patient. I stay inspired by watching movies, going to the theatre, reading books. I stay patient by doing the things outside of acting that fulfil me.
Photography @lensbymi_
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