Betting on Himself: How Dewight Braxton Jr. Swapped Football for Broadway's Call in "The Book of Mormon"

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"The world doesn't owe you anything. So you have to go out and take and do what you want without letting the world take your kindness and your thoughtfulness."

Welcome Dewight Braxton Jr.

We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, singer, artist, designer, former football wide receiver who knows how to improv and puppet. He’s part of the national tour of “The Book of Mormon” playing the General. We welcome Dewight Braxton Jr.

Dewight, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Without giving away the plot, what make your role so much fun?

How does a star wide receiver and engineering student discover and find a path to Broadway?

You once said– “Even when no one believes in you, bet on yourself!” How has achieving your dream of acting and in a Broadway show national tour change the way you dream?

What’s your next dream? Is your next dream Hamilton?

How did your parents and family encourage you on your dream?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. How many times have you watched Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse? 5 How about Hamilton?

2. If you could karaoke with Cuba Gooding Jr again, what song would you duet with him?

3. You’re the big brother to younger sisters. What’s the most important thing you will teach them?

4. What was your first guitar and do you still have it?

5. Do you prefer the ocean, a river or the lake?

6. Most underrated place in Detroit?

7. When you have to have “me time” what do you do?

8. If you had to open up a lemonade stand for your sisters, what would you name it?

The Back Half:

Talk about the cast and crew and how they make you feel?

How has this 1st national tour motivate you for the 2nd and 3rd?

What is your range?

What’s the one thing you had to have from home when on tour?

How did it feel when the Lions got that close to the Super Bowl?

Behind Dewight:

You once hated your smile, what’s changed since then?

How has confidence changed since your 1st foray into acting?

Did you ever think you would be able to travel the country and share your talents with the world as kid growing up from Detroit.

1st place you visit every time you visit a new city?

You act, dance, can help build a stage if a stagehand goes down, what motivates you now?

How do you keep your creative side fed?

Building something takes a different skill set than singing and dancing. How do you focus that side of you when utilize that version of your creativity?

What’s the last thing you built for somebody else, and what’s on your “I need to build next list”?

Family:

Family is important to you. Talk to me about your dad Dewight Braxton Sr and what he brings to your life?

Best thing your mom cooks?

So best thing about your mom?

I always ask Broadway stars about the call when they got the role. Tell me about the day which changed your life forever?

Who did you call 1st and who did you tell 1st?

One Big Question:

You once told yourself “Dear younger Dewight, I hope you are proud of the “ME” you became. I’m glad you are kinder to yourself and doubting yourself less. I’m glad you stopped being afraid to be yourself.” When was the darkest day when doubt almost won, and how did facing that adversity help you be a better actor?

Who on the road keeps you happy?

Where can people find you online?

The Wrap:

He loves the potato place across the street from his college, has to work out when he hits a new city and wants you to watch the national tour of The Book of Mormon. Dewight Braxton Jr, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

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