Andre De'Sean Shanks' early life was marked by a series of moves, as his parents' frequent relocations due to his father's military service took the family to a multitude of diverse locations.
Andre's journey took a significant turn when he finally put down roots in DeRidder, Louisiana, a city that would ultimately become the permanent residence he would call home. It was during his high school years that Andre's path began to unfold, with his senior year marking a pivotal moment in his life. It was then that his youth pastor, a guiding figure in his life, handed him the reins to the lead role in a play, sparking an interest in acting that would only continue to grow.
Andre's burgeoning enthusiasm for acting prompted him to momentarily table his plans to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy at Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, allowing him to redirect his focus and energies towards nurturing his burgeoning acting career.
Andre's initial foray into the world of acting was sparked in 2008 when he seized the opportunity presented by a radio advertisement seeking fresh talent. This serendipitous encounter proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, as it led him to cross paths with the esteemed agent David McDermott. McDermott's guidance and mentorship provided Andre with a robust foundation upon which to build his professional endeavors.
In the ensuing two-year period, Andre honed his craft by working as an extra and non-paid actor in various independent films.
It was the year 2010 when Andre's professional journey took a significant turn, as he successfully secured talent representation in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite the initial setbacks and disappointments that often accompany the early stages of a career, Andre remained resolute in his pursuit of excellence, dedicating himself to continuous learning and self-improvement.
As the years went by, Andre's perseverance and unwavering commitment to his craft began to pay off, and his fortunes started to shift in a more favorable direction. In 2012, a major breakthrough arrived, as Andre landed his first significant principal role in the popular television series "Breakout Kings". Specifically, he made a memorable appearance in the episode "SEALd Fate", marking a pivotal moment in his professional trajectory and setting the stage for future success.
Andre embarked on a new chapter in his life by enrolling in the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in the vibrant city of New York, a move that marked the beginning of an intense period of self-improvement and artistic growth.
As he delved deeper into the world of acting, Andre encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, yet his unrelenting passion for the craft remained a constant source of motivation, fueling his determination to push through the challenges and pursue his aspirations with unwavering dedication.
New York City Biography:
Andre's journey to becoming a skilled actor began with his enrollment in the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, a renowned institution that has produced some of the most talented performers in the industry.
As a student at the institute, Andre was exposed to a wide range of acting techniques and methodologies, which he used to hone his skills and develop his unique style.
Despite the many challenges he faced, Andre's passion for acting remained strong, driving him to continue pushing himself to new heights and striving for excellence in his craft.
In the end, Andre's hard work and dedication paid off, as he emerged from the institute with a newfound sense of confidence and a deeper understanding of the art of acting.
