Desi Singh, a true embodiment of a showbiz family legacy, had the privilege of growing up amidst the dazzling glamour of the entertainment industry. His mother, JeanBrazil, a proud descendant of the illustrious New Orleans voodoo queen Marie LaVeau, was a talented member of the renowned Katherine Dunham dance company. She later made a name for herself as a well-respected psychic, earning a loyal following on the south side of Chicago, Illinois.
Desmond, fondly referred to as Desi, embarked on a tumultuous journey during his formative years, with the majority of his time spent navigating the gritty streets of Chicago. As a solitary figure, he struggled to forge meaningful connections with his peers, instead earning a reputation for his ability to hold his own in physical altercations and his propensity for entanglements with the legal system, which became a recurring theme throughout his adolescence.
Despite his rugged exterior, which was often at odds with the harsh realities of his environment, Desi harbored a creative spark that began to manifest itself at an early age. Alongside his childhood companions, Ernesto Aviles and Luis Gonzales, he discovered a passion for filmmaking, utilizing Super-8 film to bring his imaginative visions to life. This fledgling interest in the art of moviemaking would eventually blossom into a lifelong pursuit, providing a creative outlet for Desi as he navigated the complexities of growing up on the streets of Chicago.
Desi's innate fervor for the art of filmmaking served as the catalyst for his decision to enroll at Columbia College in Chicago, where he had the privilege of being mentored by the esteemed Gaylon Emerzian, a renowned expert in the realm of filmmaking and directing. Additionally, he had the opportunity to hone his skills in acting for the stage under the tutelage of the accomplished Dale McFadden. Notably, despite not having completed high school, Desi made a solemn vow to obtain his General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to graduating from Columbia College. True to his word, he eventually attained his GED, demonstrating his commitment to self-improvement and personal growth.
Desi's multifaceted professional journey has comprised a diverse array of occupations, including a stint as a truck driver, where he honed his skills in navigation and logistics, followed by a period as a restaurant manager, where he refined his abilities in customer service and team leadership.
Subsequently, Desi's career path took a dramatic turn as he pursued a career as a Chicago firefighter, where he developed a strong sense of camaraderie and physical endurance. This experience was soon followed by his decision to serve his country as a U.S. Marine, where he learned valuable skills in discipline and teamwork.
After his military service, Desi transitioned into a role as a nightclub bouncer, where he utilized his physical prowess and conflict resolution skills to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
It was during this time that Desi's passion for the film industry led him to work on the Rowdy Herrington film "Gladiator," an experience that ultimately granted him his coveted Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card.
Moreover, his time on the set of "Gladiator" provided Desi with the opportunity to meet one of his childhood martial arts idols, the renowned Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez, a meeting that would have a profound impact on his future career endeavors.
Throughout his journey, Desi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his work, a strong sense of resilience, and an unrelenting passion for his craft.
It was in the year 1991 that Desi made the bold decision to embark on a transformative journey, leveraging the financial resources accumulated through his concurrent employment of three jobs to fuel his aspirations. With a sense of adventure coursing through his veins, he mounted his motorcycle and set off on a thrilling five-and-a-half-day odyssey from Chicago to the City of Angels, Hollywood, driven by an unwavering determination to turn his lifelong passion for acting and filmmaking into a tangible reality.
As he arrived in Hollywood, Desi's unwavering dedication and perseverance enabled him to gradually bring his aspirations to fruition, meticulously crafting a career that would ultimately realize his dreams. Since that pivotal moment in 1991, Desi has resided in Hollywood, ceaselessly pursuing his artistic ambitions and steadily transforming his vision into a resounding success.
