Dontez X. James, a Cleveland, Ohio native, embarked on a lifelong journey of artistic expression at a remarkably young age, initially showcasing his nascent talent for acting in an elementary school production of Aladdin Jr. As he progressed through the years, Dontez's creative endeavors continued to blossom, and he cultivated a remarkable aptitude for crafting fiction novels.
Dontez's academic journey took an unexpected turn when he switched schools, ultimately leading to him emerging as a highly touted track and field athlete at Ravenna High School. Amidst the rigors of his athletic pursuits, he discovered a creative outlet in writing, which would soon blossom into a notable literary endeavor.
As the University of Akron's theater program stood on the precipice of discontinuation and the institution itself was placed on academic probation, Dontez perceived this turning point as a clarion call to pursue his long-held aspirations. Undaunted by the uncertainty that surrounded him, he seized the opportunity to take a bold leap of faith, and in doing so, he published his second book. This act of courage and determination marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he embarked on a journey as a background extra in Ohio-based film and TV productions. His work in this capacity would eventually take him to the set of the highly acclaimed film "Fate of the Furious," where he would make significant contributions to the production.
Twelve months had elapsed since Dontez had first embarked on his professional acting journey, and it was only a matter of time before he landed his inaugural audition, a relatively minor yet significant role in the notable film "The Land", which boasted an impressive ensemble cast featuring the renowned Erykah Badu, the highly acclaimed Michael K. Williams, and the talented Machine Gun Kelly.
As Dontez navigated the audition process, he garnered the admiration of the film's director, Steven Caple Jr., who was impressed not only by the actor's impressive audition but also by his exceptional performance on set.
Dontez embarked on a remarkable career trajectory, securing an unprecedented four consecutive acting roles in a short span of time. These notable performances included appearances in the critically acclaimed films "My Friend Dahmer", "The Assassin's Code", "Surviving Compton", and "Last Flag Flying". The success of his performances did not go unnoticed, with the producer of "My Friend Dahmer", Adam Goldworm, and the director of "The Assassin's Code", David A. Armstrong, taking notice of his exceptional talent.
Noted actor made a significant career move by signing with the reputable talent agencies Goldworm's Aperture Entertainment and Momentum Talent Agency, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey.
In the ensuing months, he secured a notable role in the pilot episode of the highly acclaimed HBO comedy series "Made for Love", which boasts an impressive cast including the talented Cristin Milioti, Billy Magnussen, and the renowned Ray Romano, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Dontez's on-screen portrayal of the captivating character "Donnie" in the critically acclaimed production received widespread acclaim and enthusiastic fan attention, ultimately resulting in his recurring appearance in two episodes of the show's second season.
