Markina DeShawn Brown, an only child, was born and raised on Detroit's east side, where she spent her early years in constant training and competition in acrobatic gymnastics. This prolonged period of dedication and hard work instilled in her a profound appreciation for the values of discipline, perseverance, and unwavering commitment.
As a meteorologist, Markina worked in several major cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, but in 2014, she made the bold decision to pursue her true passion for acting. This transition was precipitated by her profound respect for the craft, which she believed demanded the same level of dedication and discipline she had developed as a gymnast.
Markina's journey as an actress has been marked by numerous notable projects, including the Emmy award-winning TV mini-series Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and S.W.A.T., as well as recurring guest star roles in Hulu's Interior Chinatown and Tyler Perry's The Haves and The Have Nots. Her impressive filmography also includes appearances in the critically acclaimed films Peppermint, starring Jennifer Garner, and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, directed by Ang Lee, as well as the hit TV series Mr. Mercedes.
Despite her many accomplishments, Markina remains committed to continuous learning and self-improvement. Even when not on set, she can often be found training in an acting class, driven by her philosophy that "the gratification comes in the doing, not the results." This unwavering dedication to her craft is a testament to the enduring impact of her gymnastics training on her approach to life and her pursuit of excellence.
