Clarence Maclin made a remarkable journey from prison to the spotlight in one of the most inspiring performances of the year. He recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he shared his story of discovering the arts in prison and how it transformed his life. Maclin stars alongside Coleman Domingo in the movie Sing Sing, which returns to theaters on January 17th.
During the interview, Maclin revealed that he initially had reservations about getting involved in the Rehabilitation through the Arts (RTA) program while in prison. He thought it was just a “pity party” for prisoners, but his perspective changed when he saw the beautiful art being created by his fellow inmates. The program taught him important life skills, and he was determined to use his newfound knowledge to make a positive impact outside of prison.
After being released, Maclin continued to work with RTA and help others in his community. It was through this organization that he had the opportunity to meet Greg Breitman and Clint Bentley, who were researching a magazine article for Esquire. They eventually asked Maclin if he wanted to be a part of a movie based on their findings, and he enthusiastically agreed.
Maclin’s talent and dedication in the movie caught the attention of critics, leading to his nomination for a Critics’ Choice Award. Last week, he also attended the Gotham Awards, where he experienced being in an award show surrounded by established actors. Initially awestruck, Maclin found comfort in the encouraging words of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who assured him that he belonged there and that his work had brought him to that moment.
Meeting celebrities has been an exciting experience for Maclin, but one encounter that particularly stood out was when he crossed paths with rapper Lil Wayne at the ESP Awards. Maclin admitted to turning into a complete fan for a few seconds before regaining his composure. Lil Wayne graciously greeted him, leaving a lasting impression.
Through all of his achievements, Maclin credits his mother, Mary Magdalene Hard, for her unwavering support. On national television, Maclin was given the opportunity to publicly acknowledge her, expressing his gratitude for her love and pride.
Clarence Maclin‘s remarkable journey from prison to the big screen is truly inspiring. Don’t miss his incredible performance in Sing Sing, returning to theaters on January 17th.
