Dwayne Barnes, a multifaceted individual, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where he was exposed to the harsh realities of life, an experience that has profoundly impacted his artistic and human development. In his senior year of high school, Barnes was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and won a citywide acting competition, earning him a scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University.
However, after a few years of collegiate life, Barnes felt an inexplicable urge to pursue his destiny and relocate to Los Angeles, driven by an insatiable desire for stardom. Not content to be limited to acting alone, Barnes is also blessed with remarkable vocal talent, which was showcased in Robert Townsend's "The Five Heartbeats: The Musical" just two years after his move to Los Angeles. Barnes' outstanding performance earned him a nomination for BEST ACTOR at the NAACP Theater Awards.
In addition to his work in theater, Barnes has also starred in various musicals, including "Letters from Nam," written and produced by Emmy-winning director Paris Barclay, and "Dorian," in which he received widespread acclaim from The Denver Daily News, with the publication praising his "knockout performance." His musical talents also led to a recording contract with Capitol Records, where he collaborated with the group H20 on an album, although the group disbanded before the album's release.
Throughout his career, Barnes has made numerous guest appearances on popular television shows, including over 30 episodic programs, such as C.S.I., E.R., and Cold Case. He has also appeared on various network shows, including "Without a Trace," "Angel," "Judging Amy," "Numbers," "The Shield," and "Six Feet Under."
Barnes' portrayal of a cheeseburger-loving crack addict in the urban classic Menace II Society has garnered him widespread critical acclaim, following in the footsteps of esteemed actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Halle Berry, and Chris Rock, who have all made significant contributions to the film industry.
