Actor Taye Diggs Shares Industry Expertise, and Life lessons with CCU Students

Coastal Carolina University students had a brush with fame on Feb. 10 when Broadway, film, and television star Taye Diggs paid a visit to campus as part of the University’s Presidential Signature Series.

“Coastal Carolina University was thrilled to host the very talented Taye Diggs on our campus,” said CCU President Michael T. Benson. “His visit provided our students with a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.”

Diggs spoke to a sold-out crowd of CCU students, faculty, and staff at Wheelwright Auditorium in an hour-long session moderated by Ashley Holloway, associate vice president for University marketing and communication. During their candid conversation, he shared memories and life lessons. Diggs recounted watching his mother act and dance during his childhood and how that inspired him to be an actor, as well as memories from his time at Syracuse University. He said his college experience was a very valuable part of his life.

“[College] is a great opportunity to watch each other and learn who you are without the life pressures of the real world,” he said. “It helped socialize me and was a safe space. Embrace these moments.”

Diggs said his education prepared him to navigate the entertainment industry and set him up for success when it came to auditioning for theatre work, but auditioning for film and television was something he had to learn from experience. Diggs, who most recently appeared in the series All American on The CW, has performed in various TV, Broadway, and film roles. He is known for his recurring role as Angelo Dubois in the hit FOX drama, Empire. Prior to Empire, Diggs starred in three seasons of TNT’s Murder in the First, where he earned a nomination for a 2014 NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series. His film credits include How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Brown Sugar, The Best Man, and The Best Man Holiday.

He reminisced about booking the show Rent and how special it was to work with so many “cool, interesting people” who became his great friends. One of the most resonating pieces of advice the actor shared with students centered around kindness.

“Try to always be nice to people. It matters,” said Diggs.

CCU theatre students had the opportunity to interact with the renowned actor as he surprised them during their weekly common hour. During a talkback moderated by CCU theatre professor Robin Edwards Russell, Diggs shared knowledge to help students hone their craft and impactful advice as they begin their careers.

“It was so awesome,” said Teniia Brown, a junior theatre major who is also pursuing a minor in film and production. “I just loved how humble he was when he was talking to us and giving us insight on how he started … and what made him what he is now.”

Quan Shelton, a junior theatre major, said it was very heartwarming for the industry pro to visit campus. He expressed how special it was to gain insights from and interact with someone who has gained such success in the entertain“He’s one of my [biggest] inspirations in acting,” Shelton said of the actor. “So informative, so inspiring, very chill.”

Diggs said: “Seeing the excitement and that desire in their eyes, that’s something you don’t get out in the real world. That’s why I love working with students. There’s nothing better than working with real, organic, genuine energy … It’s very inspiring.

“I’ll never get sick of that energy,” Diggs said to the large crowd in Wheelwright. “I’m definitely coming back to work with y’all.”

An acclaimed stage actor, Diggs originated the role of Benny in Rent and reprised his role in the 2005 film version of the musical. He was the first Black actor to star as the title role in Broadway’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Other theatre credits include A Soldier’s Play, Wicked, Chicago, The Wild Party, and Carousel. Diggs earned a bachelor’s degree in musical theater from Syracuse.

Diggs is also the author of five children’s books, including Mixed Me! and Chocolate Me!, which address issues of race and identity.