Actor / Director Profile

Malik Barnhardt is an American actor, writer, producer and director. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Malik dreamed of becoming an actor from the time he was eight. In pursuit of his passion, Malik moved to New York where he worked as a Buyer for Media Mogul Russell Simmons and his Phat Farm clothing line. Besides the rigors of holding down a full time job, Malik enrolled at NYU where he studied Stanislavski, Meisner Technique, Improvisation and Comedic Timing. He immersed himself 100% into his studies and did not stop there. Recognizing the opportunity of working under the Rush Communications umbrella, Malik seized the chance to absorb as much knowledge as he could. Before long, Russell Simmons took notice of his unwavering desire to become an actor and challenged him to seriously pursue his dream. That vote of confidence is what prompted Malik to relocate to Los Angeles. With no credits, contacts or previous acting experience, Malik's big break came when he landed his very first job in the Oscar Award winning "8" Mile starring Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer and the late Brittany Murphy. Since then he has played a variety of colorful characters including roles along side the likes of Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Terrence Howard and has worked with critically acclaimed directors, Jim Sheridan and Curtis Hanson. The creative side of film making inspired Malik to explore his broader interests and now with more than 20 movie credits under his belt, has branched off into writing and directing Independent Films. In his spare time Malik gives back through his work with at risks kids and travels regularly to speak at schools and youth detention centers.