Antwone Fisher: Survivor, Writer, Director

Photo by Jesaca Lin

            If you had never heard of Antwone Fisher before meeting him, you would be completely clueless of his tragic past. Without knowing his background, it would be impossible to guess that the man standing before you was a victim of childhood abuse and at one point was apart of the homeless population in Cleveland, OH. At his book release party in New York City in April 2011, (the handsome) Fisher's confidence filled the room and his sense of humor easily won the crowd over as he signed copies of his latest book.

            Making a narrow escape from the streets, Fisher joined the Navy - which he credits for changing his life, “It’s a life changing thing to be able to sleep indoors.” As an emancipated minor, he was able to join the service at the age of 17. It was not until Fisher was falling behind in boot camp  that he realized he was lacking the essential skills every young man should know, like tying a tie or budgeting money - lessons that were absent from his childhood.

            Now at the age of 51, Fisher is an accomplished screenwriter (Antwone Fisher - 2002, My Summer Friend - 2010) and he just released his second book, “A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie, and Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life.” This book serves as a manual for boys, men, single mothers and single women. All the lessons offered in this book come from Fisher's own life experiences, like not being able to tie a windsor knot - which was an essential part of his Navy uniform. The book offers advice on a wide variety of subjects from reinventing yourself to proper grooming and organization. “Inventing and reinventing yourself is one of the purest and most essential acts of control you can perform,” Fisher wrote in his book. “ When you feel that you are valuable, you understand that like gold, you can be melted down and cast into a new form - one of greater value, one that reveals a different facet of your essential self.” 

Photo by Jesaca Lin

            While reading the book, I found myself taking notes on several keys to life that Fisher offers. He shares the invaluable tips that led to his success like finding a mentor, watching the company you keep, and trusting your instincts, “Trusting your gut is important. It can save you from doing something foolish or dangerous, but even more important, it helps you find your value as a person.” I have been recommending this book to all my friends - especially because it has received praise from the former President, Bill Clinton.

             Aside from this novel, Fisher is currently working on a proposal for a future book, “Being a Girl Dad." This book will be based on his own personal experiences being a father to his two daughters Indigo, 12, and Azure, 8. Fisher, who has been married to his wife LaNette for 15 years, shared a story about Indigo who suddenly had a change in behavior. Fisher noticed that Indigo suddenly began getting dressed with her door shut, he thought nothing of it until one day the 12-year-old girl ran past him from the bathroom to her bedroom, holding her arms over her chest. In that instant he knew puberty had hit his baby girl, “My wife was so excited to be able to take her to get her first bra, right - so I took her,” he said. “It’s getting to the point where I am going to be left out of a lot of stuff if I don’t participate.”

            Staying busy, Fisher also released a film this year - "My Summer Friend", which includes Annie Abbott, Mykelti Williamson, and Bill Cobb in starring roles. In his directorial debut, "My Summer Friend" won the Audience Award for the Best Short Film at the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. Fisher also shared that he just finished writing the screen play for the sequel to "Training Day."  He also revealed that he is working on a film titled, "On American Soil."
 

Photo by Jesaca Lin

            Antwone Fisher is a force to be reckoned with, in his lifetime he will become a household name, and he is already well underway. I asked Fisher what advice he would offer to young people following their dreams and he offered the following, “Never give up,” he said. “Always do your best on your way to it,” he continued. “Sometimes you have a dream to do something - sometimes you are around someone who an make your dream come true, but if your not doing a good job at what your doing they may not take you serious.” Amazing advice coming from a poor kid from Cleveland, that nobody wanted.

For the full transcribed interview, please click HERE.