A competitor who strives for excellence on the field, in the boardroom and most importantly in the community describes Eric Merriweather at his core. Dr. Merriweather is a Masters Olympian and he has been able to use his athletic ability to guide him through life while bringing others along for the ride. He has always envisioned himself making a change for all people, and is now excited to see that vision coming to fruition in ways he could have never envisioned.
Dr. Merriweather in 2002 founded The African American Association of Georgia, Inc. and the execution of his vision has touched the lives of people of all ethnicities in the Greater Atlanta Area.
Some of Dr. Merriweather accomplishments include a Masters World Games Two-Time Gold Medalist and Masters 8-Time World Champion Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist (both indoors and outdoors). He is a published author of “Knowing Your Identity through Christ”, released by Tate Publishing Company in 2011. He is a registered Certified Life Coach in Atlanta where he teaches individuals on how to deal with life struggles and recognizing that they are for greater success throughout their everyday life.
HELLO DR. ERIC! THANKS FOR TAKING TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS DR. ERIC MERRIWEATHER IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I was a kid that had big dreams but did not know how to obtain them at first but life shaped me with good and bad but the experience of it taught me how being intentional about who I am and what I want will create an atmosphere that is surreal to the visions you had of being someone of great success in life. I love running. I love helping people in need. I love being a mentor to kids and I love being an actor and author. I believe I am what a smile represents by bringing so much joy to others and myself.
HOW DID YOU START AND HOW WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY?
I am a life coach to several people in a family of actors and they kept encouraging me to get into acting and at first I was little hesitant but also curious at the same time. I finally obliged and started taking acting classes and then I landed my first role, which was very exciting. My very first role as a homeless guy, which was different but great, we also were up for consideration of an Emmy as well. It was even cool to know that which is why I know have the energy of wanting more.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BE A GREAT ACTOR, AUTHOR, LIFE COACH, AND A HUMANITARIAN? ISN’T IT TOUGH TO PERFORM SO MANY ROLES AT A TIME?
I think the biggest thing for me when it comes to all the roles that you have named. I have a passion for everything you listed and it always gives me great joy to be an actor, an author, a life coach and a humanitarian. It is like the greatest spectrum of life having the ability to be so many things at one time and to be in love with each.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SO SUCCESSFUL? WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA OF SUCCESS?
It feels great but it is hard work to be successful. What I mean is that you have to believe in you, your craft and have a heart of a lion in order to create the success and sustain it. My mantra to success is to make sure your atmosphere has the ability to take you to new heights each and every day.
HOW DOES IT FEEL WHEN YOU EARN SO MANY AWARDS AND HONORS?
I really have to take a moment to absorb because a lot of times I get the awards and I keep it moving because of who I am and what I love to do. The awards represent progress, appreciation and hard work.
OUT OF SO MANY ROLES THAT YOU HAVE PERFORMED AS AN ACTOR, WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY?
I recently had an opportunity to work on an animation project with the great John Amos, Racquel Bianca John and EG Daily through CWStudios. To be in a studio working with people that have paved the way was very heartwarming, refreshing and an honor all at the same time.
IF SOMEONE IS GOING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE INTO A MOVIE, WHO WOULD PLAY YOU?
The person that I would like to play me is Blair Underwood. I have always connected with him and his craft. As you can tell this was already thought out that if and when my book was ever turned into a movie I already have the characters in mind to portray the story.
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO SAY TO YOUR FANS OUT THERE?
I would like to say thank you so much for your support and that my life is great because of your appreciation of my craft, my abilities and because you care. I will always be grateful to you all. I send your way the biggest hugs you could ever imagine. There is no me without you. Thanks
To know more about Dr. Eric T Merriweather don’t forget to follow him on Instagram @emerriweather and Twitter @ETMerriweather
