Cameron Fuller: From the Gridiron to the Silver Screen

By Kyra Greene

Cameron Fuller’s journey into acting is one of unexpected turns, passion, and perseverance. Growing up in St. Louis, he initially had no plans to become an actor. However, a deep love for films and storytelling eventually led him down a path that would take him from the football field to Hollywood. Now starring in Tyler Perry’s BET+ show Zatima and stepping into filmmaking with his short film Runaways, Fuller is making his mark both in front of and behind the camera. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his journey, lessons from working with legends, and the importance of telling meaningful stories.

Growing up in St. Louis, what experiences or influences shaped your decision to pursue a career in acting?

I really had no plans to pursue acting as a career growing up. My mother, at an early age, saw that the only things that held my attention were football and movies. She would often rent VHS tapes and football video games for me because they really captivated my imagination. So I’ve always had time for movies and going to the theater. Luckily, that love would eventually give birth to my acting career.

You’ve worked as a stand-in for Denzel Washington—how did that experience shape your approach to acting, and what did you learn from observing him?

I always tell folks the summer of 2015 changed my life forever. I had only been acting for a year and was coming off filming my first independent feature film, Here We Are, in Austin, TX. Shortly thereafter, I quit my full-time job at KHOU, a local TV station in Houston, TX. While on set for Here We Are, I saw a casting call for a 6’1″ African American male to be a stand-in for a western filming in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I submitted for the casting and never heard back—until May 20th, 2015, when I got a call from central casting asking if I was still interested in standing in for Denzel Washington in The Magnificent Seven. I jumped at the opportunity, packed up my Chevy Monte Carlo, and drove to Louisiana.

Over the course of that summer, I learned from and watched one of the greatest actors to grace the big screen. I learned how to work as an actor, what it took day in and day out to commit to a project, and how to collaborate with directors and fellow actors to achieve authenticity. But in my three months on set, it was Chris Pratt who gave me a piece of advice that has stuck with me to this day. He said, “The thing that will keep you out of Hollywood will be the same thing that gets you in.” I now understand what he meant—if you are yourself and don’t try to be someone else, only then will you have a shot at making it in this town. In the end, he was right.

How did your athletic background prepare you for the discipline and commitment required in the acting and film industry?

I am grateful for my college experience at Graceland University and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Being a student-athlete was a privilege that I held with great pride. Between going to class and practice, I was able to harness the focus and commitment to the process that was necessary to become a two-year starter and graduate with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Passion has always been the key ingredient for any level of success I have enjoyed to this point in my life. I’m passionate about what I do.

What was it like transitioning from athletics to acting, and did you find any parallels between the two fields?

The ability to take direction on the fly is the greatest correlation between athletics and acting. Not taking any constructive criticism personally—being coachable, as they say in sports. The best athletes and actors are coachable. It also works the same way for directors and coaches; we all have to collaborate to achieve a common goal.

You’re currently starring on Tyler Perry’s BET+ show Zatima. What’s it been like working on this series, and what drew you to the role?

It’s been a dream, honestly. My castmates have become my family. We all click together so well. We have so much fun making the show that at times, it doesn’t even feel like work. I remember reading the role of Nathan and instantly connecting with his sense of humor. Making people laugh is something I enjoy doing, and Nathan was the perfect vessel for me to channel that energy.

How did working on Zatima with Tyler Perry influence or inspire you as an actor and as a new filmmaker?

The main thing I’ve taken away from him is that if you put your trust in God and let Him lead you, He will take you to great places. Psalms 23:5 says, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” That scripture applies to Tyler Perry perfectly—he continues to be a blessing to so many people. I pray I’m able to do the same one day.

Can you share any memorable experiences or advice Tyler Perry gave you on set?

After Season 1 wrapped, he called me a “fearless actor.” That stuck with me. I proudly wear it internally like a badge of honor. So, whatever film set I step foot on in the future, I remember those words.

Your short film Runaways tackles the serious issue of human trafficking in the United States. What drew you to this project, and why did you feel it was important to tell this story?

I was scrolling through social media and read a story about how dating apps have led to a spike in sex trafficking kidnappings. I started to do some research and was shocked by the stories I read. I feel that film is the perfect medium to engage the public about broader societal issues that plague us all.

As the Executive Producer, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on Runaways, and how did you overcome them?

Honestly, just organizing the entire project from start to finish was the biggest challenge. I don’t think people realize the level of detail that goes into bringing a production to life—from booking locations, locking down schedules with cast and crew, staying on budget, and making sure everyone gets paid. But I like the responsibility that comes with the title. You know what they say, “Gotta pay the cost to be the boss.”

What message do you hope Runaways conveys to audiences, and why is this issue personally important to you?

I hope the message that comes through is that as a society, we have to do a better job of protecting the most vulnerable among us. In a stranger, see a friend.

How do you balance your roles in front of and behind the camera, and do you have a preference for either acting or directing?

I don’t think there’s a need to balance—I just go in the direction the inspiration takes me. I love them both. I will be directing my first short film in early January 2025. I just love telling stories, and both being in front and behind the camera give me that ability.

As a new filmmaker, do you have any advice for aspiring directors who want to tackle complex social issues through film?

JUST. DO. IT. Who cares if you didn’t go to film school or study in some program? I got my degree at YT University—that’s YouTube University. The questions you have and the information you need to know can all be found on YouTube.

Where do you see your career heading next, and are there any other social issues you’re interested in exploring through future projects?

I don’t know where my career is heading next, but if the trajectory stays the course, it could be stratospheric. I don’t plan on slowing down. I’m interested in doing films with actors who are differently abled. Movies like Peanut Butter Falcon and Champions are films I’d like to explore in future projects.

Story Photos Jayson Echo