Terry Crews, an actor, athlete, and host known for his roles in "White Chicks" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," shares his remarkable journey from NFL rejection to artistic success. He explores the importance of embracing failure, likening life’s challenges to a lobster's growth process. With nostalgic anecdotes from his childhood in Flint, he reflects on creativity's role in overcoming life's hurdles and his evolving views on parenting. Terry also discusses the beauty of nature, love, and personal transformation, radiating positivity and gratitude.
Terry Crews highlights that embracing failure and discomfort can lead to significant personal growth, akin to the molting process of lobsters.
By viewing life through the lens of an artist, Crews infuses creativity into everyday tasks and redefines success as inner contentment rather than external achievements.
Deep dives
Terry Crews' Journey from NFL to Acting
Terry Crews reflects on his tumultuous NFL career, where he played for six teams over seven years, which resulted in feelings of disappointment and instability. Despite initially seeking glory and championships, the constant movement and uncertainty took a toll on him and his family. However, he later recognized that these challenging experiences prepared him for a successful career in entertainment, particularly in handling auditions and rejection. Crews draws a parallel between his growth during this time and the molting process of lobsters, emphasizing that personal growth often comes with discomfort and vulnerability.
The Importance of Artistic Identity
Crews emphasizes the invaluable lesson he learned from his mother, who urged him to always remember that he is an artist. This notion has shaped his perspective and work ethic, influencing the way he approaches both mundane tasks and creative endeavors. By equipping himself with the mindset of an artist, he finds beauty and purpose in all aspects of life, whether mowing the lawn or performing on stage. This artistic lens allows him to infuse creativity into everyday activities, transforming them into opportunities for expression and fulfillment.
Redefining Success and Finding Awe
As an empty nester, Crews has begun to reevaluate his definition of success, shifting focus from external achievements to inner contentment and happiness. He reflects on the importance of cherishing meaningful moments with his family now that his children are adults. Additionally, he shares an awe-inspiring experience he had while filming in Iceland, where he witnessed the breathtaking beauty of nature and the vastness of the universe. This experience not only grounded him but also reinforced his appreciation for the life he has built and the dreams he still wishes to pursue.
Terry Crews went to college on an art scholarship, played football in the NFL, and now stars in movies and hosts America's Got Talent. The key to his many successes, he says, is to be really good at failure. Or, put another way, to be a lobster. He tells Rachel about getting cut from the NFL, staying up all night drawing as a kid, and how Bear Grylls helped him appreciate his place in the universe.
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