Mailon Rivera is a New York City native and actor. With starring roles in films such as "Midnight Blue" and "Skin Deep" and guest appearances on over 35 top rated television shows, he is also known for his role as Nation of Islam leader, Min. Xavier Salaam on the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning drama series The Shield, and Omar K. Bone in the UPN comedy series Second Time Around. He is the creator and primary director of the “Native Dance Actors Series”, an advanced actors scene study produced through the guidance of Robi Reed. In 2004, Mailon was named Artistic Director of the 4305 Village Theatre in the historic Leimert Park section of Los Angeles. When asked why he decided to accept the position Mailon cites American actor Kevin Spacey as a motivating factor stating that, “Mr. Spacey has recently taken on the role of artistic director for the London theatre, "The Old Vic" and is currently setting a fine example of an actors company being led by an actor". He continues, " I see it as a great opportunity to blend my love of teaching and mentoring with helping my own community”.
His work has won multiple awards including the Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy for "Best Film" at the American Black Film Festival, Telluride International, NYC Independent Film Festival, Chicago International and the Film Society at the Lincoln Center to name but a few, His starring role in the psychological thriller, "Skin Deep" has become a top requested DVD video rental. Skin Deep is now playing to sold-out audiences overseas, becoming the #1 movie in countries such as Haiti, opening up whole new audiences to independent filmmaking. This feat is most impressive given the political and economic climate in that country. Mailon’s most recent film is “Bull Run”, a compelling drama chronicling the lives of four “fractured” friends from different backgrounds and their relationships. The film was written and directed by Indie director and producer, Joe Rasullo, and is currently in postproduction. Mailon is the subject of a book titled “A Random Life: From Homeless to…?” which deals with his experiences as a foster child and homeless teen in NYC’s Times Square. This book is currently being written with J.M. Morris.
