How to Make It in Atlanta
This year, Atkins is set to star in Jerry Bruckheimer’s upcoming drama series, “Hightown” (STARZ) alongside Monica Raymund and James Badge Dale. Set in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the series follows a hard-partying National Marine Fisheries Service agent, Jackie Quiñones (Raymund), whose life is thrown into disarray when she discovers a body on the beach – another casualty of the opioid epidemic. She is convinced it is up to her to solve the murder, putting her at odds with Cape Cod Interagency Narcotics Unit sergeant, Ray Abruzzo (Dale). The two of them, along with everyone else connected to the murder, circle each other, and as their lives crash together. Atkins shines as Osito, a hardened gangster, who is of Haitian and Dominican decent, and has a soft spot for his solider-in-training, Junior (Shane Harper). “Hightown” will premiere on STARZ on May 17, 2020 and was also a SXSW Festival selection.
Atkins is also known for his role as the eternal optimist, Gerson, in AMC’s and Paul Giamatti’s critically acclaimed dramedy series, “Lodge 49” opposite Wyatt Russell. Additional television credits include FOX’s “The Resident,” Crackle’s “StartUp,” Playstation Network’s “Powers” and ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.” On the film side, his credits include Roadside Attractions’ “Trial by Fire,” Samuel Goldwyn Films’ “Lila & Eve” and his film debut in “Dumb and Dumber To” opposite Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels.
Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and raised in Atlanta to Haitian immigrant parents, Atkins originally pursued a career in music, playing guitar in a band, while simultaneously booking roles in “Dumb and Dumber To” and Lifetime’s hit series’ “Devious Maids.” He returned to school, enrolling at University of North Georgia majoring in Theatre, while continuing to book roles in film and television. He eventually decided to pursue acting full time and has been working ever since. Atkins hopes that by increasing his visibility that he can inspire more Haitians to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and ultimately be able to tell stories about Haiti and its rich culture.
While we are all currently practicing social distancing, Atkins has taken to his Instagram stories to perform (singing and playing guitar) and is accepting song requests.
Resources
LINKS:
- IMDB: Atkins Estimond
- INSTAGRAM: @AtkinsEstimond
- TWITTER: @AtkinsEstimond
QUOTES:
“The biggest advice I would give in self-tape is to be bold. Learn the rules and then decide when to break them.”
VIDEOS:
Credits:
- WRITER: Alysia Livingston
- SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson
- WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
- ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
- SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes