Urban Theatre Super Couple Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant

Interview by Vanessa Richardson

Urban Theatre Super Couple Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant are making epic moves beyond the Theatre circa.  The Grant’s sat down with me to chat about their marriage, careers, and future projects. Check out our in-depth interview.

The Certain Ones Magazine: Congratulations to you as Newlyweds! What are some important factors in a marriage to make it successful?

Trisha Mann- Grant: Thank you Vanessa! On June 21st 2013, it will be a year for us and so far it has been an incredible experience. We are learning so much about each other and the love continues to grow and intensify but we understand that nothing is perfect. When the imperfect moments arise, the important factor is how we deal with them. Success in marriage begins with communication and respect. There should never be yelling or cursing at your mate and if you claim to be a person of Faith, then during any stressful time, turn to your faith immediately and pray with your partner and for them. We know it is easier said than done but it takes practice and if your marriage is important enough to you, you will practice and activate the power of prayer in your union. Trust in God leads to trusting your mate. In this industry that we are in, we have to have trust for each other but no matter what occupation you have as a couple, individually or together, challenges in this department will come.

If you trusted the one you love enough to make a vow and commitment to spend the rest of your life with them, than continue to trust that they love you enough to take care of your heart and your life. Another factor in marriages that we all should keep in mind is the importance of giving along with your taking. If there is a vast imbalance in any relationship where one expects all and does nothing but take from the other, there will surely be trouble in paradise. We often check our “LOVEDOMETER” by reading God’s definition of Love in the Bible. We will read 1 Corinthians 13 and make sure we are on point with what it says our love should be.

The Certain Ones Magazine: Tony your vocals and acting skills has grown on so many levels. Will you be adding on screen movie credits to your long list of accomplishments?

Tony Grant: Yes. Some of the DVD credits include, JD Lawrence’s, The Clean up Woman, Swirl Films Production of Lord All Men Can’t Be Dogs, Paul Hannah’s, The Marriage Chronicles, KaZarr productions, Growing up in Two Generations, Tyler Perry’s, Madea Gets A Job, and Madea’s Christmas and many more. I also have music in most of those.

The Certain Ones Magazine: Trisha you are a lady who wears many hats. You’re a mother, wife, talk show host, actress, and model. How do you handle all those responsibilities and still find time to minister to, Trisha the woman?

Trisha Mann-Grant: I love this question because a lot of us don’t realize that we have the God-given ability, strength and authority to minister to and encourage ourselves. Life is a journey with many winding roads and we have two choices. One, we can try to control every situation that occurs and dwell on the negative if it the outcome is not our desire. Or two, we can trust God in things we cannot control and allow His Will to manifest in our lives because at the end of the day, He sees the “Big Picture”, we only have a glimpse. I had spent years worrying and stressing over so much, upset because what I wanted was not what I had. However, sometimes what looks good to us isn’t good for us and everything God allows in our lives will not always if ever make sense to us.

The outcome of His plan however is always the better one which is why we cannot lean on our own understanding. There are times I feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or frustrated. When these moments come, I open my mouth and speak words of positivity and LIFE into my Life. I will start off saying, “Trisha, you are the head and not the tail, you shall be first and not last! You are more than a conqueror and everything good that is meant for you will and is coming to past.” I speak LIFE and happiness into my marriage, my home, over my children, family and friends, success in my career and peace with my enemies. Most importantly, I end with saying, “In Jesus Name”, because the one thing I learned since the tender age of fifteen is that there is power in the name of Jesus! After I am done, I feel refreshed, renewed and ready to face another day. I dare anybody to try it. Just mean it and believe it.

The Certain Ones Magazine:  Powerfully said Trisha. Tony you’re one of the most sought out actors in Urban Theatre what has that experience been like for you?

Tony Grant: A tremendous Blessing. I am honored that God has had enough favor on me to use me in this ministry for that truly is what it is to me, Ministry. I see it as an opportunity to bless people and get paid doing it at the same time. Doesn’t get any better than that.

The Certain Ones Magazine: Trisha you host an inspirational online talk show titled Mann Talk. What inspired the concept for the show?

Trisha L. Mann-Grant: I was at my friend Gooses Barbershop Legends in 2009 and a few of the Barbers were discussing growing up watching their Uncles or Cousins in Playboy mode. At first I was a fly on the wall, just taking it all in. Out of nowhere, a question flew past my lips, “So, do you think watching their behavior influenced you to cheat on someone in your past or present?” The room was in an uproar and the energy peaked to an intriguing high! I found myself in the middle of a “Friendly debate” and I loved it! I was there representing for the Ladies and I held my ground with more questions directed at them. As I sat there enjoying the moment, and then it hit me; that I should start a talk show where men can discuss their views on relationships, marriages, divorce, sex, money, drugs, etc.

Fast forward to 2011 after directing some male friends of mine during a play rehearsal, we all sat around chatting about life. They commented on how easy it was to talk to me, even though I was a female. Lol! I shared my television show idea with them and Kevin Dunigan said, “You should call it MANN TALK after your last name. Awesome idea I thought and a year later in August 2012, two months after getting married to my wonderful husband Tony, we decided to produce a show with little to no budget. Tony and I made phone calls, stepped out on faith and thank God, 5 episodes later we will be signing with a new network next month.

The Certain Ones Magazine: Are you working on any projects together in the near future?

Trisha Mann-Grant: Yes, we both write and have several scripts that we hope to film soon. We are planning to start a production company to open up avenues for many other talented entertainers and Producer/Directors in this business. We are presently shooting a web series together as Husband and Wife with Moe Fourte’ and we have future episodes of MANN TALK with Trisha Mann-Grant, that we Executive Produce together. Tony is presently shooting his own talk show entitled, “The Jeremiah Trotter and Tony Grant Variety Show” that I will be a re-occurring Guest Host on. This summer, we can also be seen in the inspirational film, “Growing up in Two Generations”.

Tony and Trisha posing with Sister Ethel in the stage production “Love Found Me.” written and directed by Vanessa Richardson.