Growing up in numerous foster homes and moving out on your own at the age of 15 can be difficult to say the least. Ending up in Hollywood on the big screen shows determination and that anything is possible.

Fresh off the remake of the 80's slasher film "Prom Night", Collins Pennie took a few moments with Starpulse to chat about himself and his upcoming project, the remake of "Fame."

Starpulse: Coming from Brooklyn, what has surprised you most about the Hollywood scene?
Collins Pennie: Palm trees and mountains. Didn't have much of that in Brooklyn.

SP: Whose career do you admire?
CP: I really admire Will Smith's career because he has had the opportunity to have a music and movie career and be very successful at both.

SP: If you weren't an actor, what would you be?
CP: I would be a social worker and help at risk youth.

SP: You've done daytime soap opera, TV and films. Which do you prefer? Would you ever consider theater?
CP: I love doing Film because I can tackle a variety of role. I plan on doing theater at some point.

SP: Acting, dancing and singing - which one is your true passion?
CP: My true passion is it all. I love to express myself in all areas and have to be able to do them all.

SP: With "Fame" coming out next fall, how did it feel to be in a movie where you get to show off your dancing skills?
CP: I actually don't get to dance much in the movie. I play a drama student.




"Prom Night" World Premiere - Cinerama Dome - 04/9/2008 Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

SP: Did you watch the original "Fame" as research? Had you seen it before?
CP: I was very aware of the original. It's one of those movies that inspire you to go after your dream and it defiantly did that for me. Due to the fact that this film is more like a modernization I didn't need to watch the old one for research but I was very aware of it.

SP: The director of the original "Fame" was a former ad copywriter. How do you think director Kevin Tancharoen's experience as a dancer/choreographer helps the remake of "Fame"?
CP: Well Kevin knows this world he's lived it so it's so who better to convey the vision of FAME...

SP: A description of your "Fame" character reads: Malik, an intense, gifted artist who must reconcile his past before he can truly move on and find his voice. How did you relate to your character's situation/experience?
CP: I relate to my character Malik in his struggle and having to overcome his pain and his past and push pass adversity in order to achieve his goals.

Story by Ariel Vered
Starpulse contributing writer