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By Veronica Mackey
My, how time flies. Seems it was just 25 years ago when Duane Finley made his acting debut in the classic film “The Wood.” The coming-of-age story chronicles the lives of three 20-something friends, reminiscing about growing up in Inglewood on the eve of one the friend’s wedding. The film stars Taye Diggs, Richard T. Jones and Omar Epps.
Since playing the younger version of Richard T. Jones’ character, Young Slim, Duane is now a father and successful business owner with dozens of acting and producing credits. They include “The Script,” a new film starring Brad James and Keshia Knight Pulliam, a short film called “Jeremy,” Netflix’s “Karen,” “L.A. Undercover,” “House Party,” “His, Hers and the Truth,” and many more.
Born and raised in Inglewood, Duane landed the role while attending Inglewood High School. He was selected out of 10 drama students to audition for the part.
“My teacher felt I was a natural because I was born here, I knew my way around Inglewood and I knew the culture and lingo. I’ve been all over L.A. I graduated from Inglewood High, I went to Washington High, Henry Clay and Crozier Jr. High School.”
While at Utah State University, pursuing a degree in business marketing, Duane’s mother called to tell him, “There were billboards with my face all over town.” By the time he returned to L.A. for Spring Break, Duane was a recognizable figure in the film industry.
Thanks to his father, however, Duane grew up to become an entrepreneur as well. After getting laid off from his corporate job, the senior Mr. Finley, opened a business.
“My father parlayed cash from “The Wood,” and got a business loan so we could have something, and I wouldn’t have to worry about ever getting fired,” Duane said.
Some 25 years and 800 clients later, My Mailbox, a full-service mailbox rental company at 3651 La Brea Ave., has expanded to include Fins Livescan, Notary Public and Tax Preparation. “Companies need to be multifaceted in our community,” he said. “We need to use our brick and mortar to house more than just one store.”
Following in his dad’s footsteps, Duane is helping his teenage son build credit “so he’ll be able to buy a building one day, not just a house.” .
When he’s not working on a film or running his company with his brother, Duane volunteers at local schools, and is currently involved in a financial literacy program at Dorsey High School. Upcoming films, “Royal Bloodline” “The Script,” “LA Undercover2” and “The Waterboy” are expected to be released this year
