Model and Actor Denzel Wells: Guided By Faith, Motivated By the Vision

by Cyrus Webb

Not everyone has Tyra Banks in our corner telling Tyler Perry that we are someone that he should check out, but that has been the experience of model and actor Denzel Wells.

2014 was a busy year for Wells: appearing on the #1 show on the Oprah Winfrey Network IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG as well as the recent cycle of America's Next Top Model. Along the way, however, he lived moments that will always be with him and have garnered him much-deserved attention for his skills in front of the camera.

Talking initially about the success of IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG, Wells told me "It's a blessing being part of a tremendous project. It's very surreal for me." As the show took over cable on Tuesday nights in 2014 so did the attention about Wells. "I did not think it would be so thrilling," he confessed. "The show has such a great following. It's been amazing to watch it grow."

What a difference a couple of years make. He started modeling in January 2013 when practically no one knew who he was and then in BANG: on two hit shows and even being recognized by Essence Magazine as Eye Candy for the ladies on television. Wells, however, is trying to take it all in stride. "I'm still the same guy I've always been," he told me, "but to see people react the way they have is like WOW!"

One of the biggest driving forces in IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG's success and Wells' notoriety is social media. "It's really crazy how much of a presence that social media has on TV shows," he says. "You can watch the show, have a question and then ask it of myself and the cast. It's a great feeling to interact with the fans in real time."

Though he appreciate all of the support he is getting, Wells made an important point to me about what drives him--and it's not fame. "Your motivation has to come from within," he says. "You can't rely on the fans, family or friends. What it boils down to is your own motivation and your own want to succeed."

"You literally have to be your own worst critic," he explains "If you don't someone else will. If you don't have a tough skin it's going to be a tough journey for you."

Stay connected with Denzel Wells on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iam_denzelwells.