Malik Barnhardt

Malik Barnhardt works in American film as an actor, writer, producer, and director. A Newark, New Jersey native, he wanted to act from the age of eight. After relocating to New York, he took a job as a buyer for Russell Simmons's Phat Farm clothing label while studying at NYU, where his training covered Stanislavski, the Meisner Technique, improvisation, and comedic timing. Simmons encouraged him to take acting seriously, prompting a move to Los Angeles. With no prior credits or contacts, Barnhardt got his first acting job in the Oscar-winning 8 Mile, which featured Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, and Brittany Murphy. He went on to portray colorful characters alongside Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, and Terrence Howard, and worked with directors Jim Sheridan and Curtis Hanson. Inspired by filmmaking's creative side, he expanded into writing and directing independent films and has amassed more than 20 movie credits.