Grand Theft Auto V Star Shawn “Solo” Fonteno Opens Up About Street Life and Mental Health in ‘Game Changer’ Memoir

Former gang banger turned professional performer Shawn ‘Solo’ Fonteno, beloved by millions of Grand Theft Auto V fans as the actor behind lead character Franklin Clinton, has released an inspiring new memoir documenting his rise from a troubled family life and immersion in gang culture to worldwide fame. Game Changer: My Journey from the Streets to Your Video Game Console by Shawn ‘Solo’ Fonteno and Yusuf Jah was released on March 24th, 2022. In this Hype Magazine interview, Solo opens up about his difficult journey from the streets to stardom, overcoming suicidal depression and addition, and what it’s like to get thrust into acting in video games.

In the memoir, Fonteno opens up on his trauma-filled early childhood including the loss of parental figures to drug addiction, near-death experiences and the risk-taking behaviors that developed throughout his teen years and early adulthood – chapters of his life he’s relieved to close – as well as his experiences entering the entertainment industry in the hopes of inspiring at-risk youth with his story.

“I hope my story shows what’s possible to anyone who may be moving in the same kind of circles I was moving in as a youth,” said Fonteno. “I’m living proof that you can move past whatever circumstances you’re in and find a way to make a change and have a positive impact. I’m blessed to be in this situation and so grateful to the fans of Rockstar Games who have been so supportive.”

Shawn’s adverse childhood experiences gave him the attributes required to portray the kind of character Rockstar Games sought to create with Franklin Clinton in Grand Theft Auto V, – a young, smart and opportunistic street hustler determined to seek a better life for himself. Shawn’s combination of street cred, lived experience, and the skill and confidence to perform under pressure gave him unique insights into the character’s arc over the course of the story.

Upon its release in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V was the highest-grossing entertainment property of all time. The game has gone on to sell over 155 million units worldwide, and with Franklin’s recent return as part “The Contract,” the latest blockbuster update to Grand Theft Auto Online, Shawn’s character is more popular than ever.

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER

Tags: #Gaming, Authors, black authors, Dr Dre, Franklin Clinton, gang culture, Grand Theft Auto V, GTA, GTAV, Interviews, mental health, Rockstar, suicide awareness, Video Games

About the Author

Crystal Willis Crystal Willis is an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Entertainment Publicist and CEO of The Omni Firm. She is also a Transformational Life Coach and Founder of The Crysalis. Her personal story has been seen by millions of people on media outlets like Marie Claire Magazine, PBS, Blaze TV, Daily Signal and more.