Malik Barnhardt is more than just a rising star. The successful actor has built his career from the ground up with his own two hands. Malik is a critically acclaimed actor, writer, producer and director. He first made his way into acting after he was discovered by Mekhi Phifer.

At the time Malik was cast as an extra in a music video. Mekhi liked what he saw in Malik and hired him on as a production assistant. Their relationship leads to Malik eventually starting his acting career and moving on into other areas of TV and Film.

Reflecting on those early days as an actor Malik feels he gets inspired just by being on the set. “I love being on the set, and even when I was just trying to get in the game, I was doing PA, I was doing anything I could to be on the set, to be around the set, and I love the energy of being on the set.” This energy has allowed him to become a very diverse actor.

Malik’s acting credits include some very popular films and his characters stand out from the rest making him a very memorable actor. Most notable is his performance as Moochie in ‘8 Mile.’  He followed up on that stellar role with his next film the critically acclaimed ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin”, the Benny Boom film ‘Next Day Air’ with Mos Def and ‘Janky Promoters starring Young Jeezy and directed/starring Ice Cube.  Leaving no stone unturned Malik has been seen on the small screen as well with roles in shows like "The Cell," "Law and Order," and "Arrest and Trial”. Malik reflects on his acting career and where he is headed by stating that, “once I honed in on my craft and really knew what I was doing as an actor, then other things came to me [that} was more interesting to me like producing and directing.” Not to be seen as a one trick pony Malik has added producing, directing and writing to his repertoire. “The thing I like about directing is delegating or you know putting your ideas out there and letting actors act.” As a producer & director Malik has shown and proven he has what it takes to make films. His resume includes such films as ‘Black Woman's Guide to Finding a Good Man’ which he wrote, produced and directed. Other films he has produced include, ‘Nora’s hair Salon 2’, ‘Grindin’, and ‘House of Grace.”