Young Star Percy Daggs IV on Working with Halle Berry, Writing Scripts, and Balancing Teenage Life
At just twelve years old, Percy Daggs IV is already making significant strides in the entertainment industry. With a passion for acting, writing, and directing, Daggs is a creative force in the making. Despite his youth, he speaks with a self-awareness and focus that is often rare, already charting his course in Hollywood.
Daggs recently starred in Never Let Go, playing the role of Nolan alongside renowned actors Anthony B. Jenkins and Halle Berry. The film focuses on a close-knit family, with Daggs and Jenkins portraying Berry’s sons. When asked how they built such a believable familial bond on screen, Daggs explains that their connection was genuine from the start.
“We spent a lot of time together—running lines, talking, and just hanging out. The family bond in the movie was really how it was on set. We were always protecting each other, always there to defend each other,” he shares. While the emotional intensity of the film’s storyline was challenging, Daggs says the sense of protection and trust between the cast made the experience easier. “It was an amazing film in the end,” he adds.
Daggs’ journey into acting began at an even earlier age. “Before I started acting, my dad had an audition for one of Halle Berry’s shows,” he recalls. “As he was practicing, I took his lines and memorized the whole thing. I was only three and a half, but I performed the entire scene for my parents. That was the day I decided I wanted to act.” That full-circle moment came to fruition when he was cast in a movie alongside Berry herself, a dream come true for the young star.
Now, Daggs is looking forward to expanding his acting range. While he’s open to taking on more horror roles, he’s particularly excited about exploring drama and comedy—specifically the genre of dramedy. His upcoming show Paradise, set to release in February, offers him a fresh opportunity to experiment with this blend of genres.
But acting isn’t the only creative outlet for Daggs. He has a deep passion for writing. “Writing is what gets me out of bed every morning,” Daggs says with excitement. “When you’re writing television scripts, every day can be a whole different topic. You can shift perspectives between characters, which I really enjoy.”
As for directing, Daggs hopes to explore that side of filmmaking one day. “I would love to direct my own work, but I don’t think I have that visionary eye just yet,” he admits. “For now, I might explore producing. I learned a lot from Miss Halle, who was the producer of Never Let Go. While I wouldn’t be the one to create all the visionary aspects, I’d still get a big say, especially if I’m acting in my own scripts.”
Despite his growing list of projects, Daggs is conscious of the challenges he’ll face as he heads into his teenage years. “There’s going to be a lot to juggle—school, sports, and acting—but I
have my family and friends to support me, so I think it’ll be a fun teenage journey,” he says optimistically.
When asked what advice he would give to other aspiring actors, Daggs offers a thoughtful response: “Keep going. Sometimes it’ll be slow, and you won’t get many auditions. But if you feel like this is your thing, don’t stop. There’s always something else out there for you.” Daggs also reflects on his big dreams outside of acting, saying, “When I was little, I wanted to be the best NBA player or the richest businessman ever. Now, I’m starting to see that acting is probably the way to go, but those other dreams are still there—they’re just secondary now.”
As Percy Daggs IV continues to grow, both personally and professionally, he’s proving that age is no barrier to creativity and ambition. Whether he’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, he’s already making his mark in Hollywood, and there’s no doubt that he’s only just getting started.
Keep an eye out for Paradise in February and watch for Below-Average Assassin, as Daggs’ vision comes to life.
Photography Credit: JSquared