Vincent M. Ward never imagined that losing his job—twice—would be the best thing that ever happened to him. But life has a way of steering us toward our true calling, even when the path seems uncertain.

Before gracing television screens, Ward was just a man trying to make ends meet in Ohio. He had a stable job at General Motors, one that seemed like it would carry him through life—until an injury changed everything. Suddenly unemployed, he pivoted to a new opportunity at Champs Sports, where his natural charisma made him the top salesman in the district. He worked hard, set his sights on upper management, and was well on his way—until he was let go once again.

With two children to support and no clear direction, Ward felt lost. But fate had other plans. One evening, on a whim, he attended a local play. It was his first time experiencing live theater, and something about the performance struck a deep chord. As he sat in the dimly lit audience, watching actors bring stories to life, an unfamiliar thought crossed his mind: I could do this.

After the show, he approached the performers, offering praise for their work. To his surprise, they encouraged him to audition for an upcoming role. “What’s an audition?” he asked, laughing at his own inexperience. But curiosity got the best of him, and he decided to give it a shot.

That one decision changed everything.

He landed a small role in Traffic, a film starring Michael Douglas. The experience ignited a fire in him—one that couldn’t be ignored. He had found his passion. But dreams don’t come easy, and his next move would be the boldest of his life: packing his bags and moving to Los Angeles with no connections, no job, and no plan other than to make it as an actor.

His parents were stunned. “You don’t know anyone there,” they cautioned. But Ward remained undeterred. “That doesn’t matter,” he insisted. “Sometimes what feels like a setback is actually a push in the right direction.”

In an unexpected twist, Champs Sports called him back, offering his old job. But Ward had already made up his mind. “I found something I love,” he said, declining the offer. Instead, he saved every penny, and just before leaving for Los Angeles, General Motors unexpectedly sent him a $10,000 check. “It was like a sign,” Ward reflected. “They were telling me not to come back—but in doing so, they helped me move forward.”

Once in Hollywood, Ward faced the struggles that all aspiring actors endure—auditions, rejections, and the constant hustle to prove himself. But perseverance paid off. Over the years, he built an impressive resume, landing roles in The Walking Dead, The Black Hamptons, Devilreaux, and Haus of Vicious, which is streaming on BET+, among numerous others. Each role pushed him further, but he still felt like his journey was just beginning.

Now, he stars in FIRE, a gripping new series that debuted on February 1, 2025, on In The Black Network (ITBN). Set during the Prohibition era, FIRE tells the story of a fearless female entrepreneur fighting to protect her legacy. Ward plays Bobby, the driver for Irene Gonzales, the café owner at the heart of the story. Working on FIRE has been an inspiring experience for Ward, who values the camaraderie on set and the opportunity to be part of a project that uplifts Black voices in entertainment.

“Working with Shireen, who plays Irene Gonzales, was effortless because not only is she a sweet person but also a true professional. We’re friends who want the best for each other. We previously worked together on Illicit, and she recently played my wife in a movie called The Photo Booth. My character Bobby is who I am in real life—loving, supportive, caring, and nice, but still doesn’t take any mess. The bear might be gentle, but just don’t poke it,” Ward shared.

“I take my job seriously,” Ward says. “I show up on time, do the work, and make sure I’m someone people want to rehire. Every set I step onto, I carry gratitude with me. I know there are thousands of people who would love to be in my position, and I don’t take that for granted.”

But for Ward, success isn’t about resting on past achievements—it’s about pushing forward. “My goal isn’t just to be known as Oscar from The Walking Dead or as Bobby from FIRE. I want to be a leading man. I want to win an Oscar. I want to be part of a show that lasts from season one to season twenty-one. If I don’t believe in myself, how can I expect anyone else to?”

From an unexpected detour in Ohio to the bright lights of Hollywood, Vincent M. Ward’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the courage to chase dreams. And for him, the best is yet to come.

Catch FIRE streaming on In The Black Network and witness Ward’s passion in action: https://www.intheblacknetwork.tv.