05/20/2026
Be sure to stay tuned in on Tuesday, 5/26 at 6p for a exclusive episode of On The SCENE with Maubra Foster RN sitting down with Chicago’s own Actor, Author, Model, Filmmaker, Writer, Producer and Entrepreneur Thai Edwards.
Thai "THE THAIGA" Edwards is an American actor, writer, producer, and entrepreneur whose career is defined by an unwavering commitment to discipline, resilience, and creative independence. Raised in Chicago, Edwards faced a chaotic and challenging childhood following his parents' divorce, experiences that forced him into survival mode early on but ultimately forged the relentless work ethic that defines his personal brand.
Before finding his footing in Hollywood, Edwards excelled in the worlds of athletics and fashion. After he left Chicago, his college hoop dreams came to an abrupt stop, when he played in a college Pro Am for then-NBA superstar Larry Johnson. After overcoming significant physical setbacks from a gunshot injury he sustained during the tournament. He later walked onto a Dallas, Texas, semi-pro football team that later went on to win a National Championship in 2000.
After being discovered as a model in Dallas, Texas, his striking looks and physique smoothly transitioned him into high-end fashion modeling and, eventually, a full-time pursuit of acting. Edwards first caught the attention of indie film audiences with roles in projects like Battle Buddy 2011 and "Anabolic Life" 2017. However, his mainstream breakout arrived when he joined the cast of Tyler Perry’s hit television drama "Sistas" in 2020. Playing the polarizing and intense character Olonzo "Zo" Crawford, Edwards became a recognizable household face, showcasing his capability to balance high drama with grounded realism.
Driven by a desire to tell authentic, purpose-driven stories rather than waiting for Hollywood's permission, Edwards founded "Iconic Film Group" (IFG). Under his own banner, he co-wrote, executive-produced, and starred in the critically acclaimed short film The Ice Cream Stop. Inspired by real events, the project earned him widespread industry recognition, including a Silver Telly, an NAACP Image Award nomination, and the "2024" HAPA Award for Best International Actor in an Indie Film. Edwards recently solidified his technical foundation by graduating from film school in 2025 reclaiming an educational milestone he missed during his turbulent youth.
Beyond traditional screen acting, Edwards has aggressively expanded his brand into the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry. He provided the facial capture, likeness, and performance for the prestigious playable Operator Eric "Slam" Samuels in both Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and 7.
A multi-hyphenate creator, Edwards also maintains a powerful footprint in the wellness space as a prominent celebrity personal trainer and fitness coach. He’ll soon be hosting the unfiltered, deeply candid podcasts "Straight No Chaser" and "In The Red Room", where he shares his philosophies on vulnerability, storytelling, and the business of entertainment.
Driven by the mantra "Success isn't about timing. It's about readiness," Edwards continues to develop feature films, television, and documentaries, building a lasting legacy rooted in absolute authenticity.
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Alt. Short- Podcast Introduction
"Alright, family, welcome back to the show! Today’s guest is the absolute definition of a modern-day renaissance man—a literal force of nature who took the word 'grind' and turned it into an art form.
He survived the grit of Chicago to dominate the runway as a high-fashion model, conquered the gridiron as a national champion athlete, and then marched right into Hollywood to stake his claim. You know him from his massive breakout role as the intense and unforgettable Olonzo Crawford on Tyler Perry’s hit series "Sistas". If you're a gamer, you’ve definitely dropped into the battlefield using his official likeness as the highly coveted Operator Eric Samuels in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and 7.
But he didn't stop at acting. He took the reins of his own destiny, founded Iconic Film Group, and went on to write, produce, and star in the critically acclaimed film "The Ice Cream Stop," which garnered a 2022 NAACP Image Award nomination and earned him the 2024 HAPA Award for Best Actor.
He is an author, a film school graduate, a powerhouse celebrity trainer, and the brilliant mind behind the up and coming "Straight No Chaser" and In The Red Room podcasts. Please put your hands together for the producer, the creator, the absolute powerhouse himself... Thai "THE THAIGA" Edwards. So be sure to like this page, then tune in tues. for a brief live preview right here and on IG page (). This is one exclusive interview you don’t want to miss. 🙌🏽🔥🎤