Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Paige-Westbrook.
Hi Zachary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Zachary Paige-Westbrook, though many in the creative and sports worlds know me as ” D-R-A-C-O.” I was born in Washington D.C but Memphis, TN is my hometown. I moved to Houston at the end of 2024. I am an independent professional wrestler, screenwriter, and actor, and I founded Enter The Draco Productions to bring powerful stories like my feature film, “My Brother’s Keeper,” to life. My passion for storytelling is matched by my dedication to athletics, as I am both an international martial arts champion and an active competitor in independent professional wrestling. I developed my craft at Dillard University, a proud HBCU where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance while simultaneously serving three years in the Army National Guard. I am also a dedicated member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., which keeps me grounded in community and brotherhood. Creativity and resilience run deep in my blood; I carry a powerful media legacy as the grandson of legendary DC blues singer and actress Virgin Mary Jefferson and the son of Jolene Westbrook (Ann Sawyer), a pioneering Black Emmy-winning news anchor who raised me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I have a strong faith in God Almighty. There have been many trials and tribulations. You have to understand….. to come from a broken home in DC, losing my mother and grandmother at an early age, getting adopted and moving to another whole city in the span of the first 6 years of life can be hard on a kid but my journey nor will never changed. I was born to be an entertainer, so much so that I have traced back entertainment being in my family for 5 generations. Of course there were and still are times where I wanna give up but it’s the people back home, the people who have met me and know who I am and what I am capable of in the ring, on the screen, on the stage and even in radio that I am destined for greatness and I can’t give up that!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I debuted on National TV in NBC’s Young Rock. I wrestled on local TV in the Midsouth for three years even earning a few spots on WWE programming. Thus far in Houston, I’ve had the pleasure to work with Jakari Lister with Paenultimus Productions and also Lynette Guidry’s new “H-Town Chronicles” series. In the near future, I will be putting out my own short films as well introducing The Last Dragon/D-R-A-C-O character to screen. In the words of Dave Chappelle, “ I am a Griot, a storyteller if you will.” I believe I am the same as he. The realm of storytelling is what differs, whether that story is told on screen, in the ring, or on a stage.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
1. All things are possible through God alone. I wouldn’t have made it to this interview if it wasn’t for God’s mercy and grace.
2. Sometimes people only want you around where it benefits them. Know that when you agree to certain terms. Also know when it time to bounce out and when you’re being misused.
3. Morals over Money.
4. Talk to someone and reach out, especially during times of doubt and anxiety. I know how it is to move to a new space and not know what’s gonna happen in the near future and it’s very hard to get out once those four walls surround you. Get out, meet new friends, have conversations with stranger and help a child or friend in need when you see it.
5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF- (This was the hardest for me) It took me til I got to Houston to do that. Where I came from everyone believed in me, which in essence I felt I didn’t have to cause others did. But once I made that move to Houston, I had to believe in myself first so that way others can believe in me too which strengthens the process tenfold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://v0-zachaypaigewestbrook.vercel.app/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dracothelastdragon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachary.paigewestbrook/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@enterthedracotmproductions
