Houston native DeRon Horton is seeing a solid start to his acting career with a leading role in the upcoming Netflix series “Dear White People.” Raised in Saudi Arabia, the 24-year-old actor has had a unique life of building characteristics that continue to mold his career.

Moving to Saudi Arabia at just 10 years old was a culture shock for Horton’s young, developing mind, but the actor says his experiences there taught him about life. “I believe it was easier to adapt because I was younger,” Horton said. “I was still getting to know what life was really about. I was exposed to a plethora of ethnic backgrounds, which allowed me to develop a very open mind and heart.”

Horton has always wanted to be an entertainer from childhood. “I always had a passion for entertaining others from a young age. As a kid, I would replicate films in the house when I was alone. By the time I reached high school, I decided to take it seriously,” he said.

Horton took that passion with him to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he met several unique individuals that he says stimulated his career. “The university was teeming with endless amounts of different people from all over the world. I was fortunate enough to not only get to know many of these people, but also be challenged and inspired in my career by them,” Horton said.

The young actor says he always had a strong support system through his parents and SCAD staff.

“Paula Wallace, the president and founder of SCAD was a huge support”, he said. “She attends a lot of student events and allows alumni and professionals to return and share their career experiences with students. Those connections supported my career immensely.”

Horton also drew inspiration from Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, and Sidney Poitier.

In the Netflix series “Dear White People,” Horton plays Lionel Higgins, a self-proclaimed nerd. Higgins writes for the Winchester Independent, a college newspaper, and works with the black student group on campus to stop institutional racism at the university.

“He’s also trying to figure out his place in life, from college to his sexuality to where he really fits in life, versus where society says he should,” Horton added.

Horton says he doesn’t share many similarities with his character, but he identifies with Lionel’s desire to make a mark in the world. “I fight for what I believe is right, but sometimes I have a hard time saying it in the moment.”

Even though the series is a comedy, Horton says comedy has always been a challenge for him. “I actually have an Incredible love for drama,” he said.

The series is set to air on April 28th.

“I think viewers will gain a sense of how common us all are as a people. It could help provide a better example of what is offensive and what isn’t,” Horton said.

Horton’s acting resume includes some high-ranking roles. Prior to his current role, Horton starred in films such as Sundance Film Festival nominated “Burning Sands” and “Dirt.”

Despite having such predominant roles early on in his career, Horton says acting is not a natural talent, and that he constantly has to work at it. “Acting is always a challenge and I'm a big critic of myself. I always feel like I can keep evolving the way I present the character I'm portraying. When actors think they've found some “golden technique” is when they stop improving,” he said.

Horton also learned a lot about how to conduct himself during filming.

“Filming made me realize the realities of the industry as a business. Relationships are really important, but your reputation is one of the most important things to keep in good standing. You have to take everything seriously because you never know how the next job will help your career,” he said.

Horton says he is looking forward to his future in acting.

“I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and fired up to challenge myself even more now that I have a solid start in my career. I just want to continue to inspire people and receive the same gift of inspiration back from them.”