Childhood, Family, And Education
Shawn Darnell “Solo” Fonteno, an American voice actor, recording artist, actor, and DJ rapper, was born on April 8, 1968, in South Los Angeles, California, USA. Shawn Fonteno was raised by his father, Thomas Fonteno, in Watts, Los Angeles, a neighborhood known for its African-American residents, and attended Locke High School. Shawn joined an African-American gang until he was shot and killed. The horrible encounter caused him to leave the gang and change his life. Shawn stole automobiles, was a thief, and sold drugs while in the gang.
Shawn’s past as a juvenile gang member did eventually come in helpful, as Shawn Fonteno is most known for portraying the rather legendary Franklin Clinton in the 2013 video game “Grand Theft Auto V.”
Career
Shawn Fonteno (Pinterest)Shawn has been in several films throughout his career. He appeared in “Dead Homiez” in 1996, “3 Strikes” in 2000, “The Wash” in 2001, and “Grow House” in 2017.
He was a part of the rap group Kam&Solo, which was affiliated with Ice Cube’s Lench Mob Crew.
Playing Video Games
Although Shawn is best known for voicing smart street gangster Franklin Clinton in “Grand Theft Auto V,” which grossed over $1 billion, Shawn’s voice was also heard as an anonymous Grove Street Families member in “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” in 2004.
His 2013 performance was primarily captured using motion capture technology.
Shawn was approached by DJ Pooh, a buddy, and consultant on “GTA V,” to be a part of Rockstar’s newest video game. Pooh also co-wrote and co-produced “GTA: San Andreas,” but he is best known for his role as Red in the film “Friday.” Shawn first assisted in the search for performers to portray Franklin and in their auditions, but after a few weeks, he decided to take on the part himself. Shawn immediately slipped into the character thanks to his experience as a gangbanger and drug dealer, once he got adjusted to the tight-fitting clothing the actors had to wear for the motion capture technology.
Shawn remarked in an interview with USA Today, “I lived his life before… He grew up around drugs, violence, and living with his aunt – I grew up with my grandma, so there were a lot of familiarities.’
During his discussion with Gamecrate, he also discussed the benefits of acting in video games. ‘Wow, I can pretty much relive what I’ve gone through and not get hurt, go to jail, or be nothing at all,’ he thought. Shawn went on to say that he has not only been shot at but has also fired guns, so he understands what it’s like to be on both sides of a gun.
Shawn teamed up with Steven Ogg and Ned Luke in 2010, and the three spent nearly three years voice acting and executing motion capture for the game. They would “film” in a studio and record in voiceover booths.
They initially found the unconventional method difficult because the motion capture suits were uncomfortable and the sets were frequently not fully created or functional. Shawn was also self-conscious about his acting abilities, as his most recent appearance was in the 2001 film “Wash.” When he requested, his castmates were gracious enough to assist him.
In an interview with USA Today, he explained the filming process further, saying, ‘It’s about conditioning oneself to imagine what’s going on…’ Close your eyes and imagine yourself performing in a real living room.’ He expressed hope that his performance in “GTA V” might lead to further opportunities in the future, and both Ned and Steven remarked that acting in the game revived their passion for the art form.
Fortunately, their efforts were rewarded when the game grossed $1 billion in its first three days, and the trio could barely appear in public without their voices being recognized. At the Behind the Voice Actors Awards in 2014, the cast of “GTA V” was nominated for Best Vocal Ensemble in a Video Game.
Shawn shared a video on social media in 2020, pleading for GTA fans to be patient with Rockstar Games’ future “Grand Theft Auto VI” release. He added that the process is lengthy and complicated, especially since it is likely to be a multiplayer game. He implored them not to ‘knock Rockstar down, man,’ in the video.
‘Y’all gotta understand, it’s a process to bring these games out,’ he remarked, adding that “GTA V” development took more than four years – longer than most fans may have imagined. Although Rockstar has not officially announced “GTA VI,” the first installment, “GTA V,” was released in 2013, and fans are eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Because of the excitement of the fans, there is a lot of online hype and conspiracy theories regarding “GTA VI.” The majority of the leaks indicate that the game takes place in Vice City, a setting that hasn’t been in the franchise in nearly 20 years. Following Lazlow Jones’ declaration that he was leaving Rockstar, the future of his radio DJ character is still undetermined.
In 2018, Rockstar released “Red Dead Redemption 2,” which became another major smash. They haven’t released another game since, and have yet to announce any future release dates. There are reports that a “Red Dead Redemption” sequel may be released in 2021 or 2022.
Rockstar is now preparing to release a next-generation version of “GTA Online” and “GTA V,” as the games are still popular, so a sequel is unlikely to be the production’s priority. Still, Shawn’s explanation video should have calmed GTA fans’ nerves as Rockstar works on the long and complex task of finishing the sequel.
Furthermore, Shawn’s video should persuade fans that the Rockstar crew is not milking “GTA,” but rather is listening to their wishes and doing their best to make them a reality.
Private Life
Shawn is married – her name is unknown, but the couple married about 1990 – and they have one kid named Bria. His wife pushed him to leave the group and start again. He also has another daughter, Brittney, who is a baker; it is uncertain if his wife is also Brittney’s mother. Shawn is assisting Brittney in opening her bakery, and she has previously baked and catered for celebrities.
Shawn had a public business conflict with Ice Cube, which he described in the documentary “Beef 2.” Shawn claimed that following a business conflict, he knocked Ice Cube unconscious and took his chain. The battle is said to have started at a traffic signal, and Ice Cube instigated it. Shawn stated in the documentary that after knocking out Ice Cube, he awoke him and ‘whooped his ass.’ ‘Somehow his chain fell in my palm… then, all of a sudden, his Rolex started bouncing off and coming into my hand,’ he added, smirking. I’m not sure how that happened.’
Back in the ’90s, the feud was huge news, and it was part of an even greater feud between Ice Cube and Cypress Hill. Ice Cube allegedly copied a hook from one of Cypress Hill’s tracks and turned it into his record. Shawn (formerly known as Solo) was good friends with Cypress Hill at the time.
Later, when his daughter, Bria, interviewed him on her channel, Fonteno Media, he apologized for the feud in a YouTube video titled “GTA V Shawn ‘Solo’ Fonteno Full Interview.” He also stated that he would like to collaborate with Ice Cube in the future.
Activities And Other Passions
- In his free time, he enjoys customizing and riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles.
- He has a small dog, whom he is very fond of, and loves a lot.
- He sells his merchandise online.
- His role models growing up were his grandfather, grandmother, and uncles.
- His cousin is American rapper Young Maylay, the voice actor of protagonist Carl “CJ” Johnson in “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.”
Body Structure
Shawn stands 6ft (1.83m) tall and weighs approximately 195lbs (88kg).
Net Worth
Shawn Fonteno (Pinterest)As of late 2020, Shawn’s net worth is predicted to be $1 million.