Actor, comedian, and creator Melvin Gregg joins Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo for Episode 101 of The Crew Has It, reflecting on his rise from viral comedy videos to major television and film roles.
Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo are back with another episode of The Crew Has It, and this time they’re joined by actor, comedian, and digital creator Melvin Gregg for an in-depth conversation about taking an unconventional road to Hollywood success.
Known for his work in projects including Snowfall, The Way Back, American Vandal, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Paper, Gregg sits down with the hosts to retrace a career that began long before audiences knew him as Drew “Manboy” Miller.
Gregg opens up about growing up in Virginia and eventually making the move to Los Angeles, where he began pursuing entertainment while navigating the uncertainty that comes with trying to break into Hollywood. Before establishing himself as a dramatic actor, Gregg became one of the recognizable faces of the early social-media comedy era, building an audience through viral sketches and short-form content.
During the conversation, Gregg discusses what it took to turn internet popularity into opportunities within the traditional entertainment industry—and why success in one space didn’t automatically guarantee respect or longevity in another.
The episode dives into his transition from comedy and digital content into increasingly dramatic roles, including his memorable run as Drew “Manboy” Miller on FX’s Snowfall. Gregg shares behind-the-scenes memories from the acclaimed crime drama and reflects on stepping into a character who became an unforgettable presence within the show’s dangerous Los Angeles underworld.
Gregg also looks back at working alongside Ben Affleck in The Way Back, his role as Detrick in The Paper, and several of the auditions and career-defining opportunities that helped reshape the industry’s perception of him as a performer.
Beyond the Hollywood stories, the conversation becomes a valuable discussion about longevity.
Gregg shares lessons from navigating both the creator economy and traditional acting world, offering advice to aspiring actors and digital creators hoping to transform attention into a sustainable career. From auditions and rejection to preparation, reinvention, and understanding when an opportunity can change the trajectory of a career, Gregg provides insight drawn from experiencing multiple eras of modern entertainment firsthand.
Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo also trade stories with Gregg about life on set, the realities behind landing major roles, and what audiences rarely see once the cameras stop rolling.
Episode 101 of The Crew Has It featuring Melvin Gregg is available to watch now. Fans can check out the full conversation and share their favorite Melvin Gregg moments while subscribing to The Crew Has It for more full-length podcast episodes, behind-the-scenes conversations, and celebrity interviews.
