Shawn Fonteno Shares 80s Then-and-Now Selfie Comparison
Franklin Clinton reflects on decades in two side-by-side snapshots, charting his evolution
Image: Instagram
Shawn Fonteno, best known to gamers as the voice and motion-capture performer of Franklin Clinton in Grand Theft Auto V, just gave followers a glimpse into his personal journey through a simple yet powerful Instagram post. On April 29, the actor behind GTA V’s breakout character shared two side-by-side images—one from his days as a young “Solo” in the 1980s and another from today—captioned: “First pic Before 2nd pic After 80’s Young Solo 🎱.” Fans immediately spotted the contrast between the fresh-faced rapper of decades past and the seasoned entertainer he is now.
Nostalgic Flashback
The first image shows a teenage Fonteno in mid-riff T-shirt and high-top fade, striking a confident pose—a nod to his early days recording West Coast anthems. The second pic finds him sporting a trimmed beard and casual hoodie, smiling with the self-assurance of an artist who’s navigated music, film and video-game stardom. That “8-ball” emoji in his caption hints at the passage of time—eight decades’ worth of life lessons distilled into two frames.
From Watts To Worldwide Fame
Born and raised in Watts, California, Shawn Darnell Fonteno first made waves in the late 1980s music scene under the moniker Solo. According to industry reports and his own recollections, he recorded the track “Whoop Whoop” and toured alongside heavyweights like Ice Cube and Queen Latifah. A public falling-out with Ice Cube and a near-fatal shooting prompted Fonteno to pivot toward acting. He later appeared in films such as 3 Strikes (2000) and The Wash (2001), building on his street-wise persona.
In 2013, Rockstar Games tapped Fonteno to bring Franklin Clinton to life in Grand Theft Auto V. His authentic background and raw delivery made him the perfect candidate for the role; after two and a half years of motion-capture sessions, Franklin emerged as one of gaming’s most memorable protagonists. His performance helped propel GTA V into the ranks of the best-selling video games ever, cementing Fonteno’s place in pop-culture history.
Up Next On The Convention Circuit
Beyond entertainment, Fonteno keeps fans updated on his public appearances via Instagram. In a related post from February 2023, he was announced as a “NEW GUEST” at the National Gaming Expo in Tampa, Florida, under the handle @solo118. The graphic invited gamers to use code “FONTENO15” for discounted tickets and touted his status as the man behind Franklin Clinton. That same promotional feed also highlighted his broader interests—ranging from DJing to motorcycle racing—showing that he still wears many hats.
Fan Reactions
Comment sections lit up as followers responded to the throwback side-by-side. One fan wrote, “Still got that Solo swagger!” while another quipped, “From Whoop Whoop to GTA V, what a ride.” Many praised his willingness to share candid snapshots, calling it an inspiring reminder of how far dedication and passion can take you.
With over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, Fonteno is no stranger to social media highlights. Yet this recent dip into his personal archives struck a particularly nostalgic chord. By comparing his teenage and present-day portraits, he celebrated growth without erasing roots. It’s a candid snapshot of an artist who’s remained true to himself, from his Watts beginnings to global recognition.
As Fonteno continues to explore new projects—be it voice work, film roles or convention appearances—fans can look back on this 80s-inspired post as a milestone in his evolving journey. The same Solo spirit that drove him to record early hip-hop tracks lives on in every character he embodies and every stage he graces.
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