About David "Diesel" Terrell
Hello all, my name is David Terrell, although many also know me simply as “Diesel” or “Da Deez.” No relations to the late great singer Tammi Terrell or the NFL Chicago Bears superstar wide receiver David Terrell, my journey has been uniquely mine, filled with diverse passions and remarkable achievements.
From a young age I thrived on competition. I played varsity sports at Jefferson High School Democrats on the east side of South Central Los Angeles, excelling as a pitcher in baseball and a point guard in basketball. My competitive spirit wasn’t confined to school; I also organized neighborhood sport leagues, complete with schedules and uniforms, to ensure everyone had a chance to play. My football teammates nicknamed me “Diesel,” inspired by the shape of my head, resembling the front cab of a diesel truck—a name that has stuck with me throughout my life.
In 1982, my people-oriented nature led me to a career with RTD/MTA transportation. Simultaneously, I found myself dancing on the popular television show Soul Train as a principal performer along with my good friend Dwayne Ellis. We were known as Fanta’C & Diesel, and we captivated audiences with our moves every week 👉🏾 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqmKBVcPedA&list=PLYqxgXLdv-dy6K3Y5tDUoCAZOQKO4cIj0&index=14.
Dancing allowed me to travel to Japan, Mexico, the 1991 Super Bowl and perform in tv and movies. My MTA co-workers affectionately called me “Train,” a nod to my Soul Train “fame”, while my bowling buddies shortened Diesel to “Deez” or “Da Deez.”
After a significant fall in 2008, which led to a back injury and my early retirement, my doctor advised me to take up bowling as part of my rehabilitation. This sparked a newfound passion for the sport. At 49, I faced another major challenge: returning to school to study nursing while simultaneously pursuing a career in acting. Balancing these demanding paths tested my resolve, but I thrived in spite of the challenge.
My love for bowling and my desire to create a supportive community led to the founding of the Explosive Pins Bowling Match Play (EXPN) Platform in 2014. EXPN is a unique, open-door community that welcomes bowlers of all skill levels, fostering an environment where everyone can improve and enjoy the game. We primarily bowl at the legendary Gardena Lanes and EXPN is akin to iconic venues like Showtime at the Apollo and Rucker Park. It’s a place where passion for bowling and camaraderie flourish, complete with appetizing food and an electric atmosphere.
Beyond my contributions to the bowling community, since 2010, I’ve made significant strides in the acting world. With over 60 credits, my television and film credits include projects such as “Legacy,” “The Vince Staples Show,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Them,” “The Neighborhood,” and many more that can be found here: http://www.imdb.me/DavidTerrell. I have been honored to work with some wonderful and personable entertainers.
As I continue to evolve and pursue my passions, I wish you the best in pursuing yours. I invite you to stay connected and join our growing community. Whether through bowling or acting, I am dedicated to fostering positive experiences and inspiring others to reach their full potential.
Much love to you all,
Da Deez!
At EXPN Bowling Match Play, We Roll. We Bowl. We COMPETE!
