Shawn Fonteno

Shawn Fonteno, also known as “Solo,” is an American actor and rapper best known for portraying the character Franklin Clinton in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V. In this project, he provided both voice acting and motion capture, and his authentic performance earned recognition within the gaming community. Fonteno’s personal background, including growing up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and his early involvement in street life, helped him create a convincing portrayal of Franklin.

Before GTA V, Fonteno appeared in films such as The Wash (2001) and 3 Strikes (2000), and voiced a member of the Grove Street Families in the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). He was also active in the music scene, collaborating with artists like DJ Pooh and Kam.

Following the success of GTA V, Fonteno continued to work with Rockstar Games, including appearances in Grand Theft Auto Online expansions. In 2022, he released an autobiography titled Game Changer: My Journey From the Streets to Your Video Game Console, in which he shares his journey from street life to success in the gaming industry.

Fonteno remains active in the gaming community, participating in livestreams and events, sharing his experiences and insights about his role in GTA V. His performance as Franklin remains one of the most recognized and celebrated in video game history.