Actor, musician Craig Robinson talks to Hadley students

GLEN ELLYN – Actor, musician and author Craig Robinson was an awkward kid growing up.

His trials and tribulations proved to be the inspiration for his new children's book, "Jake the Fake Keeps it Real."

"It's loosely based on my life, super loosely based on me being an awkward kid," the former Chicago music teacher told Hadley Junior High School sixth-grade students during an April 20 appearance at the Glen Ellyn school.

Robinson is probably best known for his role as Dunder Mifflin employee Darryl Philbin on NBC’s "The Office," along with his appearances in movies such as "Hot Tub Time Machine" and "The End." Writing the book was a chance for him to get back to his roots as a teacher, Robinson said.

"I wanted to use my platform to inspire and shine some light, if possible," he said.

The book, which he co-wrote with bestselling author Adam Mansbach, revolves around a character named Jake and how he faked his way into the Music and Art Academy for the gifted and talented.

"He can only play one song, really, really well," Robinson told the students. "He's afraid that everybody is going to find out that he is a fraud."

During his appearance, Robinson also talked about his days as a teacher. When he was still teaching, Robinson said he was known as the "fun" teacher.

"We used to take the kids around the city during the holidays and sing Christmas carols at senior citizen homes and at Navy Pier and things like that," Robinson said.

He also talked about the joy he felt when one of his students learned how to play a song.

Robinson entertained the students and staff members, such as when he started to sing Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." He recently hosted the Spike television show “Caraoke Showdown.”

Following his lecture, Robinson signed copies of "Jake the Fake Keeps it Real" for students, including sixth-grader Erick Goble, 11, of Glen Ellyn. Erick said he liked listening to what Robinson had to say.

"I liked his attitude," he said. "I'm very excited to read it. I'm looking forward to it."

Robinson said he hopes his book will remind kids to "live in the moment."

"Don't always try to fit in," he said. "It doesn't matter what you look like. What matters is that you learn to be your true self and enjoy the journey."

And his advice to budding actors, writers or musicians? Be yourself.

"It all comes back to your own story," Robinson told the students. "You're the only one we have on this Earth, so let us see that story. Let us hear that song. Don't think that you are not worthy of your own story."