Interview With Lovell Adams-Gray - New Digital Cover Model For L'Officiel Cyprus
Lovell, tell us about your greatest strength as a professional.
I believe my greatest strength as an actor; is my vulnerability and my curiosity. I'm more curious about why something scares me than to be immobilized by the fear of it. I love challenges, and I hope to lead by example for other upcoming artists.
What is your favourite part of being in the media industry?
My favourite part about being an actor is getting to do what I love every day, and in doing that, I get to bring real change into the world. I love that my work impacts people, moves them, and challenges them to go deeper and love harder.
Tell us more about the beginning of your career.
I started in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, not knowing how to break into the industry and did a Co-Op program at The Rose Theatre in Brampton and Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto. After graduating from Humber College, I took various classes around the city and completed the CFC actor's conservatory. I was a part of the Toronto Monologue Slam run by Andre Newell and won 3 times. I got one of my first jobs working with legendary director Clement Virgo, and I'm honoured to say that we got to connect again on the film BROTHER, which premieres at TIFF this year!
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
In five years, I see myself having led multiple major feature-length films and having at least 1 Oscar nomination under my belt. I see myself at the Bernard Jacobs Theater on Broadway, starring in my first Broadway play. I see my fiance, Kiana Madeira and I finally married and enjoying our first child. I see us on the red carpet at the Oscars and Emmys styled by Mickey Freeman and us both getting on the best-dressed list. What may be most important is that in 5 years, I see our Les Homes project being developed and sufficiently funded, as well as BDB productions in Post-Production of its 4th feature-length film. God willing. I know we'll get here someday whether it be in 5 years or longer!
You are a true multi-talent. What motivates you?
Thank you, and I thank God for allowing me to walk down this path. The partner He's placed in my life, Kiana, motivates me plenty! She is a superstar and a grounding force in my life. The generosity of my family and friends, who have always lifted me when I was down. I'm also greatly inspired by the skill and mastery of Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West. Their artistry moves in faith, abundantly!
What inspires you the most as an actor?
I'm most inspired by actors who are courageous and fearless in their approach to their crafts! Artists like Jonathan Majors, Viola Davis, etc. who consistently look for challenging and deepening material. I love seeing people openly surrender to being used as a vessel for God's glory! I feel like that is where my artistry lives, and when I see other artists push the envelope, it fuels me.
If you could play any other person in a biopic, who would it be and why?
If I could play anyone in their biopic, it would be Kanye West because of how impactful he and his work has been on my life. His work ethic and vision, to me, represent a fine example of what faith is. To pray and ask God for guidance, and then trust that He's opened the way. I love that everything Kanye has spoken has formed. I'd love to explore and embody his character to further understand his psyche and the inner workings of Kanye's journey. Plus, we got the same pout!
You are the recipient of a Canadian screen award; how does it feel to receive such a great honour?
Oh wow, it feels so great to not only be recognized for my work but to be included in such an illustrious group of artists. I can't lie; it's something I've always wanted and something I prayed for. The fact that it came from working with Mumbi, Charles Officer, and Amanda Parris makes it much more special.
Without giving too much away, what can we expect from your characters in season 3 of ghost and Brother coming out at TIFF?
I've been given the responsibility of playing Dru Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost for 3 seasons now, and I think we can expect to see a new side of him this time around. We've seen his cool-headed thoughtful side, his artistic, passionate side, and now we'll see his heart. I feel like this may be our best season yet. God only elevates.
In Brother, I play Jelly, who is best friends with Francis (played by Aaron Pierre) Jelly is a DJ and brings the vibes wherever he goes. He's quiet and introverted but communicates profoundly through his eclectic musical tastes. To me, he's my first foray into embodying Ye, the part where he made 5 beats a day for 3 summers. I was inspired by DJ Jazzy Jeff for the most part, however. That man is a genius on the turntables!
Success is such a subjective concept that everyone likely views differently. How do you define success?
I define success as achieving the goals and objectives God placed in your heart. Sometimes it can be difficult to discern the difference between those things and the things of the world. However, I feel that deep down, we know what true satisfaction feels like. When a goal of the spirit has been reached. It feels different than just buying that fancy car. But a red Ferrari Enzo feels nice too!
All creative projects have their challenges. What was your biggest challenge during a project?
A big challenge I recently had was playing a DJ. I was isolated in my basement, just spinning away and challenging myself with what songs I could mix and just stay in the zone. It was so much fun because I love music, but being a DJ is an art that deserves mastery, and I was very far from that.
How do you keep in shape?
My trainer Jerry Joseph gets me right! I've also started training at TMPL fitness in New York, and it's been a blast. Sauna, Pool, Sauna!
What is your time management philosophy?
I am such a big procrastinator, so time management isn't my forte. But to quote my very wise dad, "Do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do." Those words have really helped me lock-in.
Team credits:
Talent: Lovell Adams Gray
IG: @lovelladamsgray
Photographer: Antwon Maxwell
Fashion Stylist / Art Director: Mickey Freeman, represented by the Only Agency
IG: @MickeyBoooom @theonly.agency
Creative Director: Phoenix Rae
Grooming: Marcos "Reggae" Smith
IG: @Regdabarber
Stylist assistant: Angel Carrion
IG: @therealcarrion
Production assistant: Kionna Alee
IG: @Kionnaalee
