Up and coming actor Laz Alonso is definitely making a name for himself in Hollywood. With movies like “Leprechaun II: Back 2 Da Hood,” “Stomp the Yard,” “This Christmas,” “Bones,” and “Miracle at St. Anna” beneath his belt, the dashing D.C. native is looking to conquer even more. I had the chance to sit down with Alonso and chat about his theatrical experiences.
Maria Osler – We all remember you from movies such as: ‘Stomp the Yard,” “This Christmas” and of course your most recent film, “Miracle at St. Anna,” but tell readers a little bit about yourself. When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Laz Alonso – I always knew, even as a child. I was an only child who had to entertain myself quite a bit and created all kinds of scenes and characters. Most people would call them imaginary friends, but in a way it was what we do in scene study and preparing for a role.
Osler – Tell me a little about your college career. What college did you attend and what was your major and minor? How was your experience at college?
Alonso – I went to Howard University and was a marketing major with a minor in business administration. It was a great experience that really prepared me for the competitive environment of the real world. It also helped me land a few jobs before I achieved my career goals as an actor.
Osler – After you graduated, what plans did you have as far as career goals?
Alonso – I wanted to make money and save at a traditional job for a few years so that I could pursue acting without money woes and stress.
Osler – As an actor, do you think it’s very important to have many “hustles?”
Alonso – Sure. The more the merrier as long as you don’t lose focus. Just keep them legal!!!
Osler – If you could thank someone for helping you reach your goals, who would it be and why?
Alonso – My mother. She never questioned my move towards acting. She always believed in me blindly. It helped.
Osler – What black actor do you admire?
Alonso – Will Smith is probably the most versatile actor of our time. He can do comedy, drama, action, romance. It isn’t easy to be able to play so many types and he can do it.
Osler – How was your experience in Spike Lee’s “Miracle at St. Anna?”
Alonso – Working with Spike was one of my career goals come true. It was a blessing. Also portraying a historically relevant subject matter was also an honor.
Osler – What upcoming projects do you have that readers should be on the lookout for?
Alonso – “Fast and the Furious” in June ’09, and “Avatar” comes out December ’09.
Osler – And what advice would you give to individuals who have followed in your footsteps, but have lost friends due to jealousy and envy?
Alonso – To let go and let God. They didn’t lose a friend. God just removed them from their life to protect them from further damage they would’ve caused. Jealousy and envy is a sickness and until they get over it they shouldn’t be around you.