Alonzo B. Slater recently landed his first leading role alongside veteran actors Vivica A. Fox and Jackeé Harry in “A Christmas for Mary” which premiered on December 9th on OWN. Slater first stepped foot in entertainment as a wardrobe stylist for Catt Saddler and Chris Witherspoon in NYC before moving to Los Angeles and signing with Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, you might recognize him for his work on commercials like for Verizon, American Express, and Chevrolet. We had a chance to ask Alonzo about some of his current projects, what inspired him to chase his dream of being an actor, and what's next. You can follow Alonzo on Instagram @alonzobslater
TGR: You wanted to be an actor since you were a child, can you share how you made that dream a reality?
Slater: Well it wasn’t easy, I went to college and lived a regular life but I wasn’t satisfied or happy. So two years ago, I packed all of my things from Jersey to Los Angeles and never looked back. I was booking modeling gigs and commercials for various companies. My recent car commercial was with Chevrolet this past November. Then, I slowly made my way to a lead role job for OWN. It really is all about hard work and going after your dreams.
TGR: Where did you grow up?
Slater: I grew up in Jersey City, NJ. East coast kid!
TGR: What's your most embarrassing childhood memory?
Slater: I have so many! I believe when I was around five years old, my mother and I lived in an apartment building that had a laundry room for the residents. One morning my mother went to wash clothes and I was unaware because I was asleep. When I woke up I went ape shit, literally. I remember leaving out of the house with just underwear on running downstairs screaming “where’s my mommy?” It was a mess and I was so embarrassed, she was right at the elevator coming back upstairs.
TGR: Who is your inspiration?
Slater: It will have to be my mother. She’s a single parent juggling two jobs and it shaped me into the man I am today. She held it down for so long and it's very inspiring. I want to be a great parent just as close to her.
TGR: You recently did a film with Vivica A. Fox and Jackée Harry, what was it like being on set with two iconic actresses?
Slater: We met at our promo day and it was so much fun, they are everything that imagined, sweet, funny, and full of energy. Being on-screen with the two of them is a dream. They are so supportive!
TGR: What are some of your favorite movies?
Slater: Wow, “John Q”, “Crooklyn”, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”, “Wiz”.
TGR: Hollywood is known for remakes, which remake would you cast yourself in?
Slater: I was just talking about this to a castmate. I would love to be cast in “Soul Food”, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” and I want to play a James Bond. That’ll be a dream come true
TGR: You’ve done some stand-up comedy, do you see yourself pursuing that, or are you focused on acting?
Slater: I want to pursue both! I love stand up but Covid-19 put a hold on that. I would love to do more comedic roles, it’s a nice blend.
TGR: What do you like doing in your spare time?
Slater: Workout, Read, Sleep and Write. I’m working on scripted projects for my production company, AM Productions. I produce shorts to keep my creative side active.
_websize.jpg)
