Lovell Adams-Gray
Lovell Adams-Gray, a Canadian actor, writer, and producer, was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He graduated from Humber College, Acting for Film and he continued his training at CFC actor’s conservatory. He is most known for his performance in the web series “21 Black Futures,” “Lost & Found Music Studios,” the short film: “Damon,” and as Peter Broome in the horror Anthology series, “Slasher: Guilty Party.” Lovell currently plays Dru Tejada in “Power Book II: Ghost.”
What inspired you to get into acting?
Will Smith was one of my greatest influences growing up. I watched all of his films and learned the dance to Men In Black’s music video! My parents really encouraged me to get into entertainment because I had a really deep voice as a kid and I was so hyper and loud. During high school I had to decide if I wanted to learn how to act professionally or do track & field. One summer, my coach took us all out of a meet because we kept missing practice. I kept missing practice because drama rehearsals for the play I was in were at the same time.
Do you feel a connection to the character you play in “Power Book II: Ghost?”
Absolutely! I love Dru Tejada so deeply. He’s one of my favorite stories I’ve told to date. I feel like we’re kindred spirits in many ways. His heart is huge and he is loyal to his family first and foremost. Through playing him, I’ve been able to think deeper and make more calculated decisions in my personal life. It’s almost like getting into the mind of Dru sharpens my mind.
How do you take care of your mental health when working and does it differ when you’re not working?
I’m big into my scripture and I heavily lean on Jesus every day while I’m working and while I’m off. There’s a lot of violence in the world of “Power” and it helps to pray and decompress in that way. Keeping my mind on things beyond acting and personal vanity and remembering that I’m an eternal spirit that’s here to love, be kind, and generous with my time. I also LOVE gaming and can often be found doing that on my days off.
What type of characters do you enjoy playing the most?
I love to play hot heads. I often have to slow my mind down when playing more calculated and intelligent characters but I love playing characters who follow their impulses more and think less. No paralysis through analysis!
What has been your favorite experience on set so far?
I don’t know if I can pin it down to just one experience but I love the days when I get to be on set with LaToya, Woody and Mary. Those are my favorite days because we laugh so much and I enjoy their company. When we did the infamous dinner table scene in Season 2; that day was a WHOLE vibe!
You announced your engagement to Kiana Madeira recently. Are both of you excited about the wedding planning? Have you set the date?
Kiana is my favorite person in the entire world.** My life partner and in my mind, I’ve been married to her since we met. The planning has been smooth so far, but I’m looking forward to the wedding day and getting to watch her walk down the aisle and lock in our union under God. I’m grateful to be on this journey with such a phenomenal person. We’ve set the wedding for September, God willing!
In the long run, what do you want people to remember about you?
That’s a really tough question. I certainly want to be remembered for my work and legacy. I want to be remembered as a man of God and one of the most versatile and captivating actors on screen of all time. Go big or go home! Above all else, I want to be remembered as a lover. An example of Jesus’ message to love others completely and unconditionally. I pray that comes through in my work.
How did you feel when you won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Performance in a Web Program or Series at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022?
Well, aside from the fact that I missed my acceptance speech because I was playing Super Smash Bros when my name was called (it was over Zoom). I was shocked and so happy! But also, TIGHT because I WOULD miss it That sounds like something I’d do. My brother, Adrian Walters, and I had a great laugh about it. I felt a cacophony of emotions that night, for sure.
What is the most challenging aspect of playing a complex character like Dru Tejada?
Ensuring that my heart is as big as his. Dru is an artist with an incredible eye for fashion, visual aesthetics, and detail. That all comes from his capacity to love. I knew that if my heart wasn’t right there would be no way I’d be able to embody Dru.
What is the best life advice someone has given you?
It’s a toss-up between: “Say No, keep God first” and “read your Bible every day.” Godfrey “Poppy” Adams and “Life is the longest thing you’ll ever do,” Kiana Madeira
Social Media.
@lovelladamsgray
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Lovell Adams-Gray
Fashion Stylist: Ananda Friedman
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alexis Yap, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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