Ronnie Rowe Jr.

Ronnie Rowe Jr., a Canadian actor who began acting in graduate school, studied acting at the Armstrong Acting Studios and the Odyssey Studios in Toronto. He played a lead in “Bullet Adolf,” a play written and directed by Woody Harrelson. He also appeared in “Black Cop” and “Star Trek: Discovery”. He is currently on the BET+/CBC series “The Porter,” a Canadian civil rights drama about North American railway workers, which results in the first Black Union. Ronnie’s character Zeke is a strong leader, one who tries to make progress for better working conditions. “The Porter.“The Porter” is the biggest Black-led TV series in Canadian history. Up next, Ronnie is opposite Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson in Netflix’s The Man from Toronto.

Ribbed tank by Kotö
Flame Trousers by “Fuckboy Mentality”

I know you love working on projects in both film and theater, but do you prefer one over the other?
I love each of them for different reasons, but there is something about theater because the stakes are high and I love a live audience.

You have mentioned before that you like writing poetry. What are some of your favorite poetry books?
The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou and The Weary Blues: by Langston Hughes.

How important is it for you to play real characters who had an enormous impact on Black history?
It's so important to me to play roles like “Zeke” on “The Porter," because it sheds light on unfamiliar stories that are important to history.

Shirt by IRO
Jogger Pants by French Connection
RUN STAR MOTION PLATFORM OMBRE 'SLATE SAGE LIGHT SILVER by Converse

You said that you emulated Martin Luther King Jr. for your character in The Porter. Are there any Black historical figures you would like to play?
I would love to play Malcom X.

What is a typical day on set like?
A typical day on set is long but it starts with exercise session, then I do stretches meditate, and pray. Then I'm ready for action.

Suit (jacket in trousers) by John Varvatos spring/ summer 22
Shirt “Skeleton” by Alexander McQueen (archives)
Ribbed tank by Kotö (throughout)
Shoes by Adidas
Socks by Tailored Union (throughout)

Why is it so important to highlight Black joy trauma instead of trauma?
I feel it's important to focus on the things we want, so highlighting joy, will inspire joy, because it illustrates the hope in hardship.

What is something many people don’t know about you?
I was in intensive care when I was born and almost didn't make it.

Do you think the film industry has made progress in being more inclusive and diverse?
I think it has been making strides, but there is still room for improvement.

**Left:**
Moto Vegan Leather Jacket by SAINT ONGE
Men's Destroyed Denim Overshirt by Martin Rose SS ‘22
Ribbed Tank by Kotö
Trousers by French Connection
Right:
BLANKET BACK TRUCKER DENIM JACKET by Levi’s Red Label
Hooded sweatshirt by AMBUSH
18 Gold bar link bracelet (throughout) by Tom Wood
18 karat gold ring (throughout) by Tom Wood

Since you like to write poetry have you ever thought about getting into screenwriting?
I'm actually in the process of working on a few script ideas, so hopefully in the near future we will be talking about one of them.

Social Media.
Instagram: @ronnierowejr
Twitter: @ronnierowejr

CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Ronnie Rowe Jr.
Fashion Stylist: Neal St. Onge
Groomer: Ozzie Gutierrez
Assistant: Sam Ayala
Studio: FD Studios
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sahar Kariem, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine