Answers with Allen Maldonado

Answer 1

You recently starred opposite the talented Denzel Washington in "The Equalizer". What was it like to work alongside the legend himself?

It was a dream come true to work alongside the legendary Denzel Washington. Just being able to shadow him and watch him work was the greatest lesson for a young actor such as myself. I spent a little over 2 months on set in Boston. The entire cast and crew was a blessing to work with. I'm totally humbled to be a part of a great franchise as The Equalizer.

We're fresh into 2015 and you already have several films and a television show in the works! What does a day in the life of Allen Maldonado typically look like? How do you find time to catch your breath?

Work and working out. lol. I wake up to go jogging every morning and then I will attack my day with either office work for my production company Only Son, reading scripts, prepping for audition, reading more scripts, in the editing studio for my Digital series Who the F@ck is Uncle Joe?, working with designers for my clothing company Vineyards Phinest, and then back to the gym. I really love what I do and would not rather be doing anything else but work. I feel extremely blessed to be able to wake up every morning and continue to build on my dream.

You have a unique story as you were in a near fatal car crash when you were 21. How did you come back from this possibly career-ending situation and achieve the success that you are experiencing today?

I give all glory to God. My faith gave me strength throughout the entire process as I went through rehab. I was surprisingly not angry after the accident only driven to return better and stronger. I believed and still believe that is was something that I had to go though that has allowed me to grow into the person I am today. I have a positive outlook on life and I've been that way my entire life. Even through it may seem like a dramatic event in my life, I've taken it as a blessing and have truly grown in my faith and as a person.

You star in the ABC drama "Black-ish", which follows an African-American family who struggles to find their sense of cultural identity within a mainly white, middle class neighborhood. Why is "Black-ish" a must-see? What can you tell us about your character Curtis?

Black-ish is a must-see because it is the perfect example of when great writing meets great acting...which only results in great television. It's a family show with great morals to go along with the hilarious antics that Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross lead us through. My role Curtis is the new assistant to Dre (Anthony Anderson) at his job Steve & Libo's. I'm a millennial who tries to educate Dre about how things are done now, instead of his old school ways.

You also starred in the critically acclaimed film "Cake" alongside stars like Jennifer Aniston, Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington and Felicity Huffman. How does it feel to have been a part of a film that attracted so much award buzz this season?

It feels amazing to have worked with such an all-star cast along with the great director Daniel Barnz. I'm excited for everyone. As this project was a labor of love, Jennifer really stepped out of her comfort zone and gave an amazing performance. I'm so happy that the film gained as much recognition as it did. I'm very proud to be able to say I contributed to this great project.

You also worked on the film "Dope" which is set to release later this year. "Dope" was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and was described as the "buzziest title out of Sundance so far". Why do you think "Dope" deserves the hype?

Dope is such a amazing film told by such an amazing story teller Rick Famuyiwa. Just hours after the premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the buzz really hit as everyone at the festival was talking about the film. The message of the film is what really stands out in the film along with the amazing young cast. This film will be added to the list of films that have become a cultural classic and will be quoted for years to come.

You grew up in a rough neighborhood in Rialto, California so how accurately do you think "Dope" portrays surviving life in The Bottoms--a similarly rough neighborhood in Inglewood, CA?

I believe it is very accurate. It tells a story of a group of friends who don't let their surroundings dictate their personalities and beliefs so they find other ways to navigate through those rough situations in order to survive. The film is a perfect example proving that where you live does not dictate who you are.

Does your childhood and upbringing impact the type of roles you are drawn to?

Yes. I grew up in a very diverse setting being that my family is from the south and east coast so for the summers, I would travel to New York and Alabama. I was able to see a variety of different settings that have molded me into the man that I am today. I see myself in a variety of ways which allows me to create a wide range of characters for my career.

Have you always been interested in acting? Or did acting become a passion later in life?

My first love was Basketball. It taught me a lot. My basic foundation of hard work and discipline is largely based on the things I learned through basketball. Acting became my world after high school when I truly believed my talents could one day enable me to help provide for my family.

What causes or organizations are you most passionate about?

I have an organization that I created and have run for the past three years by the name of Demo Nerds: Acting & Film for Kids. We hold two week acting camps in which we teach kids a variety of acting exercises and techniques. This program also allows the kids to create and star in their own short film. We conclude our camp with a red carpet premiere where we screen their films in front of all their friends and family.

Why do you think it's important to encourage 21st century youth to pursue the arts?

The arts saves lives. It allows you to express yourself and discover who you truly are. Being able to have the freedom to be yourself is the first big step in believing and pursing your dreams.

Do you have a personal motto or phrase that you live by?

Yes. BE OBSESSED WITH SUCCESS!!!!

What is your dream acting role?

I would love to play Bob Marley.