Shomari Love (Q&A)

Q&A By Lucky Smith

First, we want to thank you for taking time out for us. Let’s start by you describing what your childhood was like and what made you want to become an actor.
Thanks for having me. I was always a creative child. Sports and music helped me channel most of my creative energy growing up. That and my wild imagination. I always re-enacted Wesley Snipes, Denzel Washington, or Leonardo DiCaprio. I would watch so many different films and TV shows. I knew I that if others could do it, I would be able to if I tried. 

It seems you have a comfort zone in the films you participate in. Do you look for certain types of roles? How do you know you are choosing the right projects?
I appreciate real stories and characters that people from different walks of life can relate to. Deciding if a project is right for me starts with the script. When the story is compelling it’s usually a great sign.

What was your most embarrassing moment getting started as an actor as well as a high point that you’ll never forget?
Thankfully, I don’t have many embarrassing moments, but I have forgotten a line or two during a take. At first it seemed like the end of the world until I realized it happens to everyone at some point. The highest point was being able to learn from Forest Whitaker, Angela Basset, and the late Chadwick Boseman firsthand.

What was your experience like working on “The Chi” and how does TV differ from films?
Working on The Chi was one of my favorite jobs to date. There was a strong presence of community and collaboration.  Depending on your capacity on a TV project, you could work longer shooting a full season than you would on a film. For the most part episodes are shot in chronological order, but the scenes in it may not be. I look at each episode like a short film. 

You have a lead role in “Maya and Her Lover”. Tell us about the film and your role as Kaseem.
This was an independent project powered by a lot of passion. We had a small, dedicated crew and a good script to work with. Kaseem is a troubled young man trying to find his way in life but can’t help but to be guided by charm and passion.

We’ve seen a lot of debates online about age big gaps between couples. What is your take on that, considering your character is much younger than his mate?
I get how age can be a factor, but mainly as it relates to maturity levels and common interests. Kaseem was big on history and literature. This was a common ground for him and Maya since she was an avid reader and was well educated.

What type of life lessons could we learn from this film?
Lessons of self-worth, commitment, communication and being open minded. 

Tell us about your role in the TV series “Kold & Windy”.
I play the character Dirty. He’s one of the members of Shelly Winters crew. He is an individual that has little remorse and would seize any opportunity presented to retaliate. Dirty’s motive is clear, but the source of his rage is unknown. 

Life has been crazy as of late. How has life been going for you post pandemic?
Constant adjustment. It doesn’t really feel like it’s over, but I have been grateful to get back to work and travel again. 

Tell us about your role in the new film, “Take the Night”. 
I play Shannon, a former basketball star whose career was ended short by an injury. Since then, he’s been running with a crew doing jobs to survive. In the film we see the pain from his past and his conviction to overcome his current circumstance.

Pranks, social media, etc. How do you feel about the state of society today consequently?
I’m not really into trends. I try not to spend too much time on social media. In moderation, it’s resourceful and even entertaining but I feel society hyper consumes it. 

We understand you wear various hats. What are they and how do they rank in your life and career?
I do, and I enjoy the challenge. It helps my mind stay active. When I’m not acting, I produce short film content, do some e-commerce work and work on building my real estate portfolio. I would love to spend my time equally, but my schedule fluctuates often.

Break down your relationship with golf.
I was introduced to golf in my sophomore of college when I began caddying. I was always interested in the game, but it wasn’t until I played my first practice round that I fell in love with it. It’s the only game that you’re truly up against yourself. It requires discipline, patience, and perseverance.

What advice would you give aspiring entertainer?
Start now, don’t wait. Inaction is The biggest regret you can have. You’ll learn far more from trying and failing than you will from not trying at all.

Follow Shomari Love on Instagram @ShomariLove.

Photos: Sen M. Floyd – @sen.floyd