Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with All That’s Lex Lumpkin

There’s no better feeling than connecting with an audience as you share your craft, which is the reason Lex Lumpkin became a performer. Each week, he gets to do just that in his starring role in the remake of the ’90s sketch comedy series, All That—an honor and privilege that this talented up-and-comer doesn’t take lightly. We spoke with him about continuing this legacy.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Lex: I was very young when I discovered my passion for the arts and begged my parents to put me on TV, not knowing the work it would take. I was in preschool when I connected with the audience’s energy for the first time and there is nothing like it. In school, I would be given lead roles or the roles with the most lines. From there, acting became a natural progression for me. I love acting, playing the piano, writing, and drawing—I just think it’s in my DNA.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lex: Several people have had big influences on my career, but my family has had the biggest! My parents are relentless when it comes to hard work and giving your best effort, so they push my brother and me beyond our comfort zones. They set high bars for achievement and will not allow us to fail. I remember at a young age if we ever said, “I can’t,” to my mom, she would make us say, “there is nothing in the world that I can not do with the help of Jesus.” My brother, TJ, and I stopped saying “I can’t” pretty early in life. [laughs]

My mom and dad were also strict. My dad came up with the idea that we would get the equivalent video game time that we invested in reading a book. So, if we read for thirty minutes, we’d get to play video games for thirty minutes.

TJ has been a big influence as well. He’s always telling me, “Keep pushing, bro. You are doing some great things.” I think that all of the encouragement, support, and examples I mentioned have had a major influence on my career and dedication.

All That

PC: You’re currently starring in All That. How familiar were you with the original sketch comedy show? What does it feel like to be a part of that legacy?
Lex: I was not that familiar with the sketch comedy show back when I auditioned. I loved the Good Burger movie long before I got the audition for the show, however, I was not aware of the GB movie’s connection to the TV show All That.

When we got the script prior to the audition, it just said, “Sketch Comedy Show,” so even then we didn’t know that it was for the iconic All That. When I found out, I went back and watched every single episode I could find on YouTube.

It is an honor and a privilege to carry the legacy on to a new generation of All That kids.

PC: How has your experience in theater helped prepare you for All That?
Lex: Stuart Little, Richard III, and A Raisin in the Sun were all theater experiences that helped prepare me for All That. There is no room for error when you are on stage in the midst of a live performance, so those experiences have been priceless. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in front of large live audiences for several shows, and you learn quickly how to think on your feet if there are hiccups on stage—talk about an adrenaline rush! All That is also shot in front of a live audience, and even though we shoot scenes a couple of times over, I’m still of the mindset and training to get my lines and character right each time.

PC: You’ve done a number of spot-on impressions on All That. Which has been your favorite? Which was the most challenging?
Lex: My favorite impression on All That right now is Denzel Washington. My favorites change as I learn and add more characters, but he is one of my favorite actors and his Training Day character was brilliant. Side note: I also loved Glory and the Equalizer to name a couple. I really like putting Denzel Washington’s Training Day character in odd situations like being a kindergarten teacher because I think the contrast is extremely funny. It’s hard to pick one favorite impression because each person’s cadence, tone, inflection, and behaviors can be a lot of fun to play around with.

My Travis Scott impression has been challenging because he’s not a man of many words publicly or from what I can find of him on the internet, but I really like his laugh and playing his calm demeanor.

PC: You’re getting to work with original cast members, Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. What’s the best advice each has given you during this process?
Lex: Working with Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell has been amazing. They are super supportive, unbelievably funny, and I have learned so much from them. They are like big brothers with a lot of wisdom. Kel gave me some great advice once on set: we were talking about my character for that week and I asked him a question. Kel said to me, “whatever you decide to do with the character, go all out. Leave everything you have on the floor. Know that character’s back story, how they walk and talk. Know how and why others react to your character and all the people around them.” That was an epic moment for me.

PC: This is a breakout TV role for you. What’s been the biggest takeaway being a part of this series?
Lex: The biggest takeaway in being a part of this series is to work extremely hard and respect what each person brings to the table. Read through the entire script and know your lines. When you think about each and every department—writers, lighting, set builders, makeup, hair, wardrobe, etc.—and their commitment to your scene, you better show up strong. I appreciate them and I show them by always being prepared.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lex: blackish

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lex: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

PC: Favorite book?
Lex: Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Lex: A Raisin in the Sun

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lex: Adele

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Lex: Jamie Foxx

To keep up with Lex, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch new episodes of All That every Saturday on Nickelodeon.