Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Reefa’s Tyler Dean Flores

Tyler Dean Flores is an up-and-coming actor who’s delivering a transformative performance in his latest project Reefa. Based on a true story, Reefa tells the touching story of eighteen-year-old Colombian immigrant and artist Israel “Reefa” Hernandez during his last summer in Miami, before he’s tragically killed by Miami Beach cops in 2013. HIs infamous story left the community outraged, and the country reeling from another case of police brutality. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Tyler about his career and honoring Israel’s legacy.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Tyler: I discovered my passion for acting when my modeling agency recommended that I take an acting class. I was probably around eleven or twelve years old. I fell in love with it. It gave me more of an excuse to continue to play around and have fun.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tyler: I’d have to say myself and my family. I had a great childhood, but I’ve always wanted more for us. With that mindset, I’ve never had to feel like I’m competing. If I’m competing with anyone—it’s me.

PC: You’ve had tons of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Tyler: Definitely The Dark Knight Rises. It still feels unreal to me almost ten years later! That was a life changer for me. I didn’t realize back then how much it would impact my life—I’m still enjoying that ride.

PC: You have a new film out now. Tell us about Reefa and what drew you to this project.
Tyler: When I first read the script for Reefa, I immediately saw myself in him. Not only did I see myself in him, I also grew up with kids like Reefa, so I knew where his headspace was at and the kind of person he was. He was a beautiful soul. He was filled with love. He wanted to uplift everyone around him. He was ambitious. Reefa is a story that needs to be told and I was confident that I could help be one of the messengers.

PC: Did you feel any pressure honoring Israel’s legacy? What was your preparation like for this film?
Tyler: Of course, but I tried my best not to think about those things. I kept refocusing my attention on his intention and what he wanted to live for. My preparation was diving deep into the script and spending a lot of time with it, skateboarding a ton, and painting and drawing. I had to get used to handstyle graffiti. I spent a lot of time talking to my loved ones as I always do. And I hung out with my castmates as much as possible to build that chemistry.

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope audiences take away?
Tyler: I hope this sheds more light on Reefa’s case and that it inspires you to create and express yourself in any way you feel.

PC: In addition to Reefa, you’re also in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. What has it meant to you to be a part of the Marvel family so early on in your career?
Tyler: It means so much to me, being able to work with the Marvel family—to train with them and to travel with them. It was so much fun. I grew up on Marvel and DC. It’s a blessing to be a part of that universe.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tyler: Love is Blind on Netflix.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tyler: The Girl Next Door. I love that movie. [laughs]

PC: Favorite book?
Tyler: That’s a hard choice because I read different books for different reasons. But I think everyone should read Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tyler: Fences.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tyler: I’m not sure because I listen to everything. I do have a whole Freestyle playlist from the ’80s thanks to my dad. I’ve been blasting Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam every day of my life.

To keep up with Tyler, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Jonny Marlow