Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The United States vs. Billie Holiday’s Tristan D. Lalla

Tristan D. Lalla is an award-winning actor with an impressive record of critically acclaimed projects, including Nurses, RED 2, Quantico, and The Art of More. He’ll next be seen starring opposite Andra Day and Trevante Rhodes in Lee Daniels’ The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Pop Culturalist caught up with Tristan to chat about the highly anticipated film.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Tristan: I come from a family of talented musicians and performers, so intrinsically I caught the bug. When I was six, I saw a production of A Christmas Carol, and one of the leads was a young black actor. I recognized myself in him and knew right then and there that this is what I wanted to do. After high school, I went to Dawson College’s Professional Theatre Program for three years and upon graduating, with honors, I landed my first set of gigs.

When I take on a role, it allows me to not just do a deep dive into myself but to metaphorically hold a mirror up to society. Acting allows me to have access to the full range of my emotions so that nothing stays dormant for too long (from extreme rage to elation and joy). Plus, it really is “playing.” Even the most difficult of scenes can be tons of fun to explore. Be it on stage in front of thousands or in a motion-capture suit on a green-screen soundstage or on the big screen for millions, I truly enjoy what I get to do.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tristan: My family is built on the principles of love, but we come from humble beginnings. Knowing that I can always be one choice away from returning to those circumstances keeps me on my toes and pretty ready for most curveballs that get thrown my way. My favorite actors are Laurence Fishburne, Robin Williams, Glenn Close, and Dustin Hoffman. Their work has been pretty inspiring for me.

PC: You’ve had tons of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Tristan: Recently I costarred in Long Shot, and we shot part of the movie in Colombia. There was a day when I got to hang out in a spa in Cartagena and then shot a scene on a private beach with Seth Rogen, and then hung poolside with Charlize Theron. In my mind, that day never really happened, but there is a whole movie showing otherwise. Pretty crazy stuff.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

PC: You’re starring in the upcoming film The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Tell us about the project, what attracted you to it, and your character.
Tristan: Lee Daniels is an incredible storyteller, and to have the opportunity to work with him was a dream I was happy to accept. I believe, hope, the film will be huge to audiences, and particularly to lovers of Lady Day. I play a reporter named Mr. Green who challenges Billie Holiday on her views of what it means to be a role model for young black people at the time.

PC: How did you prepare for the film? Is the preparation different when the project is based on an icon like Billie Holiday?
Tristan: I did lots of research on the era, the politics, and the reasons why the government was after her the ways that they were. It was really interesting stuff. Physically, the transformation that the key hair designer, Charles Gregory, gave me was pretty impressive. That slicked-back, wavy, low-cut look. Prep is prep for any project for me. It’s important to know my given circumstances so that I am in the world Lee is creating and so that what I do fits the tone.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tristan: Survivor! I don’t feel guilty in my pleasures.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tristan: The Matrix

PC: Favorite book?
Tristan: Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tristan: Rent! I will play Collins one day!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tristan: RuPaul. Go listen to “House of Love”!

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Tristan: Malcolm-Jamal Warner or…me! I can play that.

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