Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Transplant’s Eddie G.

Eddie G.’s path to the industry is one of perseverance and resilience. Growing up in a small city in Canada, Eddie knew his opportunities would be far and few, but he didn’t let that defer him. Instead, it motivated him to work harder, landing him roles in projects like The Bold Type, Salt-N-Pepa, and Taken.

Currently, he stars as Lou in the must-see procedural drama Transplant, a hit series from Canada that has now found a home at NBC.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Eddie to learn more about him, his career, and Transplant.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Eddie: In elementary school growing up, I was only really ever good at public speaking and writing short stories and poems. I was so obsessed with films but then realized that this captivation was really coming from the actors. It made me want to be just as captivating on the big screen one day. And drama class was the only one I never skipped; I was early. [laughs]

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Eddie: It’s a tie between Denzel Washington and Will Smith. I could always see myself while watching them work. The standout roles they’ve played inspired me even more to get to that goal. It was the challenge of being from a small city of Ottawa, Canada, with less opportunity and not knowing how to get there that drove me the most.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a writer and producer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Eddie: I always try to put myself in the writers’ shoes. It’s easier to do that as a writer, going beyond the script, imagining the scene, and trying to understand what can make each individual scene special. I really want to get my feet wet and explore different roles and genres in the near future.

Transplant

PC: Tell us about Transplant, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Eddie: Transplant is not your typical medical drama. The diversity and topics they address is really what got my attention and the fact that the lead is colored makes it unique from the rest. Nowadays, with race being such an open convo, I know how important it is.

I play Lou. He’s a security guard who’s in a non-public affection–type romance with one of the doctors at York Memorial. That’s where all the action takes place. His lover is Dr. June Curtis, played by Ayisha Issa. It’s interesting to see the relationship dynamic between a security guard and a surgeon. She was great to work with, and we also became good friends off set.

What drew me to this project was the fact that it was such unfamiliar territory for me. I’ve never done the medical drama genre before, so the challenge was accepted. Also, I was really excited to learn that I would be in most of the episodes. [laughs]

PC: This is your first role as a series regular. Has anything surprised you about the experience thus far? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Eddie: To be honest, I’ve never understood the hype about medical dramas, which is why it was something I was curious about. I’m glad I got to experience this because now I have a newfound respect and interest for medical shows and hospitals in general, so I’m surprised I like them now.

PC: What can you tease about Lou’s arc in Season 1 and how did you prepare to tackle it?
Eddie: I see some of myself in Lou. We learn more about his character as the show progresses. We start to understand where his priorities lean towards in comparison to his lover, Dr. June Curtis.

PC: The series has been incredibly well received in Canada and is now making its way to the States. What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Eddie: I think it’s the relatable stories that people connect too. The cultural differences, the accents, and the general raw human behaviors. It represents the real people of the real world, because that’s what it actually is: diverse.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Eddie: The Young and the Restless and Power.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Eddie: Get Out.

PC: Favorite book?
Eddie: 48 Laws of Power.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Eddie: Othello.

PC: A band or artist that fans would e surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Eddie: Floetry.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Eddie: Does Omarion still act?

To keep up with Eddie, follow him on Instagram. Catch new episodes of Transplant every Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC.