Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The 24th’s Lorenzo Yearby

Lorenzo Yearby can do it all. Whether he’s in front of the camera or behind it, he thrives on being able to step into whatever story, world, or character he’s building. This year, he’s blowing audiences away with his breakout performance in The 24th. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Lorenzo about this important new film.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Lorenzo: I’ve just always loved entertaining and making people laugh. Life was a little rough growing up, so I had to make myself and my mother smile. As I got older, I realized I could channel the energy of the things I had been through while acting. It helped my performances come off more authentic, and it was a way to release the hurt and pain.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lorenzo: The “who” would be Jamie Foxx. He has done the things I want to do. He has done comedy but is still taken seriously as a dramatic actor. He’s done Ray Charles, and I love character acting. I can’t wait to see what he does with Mike Tyson. He has also found success with his music. He is an example of a man God gave many talents, and he used them all, and that’s inspiring.

The “what” would be wanting to create more diverse roles for Black actors. This led me into screenwriting, which made me fall deeper in love with the arts and made me that much more committed.

PC: In addition to acting, you also direct, edit, write, and produce. How has your work behind the camera made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Lorenzo: Yes, I think it has. Now not only do I try to deliver an authentic performance, but I also realize how I can help the director who is on the other side of the camera by understanding how the shot is framed, what they are looking at, and what they are trying to portray in a particular scene. It helps me better understand how my character fits into each scene.

PC: You’ve worked your way up in this industry, initially doing some extra work. If you could go back to that time and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be and why?
Lorenzo: It seems totally unrelated, but I would have told myself to start studying writing earlier. Writing is not something you just sit down and do because you are creative. There is a psychology, structure, and many other things involved with creating an effective screenplay.

The 24th

PC: Tell us about your new film, The 24th, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Lorenzo: The 24th is about the Houston Riot of 1917 led by the 24th Infantry Regiment. These soldiers were really excited about going to fight in France and representing their country, but instead they were stuck back home overseeing Camp Logan and were dealing with racial attacks aimed at them and other Black people in the community. Their frustration grew to a point where they retaliated and sparked the riot.

Lucky is a high-spirited, innocent new soldier who ends up with the fate of the entire brigade in his hands.

The fact that it was an untold true story is what drew me to the project. I felt these men deserved to have their story told.

PC: When you’re working on a historical drama, does that change the preparation for the film?
Lorenzo: In a way, it does. I always want to give the best performance and put my all into everything I do, but when it is a true story you must make sure to pay respect to the men who actually lived this life. When recreating the character, you don’t want to go too far off from who they were.

PC: This is a breakout film for you. What was the biggest takeaway from this experience?
Lorenzo: Just being able to show a little of my range. I love roles that I have to dig into myself for. I am thankful for every acting role I have had, but Lucky was something special.

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope audiences take away?
Lorenzo: Just a better understanding of how things came to be and why some things are still the same. I want them to realize we all need to work together to end racial divide because it can potentially end in unnecessary destruction. We all need to learn to put ourselves in others’ shoes and have empathy.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lorenzo: Black-ish.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lorenzo: Guardians of the Galaxy.

PC: Favorite book?
Lorenzo: Can’t say I have a favorite, but currently I’m into Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat.

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

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lorenzo: Louis Armstrong.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Lorenzo: I’m guessing my future son.

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