Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with 12 Dates of Christmas’ Markelle Smith

A steamy new season of 12 Dates of Christmas is now available on HBO Max. One of the leads looking for love is Markelle Smith. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Markelle to chat about his experience on the series.

PC: Tell us about 12 Dates of Christmas and how this opportunity came about.
Markelle: I was initially approached for 12 Dates in November of last year via Instagram. It was in the middle of the pandemic, and I was literally going to work then coming home to watch YouTube. I wasn’t super familiar with the show, but after finding out about it and watching the first season, I thought it’d be a unique opportunity to meet someone special.

PC: What were you doing prior to 12 Dates of Christmas, and what have you been up to since?
Markelle: Prior to the show, I had just started my new job at Midtown Dental Group. I was getting used to the environment of a new workplace (shoutout to them for letting me miss two months of work after having worked there less than a month!). After reuniting with Gregory on the show, we spent the summer reconnecting in an attempt to rekindle our relationship. As much as we both wanted things to work out, things did not work out between the two of us, unfortunately. Since then, I’ve moved into my first, adult, New York City shoebox (apartment) and have been working on settling into my new home.

PC: The series has been celebrated for its inclusivity. What has it meant to you to be a part of this production? Did you feel any pressure heading into the experience being one of the leads?
Markelle: Personally, I felt honored to be one of few people of color that had been cast into the lead role of a show such as this. I feel that so often that when people of color are in the news, at least recently, it’s regarding an act of violence. I am proud to be able to represent my community in a positive light in this lead position. I didn’t necessarily feel any pressure going into the role; however, I wanted to make sure that I presented my most authentic self, and I feel as if I did just that.

PC: You decided to part ways with the show. How challenging was that decision?
Markelle: The most difficult part of deciding to leave the show was leaving all the wonderful friendships behind that I made in the lodge. Most people, myself included, up until being on a reality show, don’t realize how close you become with the people you’re living with, especially when you’re completely cut off from the outside world. They sort of become your family in a sense. And I still feel a very strong sense of connection with my castmates to this day.

PC: You’ve said in previous interviews that this has been an incredible learning experience. What has been the biggest takeaway for you being a part of 12 Dates of Christmas?
Markelle: My biggest takeaway from the show is that there is no such thing as a perfect love and that relationships come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. There is so much that goes into a healthy relationship besides strong attraction, so it’s important to be very specific about what you want out of a relationship before entering into one.

PC: With this being a series centered around the holidays, what are the traditions that you’re looking forward to celebrating with your friends and family?
Markelle: This year I’m looking forward to all the fun holiday parties that my friends will throw here in the city before going to celebrate with my friends and family back home. Each year, my family has a big gathering at my cousin’s house out in the country, so I’m looking forward to going to that where we swap gifts, eat, sing, and just enjoy each other’s company. It’s always a fun time with us!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Markelle: Real Housewives of Atlanta or Potomac.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Markelle: The Devil Wears Prada.

PC: Favorite book?
Markelle: Anything related to personal development…but that’s boring, so I just started Dune. Pretty good so far!

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Markelle: Wicked.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Markelle: Moneybagg Yo.

To keep up with Markelle, follow him on Instagram. Watch 12 Dates of Christmas on HBO Max today.