Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with David Makes Man’s Travis Coles

Travis Coles is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. He’s equally comfortable in front and behind the camera and has proven he can tackle any genre with ease. This August, he joins the cast of OWN’s David Makes Man—executively produced by Tarell Alvin McCraney, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael B. Jordan. It’s an important role to Travis, who says for the first time he feels truly represented on screen. Pop Culturalist caught up with Travis to chat about David Makes Man and what fans can expect.

PC: Tell us about David Makes Man, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Travis: David Makes Man is a lyrical drama set in Miami about a young prodigy who must chose a path between a life in the streets that raised him or a higher education in a gifted high school, leaving everything else behind. My character is Miss Elijah, a gender queer mentor of sorts. Miss Elijah lives in “The Ville”, the projects where David lives. He is best friend’s with David’s mom, Gloria, and the keeper of all secrets.

Tarell McCraney is literally a genius and I’ll stop everything I’m doing to read his work. This story in particular was the first time I’ve ever felt truly seen in, regarding to my experience as a queer black male in America. Shining light on trauma, the pressures to fit into different worlds to survive, the identity crisis that follows—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted to see on television.

PC: There are a lot of heavy-hitters involved with this project, including Tarell Alvin McCraney, Michael B. Jordan, and Oprah. Did that bring any extra pressure?
Travis: At first, YES! I played it cool like I wasn’t fazed, but that just ended up coming off as hella awkward! [laughs] Then, I switched my perspective: sure I didn’t have a lot of acting credits, but like you said, these are heavy-hitters and they know EXACTLY what they are doing. I was approved by every one of them, so I was the right person for the job; who am I to second guess? Also, there are so many children on this show, who are absolutely incredible by the way, but it allowed for ego to step aside and truly be of service to the story and my young co-stars.

PC: What was the collaboration like working with Tarell?
Travis: Tarell really put his heart into this, and when you’re a part of the team, he really trusts you to do the same. Everyone on this show worked so hard because we all wanted to be a part of making something truly special for the world to see. Tarell is also someone who gives opportunities to people and gives back to the community; it’s amazing to experience.

PC: What should audiences know about your character, Miss Elijah?
Travis: Miss Elijah is a beautiful piece to this incredible ensemble. His journey is not a surface one—it’s so much deeper, and just like everyone in this story, Miss Elijah has a lasting effect on David.

PC: You are also starring as Oliver on Liza On Demand. What can you tell us about that project?
Travis: Liza On Demand is a sitcom starring Liza Koshy, created by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont, about a young woman, Liza, and her attempts at adulting in the City of Angels with her best friends, Oliver and Harlow, by her side. Oliver is a realtor who, like his friends, is also doing everything he can to balance career, friends, and love, while also checking all social media platforms every hour on the hour. This show is a sitcom that shines a light on a lot of issues we deal with today in our nation, but mainly making fun of it.

PC: Is the creative and filming process different when you are working on a cable network series as opposed to one for a digital platform?
Travis: The process is the same, even though the money is not! [laughs] The second season of Liza On Demand is on par with all of the network comedies, but we had half the budget. The creative team and entire crew are quite impressive. They really should’ve done a behind the scenes documentary of how this kind of season of television gets pulled off.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Travis: What/If

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Travis: The Fifth Element

PC: Favorite book?
Travis: Franny and Zooey

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Travis: Topdog/Underdog

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Travis: Linkin Park [laughs]

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Travis: Black Mirror

PC: Hidden talent?
Travis: I can play one song on my guitar “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer.

To keep up with Travis, follow him on Instagram, and catch David Makes Man on August 23 on OWN.

Photo Credit: Troy Jensen // Stylist: Atara Glazer // Makeup: Edwin Monzon