S T E R L I N G K B R O W N
Photographed by: John Russo
Interview: Ken Waller
Styled by: Chloe Takayanagi The Wall Group
Grooming: Kathy Santiago
Video by: Ken Waller Media
KW: What drew you to the role of Xavier Collins in “Paradise”?
SKB: Xavier’s a man of action. He’s not as comfortable with his emotions and words, so he has a very different way of navigating the world, of navigating his pain, as compared to Randall Pearson. I thought he was someone that folks hadn’t seen me play already. And I found that very interesting.
KW: Can you tell us about your experience working with Dan Fogelman again, especially after your successful collaboration on “This Is Us”?
SKB: I love Dan. He’s a great writer and an even better man. He’s very confident! And I think his confidence creates space for other people to contribute. He doesn’t feel threatened by much. And I think that’s why the collaboration works as well as it does.
KW: Who has been the most influential person in your career, and why?
SKB: Hmmm…good question! I could say a tie between my mom and my dad, but I won’t. My dad’s sheer love for tv and film have to be a major influence, along with mom’s unwavering support, but I’m going to choose someone else.
If it wasn’t for my Stanford professor, Dr. Harry J. Elam Jr., I wouldn’t be an actor. He was the first person that made me realize that a career in the arts was not a waste of time. That it was valuable. That the stories we put out into the world mean something. And to receive that validation from someone who looks like you, that you respect tremendously, made all the difference in the world.
KW: If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which would it be and why?
SKB: Let’s see…Out of Sight, Let’s Do It Again, The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly…I’m thinking out loud here…I’d go with Let’s Do It Again. One of the great comedy caper flicks ever made! Hilarious! Entertaining AF! And unapologetically BLACK! Plus my pops loved this flick, so I’d be smiling the whole time I was making it!
KW: What excites you most about being a part of the “Invincible” universe?
SKB: Invincible is the shit! If you’re not hooked after watching that pilot…then I don’t know what to tell you! And there’s something really fun about being the disrupter! Sure, every kid wants to be the good guy, but as you get older you realize bad guys have more fun!