Johnell Young
Johnell Young, an actor best known for his roles in Making Moves, A Holiday Chance, and SWA-TECH, stars as Gary Grice in the hit series Wu-Tang; An American Saga.
Shirty by Keiser Clark
Jeans by AKings
Shoes by Rick Owens
What was the experience like playing Gary Grice in Wu-Tang: An American Saga?
It is iconic playing a hip-hop pioneer who ran the grounds of the city I was born and raised in. It’s a feeling like no other.
What inspired you to get into the acting and film industry?
I always had a thing for creating and the arts. I did school plays and attended plays with my Mom and Dad. My mom got me started acting soon after that. I love being able to play other characters.
Left:
Full Look: AKings
Vest: His Own
Shoes: Rick Owens
Right:
Jumper Anthi Studio
Jacket: Kozha
Jeans: AKings
What are some of your goals for the near future?
To perfect my craft in such a way that my performance touches and continues to inspire people. I want to open a theater arts school. I want to shoot my own big production. I want to be the biggest star mogul out there.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Jamaica
Full Look: AKings
Vest: His Own
Shoes: Rick Owens
As a rising actor, who has inspired you the most as an individual?
Michael B. Jordan, Denzel Washington, Issa Rae, and Viola Davis all inspire me.
Being you are from Staten Island, do you prefer Los Angeles or New York? Why?
Ahhh, man this a tough one. I prefer Los Angeles though. I’m a sucker for good views and sun, lol
Left:
FullLook Keiser Clark
Shoes: Rick Owens
Right:
Full Look: AKings
Vest: His Own
Shoes: Rick Owens
What is your favorite filming memory, from anything you have filmed so far?
Filming season 2 we had some crazy moments. One of them is unscripted in the credits of episode 6, that was the best scene we’ve shot. RZA even walked in and said he got chills, he thought we were Wu-Tang Forreal
If you weren’t acting, what do you think you would want to be doing?
I’d be in the NBA or continuing my career overseas.
When did you know you wanted acting to be the main aspect of your life?
When I filmed Tales on BET.
Left:
Full Look: AKings
Vest: His Own
Shoes: Rick Owens
Right:
Jacket: Anthi Studios
Top: Anthi Studios
Jeans: AKings
Shoes: Rick Owens
How do you prepare for a role you are about to play?
Besides reading it 847483939 times, some tips I got are creating my character’s playlist and his back story, and I began to move talk and think as the character.
If you could work with any actor/actress, whom would you choose?
Denzel Washington or Viola Davis.
What is your social media?
@Johnellxyoung
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Johnell Young
Fashion Stylist: Jay Hines
Groomer: Taylour Chanel at @theonly.agency
Tearsheets: Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Brielle Italiano, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
