Siddiq Saunderson
Siddiq Saunderson, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, stars in the Hulu series WU-TANG: AN AMERICAN SAGA, which is currently airing its second season. In the drama, he portrays Dennis Coles, a loving 19-year-old who would do anything to protect his friends and family. Dennis, aka “D-Love,” also has an untapped talent that helps him grow into the artist Ghostface Killah. Earlier this year, Saunderson starred in the indie drama R#J, a Gen Z adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, which premiered at Sundance. Adapted by Timur Bekmambetov and directed by Carey Williams, Saunderson received rave reviews as Mercutio. His additional television credits include BOOMERANG and Netflix’s MESSIAH. He splits his time between New York and Los Angeles.
Suit by KYLE'LYK
Glasses by ChuChu NY
Shirt by Philipp Plein
What was your inspiration for entering the entertainment industry?
I was acting my entire life, in high school and college, always in the drama program. I like to utilize my imagination and transform to become different people and I like being creative. I had a love of the arts and the theater. I was very interested in Off Broadway Plays and moving to LA.
Who are your most significant role models, both career-wise and personally?
My grandfather, he was a business owner with a Flyer business and believed in working for things; they don’t just come to you. I worked in the Flyer business to help him out when I was 10 years old. I really developed people skills by approaching 30-40 people a day, and I loved relating to everyone. My grandfather was a very loving person but had a business side and knew how to work hard and hustle.
And, another role model, is my Middle School teacher, Mr. McEnery, who taught me Shakespeare and we would do these improv sessions one day a week and this really tapped into my imagination. He was also my band instructor, that I did once a week.
Which are your favorite projects that you’ve worked on, and what set it apart?
There are so many favorites but I love playing Dennis in the Wu Tang: An American Saga. It made me realize everyone starts from something, and I have really gotten into rapping.
Left:
Outfit by Issey Miyake
Sweater by KYLE'LYK
Necklace by Randy Luna
Hat by Hüte Millinery
Right:
Suit by Fried Rice
Necklace by Randy Luna
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
Hat by Hüte Millinery
After studying at the exclusive Carnegie Mellon University and getting a Bachelor of Arts degree, what is the most valuable piece of information that you learned?
One of my teachers, Catherine Moore, would say, “hold on tightly, let go lightly and commit to the moment, but the moment can change let it go, move on to the next thing.”
What is your personal relationship to Hip Hop and The Wu-Tang Clan as a whole?
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and listened to Hip-Hop a lot, so I was familiar with their music, but getting on the show opened up for my different styles of this music. Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992.
Left:
Suit by KYLE'LYK
Glasses by ChuChu NY
Shirt by Philipp Plein
Right:
Jumpsuit by KYLE'LYK
Sunglasses by Lada Legina
Sneakers by Nike Air
Jewelry by Model’s Own
You have previously discussed the importance of fighting stereotypes of Black men within the media. How has your career in the entertainment industry helped you achieve this goal?
By the different types of roles that I have played from my character in Messiah vs. Wu Tang, and people saying to me, “I didn’t know that was you” and that is my biggest compliment as an actor.
What words of inspiration do you have for other Black men hoping to break out in this industry?
By staying true to who you are exactly and there are many ways to be a black actor, a thug or a robbing crew. I am not interested in stereotypes, a lot of imbalance, but to actually start with the craft of acting. It’s important to be curious and there is so much to learn.
Left:
Top by Hardcore Fashion at The Confessional Showroom
Right:
Outfit by Issey Miyake
Sweater by KYLE'LYK
Necklace by Randy Luna
Hat by Hüte Millinery
On social media, you are frequently seen sharing content from the Black Lives Matter movement. What significance has the past year of protests had on your career and personal life?
Actually, the past year didn’t seem much different to me, the fight and movement has been for so long. Police brutality has been around for years. I think it’s important to invest in Black businesses--How I look at things more closely and how can I use my power to uplift other Black creatives. All of this motivated me to do better on a TV show, but, in actuality, I am a Black man living in America and things can change instantly at any moment.
What projects are you most excited for and why?
I was excited for the release of Romeo & Juliet that premiered Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest this year. It’s the type of career I am after.
Suit by Fried Rice
Necklace by Randy Luna
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
Hat by Hüte Millinery
What is your Social?
For Instagram: @siddiqsaunderson
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Siddiq Saunderson
Fashion Stylist + Producer: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Groomer: Deney Adam
Fashion Styling Assistants: Victoria Wong and Maelle Eugene
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Julia Gastone, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
