Today we’d like to introduce you to Alonzo Brown.
Alonzo, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey has been a long one; God and prayer played a huge role. I was born in Jersey City, NJ on August 2, 1990, at 4:32 am (crazy that I know the time right lol).
From everything in fashion, acting, pop culture; I always wanted to learn more. I’ve wanted to be a star ever since I can remember. I didn’t know how I was gonna get in the entertainment industry, but I knew I was going to. I am a Leo, confident in my abilities and I can toot my own horn. Also, I am a natural born leader, so I was mentally prepared for the journey. knew I would be ok mentally.
However, my mother who was a single parent for most of my life always told me “son, I’m not going to be here forever, so you better find a good job that pays well with some benefits”. Honestly, that was her favorite line every time I mentioned becoming an entertainer. So, I lived a regular life, went to school and did things normal children do and don’t get me wrong I loved being a child and normal, but I wasn’t complete.
To answer your question, I started in the industry as a wardrobe stylist. I would celebrity stylists to get a better understanding of the industry and how things go. I styled celebrities, and I loved every second of it, and for a while I felt like I found my niche. I did that for about three-four years, but I wasn’t happy because I knew being in front of the camera was my ultimate goal. I made a commitment to myself to do things that make me happy and not comfortable.
In 2017, I took my first acting class, and the rest is history. I fell in love with being an artist and being a creator. I started doing web series and short films to get my demo reel started for material to show professionals in the industry that I was serious and meant business, compiled head-shots for casting photos and produced a great resume.
Those three steps are very important if you want to be successful in this industry. After working in New York for some time and building my brand, I knew I wanted a change in my career, I knew moving to LA it would make things go a little faster because of the opportunity there. So, on April 25, 2018, I booked one way flight to LA, and I was gone. I never looked back.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, No. I’ve been modeling and acting for quite some time and it’s hard when you don’t know where to start. Asking for help from your peer isn’t easy because they feel you’re a threat. So, I learned the hard way, I was observant and took notes. I got where I am believing in myself when no one else did. Being a star or famous or whatever you want to call it, is can be very difficult because there are so many people who like you, want the same thing. Living in Los Angeles has been is like being in love and hate relationship. There are so many actors/models going for the same role and a lot of the time and casting directors know what they want once they create the character. What keeps me intact is that I know what I’m capable of and I go in the audition room, and I do my best and leave the rest. Having strong representation and management definitely helps.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am an actor, working mostly on the West Coast. You may have seen me in campaigns for Verizon, American Express or Asics campaign(s) and New Amsterdam Vodka. As a model signed with Wilhmina Models/Aperture Talent LA, I have an international presence in the industry. As an actor i worked on ton of short films and indie films. My first webseries “Remembering Wednesday” is now currently accepted in the Webisode Film Festival.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I had a happy childhood. A favorite memory has to be growing up playing outside with my friends. Games like freeze tag and manhunt, there was no phones, no social media. it was a great time to be a kid and becoming whatever character you want to be without judgment.
My second favorite childhood memory was performing at my school talent shows. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I performed Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady” at my high school talent show and NSYNC”s “It’s Gonna Be Me” at my middle school talent showcase, both times you couldn’t tell me shit, I just thought I was the shit and knew how to sing, my friends thought otherwise, they were dying in laughter, but I was dead ass. I always been very different, doing whatever I wanted to do with no hesitation that’s how confident I was.
Contact Info:
- Website: iamalonzobrown.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: iamalonzobrown
- Facebook: alonzo brown
- Twitter: alonzo_brown
Image Credit:
Travis Geter @TRAVISGETER
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