Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfred E. Rutherford.
Hi Alfred E., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in Boynton Beach, Florida and moved to the Bahamas at two (2) and returned back to the USA at age fourteen (14). After finishing high school, I went to college at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey where I got a BA in Philosophy. I have been performing since I was a child so after college at the suggestion of my older brother Gerald I decided to give Acting a try as a career.
I started off doing off broadway plays IN NYC and a short while after, I booked my first lead role in an independent film entitled “Algeny” which went on to win the HBO best feature film award at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and the Paul Robeson Award for best feature at Newark Black film festival. Shortly after that, I secured another lead role in an indie called ” Pro Black Sheep” and decided to move to LA. The move to LA was difficult at first because it was like starting over and I didn’t know anyone so it took some time to adjust to being in Los Angels. After being in LA for two years being frustrated and not working like I thought I would, I decided to do some Theater and it was in Hollywood where I did a Play called ” Ferguson” that I was nominated for an NAACP Award for Best Support Actor in a stage play, I did not win but what an honor to be nominated. The next year I booked a film Called “The Last Champion” starring Cole Hauser on Paramount Plus+. MY wife who was my girlfriend at the time was still in NYC so I was doing a lot of going back and forth being Bi-Coastal, we got married. Right after that, I booked a Role on AMC’s ALLBLK network Legal drama ” Lace” (season two premiers June 29th, 2023) and then shortly after that, I got a Lead Role in ” The In Law Gang” which is going to select Theaters June 23rd, 2023. I then Booked a supporting role in the Keyshia Cole Biopic which Premiers on Lifetime on June 24th, 2023. I recently had a film that Premiered on April 30th, 2023 the Hallmark channel entitled ” The Spring Breakthrough”. I currently live between LA and Atlanta.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely was not a smooth ride!!!!! This is an industry of perseverance and patience and it can be quite frustrating because you aren’t going as fast as you would like but you learn it’s all about the journey and not so much about the destination. Also, it is an industry of highs and lows, one minute you working on a stop and the other it’s dry like a desert. The other challenge I had with moving to LA was a feeling of isolation and not knowing many people. The other thing and I’m sure many transplants can relate is when I was in NYC I didn’t need to have a car but in LA you definitely need a car so that was something I had to figure out quickly, Lol.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ll touch base here by saying, I am an Actor, I think at this point I’m known for my roles in Lace, Last Champion, The In-Law Gang and the Keyshia Cole Biopic. I am most proud of having the courage to pursue my dream as an actor. There are millions of people who move from all over the world to LA, NYC and ATL to pursue a career in Film and tv but what most people don’t tell you is that it can be the scariest thing to do because you are taking the biggest gamble of your life. Where it can be easy to have a traditional career with stability and consistency are career in the arts at is core is inconsistent. When you book a job it’s great but when the job ends you are basically unemployed again and have to look for the next job and you don’t know when that will be so being an artist is not for the faint of heart. I think what sets me apart is that I am the walking embodiment of inspiration. There is a lot I set out to accomplish and I always have the courage to try to accomplish my goals. Some I have achieved, others I haven’t and most of my goals are long term so I’m going full steam towards them. As far as my attributes and what sets me apart I feel that I am a very versatile actor with charisma so I can do drama, I can do comedy, I also have a martial arts background so I can do action and all the physical stuff. I think that’s a pretty good package.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have a Philosophy degree books are my passion. I Love anything that is metaphysical in content and I also love politics, history and war. I am a huge Robert Greene fan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alfrederutherford.com
- Instagram: alfreder16
- Facebook: therealalfrederutherford
- Linkedin: Alfred E. Rutherford
- Twitter: alfreder16