Words by Carol Wright | Photographer: Tatiana Katkova
We got to chat with actor Kezii Curtis about his movie Charm City Kings and his advice for aspiring actors.
When did you become passionate about acting?
I became passionate about acting about 6 years ago when I was 10- years-old. My older brother was on a TV show and I realized I could do that. I have been in love ever since.
Tell us a bit about Charm City Kings. What drew you to the project?
Charm City Kings is a coming of age story of three best friends that have a decision to make between two choices over one summer. There was a lot that drew me to the project. For example, I loved how well the script was written and thought the story and message was dope. Once I learned that the producers consisted of Mr. Caleeb, Will AND Jada?! I was sold.
You play Sweartagawd, what did you do to step into his shoes?
In order to prepare, I’d say it was more of having to tap into Kezii’s comedic side to bring out Sweartagawd’s “Charm”. I took into account what life would be like for a kid in that environment and those circumstances. Caleeb was on set and painted a great picture for me on what growing up in Baltimore was like for him. So, I imagined what life would be like for a kid in that environment and circumstance, and Sweartagawd was born.
Sweartagawd is the opposite of Mouse in that he wants to enjoy his teenhood and avoid the Midnight Clique. Could you relate to Sweartagawd in these moments where he was hoping to not grow up too fast?
Yes, one of my favorite things about Sweartagawd is his innocence. Seeing a character that is not in a rush to become an adult is refreshing. I am completely aware of the reality that many kids from inner-city situations like Mouse, Lamont, and Sweatergawd face in having to grow up before their time. From what I can see, it is not easy being an adult, so personally I am in no rush!
Charm City Kings explores the lives of young, Black men which is not something we see nearly enough on screen. Was it important for you to be in a film that explores Black men’s perspectives?
Yes, because far too often the behavior and interests of Black boys are dehumanized and criminalized. Something as normal as riding a dirt bike in the city of Baltimore has gotten a lot of the city’s youth in long standing trouble because it is illegal to ride on public streets when in fact it is just something that they love to do. I remember during the first couple of weeks of filming, I asked why the city would not do something to make dirt bike riding legal and no one had an answer. It is my dream and hope throughout my career to be able to portray characters and tell stories that highlight and give a voice to not only Black characters, but meaningful Black stories.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
I hope the audience can see passed the fast bikes and understand the message that as in the movie. Often times, young Black men come from circumstances that leave them at a crossroad in life, where either decision that they make is crucial to their future. I hope it highlights why bike culture is so popular. It has become an outlet for people who ride to feel free.
Outside of acting what are your other creative outlets?
In addition to acting, I enjoy producing music, playing the piano and bass guitar, and recently the harmonica. I also have been thinking about doing stand-up comedy because everyone tells me I am funny. (I have to get some material before I give it that my all.) Also, I have been writing, producing, editing, and directing a parody series with my siblings on YouTube. I really enjoy drawing. I am very family oriented. I know it sounds lame, but spending time with my family is my favorite pastime. If I can annoy my mother and oldest brother, I’d count that day as a success.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
To all aspiring actors, if it is your passion, give it your all and never quit. Understand that acting is not only the red carpets and interviews. There are also lots of sacrifices that have to be made. You have to remain disciplined; for example, when I was shooting Charm City Kings, my schoolwork never stopped. I had to learn to balance school, the demands of the work hours, and learning lines from the script and it was grueling, but ultimately rewarding.