Words by Carol Wright | Photographer: CALEB SHANE (@imcalebshane) |Stylist: PATRICK LYNERE (@patrick_lynere) | Groomer: ELIVEN QUIROS (@ellyway)
Terrence can be seen alongside Ed Helms in the Netflix Comedy Coffee & Kareem. We got to chat with him about the film and his favorite scene to shoot.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I went on a trip to Disneyland with the Boys and Girls Club to dance and I returned home with stars in my eyes. It was so fun, and I wanted to be on that stage all the time. I told my mommy and she didn’t take me seriously at first, but I worked on my craft daily and now I’m here!
What was the audition process like for Coffee & Kareem?
It was crazy! I did a lot of callbacks and a chemistry read, followed by a table read. I still didn’t know I booked it until a week or two later. I was told they wanted me to complete a chemistry read with other cast members. Boy did I suffer waiting for the final answer.
Can you relate to your character Kareem?
Yes, I can because he loves his mommy and he feels like he has to be the man of the house. He has to be mature for his age and make it known that he is not afraid, even if he really is.
In the film, you work with Ed Helms to take down a crime boss. What was your favorite scene to shoot?
The car chase scene definitely. It felt so real and it was crazy funny watching Ed get thrown around and hit with the car. They made it so realistic that I could feel every bump and stop. I would love to do that again.
You got to work with Taraji P. Henson and Ed Helms. Was it hard to keep a straight face while filming?
Oh man, when I saw Mama T. (that is what I call her). I was in shock because my mommy and I would watch Empire together and I used to call her my TV mommy. This is before I even thought about acting. I can’t wait to see her again. Ed is so funny that I would be laughing when I was supposed to be serious. I had to pull it together. I kept thinking about him in The Office and The Hangover.
What advice do you have for young actors?
Do Not give up!! Please. If this is what you want then don’t stop trying. You will receive a lot of “not this time,” and stuff like that, but you have to keep fighting for it. Make sure when you get in the audition room, they remember you in a good way. You may not get the part you want at the time, but they could remember you for something else. I believe that the universe knows what is right for you and will give it to you when the time is right.