Delroy LindoI RECENTLY returned from the Calabash Literary Festival, the best prelude to a birthday anyone could ask for. It was a wonderful weekend filled with poetry, verse and song. This year was no exception we were blessed with the presence of an outstanding Hollywood actorone of our own, Delroy Lindo. I was able to sneak away with him, from the hustle and bustle of the Calabash vibe, to the pressroom for a one-on-one with the man himself.
BE: When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
DL: From the age of five from that very first nativity play. From the time my feet hit the stage I was sure that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I did think about becoming a doctor for a short moment, but that thought was short lived and being onstage has been in my heart from a very tender age.
BE: How did you get
started?
DL: I did my formal training at the American Conservatory Theatre in 1977 in San Francisco. After graduating I landed my first role in More American Graffitti (1979). I travelled around a lot wherever I could get work. I spent ten years onstage and in 1982 debuted on Broadway in Master Harold and the Boys.
BE: What was your first major film?
DL: Most people are
familiar with my role as West Indian Archie in Spike Lee's movie Malcolm X. But, my first major film was in 1980, The Blood of Heroes. I went to Kenya where I had a role in Mountains of Moon that was in 1988.
BE: Tell me about your Career High?
DL: That's an interesting question. There have been
several. My Broadway role in Joe Turner's Come and Gone in 1980 is one. My performance in the production Raising in the Sun at the Kennedy Center. A sold-out box office and then the cast went on to perform in Los Angeles.
BE: Tell me what was your career low?
DL: The last four years has been a time for transformation for me. I have begun to realize that the industry I am in is "relationship" driven. It is not one that is based on skill or merit. I have been naïve at times to think that all I needed to be was a "good actor". It has been a painful experience. I continue to grow and learn about myself and will not make the mistakes I've made in the past.
BE: How have you overcome this low period in your career?
DL: I changed my agent, got someone who was more
aggressive and appreciative of my talents and respected my
values.
BE: If you could not be an actor what would you be?
DL: I don't want to sound like a Dufus but I am really not good at anything else. I am motivated to be a good actor because I cannot do anything else. I would however, like to produce more. Now you have got me thinking I'm a good listener so maybe I could counsel people.
BE: What would you tell anyone who is trying to reach their goal?
DL: Don't allow anyone to tell you cannot do it. You must develop a thick skin. Don't accept NO as an answer and keep on going.
BE: What Next?
DL: I would love to play our hero Marcus Garvey
In the past 12 year of his acting career Mr. Lindo has been in several major movies such as
Malcolm X, Ransom, Crooklyn, Clockers, Congo,
Get Shorty, Soul of the Game, A life Less Ordinary, The Cider House Rules, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Romeo Must Die, The One, Heist, Wondrous Oblivion. Mr. Lindo was born and raised in South London in Lewisham to Jamaican parents. He now lives in America with his wife and son.
Beverley East
I welcome your letters.
Please email me at:
writefully_yours@hotmail.com
