XEX MAGAZINE – MEN’S EDITION PRESENTS: LAZ ALONSO

He was an investment banker on Wall Street, a business owner and an executive producer. As an actor, he’s played everything from a jarhead to an alien warrior. Now, he’s an FBI agent tasked to take down a massive family conspiracy. One thing’s for sure; no matter what he does, he’ll look damn good doing it. Xex Magazine sits down with Deception star, Laz Alonso for a cover editorial!

Photography: Sailey Williams . Wardrobe: Omar Alexander

Hair & Makeup: Mann Nance . Video: Adolphus Amissah

Model: Mayra Rosario

Interview: Micheal Nelson

Can you tell us a little about your character?

Will is a lot different from a lot of characters I’ve played. You will see a man that is still in love with Meagan’s character Joanna. An Ex that is vulnerable and caring and although still strong, he shows his insecurities as a man who no longer has the woman he’s lost. It’s a delicate balance of love, passion, and trying to remain professional.

What drew you to playing Agent Moreno?

I’ve played law enforcement before. This character just happens to be an FBI agent, but what we see more is a man that loves and cares for this woman whom he has placed into the belly of the beast and now he might lose her… again.

Do you see yourself playing similar roles in the future?

I like all roles that show the complexity of the human experience. Nothing is ever as it seems and we are never fully happy or content. Good writing shows that and I am a fan of good writing.

Deception has a wonderful cast. What was it like working with such talent as Megan Good, Katherine Lanassa, and Victor Garber?

I have worked with Megan on other projects, and have seen her growth as an actor. She is doing an amazing job and I am really happy to get cast opposite actors that make me step my game up every scene. Katherine and Victor are always on point and make me always feel like I have to bring my A game to work. I love working with actors that make me raise my performance bar.

You credit your acting ability to your life experiences, as you are able to bring a little of what you know or have dealt with into your characters. How much outside research did you do for this role?

This role needed little research. It’s more about being real, present and true to your feelings. I’ve loved and lost. I’ve fought to keep someone that I was threatened with losing. I’ve been vulnerable…. insecure. It’s about authentically playing the part we have all felt at one time or another.

Do you draw inspiration from previous characters you’ve played?

No. I try to make every character a different human being. If you see a similar performance then I have not done my job. I don’t want you to ever see the same character twice or me in any of my characters.

You’ve been a successful actor for years. What motivates you in this changing industry? How do you stay grounded?

Staying grounded isn’t the problem. My challenge is accepting the change that is happening in the industry. Unfortunately in some ways it’s becoming more commercial and less about telling great stories. But we must do our best to keep it as authentic as possible.

You are a part of the new breed of emerging leading men in Hollywood…What is your personal style? Do you consider yourself a trendsetter?

I would much rather be someone who “inspires” than “sets trends”. Trends come and go, but inspiration will always last. I have my own personal rugged, military inspired style. It’s purpose driven clothing that fits, accessories that mean something to me. But I love nice materials and a nice fitted look. It’s clean.

You are also starring in a lead role in Sony Screen Gems’ Battle of the Year: The Dream Team, inspired by the award-winning documentary, Planet B Boy. Walk us through your preparation for this film; did the training involve many rigorous days and nights?

Thank goodness I did not have to dance in this film. I left that to Chris Brown and the B boys (who are phenomenal). When I was a B boy dancing was on the ground. Now it’s in the air, they never touch the ground. Watching them work made me happy I’m grown (laughs). I tried to channel bosses in hip-hop, the guys behind the scenes that you don’t see but read about in Fortune.

With all of the rapidly changing fashion trends out on the scene right now, what or who (as far as designers) inspires some of your best looks on the red carpet?

I love Zegna suits. And believe it or not, Uggs men’s line has a crazy apparel line, Rag and bone pants, Vincent, Diesel, G-star, Rockstar, Converse, and combat boots. I like boutique clothes. Not a big box mall type shopper. The smaller designers are leading fashion right now and you see the bigger brands following them.

Where do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now in the film/tv/fashion industry? Personal Life/family?

I don’t know where I’ll be nor do I plan that far ahead anymore. I try to live in the moment, enjoy it as much as possible and work hard today and now. Sometimes we get so caught up about the future we miss what is going on right now. You can chase the future, but it’s coming regardless. Enjoy the now.