Melvin Russell is an American Actor and writer primarily known for his recurring role as Jamal in ‘The Wire’ TV-Series. Melvin has some great new projects to look out for! Read below our exclusive interview with actor Melvin Russell:
Q: Where are you originally from and where are you based now?
Melvin Russell – A: I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. I currently live in Maryland but will be relocating to the west coast soon.
Q: Melvin, what motivates you and inspires you to be the best at your profession in acting and do you have a top 3 favorite actors, filmmakers or directors that you want to work with in the business?
Melvin Russell – A: I have been acting since I was 11 years old. The theater was what I first fell in love with and the adrenaline a live audience would bring. I say it’s the process of creating and discovering and living in the moment what attracts me to the craft. Being able to tell stories that really show the human experience and basing that experience on humanity is what I strive for in each of my roles. The research process and creating a character’s backstory is where I really have the most joy. The details, the subtlety, and getting each intrinsic moment is what I believe great performances are built on. There are so many great artists out there in the field now. I say Ava Duvernay, Lee Daniels, and Antoine Fugua are the top 3 directors I would love to work with. I respect the work and the vision they have for direction. Oh, how can I forget the King, Denzel. That would be dope..
Q: As an actor, what would you say is your fav genre in roles you play (Drama, Comedy, Action, Thriller, a little bit of all)?
Melvin Russell – A:As an actor, I’ve always been attracted to the more dramatic roles. Characters that are protagonists but with a tragic flaw have always attracted me, in a Shakespearean sort of way. I definitely have a funny side also, I love making people laugh.
Q: Can you share with us something people may not know about you? Any hobbies or other secret talents you have and or like to do in your spare time?
Melvin Russell – A:I love to play ball. I wish I would have taken basketball more serious growing up. I’ve always been athletic, and oh, my jumper is wet. Any chance I get, I’m trying to find a pick up game or just shoot around.
Q: What are some projects that you’ve just wrapped up recently or that you’re currently working on now?
Melvin Russell – A:I just recently finished shooting We Own This City for HBOMAX. Reconnecting with David Simon was an experience. My first television was The Wire and David has always had a great vision for capturing the essence of Baltimore, and you saw it in The Wire. It’s been a blessing.
Q: What are your official social sites on the web we can follow ?
Melvin Russell – A:You can follow me at IG@melvinthomasrussell
