The Actor’s Playbook: Anthony Alabi
Diana Ragland.
Anthony Alabi is an actor, producer, writer, and former NFL player located in Los Angeles California. The talented entertainer sat down with Rival Magazine to discuss his life, career, and future endeavors within the entertainment industry.
In the NFL, a coin is tossed to see which team will start the game. In Alabi’s case the coin landed on the side of acting. In fact, his love is astronomically in favor of acting. “I love football, I love the competition, I love the camaraderie, but I’m in love with acting,” heartens Alabi before he continues. “It’s literally the first thing I think about when I wake up in the last thing I think about when I go to bed. Nothing makes me happier than breaking down the script and building a character. Acting was, in a way, my first love.” It's tough to make it as an actor or a professional athlete, and even tougher for one person to accomplish both. Since childhood, Alabi was captivated by the art of acting.
“The draw for me wasn’t really the entertainment industry, per say. It was more about being an actor and exploring what that means,” Alabi shares. “I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was five years old, when my father and I would spend the entire day at the movie theater on Sundays. I fell in love with storytelling and characters and wanted nothing else, but to be in that world.”
Diana Ragland
The former football player transitioned into acting professionally after his athletic career ended.
“I wanted to be sure that I was a vested player, which meant playing for at least four years. Once I reached that mark, everything else was just padding for my future,” Alabi explains. “So, when I was released by Tampa Bay after an injury, instead of looking for a new team I took it as an opportunity to pursue the thing that I’ve always wanted to do. It was an easier decision than you would think. The harder part was breaking the news to my dad and agents. Once that was done, I felt free to go 1000 mph in the direction of acting.”
Alabi’s football career prepared him for his future endeavors. “It’s given me so much in the form of people to study, characters to source from, and real insight into an entertainment industry,” beams the actor. “There are definitely a lot of parallels between football and acting, both are performance-based, and you answer to executives and fans. Mental toughness, time management, work ethic, and working with large groups of people and all the ego that goes with that, are just a few of the lessons learned playing ball that have been an incredible resource for me now.”
Gifted, with a remarkable combination of good looks and impressive talent, the 6’5 multifaceted actor found lots of success in the entertainment world. Alabi has become well known for his roles in shows like ‘Shameless’, ‘Raven’s Home’ and ‘Bosch’. You’ll likely recognize him in his latest and most favorite break-out role in the Netflix comedy series, ‘Family Reunion’. Alabi plays the role of Moz McKellan, a 15-year veteran tight end of the NFL.
“When I found out I got the role I was driving and almost flew off the road. Thankfully I didn’t, it would’ve really hindered me working on the series,” the actor shares with laughter. “After that, my wife and I just cried for two days. It was a goal that had finally been realized and we wanted to savor every moment of it.”
Alabi and his Family Reunion character share a lot of parallels: football, being a dad, being a husband, and being from the south. “It makes for a lot of freedom in playing this character because I already know him,” Alabi shares. “We differ on a few things but align on the most important stuff.” The biggest challenge the actor faced while taking on this role is changing the perception that people have of athletes or men in general. “This character was written in such a beautiful way in the fact that he is vulnerable, and sensitive, and strong, and smart, and funny. He is whatever the situation calls for and that’s what I appreciate most,” Alabi shares. The actor’s favorite part of working on the show is the cast and crew. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to see every day and get to live out this amazing journey with,” Alabi shares.
Diana Ragland
Alabi is not only passionate about his career but his family as well. His wife is his biggest supporter. “She is my soulmate and absolutely the reason why I have gone this far,” Alabi shares with admiration. “What she does for me, in terms of just making me a better human is invaluable. I have the biggest crush on her,” The actor is a dad off screen as well and he absolutely loves it. “It’s tough when they are really young, but I find that the older they get the more and more you gain your parenting style,” Alabi shares. “My wife and I are such a good team, and we tackle any challenges head on. So, it makes everything seem a lot easier. I love teaching my kids things and encouraging their growth in all aspects of life, especially in being funny. I feel like if you’re funny, there is an intelligence there. You have this ability to see the world for what it is and turn it upside down then present it in a way that makes me think and laugh. It’s a great quality to have. As for a quote or lesson, I just want them to find their passion - that thing that makes them fly and then pursue it with everything they have. Happiness is tied to finding a sense of purpose, and that’s what I want them to be...happy.”
Diana Ragland
With more ventures on the horizon, it seems we’ll be seeing more from Alabi in this season of unending opportunities, as he continues to hone his talent and expand on his career. In terms of who he ends up working with throughout this journey, Alabi’s acting playbook already has some people in mind. Regina Hall, Seth Rogan, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Maggie Smith, Kathryn Hahn, Don Cheadle, Will Smith just to name a few. “The common theme is that all of these actors can do both drama and comedy very, very well,” Alabi shares, “They are who I aspire to be one day soon.”
Alabi’s advice for up-and-coming actors is to know there is a lot of rejection and disappointment and pain in this business. “Sometimes when things look dark, all you have is your “why” to keep you going,” Alabi explains, “Don’t get me wrong, there are so many positives and great things about it, but it’s not all sunshine and roses.” This actor is an overcomer and has pursued his dreams despite the obstacles that the industry may bring.
In the future, Alabi hopes to make a name for himself as a producer, as well. “I want to tell stories, and live in them too,” Alabi shares. “In 5 years, I see myself on a good drama series, having just sold my first show. In 10 years, I see myself producing a little more than acting only because I would be more selective about the projects that I have chosen to act in.” Alabi’s dream role would be any character on ‘Star Trek’, “It would be a dream fulfilled to be a part of that world and get to contribute to its rich history just a little bit,” shares the actor. “I have been a fan of everything ‘Star Trek’ since I could remember. ‘Next Generation’ brought me into it, and I never looked back.”
Alabi’s final words to Rival readers: “Be sure to check out ‘Family Reunion’ out now on Netflix! P.S. If, Alex Kurtzman can find it in his heart to make me a Starfleet officer and Vulcan, he will never regret it. Haha!”
Meet the Author
Sydnie Cutler is the founder of giftedsheepmedia.com and a regular contributor to Rival Magazine. She attained her bachelor’s in Multi-media Journalism from Georgia State University. Connect with her about writing, videography, modeling and social media marketing on Instagram @sydniemichelle!