INTERVIEW: Jerel Xavier Alston's Hollywood Journey
Photo credit: Marie Thomas
At just fifteen years old, Jerel Xavier Alston is making his mark in the entertainment industry as he reprises his role as 'Kevin', Detective Bryant’s son, in the popular Starz series Big Mafia Family (BMF).
Big Mafia Family tells the compelling true story of two brothers from Detroit, Demetrius Edward "Big Meech" Flenory Sr. and Terry Lee "Southwest Tee" Flenory, who established one of the most influential crime organizations in the late 1980s, The Black Mafia Family. Jerel's involvement in this series showcases his ability to tackle complex characters at a young age, setting the stage for a promising career ahead.
In addition to BMF, Jerel has appeared in notable projects such as the Aretha Franklin biopic "Respect" in 2021 and the Tom Holland-led mystery miniseries "The Crowded Room" in 2023, demonstrating his versatility and range as a young actor.
Drawing inspiration from renowned figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jerel recognizes the power of versatility and the enduring impact of a unique voice in storytelling. His dedication to his craft and his ability to inhabit diverse roles at such a young age position him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment. Jerel Xavier Alston's trajectory in the industry reflects a promising future, marked by a combination of talent, ambition, and a genuine passion for storytelling.
What attracted you to the role of “Kevin” in “Black Mafia Family,” and how do you prepare for such a complex character at your age?
I feel I was lucky when booking Kevin because he and I are similar. I reacted as if everything Kevin was going through was actually happening to me.
How do you approach the challenge of portraying different characters in various genres, given your diverse repertoire of roles at a young age?
I am as grounded as possible in each role I play. I find that the more grounded I am the easier it is for me to capture the vibe of the character no matter the genre.
Can you share any memorable experiences from working on the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” and how it has influenced your approach to acting?
I have to say that is 100% the on-set experience of working with veterans like Jennifer Hudson, Marlon Wayans, Tituss Burgess, Forest Whitaker, Saycon Sengbloh, Kimberly Scott, and so many others. They kept everything professional and fun. It made being on set an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.
What key lessons have you learned from working with seasoned professionals like Tom Holland in "The Crowded Room"?
I never got to work with Tom Holland directly but I did have the honor of working with Will Chase who was in Stranger Things and Nashville. I learned they are real people just like us. They are just as many fans of the work as we are and they want to be as good as we want them to be.
What aspects of the horror genre appeal to you, and are there any specific types of roles you'd like to tackle in that genre?
One thing that I love about horror is how it can toy with your emotions and make you forget about everything else but the fact that you're in fear. There aren't any specific roles but I'd love to be in a psychological horror one day.
How do you balance your education with your blossoming acting career, and what support systems have been crucial in your journey so far?
One good thing about it is they have on-set tutors for child actors to complete their schoolwork. That and my teachers know and are cool with sending me the work to do on the road. My parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts and uncles are the major support system that has helped me along my journey so far.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of portraying Detective Bryant’s son in BMF, and how has this role contributed to your growth as an actor?
The most rewarding thing about playing Kevin is seeing how much people care about my characters. This has helped me because now I'll be sure to keep that in mind when going on to do other projects. It’s the fans and my impact on them that keep me going.
In what ways do you draw inspiration from industry icons like Leonardo DiCaprio, and how do you envision carving out your own unique path in storytelling?
I take inspiration from his versatility. He can just play any character you give him so well you couldn't imagine anyone else in the role but him. I hope to carve out a reputation similar to that as I go on into my career. I want to be the person who makes you forget that I am Jerel when I am portraying someone else.
What draws you to intense and impactful stories like "The Atlanta Child Murders," and how do you approach these roles emotionally?
As I stated earlier, one of my biggest goals as an actor is to have an impact on those who watch me. To do that I need to be able to tell stories that have impacted people in some way. The Atlanta Child Murders is something that has touched a lot of people and has the potential to touch many others who didn’t know about it before. I approach these roles as if I am actually the person in the story and react the way I would in real life.
Are there any specific directors or actors you aspire to collaborate with, and what kind of projects would you like to explore in the future?
A few names that come to mind are Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Steven Speilberg, Ava DuVernay, and Quentin Tarintino. Projects I'd like to explore in the future are horror movies and action/superhero movies. I am also interested in what the fans may want to see me do.
How do you navigate the pressures of fame and maintain authenticity in your craft, both on and off the screen, as a rising young star?
I just remember to stay humble and not let the pressure overtake me. I also remember that I'm still just a kid at the end of the day and have plenty of time to live out my childhood while living out my dream.
