Actor Lodric D. Collins chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about Tyler Perry’s “The Oval” on BET and he opened up about being a part of the new film “Respect.”
On his experience on “The Oval,” he said, “It has been great. I got inspiration from a lot of great people such as General John F. Kelly, my dad, Barack Obama, and all across the board.”
Collins is drawn to his character, Chief of Staff Donald Winthrop, for many reasons. “I love how smart and strategic this guy is. I also like the lessons learned such as not judging a character,” he said. “It is always inspiring to play a character like that. It helps you recognize something in yourself.”
He had great words about working with his co-stars Brad Benedict, Bill Barrett, Derek Dixon, Ed Quinn, and Nick Barrotta. “They are all so much fun,” he admitted. “Brad is my partner in crime, even as actors on set. I couldn’t think of anything better to work opposite with than Brad. It is fun strategizing with him. I love Nick Barotta and his energy. Also, I really enjoyed working with Bill Barrett in Season 1. I work with a really cool and talented cast. We shoot really fast. I hope the audience gets to see how talented they really are.”
On being an actor in the digital age, Collins said, “It’s cool. I am getting used to it. I don’t know how I will switch over when we go back to face-to-face things. It was weird for a while but I enjoy it. The pandemic has taught me the importance of human connection. I’m adjusting and I can’t wait for it to be over.”
Collins shared that he is excited about the movie “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin, where he plays the role of the iconic artist Smokey Robinson. He is looking forward to the film premiere this weekend in Los Angeles.
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, he said, “Loving the foundation of who I am.”
“I’m writing scripts and a series that is conducive to where I am from, and that is Louisiana. Right now, I am trying to allow my art to be a display of who I am and where I come from. Louisiana is full of culture and richness,” he added.
He defined the word success as follows: “living the dream that I desire regardless of the fame and money.” “I go to work and I do what makes me happy, and that’s the most fulfilling thing to me right now,” he said.
“The Oval” is available for streaming on BET by clicking here. “I hope the fans enjoy it,” he concluded. “I really want them to see the work that we do and see the entertainment value that we bring. I also want them to see the inclusion, there is a lot of inclusion and diversity in ‘The Oval’ and Tyler sets an example of what we like to achieve. I hope the industry in general takes a note of that.”
To learn more about actor Lodric D. Collins, check out his IMDb page, and follow him on Instagram.
