EXCLUSIVE: Actor A. Russell Andrews Talks HBO's 'Insecure' and the Power of Female Direc
July 23rd can't come fast enough. That's the drop date for HBO's Season 2 premiere of Issa Rae's Insecure and A. Russell Andrews is one of the newer faces fans will see on the show this summer. From the 2016 Emmy consideration for Outstanding Lead Actor in TV One’s Runaway Island to the Lifetime’s recent movie Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (both projects directed by Dianne Houston), Andrews is proof that hard work does pay off.
Born in Huntsville, Texas, Andrews grew up in Houston and after a very celebrated athletic career in high school, received a scholarship to Blinn College. He later went on to attend Texas Southern University where he majored in sociology. After several jobs ranging from drug store manager to furniture mover, to a longer than anticipated stay as a prison guard at the Texas Department of Corrections, he found his way to the "boards" and never looked back.
Andrews gained national recognition and became a regular face in regional theatres and Off-Broadway. In 2002, Andrews played Youngblood in Pulitzer Prize winning playwright August Wilson's Jitney, and received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play, along with Roger Robinson, Keith Randolph Smith and multiple Tony Award Nominee, Dr. Stephen McKinley Henderson. The play was performed at The Royal National Theatre in London and directed by award-winning director Marion McClinton. In addition to acting, Andrews’ is a formidable director in his own right. His company, StageWalkers, has received over 30 LA Theatre award nominations and multiple wins for his work with Pulitzer Prize winning author August Wilson’s Piano Lesson, Jitney, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
BlackCinemadb.com had a chance to catch up with the busy actor in between stage rehearsals for Becoming Human which opens July 15th at the McCadden Place Theater in Los Angeles.
BlackCinemadb.com: Tell us how you landed the role of Vice Principal Gaines?
Andrews: Actually, I was surprised by this one. I'm a HUGE fan of the show and Issa's story is so uplifting and encouraging. If I'm correct, some staff, writers and producers are friends of hers and I'm sure that's reflected in the harmony on the set. Vickie Thomas is the casting director. She's one of the best in the business and a very good reader. I've booked that room a few times before but she's of that select group of casting director’s that won't let you leave until she feels she’s gotten your best. Sometimes, in these circumstances, we (actors), can overthink the obvious. We obviously won't get them all, but I always leave there feeling that I'm better than when I walked in. In this instance, the writing was so genuine...like a conversation you want to have. I just wanted to tell the story that I read and it was my day.
BlackCinemadb.com: We're dying to know, what it’s like to work with Issa? Her cast? Crew? Any behind-the-scenes moments you can share?
Andrews: All of the work I've done thus far has been with Issa and her co-star, Lisa Joyce. Their relationship is very fluid and that has allowed me an easy transition and flow into the family. I'm so shamelessly excited every moment I'm there, but I think most importantly I'm so proud to be part of the cultural and gender balance on set. I've known of Prentice Penny and his work for a while. My first ever comedy was an episode on The Bernie Mac Show, written by creator/executive producer, Larry Wilmore. I gotta believe that equitable representation is a major part of the show’s success.
BlackCinemadb.com: Working on a hit TV show like Insecure where the focus is on a (black) woman’s journey must be fun. What was that creative energy like?
Andrews: Magic...the female presence is powerful. A model business feel, and artistically, as strong or better than any company I've been a part of. Everyone works hard and is on point. It's like an articulate, controlled, well-managed, well-organized party.
BlackCinemadb.com: You've been working with some female directors and producers who kick major butt such as Dianne Houston, Hanelle Culpepper, Arun K. Vir, and now Issa Rae. Is there some magic pixie dust you've thrown in the air to make this happen?
Andrews: I wish I had a profound, art based answer, but so much of it is timing and opportunity. What I am sure of is that I'm a better man and artist because of those experiences.
BlackCinemadb.com: What's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects (you can talk about)?
Andrews: Next up? Funny you should ask. In keeping with the female theme...Just premiered in Dianne Houston's Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland for Lifetime. I'm co-starring in Becoming Human at The McCadden Place Theatre in North Hollywood (July 15-30) written by Dr. Nicki Joy Monti, directed by Diana Wyenn. Back to back acting/directing projects written by Ms. LaChris Jordan: The Ridge (film) and Roses in Water (stage). And later this year, Dianne (Houston) has got a little something she's been working on that I can't wait to talk about.
