Alphonso Settles
Rising Star To Be On The Lookout For
Alphonso Settles is an established actor from Detroit, Michigan. He began his career as a model in the Metro Detroit area participating in local shows and events. Alphonso was discovered at one of his shows and offered an opportunity to showcase his acting skills.
His first film was Ovid and the Art of Love starring John Savage (Godfather III) and Corbin Bleu (High School Musical). Alphonso also appeared in First Lady starring Jim Jones (Paper Soldiers) and Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander (Ghetto Stories).
He appeared in his first television sitcom, My Step Kidz, alongside Clifton Powell (Next Friday) and Rodney Perry (Johnson Family Vacation) in spring 2019 on My TV 20. Alphonso has starred in a host of films between his first and most recent projects.
He has earned himself roles in the drama Deceitful Passions and TV drama In Rising Star. Alphonso has proven himself as a force to be followed in modeling and now in acting. He is definitely the one to watch!
Vocal readers, please enjoy our interview!
Tammy Reese: What inspired you to become an actor?
Alphonso Settles: My inspiration comes from it being something I just always wanted to do but never knew how to get into it. Now that I have films and tv experience under my belt, I’m inspired by people that come from where I come from and showing them that it's way more to life than what we grew up knowing.
Tammy Reese: What was the best role for you so far? The best role for me so far was playing Seth in Deceitful Passions.
Alphonso Settles: I say that because I had to tap into quite a few different emotions in order to make that character pop and bring him to life. I have an absolute ball in doing so and getting the preparation down to ready for that film.
Tammy Reese: What is one of your favorite on-set moments?
Alphonso Settles: I had an opportunity to work with Clifton Powell on a project, and for me as an actor to share a set with such a great talent in Clifton was memorable within itself.
It was a favorite moment of mine because I just sat and watched how he moved onset and how he worked, he wasn’t even aware that I was watching and studying him. I had my mind made up that if you want to learn how to be great in this business he would be one of the best people to observe.
Tammy Reese: Describe your getting into character process?
Alphonso Settles: The process for me getting into character can be very extensive for me. I usually will sit with the director or producer and find out who this character is, what is his backstory, why is he the way he is, etc.
After that info is discussed I will watch films with characters similar to who I’m portraying, I will read books or small tidbits of info that can help me build this character even more. Then after that, I learn the script like the back of my hand, which allows me play with the wording and ad-lib during certain scenes to make the character more authentic and real.
The closer we get to filming the project I start to build this character's personality and demeanor. By the first day of filming, I’ve done so much research and studied my character so in-depth when they yell ACTION I’m no longer Alphonso, I’m the character that I’m slated to portray.
Tammy Reese: What do you think is the future of the film industry?
Alphonso Settles: I think the future of the film industry is bright. We have so many talented actors and actresses in Detroit where I’m from. Obviously, Tyler Perry has done wonders for the film industry overall and keeping talent working in Atlanta.
Also although Covid-19 has slowed down a lot of things especially in film, but on the flip side of that we are able to be seen on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Tubi. For actors like myself and others, that’s great because people are home and they watch these platforms faithfully so we can still get exposure worldwide.
Tammy Reese: What projects do you have in the works?
Alphonso Settles: I currently have in the works The Bag Girls 2 which is projected to start production in June of this year. The first one is doing really well, so I’m excited to shoot the sequel of that. I’m also working on a television series called Toxsanity produced and directed by Bigg Von due out later in the year as well.
Tammy Reese: How do you use your platform to empower others?
Alphonso Settles: The way I use my platform to empower others is simply by mentioning and presenting opportunities to them that maybe they can’t get on their own.
I’m always sharing information on castings, extra roles, and audition info overall they may not even have access to. That alone makes me feel good to help someone get into a position to succeed.
Tammy Reese: What do you want your legacy to look like?
Alphonso Settles: When it’s all said and done I want my legacy to show people they can be whatever they want to be, no matter how many people say no, you can’t do this, you can’t do that. You too old, or too short, or too big, all the negative stereotype pitfalls that you will run into in this industry.
I want people to understand I’m from the inner streets of Detroit and I know how it is out here, but just because you come from nothing doesn’t mean you can’t still have something and become successful.
Keep up to date with Alphonso Settles by connecting on social media:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alphonso.settles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.amazn1/
Photo Credit: Abby Olidipo of Abby O Photography
About the Creator
Tammy Reese
Tammy is best known for her legendary interviews with Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, Morris Chestnut, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Laurence Fishburne, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, and more.
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