Allen Maldonado [Interview]

For those of us who geek out on film and television on the daily, there really is no greater joy than when you discover a show/movie that you had zero expectations for, and soon find yourself entranced in great writing and brilliant character development. Am I right? Of course I am, no reason to ask. I had this experience recently with a little FXX program entitled You’re The Worst. My wife and I were actually looking for something that we could both enjoy. Her being the more sappy and love story oriented person, and I with my obsession with self-deprecation and unworthy righteousness, and a love for hip hop, I think we found the perfect show. And today, I am so fortunate enough to be able to speak with one of the stars of You’re The Worst, who also happens to be a brilliant actor on so many different levels than where I first found him.

Allen Maldonado is a brilliant actor who portrays the hilarious Honey Nutz on You’re The Worst, for those of you haven’t quite figured it out. And if you are a fan of the show, you will know right away that he is a damned delight on this program, and whenever he embraces the screen, you are definitely going to laugh. But, not to be out done by himself, Allen has also become a series regular on the hugely successful program black-ish with another batch of wonderful performances. But, it’s not all just about the funny with this guy. Allen has had some brilliant dramatic roles in films like Straight Outta Compton and The Equalizer. And if I had to suggest another one, I would have to say that the 2014 indie flick Cake was film that he was amazing in, and a film that cast a whole new light on Jennifer Anniston that I don’t believe enough people appreciated.

Yes, Maldonado has become a regular face among television and film viewers, and all for great reasons. He has worked his ass off to make to where he is, and the future is only looking more and more bright each day. So, we are extremely proud to have gotten to grab a few words from him for you fine readers. I swear, you are some of the luckiest damned people out there. Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful Allen Maldonado!

What made you decide you wanted to become an actor? Do you have any influences you can remember inspiring you to join this world?

There are several answers to that question. One is joining my acting class in high school during my senior year. While basketball was definitely my focus, I found myself selecting theater as an elective and quickly discovered I had a gift for writing and performing. Second, was the moment I witnessed my mom walking home from work, exhausted. I feel that was the first time I realized my family was poor. I quickly decided that acting would be the path that would take me and my family out of the hood.

I have recently become aware of your work on the wonderful television show You’re The Worst, and love every second you are on screen. So what made you want to be Honey Nutz? And what are your thoughts on the show thus far?

You’re The Worst is an amazing show. I am so happy to be a part of it. I believe it’s a show that is often overlooked, but our fan base is growing every day. Honey Nutz really spoke to me because he is seen as a stereotypical member of a famous rap group, but he’s really the opposite, which is slowly being revealed throughout the series. I believe the show will continue to grow in popularity with each season as more people discover what we are doing. I think it has an incredible shot at becoming an iconic show that people will continue to dive in and binge watch from Season One.

I know you have probably already received a lot adoration for your role as Tone in Straight Outta Compton, but I need to give you some more. You were wonderful. I understand you had a somewhat distant relationship with some of the things that were portrayed in this amazing film that profiled a very strange time in American history. So, how was your experience in shooting this film? And what are your thoughts on the final product?

Straight Outta Compton was an amazing experience being that I grew up in Compton the first 9 years of my life, so it had a lot of personal meaning to me. My sister went to the same high school as MC Ren, so I was surrounded by memories of that era as a child. The final product was incredible! Being #1 for 4 weekends straight was beyond any of my expectations! I believe we’ve made an iconic film that will stand the test of time as one of the greatest biopics ever made.

While digging through the plethora of film credits you have amassed over the years, one of them stuck out to me, and I will honestly say I can not remember it, but I am definitely intrigued as hell about it! So, you did a voice/impersonation of Lil Wayne in a 1997 episode of Celebrity Death Match? This sounds amazing! Can you tell us a bit about your work on this short lived, but utterly brilliant comedy show?

Celebrity Death Match was such a fun show. I can remember the day I auditioned to voice his character. Now this was before he became Young Money Lil Wayne, this was Bling Bling Lil Wayne. I often forget that I did the voice, so again, I was very fortunate to be a part of a great moment in time with MTV.

I also recently learned you have a pretty cool philanthropic venture going with Demo Nerds that seems to have done some amazing things. Care you tell us a bit about it? And what made you want to start this project?

Demo Nerds acting and film for kids is a two week acting camp for foster kids and at-risk youth. We teach them acting exercises the first week, and the second week they get to shoot their own short film. During the last day of the camp we hold a red carpet screening, inviting the press along with their family and friends to view the film. I started the foundation after visiting a career day in Watts, California. While there, I met some incredible kids that inspired me to teach them acting, spawning the idea. After talking to my good friend, Shanelle Watson, she helped my develop the idea into a two week program.

You have worked in so many different genres of film and television, practically all of them really, so what would you say is your favorite to do? Do you have a preference?

I like doing both. TV is becoming such a big thing right now that it’s production rivals some major films being made at the moment. You can really get the same feel of a film in most TV shows right now, so I must say, it’s a beautiful time to be an actor.

So what is next for you? I can only imagine there is a lot. Anything you would like to plug here?

Yes. I am launching the first ever short film mobile app, Everybody Digital. We will be streaming short films from around the world while also producing original content such a short films, digital series, and even some docuseries. We will essentially be the short form version of Netflix, creating a home for short films after the 12-15 month shelf life these films often have now. I also have two films coming out this year. One is Where’s The Money starring myself, King Bach, Terry Crews and Mike Epps. The other is First Match, which will world premiere on Netflix.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Thinking of everything that God has blessed me with.

To keep up with Allen, discover the latest news he has to offer at at his website. And to learn how you can contribute to Demo Nerds, check out their website as well.