BY IRVIN RIVERA

GRAND CREW actor JUSTIN CUNNINGHAM spoke to us about his acting journey, the essence and the heart of the show, the lessons he learned in life, and some of the highs and challenges that he faced while filming the show.

NBC’s Grand Crew presents a group of Black friends unpacking and fleshing out the ups and downs of life. It’s fun, but beyond the laughter and the light storylines are layers and layers of meanings on breaking down stereotypes, on exploring male vulnerabilities and more.  GRAND CREW envisions taking the audience to a grander View, the greater view, the other perspectives, of things. you laugh, but then you think deeper and realize the deeper messages embedded in the show.  

In this interview, CUNNINGHAM also spoke about his love for boxing and fitness, his theatre training- BFA from the University of Arkansas and MFA from The Juilliard School, the support and community from other comedians and artists, his memorable moment while in the show, and also the importance of representation in the industry.

“Naturally everyone is feeling those lows…that's the nature of making art as artists…sometimes we don’t know how to feel but we support each other and that’s all that matters”

How’s this year for you?

It’s been a pretty turbulent year. Lots of ups and downs. As an actor I’m very fortunate to have had an opportunity to play. Personally, it’s been tough. I feel like I’m in a constant state of transition. I moved from NY to LA then back to NY with a stop in Arkansas on the way to check on family. But along with the show I’ve been kinda hangin on by my fingertips as the project and all that comes with it zooms by. I’m looking forward to settling more into this new year. 

What’s the best way to describe the show?
Grand Crew is a show designed for people to laugh and have fun. It explores very specifically the many different layers of Black Male vulnerability. And I do mean specifically. I think it’s an area that isn’t explored deep enough for me. And it’s been good to focus on those aspects in myself through the show.

What do you think of Wyatt’s evolution throughout the show?
I don’t think my character Wyatt experiences the typical character arc people are familiar with. I believe the show isn’t necessarily attached to following the normal character development format. Of course we learn things individually along the way, but I believe there is a larger focus throughout which is the ensemble. As a collective or group we grow and shift together. As a show focused on breaking down stereotypes and dismantling common perceptions of people of color, I believe the goal was to create a broader view of the characters and see us as a whole.

How much of Justin is in Wyatt?
That’s all me. I’m dumb and goofy and a nerd. That’s me.

What’s it like working with the cast?
It’s a lot of pressure. I don’t think I was quite mentally ready for that. Anybody who knows me knows I don’t mess around when I work. I get after it and I do my best to deliver. But working with some of the most talented and funny, young, black, comedians in Hollywood…I was caught off guard. All my theatre training…BFA from the University of Arkansas and MFA from The Juilliard School… didn’t really matter. It was connecting with people that’s not meant to be technical. And I’m a very technical person and actor. So it was a challenge to let go, and trust myself in it.

Highs and Lows in filming? And rising above the lows…
I don’t think I personally view the opportunities I receive as low points…I only focus on what I bring to it and if I’m meeting my own expectations. In that sense I had a lot of lows. Lacking the confidence to feel funny, wondering if I’m good, if I deserve to be there…the typical actor stuff. So that was every day, but also at the very same time was the support from everyone involved. From cast to crew we were all locked in to make this thing good no matter how self conscious the experience makes you. Because, naturally everyone is feeling those lows…that's the nature of making art as artists…sometimes we don’t know how to feel but we support each other and that’s all that matters. And that mattered to everyone on set.

Most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment is unrelated to the show really but I think it reflects what the feeling is…I normally don’t celebrate my birthday in my personal life. I’ve never really been celebrated in any aspect so I subconsciously kind of loathe the attention from it because I’m not used to it. But the cast and crew got me cupcakes and birthday cake and a really cool book on boxing because they know I box. They surprised me right before lunch and broke into the happy bday song and brought the cakes. Because of Covid you can’t blow on the cakes and I didn’t know that. They were all yelling at me to not blow on them…and tears in my eyes not really hearing…I blew the candles out and then we couldn’t eat any of the cupcakes or cake. But it was cool. Never had that happen before.

Proudest moment in my career?
My proudest moment in my career was getting into the Juilliard program. I consider that’s where my career started. I was able to forge lasting relationships and have a stellar launch pad to accomplish the goals I had set out to do. Up until getting into grad school, I was still in Arkansas doing improv and regional theatre. I learned a lot and had great experiences in that arena, but I always believed there could be more. Juilliard gave me that shot. 

Can  you tell us about your love for boxing, fitness, and acting?
I love this question. I’m fired up about physical fitness. My entire life I’ve struggled with my weight. My whole life I’ve had my body shamed and made fun of. To this day that happens. The weight part of my life has always been tied to trauma. And so I eat to cope with the pain of life in general. When Covid hit, artists had nothing. No work. No interaction. No outlets. I was left just sitting with myself in my mothers garage not sure what was next and if everything was going up in flames. I knew I wanted and needed to change and come in contact with my coping mechanisms. So I started with the one thing I could control: my body. And slowly exercise and my physical motivation became a habit. I have to exercise for at least an hour every day. I somewhat measure my growth as a human and artist based on the consistency of that habit. Boxing for me is a meditation. You can focus on one move, one punch, and perfect it. You can push it or pull back. You have full control. And if it’s not right, you can get back in the ring and fix it. Listening to a great boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, he compared stepping in the ring to basically facing yourself. When it comes to a fight and a career…you have to show up. You have to be that guy. And you have to do it in a difficult place because your opponent is gonna make it difficult. No matter how smart, strong, or fast, it doesn’t matter you have to dig deep. So I box to remind myself that I always have a chance to accomplish the impossible.

How’s your creative process?

I don’t really have a process. Working in television is relatively new to me so I’m adapting to that environment. I have a very heavy theatre background so I’m used to being able to perfect a moment based on whatever circumstance. But film it’s just a few moments and then go! So I’ve had to adapt to that. So now when I’m there I just try to be as open as possible to whatever may be coming. In the words of a great teacher I once had “ Don’t get it right…get it true.”

Dream project?
I would like to play George Serat in Sunday in the Park with George. I think we need some Sondheim these days. 

How excited are you for the future?
I’m excited for more people of color to be entering the industry at more important levels. But we need more directors, writers, camera ops, PA’s. Representation matters. And I’m excited to see things moving. Albeit a snails pace…but it’s progress. 

Important lesson you’ve learned that you always carry with you?
My father would always say when I was in school going through it…to “Always be sure to get your lesson.” And of course he would say it in a thick country accent. In essence he was saying no matter the circumstance or what you're going through, learn from it and grow. 

If you were a book, what book would you be?
I would be a dark comedy.. about a black family treasure and the main characters go on an adventure to find it like The Goonies. 

GRAND CREW IS NOW STREAMING ON NBC