A SEMPLE LIFE: MARTIN BOBB-SEMPLE ON GROWTH AND CREATIVITY AND 'ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING'

BY IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: ANDREW PHIIP NGUYEN, DIGITECH: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, LOCATION: GM STUDIO DTLA

Martin Bobb-Semple has been making waves with his portrayal of Orlando "Lando" Johnson on The CW's hit drama "All American: Homecoming." With a charming mix of wit and depth, Martin navigates his character through the complexities of young love and collegiate drama, a journey that has captivated audiences and critics alike. “It’s been a very challenging yet fulfilling experience this time around,” Martin shares, reflecting on wrapping up the third season. This level of dedication and emotional investment is what sets him apart in an industry brimming with talent.

Outside the set, Martin's creativity thrives through his passion for theatre and photography. "I really enjoy going to the theatre and watching actors on stage...some amazing things can happen on a live, raw stage," he muses. His love for capturing moments extends to photography, where he finds solace and inspiration in the simplest of scenes. As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, Martin embodies the essence of an artist dedicated to his craft. Fans can look forward to more intriguing performances from this rising star, who promises to bring even more complexity and heart to his future roles.

Martin! How are you? What’s keeping you busy nowadays?

Hey! I’m well thanks; I’m wrapping up the third season of All American: Homecoming, it’s been a very challenging yet fulfilling experience this time around. I feel very grateful to be on the other side of such a blessing in my career and I’m looking forward to whatever’s on the horizon next. I have a few things coming up which I’m also really excited for!

How do you stay creatively inspired outside of acting, and what other passions do you pursue?

That’s a great question, I really enjoy going to the theatre and watching actors on stage. That’s where I started my journey as a child actor and it’s the original form of how acting was performed. Some amazing things can happen on a live, raw stage and it’s those moments that inspire me and help me to grow as an actor myself. I like to do the same with film. These days there’s a lot of really great quality independent films with great performances, amazing writing and a beautiful mixture of talent that creates moving stories. A personal passion of mine is photography. I developed a love for it as a teenager and since, I’ve always been so intrigued by the art. I’ll take walks with my camera and just capture little moments of objects or landscapes that I see something in. It could be a random tree, animal or building, but it always tells a story.

How would you describe your evolution as an artist throughout these years?

Evolving is a great word, because that’s exactly what it feels like. I feel as if I somewhat evolve every day. Whether it’s learning something new, or conquering a new goal or fear. As an artist, I want to continue to learn and adapt because that’s what helps me create my art. I need to experience difficult situations or decisions to be able to grow. Life comes at different tempo’s, speeds, I never really know what’s next, I have to adapt. My journey is different to everyone else’s and that took me a while to realize that it’s meant to be that way. To me, I have my own challenges and things don’t always happen as planned. Over the years I’ve learnt to handle life better and go in the direction I’m supposed to. It all comes with being a creative, things will happen as they’re supposed to.

Coat: BTFL, Sweater: BANANA REPUBLIC, Pants: HIROMI ASAI

Let’s talk about "All American: Homecoming." How did you prepare for the role of Orlando “Lando” Johnson in "All American: Homecoming"?

Preparation for All American: Homecoming was a memory I’ll never forget. We had intensive baseball training which I had never done before. So learning a whole new sport and having to look like I’m a pro at it was tough but we had the most amazing coaches who helped us through it. On a different note, I watched some reality tv to get an honest representation of the accent that I had to portray as Lando. That helped me to differentiate between regions and develop my own accent for him.

What aspects of his character do you resonate with the most?

His empathy. This season we really get to know Lando a lot better. We really dive into his world and the way he thinks and feels about things. A lot of that was a new discovery for me, I started to learn that this hard exterior he always presented was a front to protect his feelings. His empathy is something we grow to learn which I can really resonate with.

Lando cares for his friends and always wanted to give them the best advice which I also find myself doing.

Can you describe the journey your character Lando has taken from being seen as an antagonist to becoming a fan favorite?

Lando’s journey has been a roller coaster. He basically started as a villain, which was a lot of fun to play with. As time went on though, he developed a close relationship with Simone (played by Geffri Maya) and a new side of him was born. Through this journey, I think that the fans were able to relate to him a lot more which is what sparked so much interest in the love triangle that then proceeded. Lando came off a little unlikeable to begin with I’d say, but his growth in the show became interesting to watch.

How did your theater background influence your portrayal of Lando in a television series?

Well, it’s different. There’s elements of the acting training / style that I can take away from my theatre background to perform as Lando, however, in developing the character, it was unlike anything I’ve ever played before. But, my theatre background does help me to be able to break down and ground my characters.

How do you approach the dynamics of the love triangle involving Lando, Simone, and Damon?

I honestly just deliver some honest words. Our writers do a good job of explaining our characters thoughts and behaviour through their storytelling. It was all already on the page so we could just play. Myself, Geffri (Maya) and Peyton (Alex-Smith) all get along really well on set too so it was even more exciting to be able to work opposite them.

How has working on "All American: Homecoming" differed from your experience on "One of Us Is Lying"?

In terms of the characters, they were completely different and couldn’t be more opposing. You have a British character whose incredibly smart and well put together, then you have an American baseball pro athlete with a menacing personality. Being able to learn them both and live in their worlds taught me a lot.

What has been the most challenging scene you've filmed for "All American: Homecoming" and why?

I’d say the baseball days were quite challenging. We’d start really early in the morning and have a full day of active baseball scenes. As fun as they were it’s hard in the hot sun to keep up the energy but our village looked after each other. There was also a particularly challenging episode this season that I can’t speak too much on, but emotionally it was one of the toughest scenes I’ve done.

How do you balance the physicality required for playing a college baseball player with the emotional depth of Lando’s storyline?

I compartmentalize. I’m able to separate Lando’s different qualities as if they’re their own identities. Then when required, I add the layer during the scenes where necessary. I also actively workout to keep fit for a physical role like this, it’s important.

What do you hope audiences take away from Lando’s character development and his relationships in the series?

Humans are complex beings. Especially when we’re young we may make the wrong decisions but as we grow, we mature and learn more. Lando went through that exact thing. He made some choices that didn’t turn out to be the best but as he moved through time he began to change for the better. Our adult years are dictated by our younger self.

How did the supportive environment of the "All American: Homecoming" cast impact your performance?

The cast is amazing. Such talented and inspiring people. They give me the space to be comfortable and myself. There’s never a day where we’re not laughing or clowning each other and that’s what keeps our set alive.

What key lessons have you learned from your fellow cast members, particularly Peyton Alex Smith and Geffri Maya?

As people we’re like family. As actors, I find their approach to the work particularly interesting. Peyton and I would have moments on set where we would purposely not speak or interact so that our work on screen was as real and as honest as possible. Being able to comfortably work in that type of setting is something you can only do when you trust the other person. With Geffri, we spent a lot of time working together, I began to learn her work pattern and I’ve always been so inspired with her process. There’s never a time where she’s unsure or unprepared, given the work load she’d have, that’s very impressive. Geffri is so giving too, as an actor. With our particular storyline, we had quite a few scenes of emotion and vulnerability but it was always so easy to live in that space with her.

What personal experiences do you draw upon to bring authenticity to your roles?

I can relate to being a student, being in love, competing, playing a sport in my school. A lot of my early life experiences help me to get back into that mentality of being around my friends in a learning environment while also trying to become your own person. Both characters I’ve played recently have had similarities in that way.

How do you handle the pressure of portraying a character that fans have strong opinions about?

I honestly don’t think about it too much. I know my character and I’ll play him the way I feel is necessary. This is then open to interpretation from audiences who may or may not agree but that’s the point of storytelling; it’s messy, it’s real and sometimes unapologetic, but that's what's required to deliver a story.

How important is it for you to portray complex, multi-dimensional characters like Lando?

I’d say it’s very important. Those are the best types of characters to play because they’re human. Every human has multiple complexities and that’s what makes us so interesting. Being able to live that through a character is what draws me to them because it’s like an explosion in a bottle or a huge maze to explore.

What advice would you give to young actors who aspire to transition from stage to screen?

Go for what you want. I knew from a young age I wanted to act so it has all been a lifelong dream for me. I was always very focused on what I wanted, which was to be a screen actor. I love the stage, I will return when the time is right but at one point I had to focus on how to refine my skills as an actor and understand what is required to do both. Any young actors who aspire to do the same thing can do it as long as the belief and drive is there.

How do you stay grounded and maintain a work-life balance amidst the demands of your acting career?

I really enjoy my downtime. I have a solid group of friends around me and I’m such a family man. So I surround myself with a lot of familiarity where possible and that helps me to recharge and stay grounded.

How has your family influenced your career path and your approach to acting?

My family has always been extremely supportive. I was 7 when I told them I wanted to act and they helped me through all of it. My parents especially were so hands-on when it came to getting me to auditions or getting me to acting school. I think that’s why I then became so determined as I got older. They helped me realize I had to go after something I wanted and actually put the work in for it to happen. My diligence was a result of their nurture.

How do you navigate the public and private aspects of your life, especially with your growing social media presence?

Things have changed a little recently which means I’m a lot more careful with things I allow to be public. I try to stay pretty chill and just enjoy life. I love to travel and spend a lot of time with friends and family so that’s why I like to keep it separate, especially when it comes to social media.

How do you handle feedback and criticism from directors, peers, and fans?

It’s always welcomed. My job is very particular because I’m entertaining people which opens the door for opinions and criticism. When doing the work, my director’s opinion will always matter, that’s how you collaborate and build through your story. When it comes to the fans, their opinions are something of interest to me because the work is for them. However, it’s impossible to please everyone because opinions are relative.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

When I was younger, I used to run the 100m sprint in school. I was pretty fast and I’d win the school competitions. One race, I was winning, almost there, a few seconds before the finish line I turned and looked to my right as the guy next to me was really close. As soon as I’d done that, he overtook me and I came 2nd. I was devastated. My Dad gave me a piece of advice that I’ll always remember for many reasons. He said to me that the reason I came 2nd was because I was too concerned about what the person next to me was doing, had I kept my head straight, and focused on the finish line, I wouldn’t have been distracted and slowed down. This applies to life for me. As long as I stay focused on my lane and push through my journey, I’ll always win.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

A Semple Life. A play on the word simple. I like to keep my life as simple as possible, though, there’s nothing simple about it, I’m very chill amongst all the chaos that I think this life can bring and I pride myself on that. I have a calm approach to most things unless it requires otherwise but I try not to overcomplicate anything. I enjoy my downtime and doing nothing at all but I also enjoy being very active and social, it’s like a complicated balance that I’m content with.