OLLY SHOLOTAN ON ART, ANXIETY, AND THE AUDACITY TO DREAM BIG

BY IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: BRANDEN RUIZ, DIGITAL TECH: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, PHOTO ASST: ANDREW LOPEZ, LOCATION: GM STUDIO DTLA

OLLY SHOLOTAN is not just navigating the complexities of playing Carlton Banks in "Bel-Air"—he’s redefining what it means to be an actor, musician, and storyteller in today’s entertainment landscape. Three seasons into the show, Olly’s found his stride, bringing depth and nuance to Carlton’s arc, all while balancing his passion for music. “I try to build my life around swimming in as much creativity as possible; it feeds my art,” he says, reflecting on how he stays grounded while juggling the pressures of his career. With Carlton evolving from a divisive character into one fans fiercely protect, Olly has proven that authenticity and vulnerability are key to crafting a character that resonates deeply with audiences.

Beyond the screen, Olly is unapologetically carving his own path as a first-generation Nigerian-American, driven by a relentless work ethic instilled by his parents. “Whenever my mom tells the story of her coming to our season one premiere, she literally cries, every single time.” It’s clear that, for Olly, his heritage isn’t just a backstory—it’s a source of strength that fuels everything he does, from acting to music. Get ready for an insightful conversation that dives into the complexities of identity, mental health, and what it truly means to be "enough" in an industry that constantly demands more.

Olly! How are you? Thank you for the time! How are you staying creative these days?

I’m great! Being three seasons into a big show is an incredibly rewarding feeling, so I’m content at the moment. I’ve been spending a lot of my time in the studio: producing, writing, and recording music. I’ve also been reading a lot of scripts and catching up on movies from the last few months. I try to build my life around swimming in as much creativity as possible, it feeds my art!

You've talked in your interviews about how playing Carlton in “Bel-Air” was a major opportunity for you, but also a significant challenge. How did you prepare to step into a role that was so iconic but with a completely different spin? What did you find the most rewarding about making Carlton your own?

The biggest thing was mentally; it’s easy to put a crazy amount of pressure on yourself that you crack. Preparing for this role was all about getting out of my head as much as possible so I could be free to make distinct choices. With a role like this, it’s particularly challenging. Alfonso Ribeiro gave such a memorable performance in the original that the first instinct is to want to copy that, but as an actor, I really had to trust myself and my own instrument. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the journey fans have had with Carlton—watching them go from hating him in season one to feeling a distinct sense of protection over him in the third season just feels like, “Yes! It all went according to plan.” I’m proud of it. 

Given the complexities of Carlton's mental health struggles and the expectations placed on him, how do you connect with those aspects of his character on a personal level? Have any of Carlton’s experiences mirrored your own as you navigate your career and life?

While it was never as bad as Carlton’s, I was actually a pretty anxious teen. It’s interesting with acting, because we as actors tend to gravitate to characters that reflect a little bit of ourselves, right? Whenever I say I was anxious in my younger years, no one ever believes me, because I faked it that well. I was always really good at walking the walk and talking the “got my shit together” talk. But underneath all of that was a really scared kid that wanted to fit in with everyone and feel like he belonged; that’s Carlton’s core. I think I just got lucky enough to have a little bit more forgiveness for myself than Carlton has. But even with that, patience is a thing you can never really have enough of. I’m learning more and more that this career is a marathon, not a sprint so I’m trying to learn to breathe and enjoy the silence more you know? 

You’ve mentioned that your parents worked incredibly hard to get you where you are today. Growing up as a first-generation Nigerian-American, how has your heritage influenced the way you approach acting and storytelling? What does it mean to you to represent that heritage in your work?

Whenever I think about it too much, I get all teary eyed. The thing about being first generation that’s a constant thought is that my parents had to sacrifice their creativity and in a lot of cases passions, so that they could have “practical” enough jobs for me to grow up and have the freedom to have this creative job. I mean whenever my mom tells the story of her coming to our season one premiere, she literally cries, every single time. That’s how much weight this carries. Part of it might also just be that I’m Nigerian, but all of that really gives me this work ethic that I think is unmatched. Let me tell you, I'm relentless in how I approach any creative endeavor. If I don’t know how to do something, I’ll figure it out, there’s just no other option. It’s a great superpower, but it does also mean I’m really bad at taking breaks sometimes. 

Season 3 of "Bel-Air" brings some lighter moments for Carlton. After exploring his struggles in the first two seasons, how did it feel to show a more carefree side to him? What do you think is the significance of showing Black characters experiencing joy and love, even in a world full of challenges?

It feels amazing! I keep telling fans of the show that I promise I can be funny and charming, so it’s nice to be able to show that side of myself this season. I can tell when people meet me in person, they’re so shocked at how agreeable I generally am. I don’t have an argumentative bone in my body, but Carlton is so the opposite of that, it messes with people. So, on a personal level it makes me happy, but then on a wider scale I think it’s so important to show young black men in imperfect yet still joyful situations. So much media depicts us in suffering and in trauma, but showing us in love and joy, family, and friendship helps expand what viewers are able to see Black people as. Art reflects culture, and culture reflects what people see as possible and real. 

Music seems to be a vital part of how you get into character. Could you walk us through how your specific playlists for Carlton help you get into the right headspace? How does your music influence your acting and vice versa?

Yeah, playlists are honestly my not-so-secret secret weapon. For every character I’ve ever played, I make a playlist for them specific to the season. It's a combination of songs that just feel like them—their vibe and their mood, and also other stuff I’m listening to at that moment in life that reflects the feeling of that section of the playlist. So, the beginning of the playlist ramps me up into the character, and the end of it leads me back to Olly; in the middle are all the different moods that character has, from happy to sad to hype to angry. It’s kind of a roadmap, if that makes any sense. But yeah, music is a very large part of my life and creative process; it’s cool because I’m always learning lessons on set that I bring into the studio with me and vice versa. Since I produce, write, and sing, I’ve always been so singular in the studio, as if I’m on a solo mission; but acting is nothing like that. You have to learn to lean on your cast members, trust your director, and listen to your camera operator. Acting has really allowed me to learn to rely on other people while working on music. 

In many interviews, you’ve highlighted the incredible family dynamic on the "Bel-Air" set. How has that sense of family helped you grow as an actor? Do you think that bond translates to what the audience sees on-screen?

I think a big part of what makes the show fun to watch is how much you feel the love between us as a cast. From the start, the entire experience of this show has been a wild ride. We’ve leaned on each other and found a lot of love for one another along the way. Being a family off-screen translates really well to being a family on-screen; we trust each other in the work more. 

Carlton's journey has been about finding himself within his community, particularly with his identity and belonging as a Black man. How has playing Carlton allowed you to explore conversations about race and identity that you perhaps didn’t anticipate engaging with before? How have these discussions shaped you personally?

I’ve always heard the phrase “black people are not a monolith,” and while I’ve always known it to be true, playing this role has brought that to the front of my mind. My whole life, I’ve never really fit the stereotypical image of a black man. I’m not particularly tall or hyper-masculine and I’ve always been told I don’t “talk the way people expect.” But that’s the power of characters like this in the media; I think they teach the world about diversity in communities. There’s no reason that when I speak people should be surprised that I’m “well spoken.” That’s insane. 

We’ve seen Carlton grapple with immense pressure to succeed, particularly as the firstborn son in his family. How do you personally manage the pressure of expectations in your career, especially as someone in the public eye? What strategies have helped you stay grounded?

My family has been a huge part of that. I have two awesome younger siblings and parents I can call anytime I need that’ll remind me that: a) I’m on the right path and I’ve worked hard to get here, and b) I’m not all "that" cool and I am still the kid that tucked his shirts into his underwear because he didn’t know that was a crazy thing to do. But being in the public eye does come with a lot. Over the last three years, I’ve read and heard just about every possible opinion about how I sound, how I look, how I walk, and how I talk. It can be a lot; but it’s also such a blessing because it means people care. In a world as bleak and as troubled as ours, to make people care about something means a lot. It’s always about reminding myself why I’m here, and that’s to put great art into the world; everything else is a distraction. 

The portrayal of Carlton in "Bel-Air" challenges the notion of what it means to be “authentically Black.” How do you think the show speaks to the evolving conversation about Black identity? Have your own perspectives on this topic shifted since taking on the role?

My opinion on this has really always been the same, which is that there is no such thing as being “more black than…” The whole idea only serves to divide us. I’m a black kid who was born in Atlanta and grew up in Nigeria then moved to Houston for high school and Los Angeles for college. Each of those places has its own distinct version of black culture and none of them are more or less black than the other—they all just… are. I’m glad to be part of a project that has that messaging at its focal point. 

You’re not just an actor; you’re also a musician and a producer. How do you balance those creative endeavors with your acting? Are there any ways in which those passions overlap, or do they serve as outlets for different parts of yourself?

I’ll be honest: right now, the answer to that question is very little sleep. The balance is something I’m still figuring out, haha. It’s a lot of getting off set and going straight to the studio, then the gym, and then learning my lines in whatever order I can figure out. I will say, our hiatus between seasons does give me more time to be in the studio, but I’m also spending that time reading other scripts, looking for new projects to do, and writing and developing my own scripts. My current thought process is that while I’m young and have the energy, why not? In regard to overlapping passions, I always say that acting is a way for me to work through other people’s thoughts and words, while music is a chance to work through my own. Both are equally important and service my artistry in different ways. 

Mental health is a significant theme for Carlton, particularly as he deals with substance abuse and his struggles with anxiety. How do you think the show’s depiction of mental health resonates with younger audiences, particularly those who see themselves in Carlton’s challenges?

The most incredible response from this show has been how many people, especially young viewers, have reached out to tell me that Carlton’s story resonates with them because it is similar to their own experiences. We’re in a mental health epidemic and with the constant ever-growing stimulation we’re all experiencing, I don’t think it’s improving. I can confidently say that many people feel seen and validated through Carlton’s journey, which is such a honor. If even one person watches this show and feels a little less alone, then I feel like I’ve done my job and then some. 

As "Bel-Air" continues to evolve, what are you most excited for fans to see in Carlton's arc? Are there aspects of his story that you relate to on a deeper level, beyond what’s shown on screen?

You know, I’m just really excited to see where Carlton lands in season four and beyond. This season we’re already peeling back the layers and seeing what his joy and charm look like, and I want to see that get pushed further. I also wonder if the showrunners will let me live out my action/spy movie dreams and give Carlton a chance to run with Geoffrey in the British gang scene. Realistically, they’ll probably never let that happen, but a kid can dream. 

Carlton and Amira’s romance in Season 3 brought a new dynamic to his character. What does it mean to you to portray a nuanced love story between two Black teenagers in a way that’s rarely seen on screen?

Whew, Carlton and Amira’s relationship is so complicated. I see fans both rooting for it but also feeling very afraid of the impact it will have on them, and I find myself falling into that same boat! I want the best for them, but ultimately, I don’t know if that’s each other at this point in their journey. That’s the thing about love, right? It’s complicated, and messy, and it’s never a simple answer. Showing two young black teens in that is special. Like I said, it’s about giving fans the chance to feel seen and a little less alone. 

What was your favorite part of that storyline?

One of my favorite things is working with Alycia Pasucal-Peña who plays Amira. She’s been a very good friend of mine for a few years now, so getting to do those scenes with her is always a treat because we feel safe to make choices and really get to the meat and bones of the story. 

Looking back at your journey as an actor, musician, and producer, what do you feel has been the most transformative moment for you so far? How has it shaped the way you view your career moving forward?

The first movie I ever did ended up going to the Venice International Film Festival and premiered in Venice, Italy. So, three months after graduating college, I’m in Dallas shooting this movie and my first day on set was just awful. I was so nervous; I couldn’t remember my lines. I just felt like I wasn’t quite in it. I had killed the audition and now here I was, everyone else a seasoned actor, and I was doing bleh work. That night I got back to my hotel room, and I wrote a song called Fading about my feelings of imposter syndrome and in it I have the lyrics “hey mama, are you proud of me.” A full year later, that same movie is premiering at the Venice Film Festival and the producers surprised me and had my latest EP play on the red carpet. So, I’m walking the red carpet in Venice, Italy and I hear the lines I wrote and recorded like a year before knowing that my mom and dad were in Houston watching the livestream and hearing my voice sing “hey mama, are you proud of me.” It was such an overwhelming emotional moment for me, and it really reminded me how much you have to just keep going; the process never feels easy, and you’ll feel like you’re floating and fading a lot of the time but if you keep the faith then magical things can and will happen. 

You've been part of "Bel-Air" for three seasons now. How do you think your understanding of the character and the show has evolved since you first stepped into the role? What new challenges are you looking forward to tackling as both Carlton and as yourself?

I think the main thing has been realizing that I’m enough. I spent a lot of my first few days on set thinking and overthinking my way through the shoot day, mainly because of the pressure I felt to be perfect or nail it on the first take. But the funny and ironic thing is that the more relaxed you are, the better you perform. I only say this to say, I really do still eat on the first take every time but that’s neither here nor there; just had to flex for a second. 

Finally, if you could go back and give one piece of advice to yourself just starting out on the set of "Bel-Air", what would it be? How have the lessons you’ve learned from this show extended into your personal life?

Whew, I would tell myself to take a deep breath and take everything day-by-day. I’m such a planner and early on in the process I tried to anticipate every possible thing that could come from the show, and it all felt overwhelming in a lot of ways. What you end up realizing is that when you focus on putting your head down and one foot in front of the other, you’ll find yourself at the finish line. Learning to enjoy the process has been a big lesson for me. 

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

Ahh, you know, one book that I read recently and have been obsessed with is The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. It’s really reframed a lot of the way I think about being a creative, so if I had to be a book, it would be that one!