Actor Reno Wilson celebrating Antiguan roots

Describing Reno Wilson, the word ‘versatile’ immediately springs to mind. Born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, to an Antiguan opera singer mother and a blues pianist father, it was almost inevitable that Reno would become a performer. His first taste of fame came with a role in The Cosby Show, showcasing his comedic timing and leading to appearances innumerous other shows. His more renowned role is arguably as Carlin Mike and Molly with his good friend Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy. He has also appeared in Good Girls, the series Fatal Attraction and in the feature film Bolden as the legendary Louis Armstrong. He shines in both comedic and dramatic roles, is a multi-talented musician and singer and an accomplished voice-over artist, recognised for creating distinctive voices in several Transformers movies and computer games. With over 90 on-screen projects under his belt, Reno has more than demonstrated his versatility in the entertainment industry. The Citizen caught up with him to find out more about the myriad layers of his career and passions.

You come from a family deeply rooted in music and entertainment. How did your upbringing shape your passion for performing?

I guess performing is all I know! As far as families go, I thought it was The Jacksons, The Sylvers, The Osmonds and us, The Wilsons. I thought everyone had a piano and a drum kit in their living room. My older sisters Marie, Patricia and Yolanda were all performers; they did plays and sang in groups and so on. I travelled with my mom as she hopped from opera troupe to opera troupe around the tri-state area. I always heard stories about my dad and his blues band. We watched a LOT of television and did skits around the house, so I really had no choice. My family was very influential in my love of performing, and they were 100 percent supportive.

As a music lover and a classically trained pianist, how does music play a role in your life outside your professional career?

Music is a constant in everything I do. I play the piano for myself mostly; it calms me and gives me something to focus on. I love to listen to all kinds of music. My wife Coco and I own a spin and yoga studio here in Los Angeles, and she’s basically a DJ on a bike, so she listens to a lot of music. My kids Deni and Renzo love to play and make music, which also keeps me current.

How has your Antiguan heritage influenced you and your career?

I grew up in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, a West Indian community surrounded by people from all parts of the Caribbean: Jamaicans, Trinidadians, Haitians, etc., allowing me to take in the music, food, accents and culture. I was fortunate enough to spend time with my grandfather and pick up his accent and various sayings when I was a child. In my work, I’m always looking for an opportunity to make a character West Indian or have some kind of island background, so you might hear a little ‘ting and ting’ here and there if you listen.

You were honoured at the Caribbean Heritage Organisation Awards for your contributions to the arts and entertainment. How did it feel to be recognised for your heritage and work?

It is such an honour to be acknowledged by the Caribbean Heritage Organization; I consider them friends and love biggin’ them up whenever possible. They really got me more excited about going to Antigua, which I’m ashamed to say has not happened yet. But it will soon come.

I’m always looking for an opportunity to make a character West Indian or have some kind of island background, so you might hear a little ‘ting and ting’ here and there if you listen.

You’ve spoken about the lack of West Indian representation in film and television. What do you think can be done to remedy this situation?

I think they sprinkle characters here and there, and there are most certainly a bunch of West Indian actors in the business. Like anything else, the stories are there to be told; they just need to be given a chance by the people who are buying. I’m excited about being a part of the process and creating shows and movies that tell those stories.

You are nothing if not versatile with a career spanning voice acting, stage performances, television and film. How do you navigate between these different mediums, and which one holds a special place in your heart?

Thank you. I think acting is acting. No matter the medium, the craft is the same. However, there are different rules for each one. That’s where the creativity and fun lies.

You’ve been involved in a one-man show and a podcast about Louis Armstrong, as well as playing him in the film Bolden. What is it about him that fascinates you so much?

Well, I could talk all day long about Louis Armstrong. Suffice to say, there is no hip-hop without him. Moreover, there is no modern music without Louis Daniel Armstrong. He was the first pop star. His story hasn’t been told in a stand-alone film or TV project. I’d like to put an end to that.

What do you think makes Antigua & Barbuda such a special place?

Thankfully, my sister took my mother there before she passed away. I have no firsthand experience of the island myself, but from the people I have met and my family’s history, Antigua is an especially resilient and beautiful place. The people are hardworking but quick to smile and are genuine. My family is the London Family, which goes back to 1806 in the St Philip parish, and I believe my great great grandparents Robert and Joanna London were born enslaved and worked on the sugar plantations. When slavery was abolished in 1834, they were set free and relocated to Freetown. I can’t wait to go home and fully discover my history.

What is next for you?

I have a movie coming out called Above the Line, which is about a Hollywood holiday heist.