Kelsey Caesar
GMARO Magazine - Celebrity Edition Vol. 14 & 15 October 2022
----------------------------------------
Actor / Model / Athlete: Kelsey Caesar @kelcaesar
IMDB: Kelsey Caesar
Photographer: Ben Cope @Ben_cope
PR: ICON PR @Icon_pr
Tell me a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I grew up in a typical middle-class African American family environment. A family of four, my mom, dad, and older brother. I attended and graduated from Arizona State University on a track scholarship.
I was active in sports at an early age. Living in Texas, sports, especially football, were like a religion. Boys were going to be playing football and girls on the cheer squad of your brother's team. Early on for me and my older brother, being involved in sports was a lifestyle. My dad guided my brother and I toward sports because of the values it offered. Our involvement taught us about discipline and how to deal with adversity, which is important in everyday life.
What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?
I was always fascinated with entertainment. I started getting involved in theater arts in Jr. High school, while balancing my participation in athletics. As a kid, my family would always watch movies together; movies were and will always be a part major part of my family dynamic. Movie night was and still is family night. Seeing how much my family enjoyed movies sparked my interest in being an actor.
What, according to you, is the best part of your work?
The best part of my work is it really does not feel like work or something I’m doing to make ends meet. I really enjoy what I am doing. Although it can be stressful at times. I enjoy the interaction with so many cool creative people that you get to work with in a collaborative effort of putting together a successful project.
The entertainment industry is said to be full of stress and pressure; what do you do to tackle the pressure that comes with your work?
Going back to my sports background, I continue to have a workout regimen. My workouts have been so central to my lifestyle it has become more of a happy place or safe place for me to be to decompress. This is what I call “Me Time," where I can not only decompress but also do some creative thinking. Working out is very therapeutic for me.
What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?
When I get a breakdown on a role for a project, I always research the producers, director, and writers on the project. That usually tells you a lot about the project. For example, when initially audition for B****A**, I researched my director Bill Posley and saw he was the writer on The Neighbors and Cobra Kai. I was able to recognize that the horror film would have comedy elements. Having some knowledge of the Producers, Director, and Writers is just as important as background of the character role.
What do you think success is easier to achieve, or it is not meant for everybody?
Everyone have the potential to be successful in some kind way. Most people get in the way of their own success by not taking accountability for our actions and decisions. Every decision you make has impacts toward your goal of success. Choose and make decisions wisely.
How difficult it is to establish yourself in the film industry?
It is lot harder than what it appears to be. Most people believe you just show up and you get discovered. It requires time and effort to establish yourself. Perseverance, professionalism and networking are critical elements.
There are weeks and sometimes months where you may not get an audition or come in second on a major film audition, this requires perseverance to not be discouraged. Presenting yourself as a professional always is important in building a network, whereas your positive impression is in the minds of the decision makers in the industry.
What’s something we should know about you that might surprise us?
I attempted to balance my acting career with chasing my dream of making the USA Olympic Track team. After competing at a prominent level in High School, College, and USA Track and Field, I decided to give it a shot in making the US Olympic team. While training for the team trials, I booked a film which took me out of training for a couple of months. Knowing how competitive the USA is in track, I decided to not go to trials and made the decision to retire and become a full-time actor.
Can you tell us a bit about your next project?
I have another horror film project coming out, called Devilreaux, I have a role on the season finale of WU TANG: An American SAGA. Stay tuned for others!
Are there things you want to do other than acting?
I would like to get more into the environmental efforts that are currently going on. I love wildlife and see the environmental impact on them and people. My brother and I are looking into real estate for vacation properties. I am really excited about it because it will be our first family business.
What would you suggest to the budding actors and artists out there?
Recognize that this is not an easy business and be ready to do more than reciting lines and smile at the camera. Know who you are and what you truly bring into the industry. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and continue to work on them. Live a balanced life. Find things outside of acting that allow you to decompress. Lastly, as I mentioned previously, Perseverance, professionalism and networking are critical elements. Follow your dreams!
How did acting change your life?
Acting has taught me to be more self-aware of who I am. Helping my mental discipline, enabling me to have patience and to relax. Patience in the entertainment industry is a major key. I believe the reason most people give up in the industry is literally because of the lack patience it requires a great amount of discipline and patience.
