GUCCI jacket, shirt, and hat, stylist’s own scarf, and BVLGARI bracelets and rings. — **GUCCI** jacket, shirt, and hat, stylist’s own scarf, and **BVLGARI** bracelets and rings.

Algee Smith’s name is one that rings a bell for the masses. A name that landed on television with a role as Spencer in 2012’s How to Rock, and quickly thereafter to the big screen as Marcus Simms in Earth to Echo. We’ve watched him evolve and mature in every sense of the word, as evidenced in the Disney Channel film, Let It Shine, to a more edgy effort in HBO’s flashy and lewd Euphoria as Chris McKay. Some of the actor’s most notable performances include double-Oscar winning film, Judas and the Black Messiah, critically acclaimed The Hate U Give, and Detroit, the latter of which led to his NAACP Outstanding Actor nomination. Later this year, he’ll be starring in Hulu’s Mother/Android alongside Chloë Grace Moretz and Raúl Castillo.

With an extensive resumé that has matched with his formation from adolescence into adulthood, it’s easy to speculate that Smith has always been living the Hollywood lifestyle. Toddler auditions, big parties, bigger houses, and too much money to know what to do with. Crush those speculations. 26-year-old Smith actually went from being homeless with his family, sleeping in their Ford Expedition, to cementing his dreams as an actor—an almost unfathomable rise. Below, Mr. Smith is asked a few questions, and we’re just here to listen.

BURBERRY jacket, top, and pants and BVLGARI ring and watch. — **BURBERRY** jacket, top, and pants and **BVLGARI** ring and watch.

Where do you hope to see change in the world?

I hope to see change in every area where love and compassion are lacking for all mankind. No matter gender, race, social status etc..

What is your most prized possession and why?

My most prized possession would be My mind. The ability to think and create ideas

Do you feel like you're a part of ‘New Hollywood’? How so?

I guess you could say I’m a part of New Hollywood. The legends that I respect and have come up watching are gracefully and beautifully making their transition from being on screen so much. So I guess so.

What was the last cheesy thing you witnessed that made you cry?

The last cheesy thing that made me cry isn’t cheesy at all. I had a moment of reflection from the beginning of my career until now. It’s been a interesting journey, but a character building one nonetheless.

Which cartoon character, past or present, do you most relate to?

Tommy Pickles.. don’t ask why.

What is your favorite on-camera scene you've been a part of? How come?

My favorite on camera scene would be my last scene as Jake Winters in Judas & The Black Messiah.

What about your off-camera personality do you feel is most often misunderstood?

Some people think I’m arrogant I’m until they actually meet and have a conversation with me.

Where do you go, mentally, physically, or otherwise, that brings you solace?

I go to my place of Peace. A stillness within my mind and my body. I guess you could call it meditating. You just let everything go in that current moment and breathe.

What’s one of the biggest lessons you've learned throughout your time of acting?

Don’t be afraid to mess up.

LOEWE jacket, top, pants, bags, and hat, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI shoes, and BVLGARI bracelet, ring, and watch. — **LOEWE** jacket, top, pants, bags, and hat, **GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI** shoes, and **BVLGARI** bracelet, ring, and watch.

GUCCI jacket, shirt, pants, shoes, and hat, stylist’s own scarf, and BVLGARI bracelets and rings. — **GUCCI** jacket, shirt, pants, shoes, and hat, stylist’s own scarf, and **BVLGARI** bracelets and rings.

What is something you feel is often mischaracterized about your generation?

I think other generations believe we don’t work as hard or aren’t as driven as they once were, and I completely disagree. My generation has learned, and is learning, the art of making money with our minds and not so much with the labor of our bodies.

Describe a life experience that was very challenging but ultimately made you stronger?

Being homeless and broke in Los Angeles California with no family to lean on all while I was chasing a dream. That eventually made my mind stronger and pushed me to the point I am now. Constantly working, able to help my family, and a homeowner.

Ideal shoot location?

Ideal shoot location would be Mykonos, Greece or Africa.

Which meal or food do you find the most nostalgic and why?

I find Soul Food to be most nostalgic. Fried chicken, collard greens, yams, mac ‘n’ cheese from my grandma’s house.

What excited you about the second half of 2021?

What excites me about the 2nd half of 2021 is more opportunities for me to be a better me, a better friend, a better businessman.

If you weren’t acting, what would you be your professional pursuit and why?

If I wasn’t acting, I would be doing music. I currently do music now, so be on the lookout for some new music.

What is a phrase you often find repeating to yourself?

A phrase I find myself repeating a lot is ‘Favor peace and blessings over my whole day.’

Who has been your most meaningful influence and how is this person unique?

My most meaningful influence would be my mom and dad. I’ve seen them overcome struggles that others would break from. They taught me faith, resilience, and humility.

Do you subscribe to the idea that ‘good fences make good neighbors’?

Haha, I definitely do. You mind your own business and I’ll mind my own. That doesn’t mean I’m not an open person, though.

What do you wish you had more time to be doing?

I wish I had more time to be traveling the world. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures.

If you could soundtrack a trip to the grocery store for a stylized short film, what's the song?

‘Milk and Cereal... Milk and Cereal.... Cereal and Milk... Cereal and Milk’