It’s difficult to talk about the fresh faces of Black Hollywood without mentioning the rise of actor, model, and motivational speaker, Monti Washington. You probably know him best as Terrence from the BET drama series, Games People Play.
This month Monti will debut in his recurring role as Vaughn in Urban Movie Channel’s original romantic comedy series, Stuck With You – a series that follows the lives of an unhappily married celebrity couple, Candace and Luvell. Monti’s character Vaughn, is a successful real estate mogul, ex-boyfriend of Candace and arch nemesis of her husband Luvell. When Vaughn discovers Candace’s and Luvell’s relationship isn’t all glitter and gold, he comes back to town to get back what was once his. Spicy, right?
Priya Williams got a chance to sit down and discuss the new role, his inspirations and of course what Black Love meant to to him
How old were you when you decided you wanted to be an actor? What role or performance influenced that decision?
I’ve always enjoyed acting since elementary school. In my junior year of college, I experienced writing and directing my first play. Quickly after, I quit playing basketball and focused on acting. I realized then I was more of an artist than athlete.
When taking on a new role what are some of the things that you do to prepare?
I read the entire script several times over several days to see what naturally pops out to me. I then look for myself in the character. It’s important to empathize with the character you’re playing even if he/she is doing horrible things. After that, it’s just memorizing the lines to the best of my ability, so that I can be open and really LISTEN to the other actors once I get on set.
Tell us, how different or similar are you from your character Vaughn? Have you ever gone back to get an ex once you heard her relationship was on the rocks?
Me and Vaughn are similar in a lot of ways. The one way we are alike is how he goes about getting what he wants without fear. When I see something I want, I’m going to get it period. That is how Vaughn approaches life, especially when trying to get his lady back. We’re different in the fact I’m a little nicer than my man Vaughn. The things he does in this show is borderline disrespectful. Showing up at people’s homes unannounced, confronting people’s husbands, letting them know he’s coming for their wives, are somethings I wouldn’t do lol. I’ve gone back to an ex before when I was younger and didn’t know what kind of man I was. Now when I call it off its because I’ve given everything I had. Therefore, moving on is the only thing left to do.
Who has been the most influential actor, director or producer in your life?
I have several actors that inspire me. Hugh Jackman, Denzel Washington, Sir Anthony Hopkins, to name a few. But Viola Davis must be at the top of that list. She has done so much with so little before she became worldwide known. She is a true credit to the craft completely. Some of my favorite directors are Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino. They both have such a specific and unique style to their directing that its unmistakable. I respect the trailblazers and unique individuals that leave their imprint on all that they do.
Is there an influential Black historical figure would you love to play?
Boxer Jack Johnson. I love physical roles. He was a boxer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I would love to play that kind of role especially since it’s during a time when being black was basically a crime. I would love to dive into the nuances that role would provide.
What is your dream collaboration project?
There are like five but ill keep it short for this one. I would love to collaborate with Mahershala Ali and Ava DuVernay for a project. They are both incredible at what they do and it would force me to level up my game quickly. I would love to work on a project that has equal parts gritty and intellectual. I think we would set the world on fire. Also, I would love to do a comedy with myself, Will Smith, and Will Ferrell. I think that would be crazy lol! Don’t ask what it would be about, just know it would be hilarious.
You’ve made quite a name as a motivational speaker helping others on their journey, how do you keep yourself motivated?
I keep myself motivated by reminding myself daily how far I’ve come. It’s easy to get caught up with always chasing that dream. I think at times, we forget that where we are now was once a dream. Also constant connection to a higher power is always a great way to stay motivated.
What advice would you give to another young actor trying to find their niche?
Learn your damn craft! Forget the agents, mangers, and social media. Be great at what you do. Study the greats, learn from the greats, and always be a student! On a practical level look at what’s out there and know your type. Not who “you think” you are but who you really are. Know yourself before you step into the room.
What do you want your legacy to be?
To have inspired and helped millions of people through my work. It’s not just about me, it’s so much bigger. I want my life to be the inspiration for others to live theirs to the fullest.
What does “Black Love” mean to you?
“Black love” means “self-love”. Loving everything about your blackness. The pain, talent, struggle, and beauty. Loving all of it is black love to me. Not allowing anyone or anything to force you to define black love in any other way than your own.
Priya Williams
