BY IRVIN RIVERA

Young rising star AKILI MCDOWELL plays the titular role of David in OWN’s David Makes Man, a poignant drama series created by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney (“Moonlight”) about a teenage prodigy in Florida and how he navigates the intertwining worlds of the streets that raised him and the school that paves his way out of poverty.

David Makes Man is a poetic, beautiful drama series that beautifully explores the evolution of the main character as well as all the people around him. The great ensemble cast includes Alana Arenas, Phylicia Rashad and Isaiah Johnson.

In this exclusive interview Akili walked us through his whirlwind journey as an actor, meeting Oprah Winfrey, how Denzel Washington inspires him, and the lessons he learned in his life so far.

Akili, congratulations on the second season of the show. How was filming it like?

Thank you. And yes, it was great. It was amazing. We did film in the midst of epidemic, but I was glad we were able to get it stamped and get it out to everyone.

What could the audience expect on season two?

Expect David Makes Man to continue to go over lessons and conversations that we need to have out in the world.  And going over things, dealing with the LGBTQ community and you know, mental health and things of that nature. 

And how do you think the show was able to take on these sensitive narratives and stories that need to be heard, shown and presented to the world? How do you think the show was able to present it?

Well, you know, David Makes Man presents these situations and made it possible so that we have these conversations, because the writers put so much into it. You know, shout out to Tarell and the whole writer’s room for putting this together and sharing these lessons that we need to have today.

How was David's evolution throughout the show, from season one to season two?

Well in season one you see David  and didn't find himself as a man yet and just trying to be the man of the house and be there for his mom whenever he can and that continued throughout season two, but as an adult version of David. We still flashback to see younger David, from time to time, and it's good to do that. But yes, David is just trying to identify himself as a man. Also the lessons of David Makes Man are to go on over and help these young men of the current generation to figure out who they want to become and who they are as a man. 

What makes a man?

Yes, that's what David Makes Man is about. As we're recovering, we're breaking and exploring those boundaries of what makes a man and just love and embrace everybody.

How did David's character affect you personally?

David affected me personally just by how much I related to David’s character and just learning the lessons throughout David Makes Man. You can relate to each and every character throughout David Makes Man especially David and Gloria's story. You see that in Gloria and David the family connections kind of intertwined and connected. Whenever Gloria was doing good, David was doing well. Whenever things were spiraling out of control for Gloria, things are spiraling out of control for the whole family, including David. So yes.

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

I can't really pinpoint. You know, things were difficult with COVID and things like that. But with the help of the writers, directors, and everybody, the whole cast and crew, we just tried to do our best to get it done and get it complete. I would never say is just smooth sailing because I wouldn't disrespect the craft or anything like that because it definitely takes hard work to embrace these characters and things of that nature.

When you first got the script, what was your reaction, when you first read it?

I was shocked. You know, I was anxious, nervous. I'm like, yo, this I've related so much. I've never embraced a character, read a character that I relate so much to. So just that alone made me really focus on David character, make sure I'm filling his shoes. 

How’s your journey like since you first took on the role?

It's good. I just try to take everything in. You know, it's been a whirlwind. 

And how was it to be an actor of such a young age like you and leading a show like this?

It's amazing, it's still at times feel surreal. So I'm just grateful to be here and I'm blessed. 

What would you say is a memorable moment for you throughout this whole process? One of the best moments that you can think of?

Probably meeting Mrs. Winfrey, of course. She's so wonderful. So down to earth, but really just the whole David Makes Men experience. Just learning on set and my journey again, the press from last year, even this year. This year, I'm coming back with the press. I have my things that I took from last year and the thing that I'm learning this year, so it's like with every year, you just gain more experience and I just feel like it make things better in the future.

What would you say is like a lesson that you've learned throughout this journey that you still carry with you?

Be genuine. Be kind to everybody. 

Yes. 

Yes. It's a good lesson. 

And the world needs that right now. 

Yes. And I feel like it starts with you. A lot of the problems that we face, a lot of the things that we see on social media that can negatively impact our mind. I just want to say just take care of you, and your mental well-being first and then generate that kindness and generosity to everybody else in the world, we should be alright, you know, hopefully.

Hopefully, yes.

What inspires you? Where do you get your inspirations from?

My inspirations go from being inspired by what I see on TV, Denzel Washington is an amazing actor. Credit to him, Yes.

Is there like a movie or a character that you would really want it to play in the future, like a dream character?

Like I said, I'm still getting my feet in the game right now. So I'm still open to exploring many different types of characters. And just seeing my range and showcasing my range, so, but I would love to play like the boyfriend type role or the superhero role.

You want to be a superhero?

Wouldn't that be cool? Who wouldn't want to be a superhero?

Seriously! And now that Marvel DC, and all these studios are opening up the doors to all sorts of superheroes. This is exciting. 

If you're a book, what book would you be and why? 

Yes, that's a good question.

If I was a book, what book would I be? My favorite book, have you ever heard of a book series called Heroes of Olympus? It's a book series based on Greek mythology. You should check it out. It's my favorite book series that I can remember. So yes, I guess I want to be that book series. 

Why? 

Because it's really, it goes over the life of Percy Jackson. He's the son of Poseidon. I'd dream of like being the son of Poseidon or something like that. 

But did you know one quick edgy thing? I didn't learn how to swim before season two. 

Really?

Even though with me reading all the Poseidon books and growing up wanting to be the son of Poseidon one day. Imagining, I couldn't swim, but...

It's acting… 

Yes. Filming season two of David Makes Man, I actually learned how to swim. So that was interesting. 

So did you learn on set?

Yes. I learned while we were filming...

I thought they just like, threw you in there. Like go swim by yourself and survive kind of thing.

Oh no, no, no. On set, you know, is go on set and jump in the water and swim. But luckily, people was there to watch over me and guide on me sometimes.

That's dope. 

Yes sir.

Season 2 of DAVID MAKES MAN is now streaming on OWN