JEAN ELIE ON PLAYING AHMAL, ISSA RAE’S BROTHER, ACTING, AND INSECURE SEASON 4

Haitian-American actor Jean Elie plays Issa Rae’s gay brother Ahmal Dee in HBO’s Insecure. In this exclusive interview, we spoke with Elie about his character in the show, working with Issa, his upcoming projects, staying creative, and books that gave him a visceral reaction.

What’s the best part about playing Ahmal Dee in Insecure?

The greatest part about playing Ahmal Dee is who he represents. He’s a strong black man who is gay and not afraid to tell it how it is with a little sauce on the side. I love that he’s confident and masculine and outspoken.

How did you approach his role?

When I first got the role I was like “Oh Shit!” How am I supposed to play this character? I don’t know anything about the prejudices of being a black man who is gay. First, I had to think who Ahmal is, what’s important to him and what he’s been through to get to this point. Then, I recalled old stories and conversations I had with my former roommates who were gay. I compiled their stories and experiences to geta loose outline of who Ahmal is. Moreover, I also research gay authorists and activists including, James Baldwin and Bayard Rustin.

Next, was appearance and energy. I wanted to Ahmal to have a more masculine energy to mirror the gay men that I know. I thought that was important to show because it is a different perspective on the black gay man in America.

How was it to play Issa’s younger gay brother in the show?

Playing Issa’s younger brother is great! Issa and I have a great chemistry and relationship both on-screen and off-screen. She is really empowering to let me play with and explore Ahmal’s character. I honestly was surprised when I got the role because I didn’t think they’d pick me. In taking this role, I knew representation was important and wanted to make sure Ahmal felt like someone you knew that was relatable, transparent, playful and confident.

What’s in store for the fans in the new season of Insecure?

This season you can look forward to a more vulnerable side to Ahmal. I think the viewers are used to a more playful version of Ahmal, but this season we are peeling back the layers. We take a deeper dive into his past and see how his sexuality has affected the different relationships in his life and with his family.

How was it to be a part of the powerful ensemble of cast, crew and showrunners that make the show?

It’s a blast, truly. A legit manifestation! For those who don’t know, I was not in season one. So I watched the season one premiere presentation at Urbanworld Film Festival and directly after an Interviewer asked me if I could see myself on the show. I said yes! Fast forward, a year later I’m playing Issa’s brother, Ahmal, working with all these talented and driven people and still on the show as it goes into its 4th season on HBO. Just being on a show like, Insecure, has presented me with numerous opportunities and introduced me to mentors who support my own creative endeavors.

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A post shared by Jean Elie🇭🇹 (@jeanelie) on Apr 13, 2020 at 3:12pm PDT

How’s your acting journey so far?

It's an epic journey full of peaks in valleys as I learn how to better understand myself and the direction I want my career to go. My biggest role before Insecure was on American Crime season three. I played the role of Yves Durand, who was Haitian. I loved that role because it allowed me to represent my Haitain heritage. Now I’m playing Ahmal on Insecure and starring in various Indie projects. As well as, creating and producing my own content such as “Send Help”. It’s important for me to perfect my acting skills, but also direct and produce content to share the stories of underrepresented communities.

Amidst the current social scenario (Corona Virus Panemic), what’s next for you this year?

The growth of my company Bassett House Picture, where we are focused on developing, producing and financing short films & pilot presentations. Highlighting genre driven stories that fall under the umbrella of sci-fi, thrillers, dramedies, and social impact. Supported by viewers who want to see short films created by up and coming filmmakers. Also, I am working on a clothing line that supports BHP. Additionally, I am pitching my series “Send Help” to networks and streaming platforms.

As for acting roles, I play the role of Taz in the Indie feature, R#J directed Carey Williams, which may be out later this year or the next. During the holidays you can see me as Daniel Grant in the BET TV Christmas movie, Throwback Holiday directed by Trey Haley.

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A post shared by Jean Elie🇭🇹 (@jeanelie) on Apr 11, 2020 at 6:23pm PDT

How do you stay creative?

That’s a loaded question! I stay creative by watching movies, short films, pilot presentations, reading books and plays. I take time throughout the day to meditate and journal. I am constantly sifting through content to find the stories that I think need to be told.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

That’s a tough one because I mostly read plays. If I had to narrow it down (gun to my head) I would say I see glimpses of myself in The Alchemist, The Catcher in the Rye, and An American Marriage, I had a visceral reaction to all three. I can relate to elements of all of these books, but in truth the book of me is still being written.

Insecure is now streaming on HBO