Alonso ‘stomps’ to stardom in new college film

Kam Williams

Born to Cuban parents who immigrated to the United States and settled in Washington, D.C., with hopes of giving their only offspring a better life, Laz Alonso is proud to be a first-generation American. From an early age, he always wanted to be an actor — he remembers entertaining himself as a child by playing different characters, doing scenes and even standing in front of a mirror and practicing making himself cry.

However, because his mother and father had risked everything to come to America, Alonso took a very practical route to showbiz. He first ensured his education, studying marketing at Howard University. After graduation, he first worked on Wall Street as an investment banker for Merrill Lynch before leaving to start his own business with some partners. Eventually, he found the time to explore his passion for acting, and it wasn’t long before he began finding work in commercials and videos.

He soon landed on television, netting guest-starring roles on “CSI: Miami,” “The Practice,” “Navy: NCIS” and “Eyes.” On the big screen, he’s appeared in “Constantine,” “All Souls Day: Dia de los Muertos,” “Disappearing Acts,” and as a member of the ensemble cast of “Jarhead,” opposite Jamie Foxx and Jake Gyllenhaal.

When not acting, Alonso devotes considerable time to music, having studied classical piano for seven years. One of his favorite pastimes is playing reggaeton, the infectious mash-up of hip-hop and salsa that combines rhythmic elements from both branches of his bi-cultural heritage. His other passion is philanthropy, specifically a charity for the children of single parents that he is just getting off the ground.

This emerging star’s latest film is “Stomp the Yard,” where he portrays a fraternity brother named Zeke at the fictional historically black college Truth University in Atlanta. In February, you’ll be able to see Alonso starring alongside “24” alum Elisha Cuthbert in “Captivity,” a psychological thriller in which he plays a detective on the trail of a serial killer.

Your family comes from Cuba. Do you have any memories of Cuba?

I was actually born in D.C., but I’m the first American in my family. I do have great memories of Cuba. I visited all the time as a child and have a bigger family there than I do here in the States. All of my relatives there are my age so it’s difficult [being away], because they are the ones that I have the most in common with.

Before you headed west to take a shot at showbiz in Hollywood, you were working as an investment banker for Merrill Lynch on Wall Street. How hard was it to quit your day job to chase your dream?

It wasn’t hard at all — I hated Wall Street. Actually, it wasn’t that I hated it, but when you know you’re doing something that isn’t your passion, it feels like you’re wasting time, regardless of the money you’re making.

How long did it take for you to break into show business? Did you ever think of quitting?

I never thought of quitting because I knew I was living my dream. And whenever I would be going through hard times, I would get a sign, a job, [something] to keep me focused and remind me that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

What TV commercials did you appear in?

A bunch — Burger King, Lincoln Navigator, Budweiser, Pontiac, Outback Steakhouse.... The list goes on.

You eventually found steady work both on TV and in movies, but starring in “Stomp the Yard” should be your breakout role. What interested you in this picture?

Not sure if this will truly be a breakout role, being that I’m not carrying the film, but I am looking forward to seeing the final product. I really liked the project . It’s a black college film and being a Spike Lee fan I’ve always wanted to be in a movie which reminds me of the genre that made him popular.

Tell me a little about the film.

It’s a coming-of-age story about a kid growing up in L.A. [who is] really into dancing and battling. He gets into some trouble and his parents send him to Atlanta to live with his grandparents. They enroll him in school where he sees that life is a lot different from what he’s used to. That’s when the drama really begins.

What’s your character like?

I like my character because he’s a leader. He’s the head of his fraternity and keeps everybody in check. I like the positive nature of my character and what he represents, which is a positive black young man with values and class.

What’s the movie’s message?

That you can achieve greatness if you learn how to work together.

What sort of audience do you expect “Stomp the Yard” to appeal to?

High schoolers and anyone who has attended college. But even people who haven’t will connect to the storyline, because there are so many issues which relate to acceptance, romance, dance, competition and winning.

I know you like to play music in your free time. What’s the name of your band?

I actually produce music, which is also my passion. [My production company is called] Karma Kid Entertainment.

How would you describe the type of music you make?

Hip-hop and reggaeton. The Latin influence comes through in all my music.

What advice do you have for an aspiring actor hoping to follow in your footsteps?

To sincerely work from the heart. Once you can make another’s words sound and feel like they’re your own, you are putting heart in your work.