Rising Star Lucas Lockwood On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Trust your instincts.
Many times, I made a decision based on what I thought people would think, like, and or agree with me rather than based on my instincts. There were multiple examples that I was doing for their approval, and it never returned well. Trusting yourself and your hard work says a lot about your character and lets people know who you indeed are, not a made-up version of you. If they like you for you, they will be your fans, not just fans of a version of you.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Lucas Lockwood.
Lucas Lockwood is best known for his roles in such shows as Netflix’s S.W.A.T. with Shemar Moore, HBO’s Hacks with Jean Smart, and Amazon’s The Terminal List alongside Chris Pratt and Constance Wu. Other notable supporting roles include A Miracle Before Christmas, American Gangster, and Ballers with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Lucas has been part of numerous commercial campaigns including Toyota, AutoNation, Live Nation, and Gainful just to name a few. Always striving for more, he has formed the production company Lockwood Entertainment which has already two projects ready for 2024. As much as this Brazilian-born actor loves performing, he finds joy in inspiring others and volunteers his time to schools, children’s hospitals, and nursing homes. When not working or being a role model for future generations Lucas enjoys doing CrossFit, watching movies and sports, or traveling.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I had the privilege of experiencing a fortunate upbringing. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I was surrounded by the love and care of my wonderful parents and three older siblings. Our family was no stranger to adventure, as we traveled extensively before finally settling in the United States when I was nine years old.
My childhood in the lively streets of Jersey was filled with excitement and joy. In those days, cell phones were not yet everywhere, so the streetlights served as our cue to head home. My siblings and I, always in pursuit of fun, engaged in a variety of activities, from playing sports to pulling practical jokes on one another. The absence of modern technology encouraged us to be creative with our time, fostering a spirit of imagination and play. Whether it was an exciting game of capturing the flag or a competitive round of tag, life without constant connectivity was a unique and enjoyable experience.
As we navigated through the years, our family encountered relocation challenges due to my father’s job. I ended up attending three different high schools in three consecutive years, a circumstance that taught me the valuable skill of quickly adapting to new environments and making friends from diverse backgrounds. This nomadic lifestyle instilled in me a resilience and adaptability that continue to shape my approach to life and career today.
Overall, my journey from the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro to the dynamic neighborhoods of Jersey, coupled with the twists and turns of constant relocation to New York, Connecticut, Florida, and Wisconsin, have woven a tapestry of experiences that have contributed to the person I am today.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey to this specific career path is deeply rooted in my passion for the entertainment industry and the diverse experiences that shaped my life. Growing up, constant relocations and various family milestones, such as siblings getting married, sometimes left me feeling like an outsider in new schools and social groups. Television, film and books became my refuge in those moments of adjustment and seeking connection.
I found solace and inspiration in the stories portrayed on screen and in books, identifying with characters who faced challenges and emotions similar to my own. This connection to the world of entertainment sparked a desire to be a source of inspiration for others, just as these characters had been for me during challenging times. I made a conscious decision that if given the opportunity, I would aspire to create content that resonated with people on a personal level.
Towards the end of my high school years, I took a significant step towards realizing this goal by joining the theatre program. This experience opened a door to the world of storytelling and performance, allowing me to explore my creative instincts and develop the skills necessary for a career in the entertainment industry.
This passion and commitment continue to drive me as I navigate the challenges and rewards of the entertainment world today.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to encounter numerous remarkable experiences, but one recent occurrence stands out as particularly meaningful. Working alongside Jean Smart has been a source of inspiration and wisdom that has left a lasting impact on me.
Jean, with an impressive portfolio of over 124 projects, not including her remarkable theatre performances and upcoming films, is an icon in my eyes. Our conversations beyond the confines of work allowed me to glean insights from her extensive journey in the industry.
During one memorable conversation, Jean shared her own career trajectory, highlighting that she started at the same age I did. Her words of encouragement resonated deeply as she emphasized the importance of consistency, hard work, and resilience. Jean’s reminder that she is still actively pursuing her passion to this day reinforced the notion that age is not a barrier to success in this industry.
Her words have become a guiding light for me, reinforcing my commitment to remaining consistent, dedicated, and unwavering in my pursuit of bringing impactful stories to life on both screen and stage. It has instilled confidence and determination in me as I navigate my career path to do the same for the next generation.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early in my journey of honing my craft, I had the privilege of working with an exceptional coach, Kim Saint Leon, in Florida. Looking back, there’s a story that always brings a smile to my face now. I had diligently memorized a script for a performance in front of the class, confidently walking onto the stage with a clear vision of every action and reaction I had meticulously planned, not knowing what my scene partner would do.
Expecting a standing ovation for what I believed to be a flawless performance, my excitement was quickly shut down when my acting coach, Kim, stood up and delivered unexpected feedback. She commended my performance and said how wonderful my actions were but pointed out a crucial flaw — my lack of attentive listening to my scene partner’s lines. At that moment, my confidence crumbled, and I was taken aback.
However, Kim swiftly guided me out of that initial shock by imparting a valuable lesson. She emphasized that while the decisions and preparations I made were crucial, it was equally essential to leave everything at the door once the scene began. The key, she explained, was actively listening to my scene partner and responding authentically to their words based on my character’s perspective.
This experience taught me a fundamental truth about acting it’s not just about delivering lines but about the dynamic interplay between actors. A great performance is crafted through a combination of preparation, letting go of preconceived notions, actively listening, and reacting in the moment. It’s the genuine exchange of emotions and responses between actors that creates a compelling and authentic narrative.
This lesson has stuck with me throughout my career, reminding me that acting is a collaborative art form where the beauty lies in dialogue and connection with fellow performers. It’s a continual process of learning, adapting, and embracing the unpredictable nature of live storytelling.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Currently, my focus and enthusiasm are directed towards several captivating projects by my team and me at my production company, Lockwood Entertainment, where creativity and collaboration are thriving. We’re in the exciting phase of crafting new short stories, developing a superhero television series, and bringing comedic short films to life.
The energy within the team is vital. From collaborative brainstorming sessions, which involve tons of laughter, to meticulous pre-production planning, each project brings its unique challenges and creative opportunities, making this work season both diverse and fulfilling.
Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of stepping into the director’s role for some of these projects, adding another layer of excitement to the mix. Directing allows me to visually bring these stories to life, working closely with the talented individuals involved in each production. These projects not only showcase our commitment to storytelling but also reflect the dynamic and innovative spirit of who we are at Lockwood Entertainment. I am genuinely excited about the potential impact these projects can have and look forward to sharing them with audiences in the near future.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
Navigating the entertainment industry, particularly as an actor, comes with its fair share of challenges, and I’ve certainly encountered my share of rejections along the way. Early on, the constant stream of rejection took a toll on my confidence and motivation. However, a significant shift occurred when I reframed my perspective on these setbacks.
I realized that the rejections I faced in the industry were not personal critiques or dismissals of me, Lucas Lockwood, like when I was a kid in high school, but rather a part of the selection process in the entertainment industry. This realization came to me when I was asked to cast for a friend’s project. I recognized the difficulty of making choices amidst a pool of immensely talented individuals. At that moment, I understood that casting decisions were not reflections of inadequacy but rather the intricate task of finding the perfect fit for a particular role to fit the puzzle.
This realization was pivotal for me. Much like casting decisions, I understood that life’s opportunities often hinge on factors beyond our control. The key lay in recognizing that I couldn’t control external circumstances, only my efforts and preparation. This shift in mindset liberated me from seeking external validation and allowed me to cultivate self-assurance.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
As a minority in the entertainment world, this means a lot to me. Diversity in film and television is extremely important for authentic storytelling, which brings forth rich cultural experiences. It enables an understanding of different perspectives, fostering empathy and breaking down stereotypes. The media’s influence on societal perceptions can reshape norms, promoting inclusivity and acceptance. Embracing this diversity in entertainment is very much needed in today’s society because viewers can become more open-minded, adaptable, and accepting as they are exposed to a broader range of narratives. This cultural shift can lead to a more tolerant and harmonious society where individuals from all walks of life feel acknowledged and valued.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. It’s not rejection but selection
Just because things don’t go as expected and you don’t win an Oscar 5 years after you started acting doesn’t mean you should quit your craft. Not getting a job or role doesn’t mean you lack talent or abilities; it just means they chose a different option that fits the puzzle better based on their needs. It usually doesn’t have to do solely with you. Keep going upwards and onwards.
2. Feedback is a gift
Most courageous people who are willing to provide you with feedback, whether good or constructive, are just expressing their version of how they see things and how they could see you being/doing better. Receive it, review it, and release it. By doing so, you may become more aware of your good habits and some that you may have to modify to give you a better return on your investment.
3. Trust your instincts.
Many times, I made a decision based on what I thought people would think, like, and or agree with me rather than based on my instincts. There were multiple examples that I was doing for their approval, and it never returned well. Trusting yourself and your hard work says a lot about your character and lets people know who you indeed are, not a made-up version of you. If they like you for you, they will be your fans, not just fans of a version of you.
4. Never stop learning
Who you are today is a result of all the things you’ve done in your past. Therefore, take your time. Times are constantly changing, and you have so much more capacity to truly shape your industry, business, and family. By remaining a student of life, you learn new ways of doing things differently, more efficiently, and often better. The point is, you don’t know what you don’t know, so keep learning and redefining yourself.
5. Self love
With social media and everything on the internet, it is always easy to compare and consistently strive to do and become the next big deal/thing. Remember that life is but a vapor and can change momentarily. We must focus on the race we are racing in life and not on others. Listen to our bodies and mental health and remember that what is meant to be yours will be yours. Keep working hard but maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t do things just because they will please someone else; do it for you. You’re the only person who will always live with yourself, so take care of yourself.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Faith has been one of my biggest supporters in thriving in this business. Many encouraging words talk about working hard but also taking a sabbath to reset and allow your body to rest from the stress we place over it every week. I have a necklace that reminds me, “Let Go and Let God.” The way I approach it is to do what you can, what is in your control, then let go and let God take care of things out of your control. There’s no point in stressing over something you can’t control. I find that anxiety and stress are creativity killers, and they can be catastrophic in our industry. After changing my way of approaching the industry in this new way, I see myself happier, more creative, and less stressed about it, giving me hope for the future.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Collaborating with influencers, content creators, and major platforms would amplify the movement’s reach. By encouraging these influential figures to use their platforms to share stories that inspire empathy, we can create a ripple effect, influencing a broader audience. As someone who was bullied growing up, I aspire to continue to use my platform to encourage love and empathy. Like the beautiful speech Chris Pratt once gave when he won his Teen Choice Award, “If you are strong, be a protector. If you are smart, be a humble influencer. Strength and intelligence can be weapons and do not wield them against the weak. That makes you a bully. Be bigger than that.”
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
This is truly one of the most challenging questions to answer because it honestly takes a village to succeed in this industry, from my manager Jennifer Lonardo, Brent Paxton, acting coach David Rountree, and filming mentor Keith Rivers, these people have gone out of their way to make sure I understood what I needed to learn, do and networking events to attend. These people taught me the ins and outs of the industry, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If my parents weren’t so supportive and hadn’t taught me to have character, be diligent, and be a hard worker, I wouldn’t have even met these people; as previously mentioned, it takes a village, but I’m blessed to have this team.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“You will miss 100% of the shots you never take.” In a world haunted by fear of failure, I look to this quote for inspiration to view failure as a bold attempt to try something new and learn that it may or may not work. This new knowledge allows me to progress and fine-tune what works and what doesn’t, which results in growth.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
The person I’d like to have lunch with would be Alan Ritchson. I’m inspired and motivated by his hard work, dedication, and boldness in his faith in the entertainment industry. He is so open about his struggles in life and how he was able to overcome them. He loves the gym and is a big family man like me. I’d love to learn more about how he can juggle all of those things and maintain a healthy career, family, and spiritual life.
How can our readers follow you online?
- Website: www.lucaslockwood.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lucaslockwood_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrlucaslockwood
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lucas_lockwood
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LucasLockwoodOfficial
- Production: www.lockwoodent.com
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucas_lockwood?_t=8iZdNIQNw1T&_r=1
That’s amazing news. We’ll keep an eye out for your premiere.
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
