Nate Parker has quietly become one of Hollywood’s more consistently visible character actors. On the heels of breakthrough performances in films like Red Tails and Non Stop, the Virginia native now stars as Officer Kaz Nicol in the upcoming drama Beyond the Lights. In the film, Parker’s character finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the high-profile life of young pop starlet Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw of Belle fame). Parker spoke to rolling out about his character and his own approach to his craft.
“[Kaz] finds himself doing his job and it leads to an opportunity that he doesn’t ask for,” says Parker. “Even in his pursuit of [Noni], after he sees the humanity in her, he still doesn’t ask for the fame.”
Along with his onscreen love interest, Parker also spent a significant amount of time opposite veteran star Danny Glover, who plays his father in Beyond the Lights. The actor believes that this relationship adds to the nuanced conflicts of his character; which gives Kaz a quiet depth.
“He’s understated, but he’s complex. There’s a lot to him. He’s accepted living as the projection that his father has created for him.”
As a character, Officer Nicol holds himself to a high moral standard. Parker paralleled the noble Officer Nicol to his own life–in that they both believe in their ability to be an agent of change.
“Anyone that understands change understands that in this country, a lot of times, change comes from policy, from being involved on a level deeper than grassroots. Even though in real life, I think grassroots is very powerful. [Kaz] wants to believe we can achieve an environment of justice,” Parker explained.
Parker acknowledges that Kaz is not unlike the kinds of characters he’s portrayed in other films, in that he operates with a certain integrity. The star says he has tried to convey specific qualities in the types of black man he’s chosen to play.
“I’m very careful when I choose projects,” he shared. “I want to choose projects that project men like me in a positive and strong light. [This character] loves unapologetically, he pursues justice and morality without compromise. And that is something that I want to project.”
The 34-year-old offers his time as a wrestling coach. He has been an active supporter of organizations around Los Angeles; such as Peace4Kids, the 100 Men of Excellence Initiative and the Boys and Girls Club. He also spent time in Ferguson, Missouri, this past summer during the unrest following the murder of teenager Michael Brown at the hands of officer Darren Wilson. Parker believes strongly in working within the community.
“I’m really big on service,” he says. “I strive to take myself out of equations when it comes to how I live my life. If I’m doing something for someone else, I’m winning.”
