The 23-year-old heartthrob is starring in the new feature film Brotherly Love where he plays the character Chris Collins. Chris is the love interest of Jackie, played by Keke Palmer. The film hits theaters on April 24.
Brown recently took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with rolling out about how he got his start, breaking out of his family’s shadow, and his upcoming projects. –lauren martinez
Check out the highlights:
What is your role in Brotherly Love?
I play Chris, who is loving and genuine. I fall in love with Keke’s character, Jackie. The character is similar to me because of his smooth approach on things. He is someone you will become attracted to through his demeanor and charming personality.
How did you prepare for the film?
Being in Philadelphia was already mental preparation since we were filming in the street environment. Once I read the script multiple times, I had to find myself in the character. I had to really dissect everything around me before I added up the little things that would characterize my role of playing Chris.
Where did you grow up?
I actually grew up in Columbus, Georgia, which is an hour south from Atlanta. Then I spent most of my life between there, New York and L.A., which is where I have spent the past five years. It has everything that I love to do that makes my world go ’round. I can dab in acting, modeling and music. I am also into apps, so once a month I go to San Francisco. I am coming out with an app of my own, but I can’t say too much about it.
When did you realize you wanted to become an actor?
At a young age I always liked to be around people. I would always show my many sides of my charisma and people always told me I should act. My grandma and mom told me I should be showcasing my skills because they felt I had something special. Baseball was my passion but fell short so I started taking acting classes to better myself for my career.
How do you set yourself apart from your fathers, Diddy and Al B Sure?
I had to stop forcing it. I finally had something to talk about outside of my dads. I just kept working and people started recognizing me for the things I was doing. Now, I can’t shy away from it, but there is more to me than my fathers. I know the majority of my following can see that I didn’t let my fathers define who I am.
What is next for you?
I was just down here in Atlanta filming Tyler Perry’s television show “The Haves and the Have Nots.” I also have another film I’m acting in coming out called Dope. It comes out June 18, which we took to Sundance and it did amazing. Sony bought the film and I know it’s going to do well in the summer. Other than that, I dropped a new single with G-Easy that is out right now and the video is coming soon. I’m just trying to keep at it and continue building my résumé.
