Mekia Curtis – His Rise to Power in Entertainment

There are some people you meet and you instantly know that they are a STAR! That’s exactly what happened when I met Mekai Curtis for the first time on set. It’s something about him that lights up the room and his confidence radiates. But there is a humility about him that keeps you engaged and intrigued. 

Cox: Hey, Mekai Curtis! Tell me who you truly are, And that sounds so cliche but who’s really the young man behind all of this star power?

Curtis: I’d like to think I’m the most transparent version of myself. I’m an artist through and through. I also like to share with people who come into my space that I’m figuring it out day by day just like everybody else is. I’m a human more than anything. I’m a vessel, so I just kind of try to be as relatable as possible.

Cox: What do you attribute to your success?

Curtis: I attribute it to my God-given talents, my family, and support system. I have to mention my hard work and humility which are both things my parents instilled in me. 

Cox: I love that. Where did your love for acting come from? 

Curtis: I guess I’ve always been in the creative field. Outside of acting, I’m a musician too. My father’s actually a musician. He’s toured the world and played with everybody. I’ve been to countless shows and sessions because of him so that’s kind of where the initial spark rose. And you know I enjoy making people smile, laugh and stuff like that. So I had an inkling of entertainment in me. People would always say, “he’s meant for tv.” But the first time I ever took a role was like in the first grade. My teacher, Mrs Walker, had me play Henry Box Brown in a play we produced for Black History Month highlighting prominent black figures. This was my first time being introduced to acting. I was like oh I like this, it’s cool, fun and I enjoy it. 

Cox: What is it about entertaining other people that drives and motivates you? 

Curtis: It’s really just the sheer love of it. You know it doesn’t matter whether people are watching me or they aren’t. It is a therapeutic thing for me. It’s kind of my way of showing my appreciation for the gift I have. I just enjoy being able to do what I need to do. That’s where the love of it really comes from. 

Cox: What is it you look for in a script?

Curtis: For me it’s about the relatability I have with the character and story. It’s because I have to rely on the relatability and my ability to convey the character and story to other people who don’t necessarily get to see the pages that I have read. So I have to be there in that moment and keep up with whatever is happening, whether it be my individual character’s arc or the overall storyline. 

Cox: Your IMDb credits are very lengthy. Even in a short amount of time for you, which is amazing. How has that process been for you as a young actor? How are you able to stay sane when you don’t get a part you wanted?

Curtis: I mean coming to that mental space is a journey. I think the condensed version of that is for one realizing that it is the industry that you’re in. It’s a field full of hungry, like-minded individuals. But that goes into once you understand when something is yours, it’s yours and yours alone. Nobody can take that from you. So as long as you keep the mindset that this ‘no’ may be right now, but if you keep going, there will be a yes. 

Cox: With all that you have achieved, how have you been able to balance life and handle this success?

Curtis: The recipe for me has been my family. I think for anybody it really is about having a support system. I’ve been blessed to have people around me since day one. These were the ones who believed in me, my talents, and abilities when I didn’t see them myself. 

Cox: Last question, how do you keep your craft sharp in the industry?

Curtis: I call it sparring on set now. It’s because I’m with award-winning talent on my current show so I’m kept on my toes by simply observing and being in this moment with them. I’m literally a sponge so I’m constantly seeking knowledge and wisdom from those around me. I’m lucky to have people around me who want to pour into me.