We were lucky to catch up with Alec Michael Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alec, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I think there’s potentially a fine line between taking a risk and being unwise. I think we are only being unwise when we make decisions based on what other people think or say we should do despite knowing in our hearts what we are meant to do.

Growing up in an environment where certain aspirations don’t seem tangible, you begin heading down several “traditional avenues” that ultimately will never make you happy. I wasn’t happy with any of the directions I sought out. Outwardly, I was doing everything right, but I knew I wanted to act the entire time. Every time I’d watch tv or a movie I’d find myself unfocused on the movie itself as a consumer and more focused on the acting, rather, the actors, thinking to myself…I can do that.

So, I left my hometown and moved to Atlanta. No job. Pretty much no money. I literally packed up my car and moved to Atlanta overnight. I lived out of my car for awhile until I could afford an apartment. Taking every gig I could find until they built to something more, I was able to land with an agency, where I have secured a number of network roles.

Some may feel it was unwise choosing to leave the comfort of what a lot of people would call stability – a degree from a good school, a well paying job, etc. for a really unpredictable career. But, for me, the risk was continuing to be someone who was always doing what was expected of me instead of what made me feel alive; or never knowing because I didn’t try and that outweighed the risk of just following my dreams. Still the best risk I’ve ever taken.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

If memory serves me right, it was my mom that originally got me into acting around the 3rd grade, and that’s when I stepped in front of the camera, professionally, for the first time. I remember I got to leave school in the middle of the day to essentially go play in the pool and got paid to do so!? From that day on, I knew this is what I wanted to do. It was a life skills video for kids in the early 2000’s on making good decisions. I’d like to think I’m a long way from that now ha! I know I still have a ways to go, but today you can find me on tv shows like The Wonder Years on ABC, Tales on BET, and the film Out on A Lim on Tubi, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Lacrae on one of his music videos, and a national Great Clips commercial, during March Madness! Such a surreal feeling hearing “Did I just see you on tv??” from friends, family and people I grew up with.

I’d like to think I’m a really analytical thinker. I’m always asking, “why?” in my craft. I like to find what connects us to one another as opposed to what differentiates us, which I think makes my work interesting. Even if I totally disagree with the character I’m playing, I’m always looking for a connection because everyone wants to see accurate reflections of themselves. In having that kind of thought process, I also improve myself. My hope is to always be evolving, being a better version of myself with each interaction.

I’m definitely most proud of my fearlessness to follow my dreams no matter what anyone says and making sure my morals and values are aligned in the process because I understand the example it sets for my daughter and I hope that sets off an inspiration in others as well.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The power of networking is key. Atlanta makes that easy. I wouldn’t exactly call myself an extrovert but the other artists here get it, they know what you’re up against and generally want to share what they’ve learned. I’d say if a new actor or any creative industry wants to really hit the ground running, talking to as many people as possible is a great start. They’ll eventually lead you where you need to be.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I would say the pacing. As a creative you have to learn to appreciate the journey of learning and unlearning. You have to find peace in the tempo at which you make mistakes, and learning from them. For someone who isn’t a creative that might be tough to understand. I think the non-creative world has a rhythm of time attached to it: go to school for 4 years, work here for another couple of years.

They tend to create these parameters on life when you should or should not be doing something. For the creative world, time is subjective.

Contact Info:

• Website: imdb.me/alecmichaeladams
• Instagram: @alecmichaeladams
• Other: https://vampassist.my.canva.site/alecmichaeladams

Image Credits
Featured Image: David. @foxtownfotos