Aaron Pierre on The Underground Railroad and Working With Barry Jenkins, Academy Award Winning Director

Aaron Pierre
Courtesy of David Reiss 

Envision, a younger aged Aaron Pierre wishing and determined to be a sprinter when he was older. A boy mesmerised by Maurice Greene, a former 100m world record holder who possessed “an abundance of charisma and energy” and truly excited him to pursue this dream further. But Aaron soon discovered, his passion became about “wanting to tell stories, move people and hopefully affect change in positive ways” through acting.

The South Londoner began his acting journey at the age of 14, securing a small narration role which quickly cemented this passion for him. He later joined a very small theatre group in Croydon, where he learnt the fundamentals: “learning how to improvise, devise and give your all in irrespective of the number of the people in the audience whether that’s one or 1000”. From there, studied for two years at Lewisham College in South East London, followed with a year in Toronto and three years in Lamda (drama school in Hammersmith) which then resulted in becoming professional in 2016, and of course, the rest is history.

Today, Aaron Pierre spoke with gratitude and warmth over our zoom interview, the same characteristics he personified in his potent performance on Underground Railroad. This exclusive Amazon prime limited series was developed by renowned director, screenwriter and Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, exploring the tragic realities of our ancestors but adapted in an exceptional manner. In Underground Railroad, Aaron takes on the role of Caesar, a character who inspires the shows protagonist Cora, on her journey to escaping slavery.

With that said, it’s time to learn more about Aaron Pierre.

Aaron Pierre
Courtesy of David Reiss 

First off, thank you for allowing us to interview today and congratulations on your latest role on Underground Railroad. Shall we get started? As a trained classical theatre student, how did it feel to transition from the live stage to the big screen?

That’s a great question! For me, the main difference is when you’re in an auditorium and you have an audience to reach. For example, you may have to project your voice and make sure everyone feels included from the person on the far right and left corner to the person in the front row. Whereas when you’re doing screen, television and film, the audience can be as close as a centimetre from your face because they’re obviously where the camera is. So I think for me that’s the only adjustment but apart from that, just doing my best to tell whatever story I’m telling as truthful and authentically as I can. 

You’re now starring in the American limited series Underground Railroad as Caesar, directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins on what can be described as the most remarkable and searing adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel.

What was it about this role and story that immediately compelled you to be a part of it?

Firstly, I think the story is incredibly important and it’s a story that must be told, in my opinion. It's an honour to be welcomed into this team of people, this team of creatives who are telling this very very important story… and to have the opportunity to work with the genius, the master-craft that is Barry Jenkins was a dream come true. It’s still surreal to this day that I had the opportunity to learn from, to collaborate with Barry Jenkins. He’s extraordinary! To me, he’s the epitome of a leader and a director.

He created such a safe and supportive environment on set, the way he managed this project was with such sensitivity and care, and what remained at the forefront for him, was our mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Of course, also the cast who I had an honour of working with. It was a real family environment and we all had the same objective which was to tell this story as truthfully and authentically as possible - hopefully to honour those who really went through these horrific realities against their will. 

That’s honestly amazing. So, how did it feel to portray and bring Caesar to life? This character who displayed a deep level of compassion, strength and substance despite the continuous obstacles and challenges he faced.

I was nervous to approach this character. This is an individual who was born in Georgia and he was promised manumission. That manumission wasn’t granted and he was then separated from his mother and father, and sold to a plantation in the south of the states and that’s where the audience first meet him. To approach a character with that level of strength, resistance and emotional intelligence? That was daunting. But I have to thank Barry and everyone I had around me for helping me find my way with Caesar, helping me embody him and bring him to life. It’s a character I approach with a great admiration and respect. 

Did you feel like you could personally relate to this character in regard to his characteristics?

My perceptive is purely one of admiration and respect. To have that level of strength is just incredible and mind-blowing. 

Completely understand. In your opinion, do you believe there are similarities in the Black British, and African American experiences? If so, what are they? 

Absolutely. For me personally, any story that is told about any part of the black diaspora is effecting to me and I feel deeply connected to. I certainly think that different parts of the diaspora have their own unique experiences, but we’re all connected and for example, here, the things that happen elsewhere in the diaspora, we’re connected to and it’s not intangible for us. My hope is that we can all unite and come together and help each other through these traumatic experiences, and lift one another and all win. 

Totally agree with you! The diaspora has to win. But on a lighter note, we are beginning to see Black British actors transitioning into the American film industry and doing it so effortlessly.  How does it feel to witness and contribute towards the rise and success of Black British talents?

It’s a real privilege, it’s a real honour at this stage of my journey having the opportunities I’ve been blessed with. I think for me, it’s just about being thankful. At this point and time, I’m just feeling an abundance of gratitude and thanks. I pray I continue to work on projects that resonate with me and I’m passionate about, and contribute to these important stories.

Are there any specific movie genres you’d like to do in the near future?

That’s a really interesting question. For me, I’m someone who is not drawn to a particular medium or genre. What guides me is whether a story resonates with me and whether I’m passionate about it. Once I can tick those boxes, then irrespective whether it’s theatre film or television, I’m invested and I’m showing up. 

It’s all about the story and I love that! Now, let’s get into your Black British identity.. in your view, what does it mean to a Black Brit to you? Everyone has their own definition so we’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

I have a huge, enormous sense of pride. An enormous sense of community and I wear it proudly. 

In terms of Covid at the moment, we know its very hard for creatives and actors during this complex period. What advice would you give to aspiring actors and creatives? 

Wow. That’s a big question. I often don’t feel like I’m in the position to give advice but if I have to? Be guided by your passion and what you truly want to do with your life, and if that’s story telling, just to be relentless in your pursuit and not to be fearful. We can sometimes become fearful because of failure and also potential failure. I think if we can hopefully come to peace with the fact that, that is potentially part of the journey then we can storm forward and pursue what we want to pursue. 

I’m a big believer in ‘what’s meant for you won’t miss you’, I think that gives peace and comfort in this industry particularly.

Are there any upcoming projects, shows or movies we should particularly keep an eye out for? 

This summer, I did a movie with M. Night Shyamalan called Old. It’s a thriller and it’s terrifying but at the same time, I think it presents really interesting questions to the audience in respect of time and perceptive. In this piece, these people find themselves in a particular location where their lives are reduced to a day and it’s like, what would you do in that situation? What would you prioritise? It asks really interesting questions and hopefully once everybody’s nerves have calmed down after they see this thriller, then they’ll think ‘oh that was very interesting the questions they asked’. That was a brilliant project to be apart of and I’’m excited for everyone to see! 

On the scale of 1 to 10, how scary would you say it is?

I think that’s for everyone to decide for themselves but what I will say is, just be ready *laughs*

Lastly, any last words for the BLK Brit audience?

Thank you for your support, I appreciate you and I’m thankful!