The exquisitely handsome Laz Alonso covers the latest issue of Rolling Out magazine. In the feature, the former Investment Banker turned actor discussed life after Wall Street , dating while in the spotlight and his upcoming film, Jumping The Broom.
On Relationships & Dating While in the Spotlight
Your boy is single. However, I have a strict policy about my personal life. You can’t let people into certain things in your life. Otherwise, you can’t get them out. They didn’t burst in. You let them in. So, when it’s time to kick them out, and they don’t go, it’s on you. [It's harder to date in the spotlight] because you have to work harder in keeping things away from the public’s consumption. People who love and support you will do so no matter who you date, but people who don’t love and support you are the ones who will do whatever it takes to end that relationship for whatever reason. I’m not trying to give those who don’t support me more ammunition to shoot me down. They have to work hard to shoot me down.
On Approaching Women
It depends on the setting. I won’t approach a woman at a grocery store or gas station. If the conversation naturally strikes up, and I’m feeling the energy, then I’ll ask for a number and see where it leads. One time, I tried to approach a woman on the street in passing, but I crashed and burned. It’s a special skill, and I know guys who do that well, but I’m not that guy.
On Being Considered a Sex Symbol
I don’t because I’m very silly and goofy. In my personal life they know I’m just Laz. I do work out a lot, and there are things I do for myself and my business. I gotta stay in shape for my profession, and I like the way my clothes fit, and I’m more energetic. But I just appreciate that people feel I’m attractive and support what I do and how I do it.
On the Similarities Between His Jumping the Broom Character & His Real Life
I have friends from D.C. and my Howard friends and Wall Street friends. Now, I have my Hollywood entertainment friends. Plus, my character’s mother was a loud voice in his head and, coming from a single-parent home, I have a loud [mother], too. She’s louder than Loretta Devine and in two languages. So, there is a balancing act because you can have the same situation, and these groups give you different ways to respond. One thing the film taught me is that, at a certain point, you have to stand up for yourself and make your own decisions. You have to have that to make love last and face anyone in your life to put love first.