How would you describe your character?
Unwavering persistence in the face of insurmountable odds. Colin was a young man — a kid really — when he got mistaken for someone who does something horrendous. He has to deal with someone else’s debt, so he takes on a vicious crime that he did not commit, but he continued to maintain his innocence. That’s what I think is courageous about it: He could have easily said that he did it and maybe got out sooner. But instead he said: “I refuse to plead guilty to something that I didn’t do.” And he held that [stance] for over 20 years until he was finally able to get out. You can easily become exhausted by life itself, let alone being stuck in a four-by-four box with people who have really committed crimes. He always maintained [his innocence] and I’ve got a lot of respect for that.
Do you relate to your character?
Parts of him were taken that he can’t get back, and I identify with that struggle a lot — having to deal with the past when something traumatic has happened. But you have to continue to push and move forward in the face of it regardless. And be strong enough for you and for everyone else.
What was your first acting experience?
In ninth grade I did Honk: A Musical. I played a frog.
Did the frog sing?
Yeah. He sang in a deep register. It was super-fun. It was comedic — and it had to be because I can’t sing.
What was your big break?
Short Term 12. That film changed my life in many ways; it was just a transformative experience. It was the first thing that I had ever done on screen. I wanted it so bad, and I was just happy to be there. Those feelings I appreciate reliving now.
Did you ever have a normal job?
I worked for a third party agency for AT&T that sold Uverse to people. Basically I’d go door to door having to convince them that this was good cable and then close the deal. I met a lot of different personalities and learned how to gauge and read people. It was kind of like acting experience.
What do you think of Robert Redford?
Who is that?
He is the actor who founded Sundance.
Oh, shit. I didn’t even know that. I appreciate him a lot because Sundance has been great to me. Shout out to him, man. Good stuff.
Instagram: @LakeithStanfield3
