Being a multi-generational mixed kid allows me to see myself in all people, says Queen Sugar's Ethan Hutchinson
All of eight, actor Ethan Hutchinson is already a force to be reckoned with. The Long Island native plays Bordelon in Oprah Winfrey Network's drama 'Queen Sugar'.
He's already won the Young Artist Award for Best TV Series Performance Leading Young Actor as well as the Young Entertainer Awards Winner Best Leading Young Actor in a Television Series for his portrayal of Blue Bordelon last year.
It's almost like he was born to do this and he knew it too - quite early on in life.
"At 3 years old I told my parents that I was born to be an actor. I just felt it inside," says the actor who, along with his 'Queen Sugar' cast, was nominated for the 2017 People's Choice Award for Favorite Cable TV Drama as well as NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Drama Series the same year.
His parents, who were pleasantly surprised with his interest, decided to support him anyway.
"My parents talked to me about the responsibilities of being an actor and how it would take a lot of hard work and discipline. They put me in a local theatre class and I loved it," he says.
He was only four when he was cast in his first big role in the form of Jake Gaines in 'The Path', a critically acclaimed Hulu original released in 2016.
While it may seem like a mammoth task - to handle a flourishing career at such a tender age, Ethan has got his priorities sorted.
"Acting to me is not only bringing the character to life but also taking the audience on a journey to find out who the character is. Once you fully embody a character, the acting part of it is automatic," he says, "My process is very simple. When I receive a new script, I read all my scenes. I go over scene context, memorization, and articulation with my Mom. Then, Dad and I go over emotional dynamics, range, and improvise."
Ethan's self-belief is infectious and inspiring - and it seems like 'Queen Sugar' too happened to him because of it. "I auditioned for the role. Then I received a call back with the Director Ms. Ava DuVernay a few months later. I met with her and the casting team for a long time and had them cracking up laughing in the room. I asked if I got the role and they told me they couldn’t tell me. On walking out I said, see you on set in New Orleans. The rest is history," he says.
The new season for 'Queen Sugar', which is currently in its third cycle is premiering at the end of this month.
"The new season is going to be really good. Grab your tissues, blankets, and family and get ready May 29th and 30th for the two-night season premiere."His character, Blue has been a part of the show since it started in 2016. Ethan says that this season Blue, who is undoubtedly the ray of hope for the family in the show, will be dealing with a lot more family drama and learn how to process it. "Blue is getting older. He is going through a lot of new emotions. He doesn’t really understand whats going on with his family and he is trying to figure it out on his own."
The show, directed by the legendary Ava DuVernay was super fun off screen too, from the sounds of it. "So the last scene with Kofi Sirobi (Ralph Angel) and I there were so many insects and bugs. It was the middle of summer and we swatting ourselves and each other during takes. One landed on the side of Kofi’s head and I tried my best to swat it but I missed. Kofi asked me if I got it. I said no, but I got you!" he says happily.
Even though he is so young, Ethan also doesn't fail to acknowledge the booming diversity on screen. "I feel very lucky to be growing up in these times. I have learned a lot about history and know the struggles of many cultures. Being a multi-generational mixed kid allows me to see myself in all people." Quoting T’Challa from 'Black Panther' (who he wants to play), he says, "We need to look after one another as if we were one single tribe."
After working in the television world he's currently working on coding - his passion apart from designing and acting. "I have started to learn to code and I really like it. I am working on my first app about space."
He also adds that he will be "adding some cool new videos to my YouTube channel about science, acting, and crafts."
While he hopes he will land his first film in the next five years, he says he wants to try his hand behind the camera. "I am very interested in directing and cinematography and hopefully would have directed my first project by then. It would be a dream come true to be a part of the Harry Potter world, Star Wars or the Marvel Universe. I really enjoy these works and I am a big fan!"