‘On My Block’ star Brett Gray is looking forward to Jamal finding "that one for him"
Netflix's 'On My Block' has managed to capture the hearts of many viewers across the world and it definitely has a lot to do with the young actors on the show and the three-dimensional, relatable characters they portray. From Sierra Capri's Monse to Jessica Marie Garcia's Jasmine, there is something to love about all of the main characters on the show, whether it is their vulnerability, tenacity, or grit.
Despite being 14-year-olds, the core foursome of 'On My Block,' who have grown up seeing violence and death throughout their lives, have toughened up and look at life in a more grim way than an average teenager. The one boy to keep them grounded in the youthfulness of their years is Jamal, portrayed by Brett Gray.
Among Monse, Cesar (Diego Tinoco), Ruby (Jason Genao) and Jamal, the latter has the most childlike innocence. As Gray told MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) at the season 2 premiere of 'On My Block,' "Jamal is one of the only characters that reminds me that everybody is 14. I think he still has the innocence of youth." The talented actor further adds that in season 2, though, after being wronged by his friends a little bit, he has a lot more confidence.
In fact, we saw Jamal taking on a more authoritative position in season 2, even standing up for himself among his peers and adults to ensure that he is not being walked all over.
Despite providing some of the biggest comedic reliefs on the show, though, Gray was a little hesitant about taking on the show, considering his more dramatic background. He claims that even when his managers passed the news of the audition process on to him, he was very nervous but his team reminded him that the show and the role is everything he has wanted to do in life. "Thank god I had Lauren (Iungerich), and Jeremy (Hefy), and Eddie (Gonzalez), because the writing is so quick and witty that I don't have to do much to make it funny, said Gray regarding the comedy in 'On My Block.'
While a season 3 is yet to be confirmed by Netflix, the popularity of the show and the brilliant way of storytelling employed by the show has us believing that the show will, in fact, get a new season and that it will premiere by early 2020. When the show does return though, Gray wants one thing for his character - he wants Jamal to find himself a love interest. In fact, Jamal is the only member of the core friend group who hasn't had a romantic storyline or even a love interest, which hopefully will change come season 3.
"I am looking to Jamal finding that one for him," he told MEAWW, and we have got to say, we second that desire for Jamal as well.