In my quest to highlight supporting cast and up-and-coming actors, I sometimes come across industry professionals as a result of their remarkable agents, managers, and publicity teams. In the case of Al McFoster, I am grateful to his team for alerting me to this actor whose career continues its steady spiral upwards, and it is my honor to present him to all my readers today.
RH: Please tell us about your background and how that helped to get you started and became interested in pursuing a career in film/TV.
AM: Well, I’ve always had a background in entertainment since I was a child. I grew up performing and singing everywhere from shopping malls and talent shows, and in church. So, I was always a performer.
Photo by Chavis Photography
But to answer the specifics of the latter part of the question, what started my interest in pursuing a career in film/TV was just watching my favorite TV shows and movies and basically saying, “I can do that!” And then one day, I took the necessary steps, from ground zero, to pay my dues and learn to get it done.
I understand that when you were a teenager, you were involved in music and radio. Please tell us how those opportunities came about and any highlights you would like to share.
Yes… I believe during my teenage years is when I developed my skills the most to where I convinced myself that I could entertain for a living. It all started when my mother enrolled me into a summer “sleepover” camp that had courses in radio broadcasting and photography. I loved both of these courses! See, the camp was situated on a lake far away from where I lived, so there weren’t many distractions. There weren’t even TV’s! This allowed me to delve into learning all these skills.
I guess the course that influenced me the most in regards to what I do now was radio broadcasting. I went on to learn such skills as programming, announcing, timing, engineering, and more. I also learned on my own to produce music, as well as take up sound editing. I took those skills and turned them into on-air positions at a couple radio stations, and I was how you say “off to the races.”
A highlight I remember was being involved in the early stages of “internet radio” as a pioneer. Being one of the firsts to do it and implement it, I believe, is what has led to how we consume music, podcasts, and more on streaming apps like Spotify, Google Play, etc.
How did music and radio lead to acting? What was your first professional film/TV credit and what are your memories of that job?
Photo by L. Smith
Al with the “Property Brothers”
I believe music and radio was just an extension of entertainment that I sort of got into first. I wouldn’t say I always wanted to “act,” but I did always love to perform, period. And I was always good at “putting on,” as my Mom would say, therefore I knew that acting would be something that I not only could do well, but that it would be on the horizon soon.
Although I had a couple credits prior, I would consider my first professional credit as a TV series called Motives & Murders: Cracking The Case. It was one of those reenactment shows of true crime stories. I played a character named Detective J.R. Martinez that was a real-life hero who solved a complex murder case. What was really cool about this was not only was the filming of the project a great learning experience, but after it aired, I was contacted by the real-life man I played and he loved my work and was appreciative. That was very motivating.
Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B
The first time I saw you in anything, it was in the movie based on the life of Aaliyah. What was special/memorable about working on that movie?
Well, first of all, I was a huge Aaliyah fan! Still am… I was put onto her music very early in her career. I also met her early on and spent some time getting to know her. I still have an autographed record from her, which I cherish. Rest in peace “Babygirl”.
One of the memorable things about working on that movie was that I was cast as her studio engineer. Which not only was direct fruition of my previous skills in music and radio, but it was familiar territory working in the studio we filmed in. I always wanted my acting career to run parallel and in similarities to my music and radio career, and this was the first opportunity that allowed that. And to have it be with an artist and music that I loved, was a bonus.
12 Monkeys
You have appeared on various sci-fi shows. What are some of the most significant memories that you’ve had from working on those shows and why do those stand out?
To be honest, I’ve never been a huge sci-fi fan. I mean, I like watching a few films like Star Wars, etc., but I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite genre to watch. However, it’s probably my favorite genre to act in, because I have so much fun with the action!
Supernatural
It all started for me on a TV series called 12 Monkeys, which was based on the 90s movie of the same name starring, Bruce Willis. It was the first time I got to shoot a gun on camera. Which totally made me feel like an action star, LOL!
I also got to work on a series called The Twilight Zone, which was a reboot of the legendary black and white series from the 60s that I remember watching decades later as a child. I thought that was a cool flashback to being scared of watching it as a kid.
Supernatural
But I think my favorite so far has to be playing a vampire on the long-running sci-fi TV series, Supernatural. That was a great experience! A tough job as well. It was the first time I did my own stunts in a fight sequence. So, I had to learn the fight choreography prior to shooting. That included how to phantom punch, throw someone, kneeing, and kicking, etc. The best part was, it came out sooooooo good! One of my favorite things on my acting reel.
What are the current/upcoming works that you would like to mention?
I’m kind of excited to talk about what I have coming down the pipe; however, I can only mention a couple due to NRA’s being signed and so forth.
The first one is, I’m appearing in the upcoming biopic on the legendary rap group, Salt-N-Pepa that will air on Lifetime. I absolutely loved being a part of this movie for several reasons. First off being a huge fan of Salt-N-Pepa for years, to meet and see them on set was very cool. They were very involved as executive producers. I’m a DJ, and the very first 12-inch record I ever owned was their first album “Hot, Cool, & Vicious,” so to actually be a part in a period piece of their legacy which was partly adjacent to when I grew up, was surreal. I also learned a lot from our legendary director, Mario Van Peebles, which was very cool. The trailer just recently came out and it looks amazing. I can’t wait to see it!
Behind-the-scenes
Ginny & Georgia
The other project I can mention is a Netflix production called Ginny & Georgia, which a lot of critics are saying is similar to the long-running 90s TV series, Gilmore Girls. What is special about this project is, I got to use one of my accents for the first time, which was great. Also, I got to work with a director whom I’ve admired for quite a while, who’s name is Sudz Sutherland. I play a character named Judge William Walters, who is a very stern but fair judge in Houston, Texas. I think this show will be one of those heavily binge watch-worthy gems. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
During this crisis, how have you been passing the time?
Wow… Well, it’s unfortunate what everybody has to deal with during this Coronavirus pandemic. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who’s affected by this in any way. And a big thanks to our healthcare workers!
For myself, I’ve been passing the time in several ways. As I said before, I’m also a DJ. So I’ve been taking this time to update my music, as well as spinning “live” via my social media networks for my followers and friends to hear some classic tunes as well as some new music. Also, I’ve been building on my podcast which is available on most streaming apps, called “Live With @ALMcFOSTER”.
I’ve been watching a lot, and I mean A LOT, of TV and movies which have not only been entertaining but have allowed me to try different roles in my own practice of character development. So as much as this is an uncertain time for someone like me in the entertainment industry, I think it’s a great time for us creatives to thrive, which will be a benefit during and after all of this.
The Christmas Switch
Have you experienced racial/ethnic bias throughout your career? How have you seen things change in this area over the past few years?
I have experienced racial/ethnic bias in my career. I don’t want to delve into the specifics, but in my industry, it’s still very prevalent. However, with the demand for fairness of those being biased against and the ones in key positions that support us, diversity or the lack thereof is often a topic of conversation. It is also positively influencing casting and other job opportunities in the entertainment industry which is very welcomed. But, there’s always room for improvement.
When you’re not acting, what do you do for fun?
Well, for “fun,” I do many different things… I love to listen to music. All kinds! Watching sports and playing them when I can. I’ve been more and more enjoying going on long walks, which I didn’t used to like to do earlier in my life. I love being by water just to think and reflect. I like being social at different events. I’ve always been good with technology, so I love trying different devices and apps to educate myself. I’m also a history buff, so anything or place that is historic I love to learn more about and explore. Anything to keep life interesting is what I love to do or maybe at least try… LOL!
What I most appreciate about Al is how he has persisted in pursuing his dreams and passions despite any potential obstacles along the way. Additionally, he made the decision to enter this world of acting with the appropriate view. He understands that fame and fortune are fleeting and not viable endeavors within the world of acting. Instead, he forges ahead, acquiring knowledge of the industry via whatever opportunities are sent his way. In truth, it makes sense that his radio DJ job would naturally lead to acting, but he had to determine to follow this path to make his dreams and visions a reality. Moreover, how he has utilized this time of quarantine further demonstrates that he is not about to sit around and waste time bemoaning the current state of affairs of the world. On the contrary, he has kept himself current in the industry by doing what creatives do best all while flourishing along the way. If you are not familiar with this rising star as of yet, I would invite you to visit all of Al’s links below and consider following him where applicable. While he has yet to officially appear on the Hallmark network (he got pretty close with that movie a few years ago, The Christmas Switch, but that ended up on UPtv), but I have no doubt that his first appearance on this network is fairly close in light of the solid body of credits he has attained. Regardless, I look forward to enjoying what is next for him, and I hope that my readers will consider supporting him right along with me.
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Photo by Jackie Brown © ABC Studios Designated 1 Ltd
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1 Comment
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Wow. Forgot about 12 monkeys. What a great 90s movie.
