If you’re thick in the weeds watching All American: Homecoming, we totally understand. The third and final season is turning out to be one of the most intense yet. There’s a lot that drives our favorite characters on the Black collegiate-based series, which left us curious: What do the series’ stars share with the roles they play?
You know EBONY always gets the goods, so we got the answers right from the actors who play them. And because it’s still cookout season, we got how this impossibly gorgeous cast likes to keep themselves busy during the summertime.
Martin Bobb-Semple (Orlando)
Martin Bobb-Semple. Image: Irvin Rivera.
“Lando is such a complex character. He has this feisty, no-nonsense side to him that we first saw when he entered the show. But then we revealed he also has such a soft and gentle, lovable side that we grew to learn throughout season two. This season, we’re seeing a really different side to the Lando we knew before. He’s matured a little more, his decision-making has changed, and he’s progressed in a positive direction. I find similarities between the two of us in ways that I can relate to his no-nonsense side—there are certain things I just don’t have the tolerance for—but the more laid-back, chill side of him is generally me on a day-to-day.
Growing up, I used to run track in school… The 100-meter sprint was my main event, and I loved it! I haven’t run like that in years, but the memory of always rising to the challenge every summer (and winning) is probably one of my favorite pastimes, especially when it comes to sports.”
Camille Hyde (Thea)
Camille Hyde. Image: Kenneth Medilo.
“Thea is an extremely layered person. She’s guarded but values deep connection. She’s intense about the things she prioritizes but loves to let loose and enjoy life when she allows herself to have that liberty. She’s super focused on her goals but also has a lot of anxiety surrounding being good enough, like most people. Thea is incredibly strong and resilient and doesn’t let her intrusive thoughts win at the end of the day. I feel like I have a lot in common with Thea. I think her focus on her goal is similar to mine. I also share her curiosity and desire for deep friendship with genuine people she can trust who won’t judge her for some of her social ineptness.
My favorite sports-life summer activity is probably hiking or camping in beautiful places. I would love to do a camper van trip one day to the Pacific Northwest or through British Colombia in Canada just to immerse myself in all the natural beauty and nature.”
Rhoyle Ivy King (Nate)
Rhoyle Ivy King. Image: Jonny Marlow.
“One of my favorite parts of playing Nate is getting the unique experience of transforming into her and her gender. One of the key things we have in common is how much the people we love drive our passion for wanting to make the world a better place. This season, she’s en route to graduation, and she’s learning a pivotal lesson that I think, at some point, we all have to see ourselves through navigating the line between what is business and what is personal when it comes to the people we love.
My favorite summer activity is traveling and taking trips with family and friends—and maybe swimming!”
Geffri Maya (Simone)
Geffri Maya. Image: Maya Iman.
“Simone’s evolution has always been such a pleasure to embody. What we have most in common is our unwavering authenticity and resilience. Simone’s main storyline will focus on her redefining her relationship with life, love, tennis and ultimately herself, all themes we’ve all experienced at one point in time.
I absolutely love swimming. I’m a Pisces, so naturally, I’m in love with the water. Funny enough, my favorite memory in the summer doesn’t even involve a pool, just water. As a kid, my mom used to let me play in the front yard with a water hose in my swimsuit as if I were at a water park. I always appreciated her efforts to give me summer vibes no matter what.”
Sylvester Powell (JR)
Sylvester Powell. Image: Kevin Scanlon.
“JR is a very genuine, loving family member and friend. He’s always there when you need him, and he leads with his heart. My character is also a hard worker and has a lot of ambition, so, fortunately, we share all of these traits. Coming off season two, JR was very sick, so we’re all just watching to see how his health continues.
My favorite sport to play is basketball. When we were younger, my uncle and I used to play from sun up to sun down at my grandparents’ house in Maywood, Illinois. Those are great memories I will cherish forever.”
Catch All American: Homecoming on Mondays on The CW.
