This interview was conducted before the occurrence of the union strikes. Quincy Isaiah was not involved in any way in the production of this feature past July 14th, 2023, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

“I just knew there was something about acting that really vibed with me. So I switched majors and never looked back; and the fact that I'm here in my life is just wild.”

— Quincy Isaiah

Portraying a giant like Magic Johnson is undoubtedly a daunting task, considering his immense impact on the NBA and his status as possibly the greatest player in the history of basketball. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr.'s illustrious career began during his college days at Michigan State University, where he led the team to victory in the 1979 NCAA championship, right before being chosen to join the legendary Los Angeles Lakers. In Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Quincy Isaiah's portrayal of Magic Johnson is nothing short of extraordinary. Quincy's ability to capture the essence of the iconic basketball legend showcases his talent and unwavering dedication as an actor. Hailing from Michigan, both Quincy and Magic found their way to Los Angeles, but in vastly different fields—Magic in basketball, and Quincy in acting. Nevertheless, Quincy's portrayal of Magic goes beyond mimicry; it delves deep into the character's evolution from a young, wide-eyed rookie to a mature man navigating the challenges of fame and fatherhood. His skillful approach brings depth and authenticity to the performance, allowing audiences to witness the growth and transformation of the character on-screen. Quincy shares insights into his preparation process, striking a delicate balance between staying true to real-life events and infusing creative interpretations that make the show captivating for television audiences. Quincy Isaiah's portrayal of Magic Johnson stands as a testament to his remarkable talent and passion for his craft, proving that he is not only capable of embodying an iconic figure but also of delivering a performance that resonates with audiences on a profound level.

Carl Ayers __ You are in the second season of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, so you're not a freshman anymore, you're a sophomore. Being that we are now in season two, what can we expect this go round?

Quincy Isaiah __ While I am in the second season, I still bring some of that young gun energy. [laughs] Honestly, I'd tie it back to Magic. I feel like Magic. In season one you saw Magic deal with certain things, like dealing with Cookie or his teammates. It was very teenager-ish, as a young man coming of age; like stuff that you can look at and be “you need to grow up”. In season two, we get to see the maturation of the character and see him deal with fatherhood, the rivalry with Larry Bird, his teammates, Dr. Buss, and his coaches... You'll see the relationships in his life mature and grow. You’ll see Magic mature into a man.

CA __ Some people may have seen the character, like you said, as young and teenagery, that baby-faced, eyes wide open rookie in season one. But in season two, when you say mature, some people may say that he gets a bit dark. He becomes almost like a little villain. What would you say about that?

QI __ I would say he's becoming a man, and there's certain boundaries that we start setting for ourselves. And when we set boundaries, it can look like a villain if you don't understand where the person is coming from. I think one of the cool things about our show is that we get to see why people do the things they do and understand the psychology of the characters. I just hope that's not lost on people. If people say he's getting darker, I disagree, he's going through some real life and we get to see him through that process. I hope that people empathize with that as opposed to judging.

CA __ As an actor, how did you prepare for this evolution of your character for season two?

QI __ I read the books and watched the documentaries. Finally I dove back into most of the things that I did for season one, and tried to take it a step further. I think the lives of the character and myself overlap in some ways, and drawing on that is a big motivator for me. 

CA __ You and Magic, have a few similarities. You haven't played competitive basketball since middle school. But aside from being tall, you're both from Michigan, Magic from Lansing, you from Muskegon. You both moved to LA to begin your professional careers, of course him in basketball, and you in acting. We've seen how your character acclimated to the bright lights and the fast life of LA. How has the adjustment been for you, the person?

QI __ It's been one of those things where it's such a slow burn. I think I benefited a lot from booking this in 2019, and it did not come out until 2022. So I had four years of being around people in the industry asking questions and picking their brains. I think that really helped me settle into what it means to be a public figure, and the responsibility that comes along with it, but also the excitement and the fun. People are excited about my work! I didn't think that would happen right now so I really lead with gratitude. I think there was a lot of fear coming into it but there's so much positivity coming my way, and I'm grateful for it.

CA __ Not many people can say that their first TV role is as a lead on an HBO series. That's a big leap. But you succeeded with a smash hit for season one. So what has been one of the biggest surprises or experiences you've had as a new actor in Hollywood?

QI __ Just seeing people recognize me: like Samuel Jackson as I did a roundtable with him. Pauletta Washington recognized me and brought me backstage to a show. It's those things in my life that remind me that it's changed a bit. And when that happens, it's such an out of body experience, and it makes my younger self smile.

CA __ Being that this is your first show, what has been the most rewarding aspect of working on Winning Time?

QI __  Just learning. Learning from actors, learning from directors, learning from the crew, camera operators. I can say, honestly and wholeheartedly, that I learned something every day on that set. Just being surrounded by people that are at the top of their game. 

CA __ So what's the best advice you've gotten so far?

“One of the things I always say is ‘how you do something is how you do everything’: consistency is important.”

QI __  Have fun! That's Rob Morgan [who plays Earvin Johnson, Sr.] right there! Rob Morgan is a wild man! And John C. [Reilly, who plays Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss]. He said have fun, but in a different way. That was more so with the acting. I think Rob meant it more so with life. So, have fun!

CA __ I know, on set, people have fun a lot, especially when they wrap the season. Sometimes some of the cast grab some takeaways from the set, whether it's a piece of wardrobe or a piece of the set itself. Was there anything that you claimed for yourself from season one?

QI __ Yeah, I got a poster that's in Magic's room. It's a matador poster. I thought it was the coolest art. They let me get it last year. I was trying to get some jerseys. And some of the suits! I was like, hey, I could rock this [laughs]

CA __ Tell them it's made for you. It's your size. It’s not going to fit anybody else. Just send it all home with you. [laughs] Following up on such a mega role in an HBO series can be quite a challenge, whatever your next role would be. So what is your next job?

QI __ I'm working on an indie film right now. It’s about a marijuana incarceration. This single mom is selling marijuana illegally. She's growing it in her house. And then a police officer moves into the house next door, and his grandson and her son strike up a friendship, and we get to see these two houses interact.

CA __ It's a work in development right now, so how long do we have to wait for that?

QI __ It'll be out next year.

CA __ That's moving fast.

QI __ Basically, y’all watch Winning Time in between, and that'll hold you over.

CA __ It seems like you truly love acting. So aside from having fun in front of the camera, it looks like you've been having a lot of fun on the red carpets as well. From the Vanity Fair parties to the Critics Choice celebrations, I see you've been making your rounds. And every appearance requires a fire outfit. So talk to me about your own fashion style. How does Quincy Isaiah, the man, dress?

QI __ I'm just having fun with it right now. I feel like, growing up, I dressed out of necessity. I didn't understand fashion in that way of [having] a color palette, and that there is an expression of you [in the attire], you’ve got layers... Working with Van Van, my stylist, has really helped me hone in on paying attention, stepping out the box, and trying some stuff. I think for me, I just want to always continue to grow in anything, including fashion, and allow that to keep changing and be a little scared.

CA __ So are there any fashion influences that have inspired your style?

QI __ Van Van also styles [actor] Mahershala Ali. So I would easily say Mahershala. I would be remiss not to. I also like Big Sean and the Weeknd. Donald Glover definitively has some fire fits. He'd be messing the carpet up! 

CA __ Those are some great people to look to for fashion inspiration. So when it comes to your selection, walk me through the process of deciding what you're going to wear for a red carpet. How do you and your stylist collaborate on that?

QI __ In passing now, if I'm walking past a suit shop, I'll take a picture. Or if I'm looking in a magazine, I’ll screenshot it. So for Vanity Fair, it was a West African wedding outfit that I wanted to emulate. And Van Van found a suit that had a short collar and straight jacket, and threw a fur on there, and I was like “Ah man, that works!” That's the exciting part. Bringing her some ideas and having her take it to the next level. A level that might make me a little uncomfortable, but when I put it on, I'm like, nah, this is great. I think the discomfort comes from the fear of not showing who I am and having somebody else put their vision on me. But with her, it always feels like she's just bringing out a different part of my style that was there already.

CA __ Is there a particular style or theme that you tend to dress in, whether it's retro or more fashion forward?

QI __ I would say, in my day to day, honestly, it’s very casual. But I'm starting to lean more towards chic casual. You can tell that it’s put together, but it still doesn't feel too dressy or showy. I want somebody to look at me and think “he's well put together but it's not loud.”

CA __ What else would you like to do in your professional career? 

QI __ I would like to continue to get better at acting, first and foremost. Then producing; I want to become a bigger producer. Just building my slate out and having influence not only on films that I'm in, but also films for other actors and directors. Just helping tell stories that I can get behind. I keep my eyes open, and allow blessings to come in, because I'm open to whatever opportunities come my way.

CA __ I'm hearing you say keep your eyes open for opportunities. And I'm smiling to myself because I have heard about the story of how you got into acting. So, for those who don't know how you got into acting, please give us that story from your college days.

QI __ Are you talking about me being in the Sketch n Etch [college sketch comedy show]?

CA __ No, before that; when you changed majors.

QI __ Okay, yeah. That was part of it. So in my junior year, I did this improv comedy show [Sketch n Etch]. One of the professors in the theater department saw me, and I remember him just saying I should do more theater. And he took an interest in me. And just that was enough. I remember thinking “I've been in the business major for three years, and nobody has ever shown me that type of interest.” Over the course of that summer, I needed to take a calculus class. On day three, I was like, you know what? I'm not about to do this. I'm about to switch my major to theater. I just knew there was something about acting that really vibed with me. So I switched majors and never looked back; and the fact that I'm here in my life is just wild.

CA __ Living the dream, as they say. As a relatively new face in Hollywood and television, I can't even tell you how many young people your age want to get into acting. They're budding actors and they're always looking for advice. What advice would you give them about acting, life, Hollywood, career?

QI __ Consistency because one of the things I always say is “how you do something is how you do everything”. So even if you're working at a restaurant job, which I did, do it with the same energy that you would be doing an acting gig because people pay attention to that; it carries over into other parts of your life. Have a consistent work ethic. Don't be afraid to pivot; be flexible. I’m hesitant to be like, if you want to act, just make sure you do it and don't deviate from that and stay on the path because it isn’t for everybody. So maybe there is something on that path that fits you better. And if you're so narrow minded to know it's acting and nothing else, then you're going to miss out on that opportunity. That's why I always say just keep your eyes open, because you don't want to cut your nose off to spite your face.

CA __ Wise words. I've asked you a bunch of questions. Is there anything that you want to say that I haven't touched on yet?

QI __ Just check out season two! We’re coming with some heat, and you get to see some really good performances from everybody. Tamera [Tomakili] who plays Cookie, Sean [Patrick Small: Larry Bird], John C [Reilly: Dr. Buss], Jason [Clarke: Jerry West], Jason [Segel: Paul Westhead] and Adrien [Brody: Pat Riley]. Oh, my God! And then Salli [Richardson-Whitfield], our amazing director who just is on fire. I'm just so happy to be a part of this team and continue to make this great show. I hope you all like it.

CA __ Shout out to the team. Shout out to you for being an incredible actor, giving inspiration to the next crop of actors. 

Photography Kevin Sinclair, Stylist Oretta Corbelli, Production David Gargiulo, Grooming Simone using  Jaxon Lane, Sisley Hair Rituel , and Andis Clippers (Exclusive Artists), Stylist Assistant Allegra Gargiulo, Talent Quincy Isaiah (Relevant)

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