Pride Spotlight: Actor & Model Kyle Price Interview!
Written By: Philip Johnson
From acting in Slay TV’s ‘Love @ First Night’ web-series, to being an internationally- signed model, brand ambassador and personality, Kyle Price is paving a wonderful career for himself in the media & entertainment industry! We need Black gay men out here creating the lives of their dreams. In honor of 2020’s Pride Month, we got to celebrate Kyle’s accomplishments and interview him on his journey as a Black queer dream-chaser. Enjoy!
Where are you from?
I am from Willingboro, NJ; born and raised. But I play around in New York most of the time.
When did you first know you wanted to act and model?
I've always known that's what I've wanted to do. I tried so many different things and nothing felt right except for when I was in front of a screen. It just felt like home. I would always practice doing commercials and rehearsing lines in front of my mirror with a brush to make sure i got my cadence right and everything. It was that serious lol
I first found you through Slay TV’s web-series: LAFN! What were your favorite parts of that acting experience?
Working with the cast and crew of "Love @ First Night" literally changed my life. It was a great experience because every scenario we discussed on that show we had deep dive discussions about all of our experiences and how we would film the topic to make it more authentic.
We started that show in 2016 and are still as close as ever. I love everyone that I filmed with.
You’ve been signed to modeling agencies and even moved to South Africa temporarily for one. How was it living in South Africa?
Moving to South Africa was the best decision I've ever made in my life. I moved out there because I'm signed to a modeling agency in Cape Town but just to experience the culture and the people out there opened my eyes up to so much. Also just seeing so many black people flourishing in the continent where my ancestors are originally from really instilled such a sense of pride that I can't begin to describe.
Can you talk to us about your brand partnerships and how they came about?
For sure! I am currently the face of a cologne called "Get Right" by the Clean Team Global company. They are an upcoming black owned men's fragrance brand, which I think is important to highlight because I always want to try and support Black businesses. I am also in a short film that my friend Kameron Mack made called "King's America Made". That film is making it's way around the festival circuit and it discusses the hardships of growing up black and queer in America. I also have my first national commercial ad with State Farm coming soon as well as a few more projects on the way that I can't speak on as of yet. But some big things are coming!!
What is it like for you being a gay Black man navigating the media and entertainment industry?
Fortunately for me I haven't experienced too much direct discrimination but I know it is out there. There are a lot of people with antiquated ideas of what it means to make it in this industry but my mindset is if an opportunity isn't presented to me there's always a way to make it myself. I decide what I want then I conquer it.
What advice do you have for queer Black men looking to pursue creative careers?
Know who you are and what you stand for before you enter the room. Don't just take anything offered to you because it's there or just because it's popular if it doesn't fit. Also know that you have power in just being you. That's your super power and what will make you stand out.
I always stress this to everyone as well; make sure when you make it reach back and help those coming up after you. Especially those young, black and queer trying to make it in the same industry as you. It costs nothing to help someone else and will take nothing away from your talent to help someone else. There's room for everyone to eat.
Who are some of your queer + Black role models?
I've always looked up to people like Darryl Stephens from Noah's Arc and I had the honor of interviewing him during the third season of "Love @ First Night". He gave me so much great advice and we've developed a relationship since, so I was super excited about that. Plus I always loved the boldness of Grace Jones and Little Richard. I love outspoken people.
What types of projects do you dream of being involved in?
I've always wanted to do voice over work because I'm a little bit of a geek and am obsessed with cartoons. Also, I want to play a villain of some sort in the near future; they always have the best roles. Plus I love romantic comedies so I would love to continue doing more of those as well, especially in the Black LGBTQ+ realm because it's important to showcase Black gay love.
What impact do you strive to make as you continue your career?
I really want to be an inspiration to everyone to show that they can do whatever they want to do despite any obstacle thrown at them. For a long time I didn't do a lot of things I wanted to do because of fear and because my circumstances weren't secure. I just knew I had a dream and a will to want to live life on my own terms. It wasn't until I took a chance on myself and sacrificed for my dreams that I found success and happiness doing things that I love to do. I just always want to encourage people, especially young Black queer people that you can do anything.
