Jamaican-American actor and model McKinzie J. Scott, born and raised in New York, reaches a pivotal moment in his career as he takes the lead in Manhood, a series premiering on August 12 that delivers a raw and emotional look at a young man’s journey to find himself amid broken relationships and urban challenges. Known for his roles in productions such as Right to Remain Silent, The Gilded Age, and Poker Face, McKinzie portrays Micah — a character that brings him face-to-face with themes like friendship, identity, and the price of second chances — showcasing his versatility and commanding on-screen presence.
You began your artistic journey at a very young age, studying at the Professional Performing Arts School. Looking back, when was the moment you realized that acting would be more than a dream and would become your profession?
I realized it based on the work ethic I was putting in. I was constantly watching scenes, studying performances, and always eager to learn more. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a new script or dive into a new character. At some point, it stopped feeling like just a dream or a hobby—it became real. It became my life. From that moment on, I treated it with complete seriousness.
In Manhood, Micah faces challenges that don’t come with an instruction manual. What parts of your own life or experiences helped you give depth to this character?
Micah is someone who craves attention but doesn’t know how to ask for it. I think we’ve all experienced moments like that—feeling invisible or unheard, wanting connection but not knowing how to express it. That emotional disconnect is something I could tap into, and it helped me build Micah from the inside out. I understood him as someone acting out, not from malice, but from a deep need to be seen.
The series talks a lot about mentorship and the importance of having—or not having—someone to guide the way. Have you ever had an “Owen” in your real life?
I wouldn’t say I had one specific “Owen,” but I’ve definitely had people in my life I could count on—people who gave me guidance and support when I needed it most. Sometimes, you feel like you owe them more than you could ever repay. That kind of impact sticks with you.
Your role in Right to Remain Silent was considered a turning point in your career. What lessons from that project did you take into this new phase as a protagonist?
That project taught me the power of emotional depth. It made me want to do more—to truly live in the skin of a character. Once you take on a role, it becomes your reality for the time being. Whether you’re ready or not, that character is yours. Right to Remain Silent reminded me that showing up fully is the only way to honor that responsibility.
Playing such an intense character takes a heavy emotional toll. How did you disconnect from Micah at the end of the day to go back to just being McKinzie?
It comes down to professionalism. The truth is, every character you play stays with you in some way—but having the right people around you makes a difference. Having someone in your corner, who reminds you of who you are outside of the role, helps you stay grounded.
With Manhood and other major projects coming up, do you feel like you’re in the most challenging or most liberating moment of your career so far?
I wouldn’t call it the most challenging or the most liberating—because both can always evolve. But I do think this is a major turning point. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know I’m just getting started. I’m excited to see where the next few years take me, because I have no intention of slowing down. This is only the beginning.
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