Award-winning actor Keith Powers is young, fine and Black. He’s more than just a rising star in Hollywood—he’s a storyteller with a deep connection to the roles he takes on. In his latest role, Emperor of Ocean Park, Keith steps into a character that resonates with his own journey, blending ambition with vulnerability. During an exclusive candid conversation with MadameNoire, he opened up about the challenges of shifting career paths, the significance of Black storytelling and representation in media, and why this new role feels like a personal milestone. Keith’s passion for his craft shines through as he shares the layers of his most complex character yet with MadameNoire.

MadameNoire: Let’s talk about your new series Emperor of Ocean Park. Tell us about the series and the character you play.

Keith Powers: Sure! Emperor of Ocean Park is a crime thriller centered around a family dealing with the unaliving of their father, Judge Whitaker, played by the legendary Forest Whitaker. The story is intense, filled with twists and turns, as the family uncovers dark secrets. My character is Lionel, a former NBA star whose career was cut short by an injury. He’s now in law school, trying to make a new path for himself. It’s a huge shift for him—going from the adrenaline-filled world of professional sports to the intellectual and demanding environment of law school. Lionel is ambitious, driven, and trying to prove himself in this new arena while also grappling with his past.

We’ve seen you in various light-hearted and fun roles before like The Perfect Find with Gabrielle Union and The New Edition Story, but this role is much different. How did you prepare for it?

This role definitely required a different kind of preparation. Lionel is dealing with a lot—he’s trying to make it in a world that’s completely new to him while also carrying the weight of his past as an athlete. I spent a lot of time thinking about that transition, drawing on my own experiences with change and adaptation. I also spoke with some of my NBA friends to understand what it’s like to have your career suddenly change direction. There’s a certain vulnerability and determination that comes with starting over, especially when you’ve been at the top in another field. The cast and crew were phenomenal too, which made getting into character much easier. We had a great dynamic on set, and that really helped me stay in the mindset of the character throughout filming.

Keith Powers at the Montblanc event celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Meiserstuck pen held at the Paramour Estate on May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. Source: Michael Buckner / Getty

This series is a thriller with Forest Whitaker as the lead character. It deals with deception and conspiracy, which differs from what we’ve seen you in. How did you approach these darker elements in your performance?

It’s definitely a different vibe from my previous roles. The key was to ground my performance in the reality of the situation. Lionel is navigating a world full of secrets and lies, so I had to play everything straight, even when the script was hinting at something deeper. There’s always this undercurrent of tension, like you’re never quite sure who you can trust, and I wanted to bring that to the character.

I remember on the first day of filming I received some new information about Lionel’s backstory that almost threw me off. I had to take a moment to process it and figure out how to integrate it into my performance. It was challenging, but it added so much depth to the character. The darker elements of the story really pushed me as an actor, and I think it’ll resonate with the audience.

Speaking of Forest Whitaker, what was it like working with him?

Interestingly, Forest and I didn’t actually have scenes together because of our different filming schedules. But being part of a series where he’s the lead is still an incredible honor. He’s a legend, and just knowing that I’m part of a project that he’s involved with is a huge milestone for me. It’s one of those bucket-list moments as an actor, for sure. Even though we didn’t share screen time, his presence was definitely felt on set, and it elevated everyone’s performance. I hope we get to work together directly in the future.

Source: Actor Grantham Coleman as Talcott Garland and Keith Powers as Lionel (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.) / other

Plot twists are always exciting. How did you navigate the twists and turns of the storylines in your role?

The plot twists in Emperor of Ocean Park are intense, and they kept me on my toes. As an actor, you have to play it straight and let the story reveal itself to the audience without giving too much away. I focused on staying true to Lionel’s journey—his motivations, his fears, his desires. Even when the twists came I had to make sure my performance remained consistent with who Lionel is. The writing is so good that the twists feel natural, even when they’re shocking. My job was to react as Lionel would, and trust that the audience would come along for the ride. It’s a delicate balance, but I think we pulled it off.

Did you find any similarities between yourself and your character?

Definitely. Lionel’s background as an athlete really resonated with me. I grew up wanting to be a pro football player, so I understand that mindset—the discipline, the focus, the drive to be the best. When you’ve dedicated your life to something, it becomes a part of your identity. For Lionel, losing basketball was like losing a part of himself, and that’s something I could relate to on a personal level. I’ve had to shift gears in my own life, going from sports to acting, and that experience helped me connect with Lionel’s journey.

There’s also this underlying theme of proving yourself, which I think a lot of people can relate to, whether it’s in your career or in your personal life. Lionel is trying to show the world—and himself—that he’s more than just an athlete, and that’s something I’ve experienced too.

Keith Powers attends the premiere of “The Perfect Find” presented by Netflix during the American Black Film Festival at New World Center on June 16, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. Source: Ivan Apfel / Getty

What’s one takeaway you want the audience to have after watching the series?

I want the audience to walk away feeling like they’ve been on a wild ride, but also craving more. This series is full of twists and turns, but it’s also a deep, emotional story about family, identity, and redemption. I hope people connect with the characters and see themselves in their struggles and triumphs. Ultimately, I want them to be so invested in the story that they’re begging for another season. The way the series ends leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and I think that’ll keep people talking long after the credits roll.

The series is out now on MGM+, and new episodes air weekly on Sunday’s at 10 p.m. ET. Is there anything else you want to share with the audience?

Yes, it’s important to note that Emperor of Ocean Park has a predominantly Black cast and crew, which is something we need to support in today’s entertainment industry. Representation matters, and it’s crucial that we show up for projects like this that tell diverse and non-stereotypical stories. Our industry can be unpredictable, and the success of shows like this one helps ensure that we can continue to see more diverse stories being told. So, I’d encourage everyone to watch, talk about it, and share it with others. Support is key to keeping these stories alive.

Thank you very much for your time. Please drop your social media handles so we can follow you and the series.

You can find me at @KeithPowers on all social media platforms. And definitely follow Emperor of Ocean Park on Instagram, and check out MGM Plus for exclusive clips, updates and more behind-the-scenes content.

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The post Young, Fine And Black: Keith Powers Takes On Intriguing Role In New Thriller Series ‘Emperor Of Ocean Park’ Starring Forest Whitaker [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.