Malcolm David Kelley Is A Man Of Many Talents
Malcolm David Kelley has been gracing our TV screens for well over 15+ years. He is an American actor, music artist, songwriter and a man of many talents. His first major debut role was in the 2002 film, Antwone Fisher at the age of 7 years old. He played Lil Saint in one of my favorite movies, You Got Served. His biography spans from his well known role “Walt” on the TV series Lost and has co-starred on Malcolm In The Middle, Girlfriends, Judging Amy, Eve and much more. He is a veteran in the entertainment industry.
Besides his success in acting, in 2012 himself and his “Gigantic” co-star Tony Oller formed the pop duo MKTO, in which they were also signed to Columbia Records. Kelley is currently still making music and you can stream his latest single Sit It On Me on all platforms. We got the chance to chop it up with the childhood star. Check out the interview below.
Who is Malcolm David Kelley and what is a “fun fact” that people may not know about you?
I am a cool, hardworking actor, artist from Bellflower, Long Beach, and Compton area of California! Grew up in all those parts and spent a lot of time in LA as well. Fun fact some may not know is that I can dance lol.
Your IMDb says you’ve been in the entertainment industry since the age of five, do you remember your first audition and were you nervous?
Yeah being that age, and I was influenced by a McDonald’s commercial watching kids have fun on tv, told my mom I wanted to do it and getting a manager, acting classes and a few auditions. I actually booked a McDonald’s commercial for my first gig. When I was a kid wasn’t as nervous lol I was just having fun that’s a luxury acting as a kid. But I still get nervous sometimes but that just means I continue to challenge myself which I think is important.
Of all the roles you have played, which is your favorite?
Man I have been blessed to be apart of some classic projects. They all hold a special place in my heart. First movie as lil antwone which was also a real story and it relates to me in a way I didn’t know. Working with Denzel Washington on his first directorial debut showed me longevity and showed me what I want to do later in life.
Being Lil Saint in You Got Served Is always a great feeling that movie had such a cultural impact, so I was glad to be a part of that movie. Originally in the script lil Saint was a dancer, my nerves kicked in for the audition with the dancing part and all I did was clown walk for 3 minutes lol didn’t have a routine. But I did great on the acting part so they changed the script lol.
Then a lot of tv shows I was happy to be a part of like girlfriends, Malcolm in the middle, and Law and Order svu (one of my favorite shows).
Being Walt in the cult following show lost was definitely what elevated my career to appeal to a broader demographic. So at a early age I know the difference between urban and pop culture but to be embraced. Why both doesn’t happen often.
Loved my intimate role in Detroit first love back from doing a lot of music that had me so busy that I didn’t mean to step away from acting but I messed up on how I got into the music game only mistake I made in my career. So just a message to up and coming artists: don’t sign a deal, build your value up so you have leverage and you don’t have to sign for one long album or 2 tops.
But I don’t get involved with a project if I don’t enjoy it.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career thus far?
Biggest accomplishment is a good question. I have been proud of a lot of things I have done in my career with a lot more room to grow. Sometimes we overlook what we have done but I appreciate it when people tell me they grew up watching me or enjoy my work.
I loved what we did on Lost and how innovative Jj Abrams was bringing a show like that to TV and to be a part of that where it still lives on through streaming, people still enjoy it like when it first came out. We won as a cast of lost also an award for Detroit and being apart of a movie with a message.
Another accomplishment I’m proud of was to do a song with Nipsey Hussle. I had problems putting the song out with my label and MKTO at the time but that was a big regret, I should have released it. But I thought I would have time to do another one. But advice to every artist and anyone, follow through with your plans and dreams, you only live once.
Also just having a nice acting career and then going to music and starting from the bottom would have done a lot different with the signing up but ultimately we toured the world and had gold and platinum songs but I did let them interfere with my legacy I saw for myself. But all and all I’m proud of everything and more on the way with writing and producing my own content.
Besides acting, you are also a music artist, when did you develop a love for music?
Yes I have always loved music. The color, the vibes, and the emotions that are felt through frequencies is amazing. Definitely also therapeutic, a hobby and sometimes work.
But I just love music. My dad put me in a lot of Motown and that era of music and now I love ty$, drake, k.dot, future, Chris brown, Bryson, and much more. Inspired by those artist and life experiences that I put in music with catchy melodies & relatable stories for people to vibe to. I love to go out and have a good time as well so you can always expect a record from me where u want to move your body lol.
Is there someone who inspires you the most and has helped you continue to push along on your journey?
I pull inspiration from a lot of different people for things I admire and rather. My mom def helped a lot helping me get to every audition and my dad for the hard work. Watching Denzel Washington exceed limitations in my mind directing and acting in movies. Spike lee and Issa Rae for how they write their stories. Dave Chappelle for not settling for what he is worth in this industry. Smokey Robinson for all the music he has written and Ice Cube for his music career and his film career and 50 Cent. The list goes one but you can learn from a lot of people and figure out how their journey can prepare you for yours.
Do you have a dream role that you would like to play?
Definitely want to be a Superhero. Chadwick Boseman is the man!!! As I’m getting older I can play more of the doctor roles and just things not kid appropriate so I’m excited just for what comes with age. I would like to do more comedy as well I do a lot of Drake so comedy would be fun. I need my own sitcom like Martin!
What is next for you? Anything special coming up?
Thank you for the time!!! Stay safe during this quarantine!!
Follow my socials IG & Twitter is @therealmalcolm
Soundcloud & YouTube: M K
More solo music on the way!!
( Rotate ) out on all platforms now.
New MKTO if your a pop music fan!
Watch Insecure latest season I’m on there.
Also stream Deputy on Hulu.
More projects of mine are also on streaming services.
