Born into the vibrant and cultural streets of Toronto, Canada, Al McFoster was born to entertain! Raised in a Caribbean household, he was engulfed in the eclectic culture, exposed to all types of music from gospel to reggae. Al’s family was heavily involved in entertainment. His mother was an established well-known gospel singer in the Caribbean and his brother was a local rapper and aspiring DJ. He was surrounded by hip-hop, pop, and fashion culture on a daily basis. Performing at various showcases at a young age, he nurtured his hosting, singing, and rapping skills. We had the pleasure of speaking to this multidisciplinarian about his career.
Al, thanks for taking the time to speak to us about your work. Raised in a Caribbean household, you were exposed to all types of music, from gospel to reggae. With family heavily involved in entertainment, was it inevitable you would pursue a career in the arts? Did you aspire to work in any of the creative industries?
Hey… I appreciate you guys taking the time and having an interest in speaking to me. It’s great what you’ve done! So, was it inevitable? Hmmmm… I wouldnt say “inevitable”. Maybe, “very possible” would be the term. I mean, my Mom was an accomplished singer, and my older brother was an MC and DJ, and they both influenced me. Probably without even knowing it, because I either did or do both. So on second thought maybe, yes, inevitably based on that influence. I was a lead singer, an MC/rapper, and still a DJ. But yes, I did aspire to be in creative industries. It’s in my blood. I probably had no choice now that I look back at it, LOL! For as long as I remember I was always interested in being an entertainer.
Who has been most influential in your career and why?
Wow! Great question. I would have to say, Denzel Washington. I’m mean, literally as we’re doing this interview, funny enough the movie “Out of Time” is on-screen on the movie network by coincidence. Crazy right? But I would say the years of watching Denzel, definitely intrigued me about the world of acting among others I admire like Leonardo DiCaprio, Viola Davis, John C. Reilly, Will Smith, and others. However, on an ongoing basis, a lot of my peers currently in the business influence me. I love to see people win, and that in itself is influential and inspiring.
Your early exposure to performing in public has enabled your adaptability to stage, theatre, television shows, as well as feature films. Are there any particular experiences that have shaped and influenced your approach to work in each sector?
I would definitely say singing in my church choir, public speaking, and performing in plays as a youth prepared me for the stage. I remember being the lead actor in a play called “Colby” who was a robot that gave advice on how to handle certain situations. I recall being more excited to hit the stage, rather than nervous. I loved commanding attention. I loved how it felt. And even though I was only about 14 years old, I felt at home performing. It felt like second nature to me. Watching TV and taking broadcasting courses for radio and television, prepared me for working in television shows and feature films. Looking back, I’m grateful for the things I didn’t even notice that would prepare me for what I do today. It’s at times like this, when questions arise, that it sheds a light on what I may tend to overlook. I love it! I’m truly thankful for the diagram my life has that was laid before it came full circle for me to realize.
Many will know you from your role in “Titans”. Please share your experience working on the set of the popular TV series.
I truly enjoyed it! Everyone from casting to the crew to the directors themselves, really allowed me to explore the complexities and various textures of the role of Rafelson Roberts. I love when I can make a character, “my own”. He’s a crime boss, so he should have an edge, but I wanted him to be slightly vulnerable so he was relatable for those who didn’t know the type of world he comes from. I believe I’ve done that. So thank you to the DC Comics as well as the HBO Max family and all that were involved in my process.
You’ve joined the cast of the sixth season of “Riverdale”. Please tell us more about your role and what audiences can expect?
Yes… Well, getting this role was kind of a surprise to me, in a way. See, I was already flying to where they filmed the show to actually film a movie when I got the frantic contact from my agent that I had to change my flight and arrive earlier because of Riverdale. What a blessing as a surprise! I’ve known about the show for a while, but it wasn’t until I got the role and told some people that I know, that I realized just how BIG the following of the show is. I couldn’t believe it! A pleasant surprise. On the show, I play a shrewd financial investor who begins to question the validity of a deal that was made. I can’t give away too many details, people will have to watch this season, but I “shake” things up a bit. I think the audience will love it!
What do you look for when choosing a role?
Well, the first thing I look at is, how does this role represents my brand and what I want it to do with my career. I believe for every artist, that’s the first question they should ask themselves. It’s important. Once I do that, I look at the type of production it is and how it will be produced and marketed. Then, if I’m able to see, I look at who’s involved in terms of; cast, crew, producers, and overall production. Like most people, I like to know who I’m working with. And last but not least, I envision the character and see how I can embody that person with my unique flare.
What has been the most challenging project to work on?
Hmmmm… Never been asked that one before. I guess I would say my most challenging project to work on, hasn’t even happened yet. In all honesty… The roles I’ve gotten so far, have not been too hard of a stretch for me to play. Not that they were easy, but they haven’t presented a “real” challenge. I’m waiting for that role. The one that will take me out of my comfort zone. I’m waiting eagerly for it. And no matter what direction it takes me in, I can’t wait for it to happen.
You have a great resume in front of the camera. Do you have any aspirations to do more work behind the scenes, as a writer or producer?
Well, first of all, thank you. As far as behind the camera, I do have aspirations. I’ve tried writing, but it’s not my cup of tea. I’m too impatient for it, LOL! Maybe more of a screenplay writer or just the “idea guy” is my sort of thing. Being a producer is on my list of goals, but I definitely see myself in the director’s chair. That, I definitely know I can do! I’ve sampled it before, and it’s such a creative rush to bring all the thoughts of production together. It’s awesome. I want it. That will be a future step for me.
You’re an accomplished DJ. How do you juggle this with your filming schedule?
Actually, DJing is my “gig between gigs”. I spin all over in various places and events in between my days on set, filming. Music is actually my first true love. It’s how I got into this entertainment business. It’s almost like a default for me. I basically schedule my DJ gigs via my music performance agency, around my bookings as an actor with my TV/Film agent. It can get tight and hectic at times, but we make it manageable. I hold both facets of my career in high regard, but my acting is the first priority.
What other projects are you working on?
Well, I’m working on a few projects right now which I can’t give details about at the moment due to NDAs, except for two films I’m currently working on. A movie coming up for Hallmark, called “Heart Of The Matter” where I play a minister, which comes out in Spring 2022. Also, a movie for Disney + coming out next year, called “Prom Pact”, which is a story about a feminist who doesn’t believe in love in which I play an annoying banker. I can’t wait for my fans and followers to see what I’ve been working on. Great projects that will take my career to new heights and different audiences. 11. Where can our readers find out more about you? Well… All you amazing readers can find out more about me through my official website, ALMcFOSTER.com, and follow my social media @ALMcFOSTER. I love being in tune with my fans because they share this journey with me. I appreciate them all. I try to make myself accessible as much as possible. And if that’s not enough, you can always Google me. Ha! Thank you guys!
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