For some artists, all that’s needed is that one person seeing something in you, that you haven’t yet seen in yourself. While the gifts and talent are part of your DNA, it sometimes takes a small nudge to bring them out.
For Greensboro native J. Alphonse Nicholson, a small push from a professor at North Carolin Central University is what helped jumpstart the actor’s stardom. While many were only recently introduced to Nicholson’s acting chops on the Starz breakout hit, P-Valley, his grind started years ago right here in North Carolina.
“I’ve always had it, I just didn’t know until I was about 18,” Nicholson told The Block. “I went to Central to be a musician, but a theater professor by the name of Karen Dacons-Brock came up to me and said “you have a lot of personality, and I think you should audition for this play.” So I auditioned.”
Nicholson landed the lead role in the play Home, written by iconic Black playwright Samm Art Williams, and he was instantly bitten by the acting bug. After getting a few more plays under his belt at Central, he realized that in order to make this a real career, he would need to branch out beyond his roots in North Carolina.
“I stayed at Central for 3 years, before I dropped out. I knew that if I wanted to reach the pinnacle of this acting thing, I would need to leave North Carolina.”
He started that journey by working with the PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill. While he only made $500 a month, he was earning what’s called equity points that would eventually allow him to work beyond the confines of NC.
That next chapter in Nicholson’s life took him to stages across the country, until he finally decided to plant himself in New York. While he chased his dream, he earned money as a street drummer across the city, because the rent was still due no matter what.
His consistent grind and hustle eventually landed him on Broadway. Yes, that Broadway.
“It was such a milestone when I was able to reach it,” he shared. ” When you get that first Broadway credit, it makes you feel like hell yea! I’m a real thespian now.”
Nicholson has been able to work alongside other Black acting greats like David Allen Grier on Broadway, and credits the stage for really helping him sharpen his skill. It was also through the stage that P-Valley creator Katori Hall spotted Nicholson. She pulled him aside after a show, and asked for his contact info. Six months later, an email came through that would change his life.
She wanted Nicholson to audition for a role on a new show she was shopping around. While it was only for the pilot, he knew this audition was a step major in his career.
“We got the pilot and I immediately started calling my family to let them know. I’m crying and all that. I knew from that moment that my life would change, and I just wanted to keep pushing the needle forward.”
But, what you may not realize is that Nicholson isn’t new to the T.V. screen. He considers himself an unrecognizable, recognizable actor. Before P-Valley, he had a role in Just Mercy, alongside Michael B. Jordan— among several others. Roles like that are what helped him build the confidence needed to bring his A-game to his character, “Lil Murda.”
Playing roles that help bring light to narratives that affect Black culture, are important for the actor. Many have been curious to know why he decided to follow through on a role, that may be somewhat uncomfortable for most straight men.
“These stories deserve to be told,” he explained. “I see my family members or people that I know in the characters I play, and I am hoping that others will be able to understand what they go through every single day of their life. They face these battles for years, so I can withstand six months of playing a character to shed light on their story. The purpose is much larger than me.”
“Lil Murda” definitely became a fan favorite, and we are eagerly awaiting season 2. Until then, Nicholson is still on his grind. He’s tapping back into his first love, music, with the release of his single “SLIDIN” featuring P-Valley co-star Tyler Lepley (Diamond). The song is currently available on streaming platforms.
We asked Nicholson to share a few words of advice for other aspiring Black creatives and creative entrepreneurs, here’s what he said:
“Don’t sit around and wait for your art to work for you. You have to put yourself in a position to get that art to make you money. Either way, the rent is still due, so pick up a side hustle in the meantime. Also, don’t let the money be the end-all-be-all. I had to learn that the hard way. The first time I got my first 5-figure check, I realized that yesterday’s problems were still there, too. So the money doesn’t solve everything. Finally, make sure you have some balance. You can’t just be out here being a dope artist, but being a shitty partner, spouse, or parent. It doesn’t work like that.”
As Nicholson suggests always take care of those who take care of you, it will take you very far.
To catch more from J. Alphonse Nicholson, and to see what he has coming next, follow along on Instagram at: @J_fonz. Watch The Block’s entire interview with the actor here.
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Harris
Amazing story and article!