Berto Colon On His Role As Lorenzo Tejada Power Book: II, and American Football
Shirt (similar styles) by HELMUT LANG
Berto Colon from Power Book II Ghost on football, his role as Lorenzo Tejada, and making a cultural impact with his roles.
Photographs by Marq Newman
You were born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and I read football was the reason why you fell in love with America. Who's your favorite football team?
I've always been a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, and it has nothing to do with Tom Brady. There was a guy there, John Lynch; he was a strong safety. When I saw that guy play football, I tried to emulate everything? First, it was Lawrence Taylor, and then it was John Lynch. I got to college, and I wanted to play just like that guy, hardnose and all over the field. He was kind of like Ronnie Lott with a bit more speed and athleticism.
You play Lorenzo Tejada on Power Book II Ghost, who's in prison. We really see his character depth when he interacts with his children. Did you notice that characteristic when you read the script or is that an element you added to the character because you're a father?
I absolutely tapped into the fundamentals of a relationship between parent and child. I've always had a great relationship with my parents, and when my daughters were born, it instantly changed my life. My approach to the role as Lorenzo is the same. It's a different line of work, a different situation but at the core, as parents, we protect and take care of ours. Lorenzo is the same way!
Sweater (similar styles) Carlo Pant ($250) and Jacket (similar styles) by BOGNER, Belt (similar styles) by PERRY ELLIS, ($150) by SPERRY
What do you think fans want to see from Lorenzo as Power Book II Ghost progresses?
I think fans want to see Mecca and Lorenzo meeting. There's a love triangle established. Mecca is Monet's old flame, possibly could of been Monet's husband at present, but that didn't work out. Now, fans want to see if Lorenzo gets out of prison and how he impacts the evolving relationship between Monet and Mecca. Mecca is back in the picture, he's disrupting, he's with Monet, he's influencing Cane, and Lorenzo doesn't know any of this. We now know Mecca is Zeek's father, which is significant. Fan's want to see how this crazy love triangle plays out if Lorenzo and Mecca meet.
You've been in several shows that have made a real cultural impact, Orange Is The New Black, When They See Us, and now Power. Was playing these roles the goal when you committed to pursuing acting or are these roles a stepping stone to a bigger, ultimate goal?
I think every actor wants to do meaningful work, and I want to leave my mark. I've always dreamed of creating work that contested societal views and ideologies. That was a part of my intake when I met my agents and manager. It seems fitting that a city kid like me, that's beaten the pavement, working at this for years, now gets to work on projects recognized by people who are from the same walk of life as me. The wonderful thing about people like Ava DuVernay, Courtney Kemp, and Jenji Kohan is they don't write to fit a mold; they write from their own life experiences. We, the actors, get to recreate that reality. I know we get recruited into those roles because we've also lived those experiences, and we're able to bring truth to those characters.
Edgar Shirt Jacket ($390) Jerry Down Coat ($2,200) by BOGNER, Jeans (similar styles) by RAG & BONE, Blazer Low ‘77 ($85) by NIKE
Where else can fans find you on their big screens and streaming services?
Orange Is The New Black and When They See Us are streaming on Netflix. I did a short film coming soon with Leven Rambin called Alpha/Beta. The movie Satos that I did with Roselyn Sanchez. And fans will see me more on Power. Season 3 is approved. We don't know what will happen yet but stay tuned.
Photographer: Marq Newman @marqnewman
Styling: Nigel Isaiah @nigel_isaiah
Grooming: Crystal R. Smith @locdinstyle
Creative & Production Director: Ammar Thomas @manmeetsstyle.com
Location: The 9 Studio