INTERVIEW: Hunter Clowdus on The CW’s ‘All American,’ His Journey on the Series, Hollywood, and More

Season three of All American premieres on January 18, with new episodes airing Mondays at 8 – 9 PM ET on The CW.

The series follows Spencer James (Daniel Ezra), a talented high school football star, as he leaves his time at South Crenshaw High as their breakout player to becoming state champion at Beverly Hills High. Every aspect of his life is evolving, but eventually, Spencer decides to return to South Crenshaw High for his senior year with Billy Baker (Taye Diggs). In this new season, we will see the Beverly/Crenshaw rivalry truly hit close to home for our favorite characters. The season promises to be a very dramatic and change-filled senior year for all involved.

Read below for our exclusive interview with Hunter Clowdus, who portrays JJ Parker, to find out more about the character of JJ, his fans, filming the new season of All American, social isolation, and what aspect of the entertainment industry he’d like to explore in the future.

GLITTER: Was there a specific moment you knew you wanted to pursue acting? If so, what was it? 
HUNTER: January 30, 2012. I booked a role as a lacrosse player on Teen Wolf. It was about 3 in the morning, and 20 something degrees, just outside Atlanta, Georgia. When the director called “action,” I instantly felt as if I was a part of something so much bigger, something that could not only reach but inspire people all over the world. It was such a humbling honor and still is. But that was the moment I knew in my heart that this is what I was called to do.

GLITTER: You play JJ Parker on The CW’s All American, which returns on January 18. What can fans expect from this new season?
HUNTER: Ahh!! It is so exciting to be back!! This season is truly unlike any other, with Spencer moving back to Crenshaw and taking Coach Baker with him! Change is in the air, and of course, it would have to be our senior year when the stakes are already high. Fans can expect a helluva ride!

GLITTER: How would you describe your journey on the show, and what does the character of JJ mean to you?
HUNTER: My personal journey on the show is one that means more to me than any other role I’ve gotten. I auditioned for this pilot with a heavy heart as my nana passed away that morning. I auditioned at noon, and after the audition, I flew home. I actually got the news I booked the role the day of her funeral, so it was something that brought some joy to my family in a really difficult time. JJ means a lot to me. Again, I was in a very sentimental state when I booked the role, but I knew I could play certain character traits JJ had, not because I had them, but because he reminded me a lot of my dad back when he was in high school! The JJ you see on screen today is a solid mix of myself and my dad, which is something I think is really cool and special.

GLITTER: If you could create a dream storyline for JJ, what would it be and why?
HUNTER: Honestly, I love where he’s at. I think the writers do a phenomenal job knowing the comedic relief he provides in what is otherwise a more dramatic show. Maybe we could see more of his personal life or just see him getting into more trouble, but for the most part, I understand his role in the bigger story, and it’s a privilege and pleasure to play.

GLITTER: What has the fan support for you and the show meant to you, and what message do you want to give fans who are tuning in for season three?
HUNTER: Everything. I mean truly everything. We aren’t doing this interview without the fans. There is no All American without the fans. I feel really grateful, especially in a time of such despair for so many, that we have a show that is about family and coming together. I think it is going to provide something for so many to look forward to, and again I am just so thrilled to be a part of it.

GLITTER: What is your favorite lesson that the show has taught you personally or as an actor?
HUNTER: I think patience is a lesson that it has taught me. I remember shooting the pilot, and we knew we had something special, but it still took weeks, if not months, even to know if we were going to have a show. Fast forward to now, and we have a hit that we all want to continue making and are having a blast making, but we have to do so under very strict protocol following many restrictions due to the pandemic. I think patience is really what it takes to see the big picture but also be able to stay present and take things a day at a time, knowing that in the end, it will all work out.

GLITTER: What has filming the new season been like with all of the COVID-19 safety protocols? 
HUNTER: Different, to say the least. One thing I always loved was the camaraderie that we have on this show, which includes many hugs and handshakes along the way. Unfortunately, that has all been cut out, even just the little things like seeing someone smile, which is now hidden behind a mask. It’s just different. But fortunately, we have been able to continue shooting, and I am proud of how serious and strict we have been.

GLITTER: Besides All American, what has been one highlight of your career so far?
HUNTER: I have to say the platform it’s provided me and the opportunity to touch so many people. It’s always been about helping others, for me, helping them realize that anything is possible. I just knew I needed to go make it happen so that when I spoke about it, it would carry some weight. I always listened better when someone spoke from experience. So yeah, I think the highlight of my career has been the affirmation through others’ words and actions that what I am doing has helped inspire them. It’s the greatest honor I could ever have.

GLITTER: Are there any past roles that you’ve done that you would like to revisit in the future or create a more detailed storyline for?
HUNTER: It’s not a past role, but it would be REALLYYY fun to see JJ in college. I mean, can you imagine?!? I feel like he could literally have his own show.

GLITTER: Favorite film or television set you’ve been on and why? Any favorite memories from that set?
HUNTER: Breaking Bad. I emailed the casting director 30 times over a two year period to be on that show. I think it is one of the greatest shows of all time. The lesson it taught me was essentially anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and be dedicated is one that I still hold near and dear to my heart today.

GLITTER: Favorite place you’ve traveled?
HUNTER: Italy. It’s just magic.

GLITTER: What was a day in social isolation like for you, and what did you do to enjoy all of the free time? 
HUNTER: Honestly, it wasn’t too terrible. Spending some time with yourself can be quite delightful and enlightening as well. I found that I absolutely love the challenge of entrepreneurship and ended up launching a clothing company (Clowdus Clothing) as well as starting a live stream show (twitch.tv/kingclowdus). I was able to work on personal goals and really take the excuse of being “too busy” out of the equation, which proved to be a game-changer.

GLITTER: How do you keep yourself motivated? 
HUNTER: I never make it about me. It’s about those who believe in me. And I can’t let them down. When you take that approach, it takes all the emotions out and makes it a game of execution. Emotionally I could have good days and bad days, but if it’s not about me and all I have to do is execute for them, then BOOM, stuff gets done. Although, I will say if you do what you love, you will be amazed at how “motivated” you are.

GLITTER: Best piece of acting advice you’ve received? 
HUNTER: Listen.

GLITTER: Is there anyone in the entertainment industry that you hope to work with in the future?
HUNTER: Any A-lister. I know that is super broad, but I mean it. There is something about being around someone that is just on top of the game, the best of the best. They will push you like no one else can. Sharing a scene with them, you’d really have to bring it, or you’re just going to get destroyed. That’s an exciting challenge.

GLITTER: One thing fans don’t know about you?
HUNTER: Despite what you see JJ do, I have never smoked or drank anything in my entire life. Not even a sip.

GLITTER: What is your favorite thing about taking on a new role/character?
HUNTER: To me, it’s really like meeting a new friend. You find out things about them as you go. The JJ you know today was not the JJ I originally started crafting. Seeing your character come to life and really take a life of their own is so cool. You just hold on loosely and let them dance.

GLITTER: Favorite genre to watch and favorite genre to do acting-wise?
HUNTER: Huge fan of dramas. The stories are usually compelling, and the depth at which you can push your acting is really unlike any other genre.

GLITTER: Are there any other aspects of the entertainment industry you hope to explore in the future?
HUNTER: I’m such a fan of the orchestra that is creating, I could definitely see myself directing one day. But for now, I love acting so much that that is where I want all of my focus to be.

GLITTER: Last show you binge-watched?
HUNTER: Entourage. Oldie but a goodie. 

GLITTER: If you were going on a road trip, what music would your playlist consist of?
HUNTER: Love me some chill, vibey hip hop as well as some alt-rock. I love all things with good energy, and those two genres tend to provide some good vibes without being too distracting.

GLITTER: Last movie you watched that really shocked you?
HUNTER: Parasite. Wild.

GLITTER: Glitter has a celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign. What does self-love mean to you?
HUNTER: For me, it’s about being proud of where I’m at even though this isn’t my final form. I think every season of life is different, and it’s easy to get caught up in what is next, but I think being self-aware enough to appreciate the now and know that you belong and are enough is very important.

GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tease?
HUNTER: While my focus is pretty dead set on All American at the moment, my show on Twitch is honestly something I think that so many people are going to love. It’s a mixture of a podcast, therapy session, comedy show, life lessons; I mean, it’s just a good ol’ time. Check it out and come through sometime. I do a lot of Q & A’s and have such an amazing community on there! Twitch.tv/kingclowdus

GLITTER: What are the best social media platforms for fans to follow you?
HUNTER: @hunterclowdus on Instagram is all things professional. @kingclowdus on Instagram is all things personal. @kingclowdus on Twitch is literally the best-kept secret and @hunterclowdus on TikTok is sure to make you laugh.