Check out our interview with young actor Leo Abelo Perry who can be seen in worldwide popular film “Fast X” playing the role of Little B (Dom Toretto’s son.) Leo can be seen also in the Disney+ family comedy “Cheaper by the Dozen,” opposite Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union. Other credits include ABC’s Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration where Leo plays Chip opposite numerous notable performers, including Martin Short, David Alan Grier, H.E.R, and Joshua Henry. Leo also starred in,” “Black-ish,” and “The Big Leap.”
At the age of seven, Perry, a burgeoning social activist, started Dance for Justice at the height of the 2020 racial justice protests. His year-long dancing endeavor raised funds for racial justice programs and served as the inspiration to launch and host an activism podcast called “The Activators!,” in partnership with A Kids Co.
Follow Leo @leoabeloperry
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Goofy, curious, and active
How did you get started into acting?
I was maybe five years old when I remember watching a TV show and wondering – “are those people actually IN the TV? Can I be IN the TV?” I didn’t think I’d actually get the chance to be on TV but I’m grateful for the many, MANY people who have helped me along the way. I’d never be a kid who acts unless for the support of just so many people. I guess it’s a combination of good humans, hard work, and a lot of luck!
How has this changed your life?
I feel really lucky because working hasn’t really disrupted my every day life. I still go to a normal school, play team sports, and hang with my best friends. I guess how this has all really changed my life are the many amazing adventures where I get to travel and learn about different cultures (and food). And then of course meeting so many awesome people on set and learning about their journeys and how their work is part of the greater story.
Tell us about your work as Little B in the very popular film “Fast X?”
I got to work with such amazing people, both in front and behind the camera. For my role as Little B, I kept telling myself two things – family (and living up to the Toretto name) and action. Those two things are what drove all my actions and lines. I loved doing all the stunts and action and can’t wait to do more action based work.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I’ve loved all the roles I’ve been able to play and I feel like a common thread has been that all projects are family based and a lot of the characters are someone I can really relate to. Also a lot of the work I’ve been doing are remakes. I think one day, I’d love to be part of an original story. I also love to sing and it would be really exciting to maybe strum my ukulele while singing a little song as part of the role.
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Michael B. Jordan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the Director Ryan Coogler. 🙂
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Be in the moment. And know you’re only one tiny tiny piece of the whole project so get to know everyone on set. And say thank you.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
I’m still learning and I guess, that’s a great lesson – to always be learning. It’s ok to not know everything and to ask for help. I also think being grateful while also surrounding yourselves with a tight circle of people who know you, advocate for you, and create a space for you to always be you.
What’s next for Leo Perry in 2023?
2022 was such a wild ride that I can’t imagine how 2023 can be topped. I’d love to continue the adventures while also just taking part of what I do at home – playing sports, playing Simba in my school play, and hanging with my cousins. If something comes along, amazing. If not, that’s ok, too. 🙂
What is your favorite healthy food?
Broccoli!
Do you support any charity?
A couple years ago, I actually started something called Dance for Justice. I danced for a year to raise awareness and money for racial justice initiatives. I was so inspired by the response and learned of so many amazing kids who are doing amazing work by ‘doing what they love, to spread more love, ‘that we actually created a podcast called The Activators! with the group A Kids Co. We interviewed ten kids who have their own organizations and/or initiatives, and talk about a bunch of different issues, including book and food deserts, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and STEAM for Black youth. Check out the podcast for all those amazing groups!
Favorite song? Why?
Anything by JVKE. And I mean anything.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is tricky. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to raise money and awareness around Dance for Justice so I think it’s amazing if you’re trying to help or do something good. If my social media presence ever gets big, I hope it can be used to just celebrate people and projects and advocate for good work. My family and I actually post together so it’s my voice but I don’t ever scroll. Sometimes a dance or an NBA highlight reel gets our attention but I actually try to limit consumption.
Where we can follow you?
@leoabeloperry on all accounts. We’re not super active but hope, again, to use my platform for good and to share love.
Favorites:
Book: The Lost Whale and The Last Bear, both by Hannah Gold
Travel Destination: Paris, then London, then Rome, then Portugal. Then Philadelphia and the jersey shore (where I go for vacation with my family).
Sports Team: The Golden State Warriors
Favorite Athlete: Steph Curry
