Aaron Pierre in 2024.Photo:Aitor Rosas Sune/WWD via Getty
Aitor Rosas Sune/WWD via Getty
ForAaron Pierre, playingMalcolm Xon screen has always been the ultimate acting dream. But when the British star first got the call he’d booked one of the titular figures in National Geographic’sGenius: MLK/X, he felt “tremendously nervous.”
“I understood the gravity of this story,” the actor, 29, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I understood the enormity of the responsibility of attempting to portray this man’s life and his legacy and what he means to so many people all over the world … the enormous influence he has had on the Black diaspora.”
Growing up in London, theUnderground Railroadstar says, “Malcolm X’s legacy, his power, it reverberated all the way to where I grew up and beyond.”
Pierre is one of several trailblazers — includingAunjanue Ellis-Taylor,Tyler James Williamsand more — who spoke to PEOPLE for its latest issue about how they honor Black icons during February, which has been officially recognized asBlack History Monthin the U.S.since 1976. But stepping into his role as Malcolm X, in particular, sparked fear in him.
Aaron Pierre in “Genius: MLK/X”.Richard DuCree/National Geographic
Richard DuCree/National Geographic
“The enormity of the responsibility did scare me,” Pierre adds ofMLK/X, which spans Malcolm X’s youth in Nebraska, burgeoning activism for Black empowerment and the Nation of Islam while imprisoned, and ultimately his1965 assassinationin New York City at age 39.
An award-winning theater actor, Pierre used his training to transform into the man (born Malcolm Little) inside and out. “I worked extensively with a vocal coach, and we went all the way down to the phonetics of words in order to do our very best to represent this great man,” he says of his transformation. “And then physically, Malcolm and I are very similar heights, frame-wise.”
But, Pierre adds wryly, “I have more mass on me. So I was on that StairMaster more or less every day for six months.”
Pierre ended up resolving early in theMLK/Xresearch process, not to factor in Lee’s film. “I learned that I had to accept that a hero of mine had portrayed Malcolm X, and I had to set that free in order for me to even begin to attempt my own portrayal,” he says.
(Left to right:). Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre in “Genius: MLK/X”.National Geographic/Richard DuCree
National Geographic/Richard DuCree
James Earl Jones, August Wilson and Suzan-Lori Parks are also among the other Black artists who Pierre celebrates during Black History Month — and beyond. “We have these particular months within the year that are, for want of a better word, designated to the celebration and championing of our contributions and our history,” he explains. “As a Black man, I’m always celebrating and championing my heritage, the contributions my community and diaspora has given to this world.”
Pierre starred in last year’sFoeoppositePaul MescalandSaoirse Ronan, and will next voice the titular role inBarry Jenkins’ animatedMufasa: The Lion King(in theaters Dec. 20), alongside Harrison Jr. as Taka a.k.a. Scar.
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The first two episodes ofGENIUS: MLK/Xpremiere Thursday on National Geographic and can be streamed the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, with two new episodes debuting weekly on all platforms.
source: people.com
