Shameik Moore

Dope

Interview by James Patrick Herman  Photographs by Jeff Vespa

Where are you from?  Georgia.

What’s the most Georgian thing about you?  My swagger — how I carry myself. I move like a rock star.

Are you a Sundance virgin? I am. And the first experience of something great is always amazing. Remember the first time you savored your favorite dish?

What have you heard about the Sundance?  I’ve heard that it gets pretty wild. So I need to stay away from anyone who is turnt up — and stay focused.

What was your first acting experience?  I was twelve when I booked a toy commercial that aired on The Cartoon Network. I watched it when my mom was cooking breakfast and all my friends on the school bus saw me on TV, too.

What are you going to pack for Park City?  My mom tells me I need a big coat. Long johns, for sure. And the flyest clothes I can get.

Describe the character you play in one sentence?  Malcolm is struggling with his

surroundings as he’s in the process of finding himself. But he always finds himself caught between a bad decision and a worse decision.

What’s the buzz about your film?  Dope is gonna kill Sundance — that’s the buzz. Fear, happiness, love, anger, excitement — the film plays with all of your emotions. It will impact people who watch it and leave an impression. It’s one of those movies.

How does it feel to be a Sundance sensation? I like the way that phrase sounds — to know that Shameik is already a sensation. I haven’t even seen the movie yet.

What do you think of Robert Redford?  The name sounds familiar. He sounds important.