Over the course of two seasons, Bel-Airhas delighted the world with a powerful drama that follows the story of Will Smith (Jabari Banks). Moving to his uncle’s house was never going to be easy for the young man. But he never expected his journey to turn out the way it did. Carlton (Olly Sholotan) is one of the most important people Will has met during his new life, with the eccentric cousin proving that he’s very reliable for activities that include his lacrosse practices. The relationship between the cousins is one of the central points of the series.
I had the opportunity to interview Olly Sholotan, with the actor excited to talk about his role as Carlton in Bel-Air. The character has surprised viewers with his unique personality and strength, as the young man tries to find his place in the world after the arrival of his cousin. However, portraying Carlton is only one part of the situation. Sholotan is also very talented with music, and the performer knows that his career is only getting started.
Check out the conversation with Olly Sholotan below:
What have you enjoyed the most about playing Carlton?
Olly Sholotan: Oh, my God. First of all, it’s just the role of a lifetime. To step into such an iconic role in such an iconic series is the biggest blessing that an actor could ask for. And knowing that, throughout the whole time, the writers and the producers have really trusted me with such a sacred story to tell. Carlton’s story is a story of mental health. It’s a story of abuse and identity. And these are all things that are so important. It’s an honor to play such a complex and multi-layered character.
What’s important, as a performer, when depicting a panic attack on the screen?
OS: It’s hard, it’s a double-edged sword. You want it to look real. And the best way something can look real is to have it be as real as possible. But you also need to have a sense of separation so that you can do multiple takes and come back to work the next day. You have to be ready for the next three months of shooting. I’ve found a lot of value in leaning on my scene partners.
Not only is every other cast member really wonderful, but the creative team is very supporting. Our directors are very “Hey, are you good? Do you need anything?”. Leaning on your village and the people around you is really helpful. And I always have a moment at the end of the day to decompress. I’m big into music, I love music. I have a very specific playlist for every season of the show for Carlton. There’s a part of the playlist that ramps me up into the character and there’s a part of the playlist that decompresses me back to Olly every day.
How did you react when you read the ending of the second season? Because that was quite the twist!
OS: Carla (Banks Waddles) and I talked about where we wanted Carlton’s journey to go. I had kind of an idea of what it was going to look like from episode three or four. I knew what was ultimately going to happen. He was going to have this moment with Ashley. We weren’t sure if were going to have Ashley find him or if it was going to be Uncle Phil. We ultimately decided on Ashley because that’s his baby sister. I knew where it was going.
But reading it and seeing what the words were. I was like: “Oh shit!”. Because every actor knows, when you read a scene, this is is the scene. This is the scene that I have to kill. And everyone else who’s reading the scene knows that this is the scene you have to kill. You look at your schedule and you know when you’re going to shoot that scene.
And for the next two or three weeks you’re like: “Ah!”. It takes a little bit of a toll on the psyche. Because you know you’re going to have to perform. But what I’ve found to ground me in those moments is, after I remember everything I have to in order to do the scene, is to lock in, trust the process and know that the process is going to take me through it.
What was also so funny about the speech scene was that, with the way it’s shot, everyone is watching you. Not only are the cameras watching you, but the way the scene happens. You’re in a room with every other cast member and I’m looking at Adrian, Cassie and Simone. You have to trust your instrument and go for it.
Without spoiling anything, what is challenging about playing Carlton in the third season of Bel-Air?
OS: This might be the easiest time I’ve had playing this character. Part of it is because season one was about finding my unique version of the character, separate from Alfonso Ribiero. I knew that I was coming into this role that was so iconic and so well-known. I took so much trust on myself to go for it.
And especially seasons one and two that were so difficult material-wise, just because Carlton was in the middle of it. And then dealing with the public blowback of changing such a character in that way. Just the: “Oh, my God! I can’t believe you did this to Carlton!” With the third season, stepping into it felt a little comfortable. I’ve done this before. I’ve done twenty episodes of this character. I just need to go for it.
I will say, filming intimate scenes, because Carlton has a girlfriend this season. Amira, played by Alycia Pascual-Peña. It was interesting and a whole lot of fun.
I’m a sucker for romance. I can’t wait to watch that story unfold!
OS: Carlton and Amira’s romance is so important. It’s important to show Black kids falling in love, and navigating the nuances and complexities of love. There’s a scene, in what I believe is episode seven. They’re by the pool. Between takes, Alycia and I couldn’t stop crying because it was such a beautiful scene.
Has your work on Bel-Air changed the way you approach your music?
OS: In a lot of ways, it has! One of the biggest for me was Jabari Banks, my co-star. He has this beautiful, instinctual nature, to the way he works. I’ve always been a planner. Some people are thinkers and some people are feelers. I’m a thinker and Jabari is a feeler. I’ve always been very regimented, but watching Jabari work, he’s just so free. And in that freedom, you get surprised and you find new things.
One day, Jabari and I were in the studio. He was sick the week before, his voice was hoarse. He was in no position to record. And I was playing around in my computer. He said “I like that, give me the microphone”. He went on to sing one of the most beautiful things I’ve heard to date. His voice was raspy and hoarse. It really is about finding the freedom to let the art breathe and be. It’s important to get out of your own way and let the art come to you as it’s supposed to.
What was your relationship with lacrosse before you played Carlton?
OS: I had never played lacrosse before this! When I got into the show, I was told: “We’re going to set you up with a lacrosse trainer”. I had a four-week lacrosse intensive before season one. I learned to love the sport. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not incredible by any means. But I’m good enough where I’m not useless. That’s my goal, I don’t need to be the Michael Jordan of whatever sport. I need to able to show up, catch the ball and pass it. Maybe accidentally score a goal. I’ve learned to love lacrosse. I grew up an athlete. I grew up playing soccer, track.
What would you like to work on next?
OS: The next thing I want to work on is a major wide release theatrical movie. I love film. I love all art. Movies were the thing that made me fall in love with storytelling. I want to do a huge-budget feature. I don’t know what genre yet, because I’m not married to one. But I want to do a big-budget feature.
[Please note, this interview was edited for length and clarity.]