Andrew Chappelle, a Broadway and TV star, discusses the second season of Blindspotting, the musical Hamilton, and how his upbringing in Baldwin Hills shaped his career

In the industry, Andrew Chappelle is a multifaceted figure who can check several boxes, but he wants to avoid labels and categorization. In a field that loves to limit you based on their choice, Andrew—a proud Black, Queer, and Indigenous man—is establishing his own standards. He was exposed to the entertainment world from an early age and has seen and gone through a lot of what you hear about. But he has managed to rise through the ranks to become a Broadway star and secure parts in popular television programs because of his talent, tenacity, and ability to research the business. 

He and I got the opportunity to talk about his Baldwin Hills upbringing, his time on Broadway, navigating the business, and the revival of Blindspotting on Starz. 

Entertainment Profile  
Andrew Chappelle 
Actor, Writer, and Producer 
Current Project: Blindspotting (as Scotty) 
Future and notable projects: Fanatic (2023), The Tick (2019), Escape at Dannemora (2018) and Hamilton (Broadway and film)

Cox: I want to hear about your upbringing in Baldwin Hills, which many refer to as the Back Beverly Hills, before we discuss the incredible things you have done as a performer. 
Chappelle: Mike, oh my gosh! I tell you what. Because my former neighborhood was such a special spot for me to grow up, I occasionally still drive past it. The history of Baldwin Hills’ founding is what I adore most about it. This was created to be the property of upper middle class African Americans in Los Angeles who were prohibited from acquiring properties in Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. This community was built by hardy individuals. 

Cox: Your neighbor was your mentor, right? And is a figure who is well-known in Old Hollywood. 
Chappelle: It’s Hal Williams, who you may recognize from appearances in enduring television series like 227, Sanford and Sons, The Waltons, Moesha, and so on. He was one of the first TV dads on Black TV. He served as my first acting mentor and was a close friend of my father’s. The ironic thing is that when I first started acting as a child, his daughter was my first agent. I began working on Moesha in this manner. 

Cox: Speaking about Moesha, how was it to be a part of such a legendary show? 
Chappelle: Being a part of such a unique and rare show was amazing. Since I grew up in a similar atmosphere to that of the show, I honestly didn’t realize how different life would be until I entered college. 

Cox: I know that singing was your first love, but you had such early success in acting. 
Chappelle: Yes, it was, and like  most of us, I began singing in the church choir. In the past, I can recall singing till my voice gave out. One of my former choir directors told me that it was alright and to simply keep singing even if I blew my voice. I wish someone had informed me back then that wasn’t true (laughs). 

Cox: This affinity for music is what led you to Broadway early in your career.  
Chappelle: It was always my dream to move to New York and be on Broadway. I was fortunate enough to make my Broadway debut by the age of twenty-two.  

Cox: How did you find it, succeeding so early in your career? 
Chappelle: Mike, this was a significant time in my life. I had recently relocated to New York after receiving my undergraduate degree. So getting this chance straight after graduation was important.  It assisted me in making an early decision on the various areas of my career that I wanted to pursue, which is why I am currently working in television. 

Cox: I want to speak a little bit more about Broadway before I get into your current television work since you created history by being a part of the first Hamilton cast on Broadway. What did you make of this? 
Chappelle: Because of what it meant for individuals like me in terms of representation, I’m really happy and proud to have been a part of it. I was attempting to learn about and navigate this industry when I first got to New York. I didn’t see someone who looked like me or represented me back then since there was a lack of representation. 

Prior to Hamilton, Mamma Mia was where I made my Broadway debut, but then the industry started changing gradually after that. Being a member of Hamilton’s original company meant so much to me because, even now, I still get approached by individuals who thank me for giving them hope that they too can perform on Broadway someday. I’m glad that has encouraged others to believe in themselves. 

Cox: You are a Black, Queer, and Indigenous person who doesn’t match most of the stereotypes that the entertainment industry likes to apply to individuals, especially those of color. This brings up the topic of representation. 
Chappelle: You already know! That was something I was just considering the other day. The answer truly depends on the person you ask because some people have experienced more hardship than others. I can remember that my first agency made me go to auditions that I didn’t think were suited for me. Just from reading the screenplay, I could already tell that the casting directors wouldn’t consider me for the role. This is due to Hollywood’s lack of understanding of the subtleties of the broad definition of blackness.  

But do you know what made a difference for me? Knowing my acting abilities and flaws and being honest with myself. I would thus put my own spin on it rather than initially believing that I couldn’t play a part because it didn’t sound like it was designed for an actor like me. 

Listen, there are enough people who will tell me no in this industry, and I can’t be one of them as well. So, I’m going to at least try.  

Cox: Let’s talk about Blindspotting, which just made its season 2 comeback this week. You’re coming back as Scotty. 
Chappelle: Receiving the part was a full circle moment for me. I was in Hamilton with Daveed Diggs, and Jasmine Cephas Jones, who portrays Ashley. However, in this field, simply knowing the right people won’t get you a job.  

Cox: These moments are my favorite to hear. Considering that you currently play the part and are returning, what is it about Blindspotting that you find so appealing? 
Chappelle:  I really think it to be a brand-new television genre. It’s funny, tragic, and full of emotion. There is a lot going on, including spoken word, rapping, and dancing. All of this is employed in the telling of stories. In that sense, it is incredibly artistic. And it’s wonderful to be able to collaborate with my buddies once more. So doing this show really checks all the boxes for me as an entertainer. 

Cox: What about playing Scotty do you love the most? 
Chappelle: I don’t get a lot of jobs that are specifically created for me. As an actor, you are aware that you desire parts in which you can identify and feel represented. I feel like I can be myself with Scotty when it comes to showing up and being who I really am. Being able to represent my community on a television show is remarkable. I truly treasure my time spent working on this show for this reason.