BET Awards 2022: Meet Hollywood’s Next Leading Gentleman Adrian Holmes
Actor and producer Adrian Holmes is a seasoned player in Hollywood. The British-Canadian is best known for his appearance in Bravo’s Canadian crime-drama 19-2 but has made over 100 appearances in shows such as Smallville, True Justice, and Arrow. In 2021, the 48-year-old entertainer garnered the incredible role as the iconic Uncle Phil in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ’s dramatic reimagining Bel-Air, starring himself, Coco Jones, Akir Akbar, Olly Sholotan, and breakout star Jabari Banks as the young Will Smith.
Adrian/s performance in the popular Peacock series has not only captured the attention of viewers but a nomination for “Best Actor” at the BET Awards 2022 hosted by award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson. The celebration will air live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 26th at 8 pm ET, but before then, here are five things you should know about Hollywood’s next leading man.
Several industry veterans inspire him
During an interview with Regard Magazine, the rising actor shared which actor had the most significant impact on his career, stating, “There are so many. Well, it goes without saying, Denzel Washington, of course, is the G.O.A.T.” He added, “Robert Downey Jr. has really made an impression as well. Loved him as Tony Stark. He’s like butter with dialogue, so effortless and truthful. Jason Bateman is very similar. They’re both such a pleasure to watch and have such a gift for both comedy and drama. Very inspiring. Mahershela Ali, Chadwick Boseman, and Idris Elba are also favorites of mine and actors I can relate to. Like these men, I love to both inspire and be inspired.”
He knew he wanted to act at an early age
The actor once told Pop Culturalist he discovered his passion at an early age. “I started when I was eleven years old in theater in elementary school. I did The Wizard of Oz, and I played the Lion. It was my first play,” he shared. “I loved being on stage. I felt it was a beautiful platform and space for me to act silly. I had permission to be silly and play make-believe and get away with things that you normally wouldn’t in everyday life. It was a hobby.”
He stays with a backup plan
Adrian once told reporters that had his acting not taken off, he’d “probably be still working in the medical field as a nurse.” He added, “It feels like another lifetime ago, which it was, but that is what I was doing at one point. It helped me appreciate the little things and not take things for granted like so many of us do. Our independence is a blessing. It helped me to stay present and in the moment and to understand human behavior. So, ironically, that experience really helped me as an actor in, which I’m truly grateful for.”
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He’s starred in several successful shows
The actor has made over 100 appearances in various shows throughout his twenty-year career. Adrian’s roles include Basqat on Smallville, Marcus Mitchell on True Justice, and Frank Pike on Arrow. His most notable role is Nick Barron in the Canadian crime drama 19-2 on Bravo.
He stars as the iconic Uncle Phil on Peacock’s Bel-Air reimagining
After taking social media by storm with a teaser trailer that saw the beloved sitcom take a more dramatic turn, folks over at Peacock greenlit the idea for ‘Bel-Air’ reimagining. It stars Adrian as Philip Banks, Coco Jones as Hillary, Olly Sholotan as Carlton, breakthrough star Jabari Banks as Will Smith, and many more.
Tune in to the BET Awards 2022 Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.
