Kelsey Caesar, an American actor from Texas, transitioned to acting after retiring from track and field Olympic training in 2016. He made his television debut in “American Dream” in 2008 and his box office debut in “Slamma Jamma” in 2017. He has worked on horror films “Bitch Ass” and “Devilreaux,” recently working with acclaimed horror director David Katzenberg on the Disney+ series “Just Beyond.”

Suit by Paisley & Gray
Glasses by Gentle Monster
Beret by Gladys Tamez Millinery

What inspired your shift away from Olympic training and towards acting?
I always had a passion for the arts. Even before I completely shifted away from track and field to acting, I was doing TV and film in high school. I had to put my passion for acting on pause while I was running at Arizona State competing in the PAC12.

Have you brought anything you learned as an athlete into your work as an actor?
Yes, discipline and patience are the two for me. In track and field, we spend a lot of time getting in perfect shape to compete at an optimal level. You learn to understand that you don’t get in shape overnight and that it takes time. The same goes for acting and staying in class and being disciplined and honest with yourself to know how to train your instrument properly. Having the patience to know the more you work on your craft, the longer you stay disciplined in this industry, and you will eventually start seeing the results you're looking for.

**Left:**
Sweater by Avril 8790
Pants by Charles & Ron
Shoes by Barollo
Hat by Gladys Tamez Millinery
**Right:**
Vest by KidSuper
Pants by Flaneur
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Ring by LOUPN

What was it like working with David Katzenberg on “Just Beyond?”
Working with David was great, he made it feel like fun and easy on set. I remember being on set he had these bright color shoes on his feet, and one of my cast mates asked him why the bright color shoes. He said he got them for his daughter to find him when he takes her to the park. I thought that was so cute and clever.

You’ve worked on several horror films. Are you personally a horror fan?
Yes, I am a fan of horror movies, I really like Alfred Hitchcock films, the old ones are classics. I remember when “The Sixth Sense” came out; it was so popular. That’s a 90s classic horror film. The famous line “I see dead people” never will be forgotten in the plot's twist at the end. I’m a huge fan of Jordan Peele, who is definitely one of a kind. I love all his horror projects. “Nope” was super dope and a well-developed story. I’m a huge fan of Jordan Peele as well I love all his horror projects! Nope was super dope and a well-developed story. Jordan Peele is definitely one of a kind.

**Left:**
Suit by Paisley & Gray
Glasses by Gentle Monster
Beret by Gladys Tamez Millinery
Shoes by Barollo
**Right:**
Vest by Charles & Ron
Pants by Mister Triple X
Boots by Barollo
Bracelet by LOUPN

How do you prepare for a horror role? Do you find it distressing?
Just as track and field athletes train and prep for their races, the same goes for acting, especially when prepping for roles. Sometimes it can be distressing. I like to go on hikes or work out when I’m prepping for roles while enjoying nature. It allows my mind to take me somewhere else for a little bit then later I’m able to take a deep dive into the character.

How did it feel to have your film “Bitch Ass” win at SXSW?
Being a Texas native was a dream come true for me. Ever since I started TV and Film I always wanted to be a part of SXSW. I loved the experience and I love the community of TV and film SXSW brings out. The people are so cool and dope! They really appreciate everyone who comes out and is involved in the festival.

**Left:**
Vest by KidSuper
Pants by Flaneur
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Ring by LOUPN
**Right:**
Vest by Charles & Ron
Pants by Mister Triple X
Boots by Barollo
Bracelet by LOUPN

What attracted you to Tuck’s character in “Bitch Ass?”
Tuck and I are different personalities and I like to play people who are so different from me because I have to change things. For sure that’s one of the things that attracted me to playing Tuck. Growing up I had no interest in ever joining a gang. Tuck's aspiration is to be a gang leader was totally different from me.

Did you research any voodoo techniques in preparing for “Devilreaux?”
I didn’t prep or research any voodoo. Voodoo actually really freaks me out because it’s dark magic and energy. I personally don’t search for any dark magic as I think if you go looking for it, it most certainly will find you.

Shirt by MAGNLENS
Pants by Strike Oil
Slides by Pace
Necklace by LOUPN

Do you have a dream role?
A dream role for me is starring in a huge blockbuster original by Jordan Peele. It is the most talked-about movie of the summer. As I mentioned before I’m a huge fan of Jordan Peele’s movies. I watched his films over again, and I found something new or interesting every time.

CREW CREDIT:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Kelsey Caesar
Fashion Stylist: Andrew Philip Nguyen
Groomer: Raquel Moreno
Photographer’s Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Chloe Liu, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine