Donis Leonard, Jr. – House of Lies

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What has been new this season on “House of Lies?”

A) Things have been really heavy the last few seasons. So, this season we really focused on bringing back the fun of the show.

Q) Where did we find Roscoe at the beginning of Season Five?

A) He’s such a complicated character. He is always really fun and knows who he is. He makes really strong choices. He never makes a choice that he is not confident in. So, you’ve seen more of that. He’s now a big brother. For any person who is an older sibling, there is a lot of responsibility.

Q) Was there anything you added to Roscoe that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Definitely! The thing about our writers is they don’t just write a role and say, “Do this!” I play the role as Donis Leonard, Jr. I can’t remember if it was Season 2 or 3, but Roscoe was doing a bunch of dancing and he plays basketball. All of that was written because I actually do those things. They take my suggestions and actually put them in. I remember asking them in season 3 or four about playing basketball with Don and they wrote it in!

Q) How have you grown throughout your seasons playing Roscoe?

A) Playing Roscoe has been a really, really big responsibility because of who he is. I started playing that character at only eleven years old. There is only so much knowledge and understanding of Roscoe and who he is at that age. When I was eleven years old, it was more about saying the lines and playing the role. As I’ve gotten older, it’s understanding that Roscoe is a real person somewhere in the world. Me being a role model because I play that character on TV – I take that really, really seriously. It’s an honor to play a role so different that is breaking down barriers in the TV industry. I have had a lot of fun. Then, as a person, so much has gone on in the world since we’ve started the show. All of us talk about it and how it makes us feel. We’re like a big family. So, I’ve done a lot of personal growth. Working with Don, Ben and even Kristen, the lessons they taught me are awesome. Learning from Mekhi Phifer in Season Four was really cool. I learned a lot from Mekhi and a couple things from T.I. Everyone is so comfortable and open. I’m really blessed to be on this show because I know not ever set is like that.

Q) What have you taken away from working with Don directly?

A) Don is definitely, in my eyes, one of the best actors in the world. Not just because I know him personally, but because I see his process and see how seriously he takes everything. There have been tiny, tiny details that I wouldn’t even remember that Don would catch before we started. If he hadn’t have caught it, the entire scene would have been messed up. He’s a complete professional. I can’t think of a better experience to have. He is such a legend. For the most part, I was pretty new to the industry and he opened my eyes a bunch to the do’s and don’ts. I’m kind of holding my own now and that’s from learning from them. Just in general, they have taught me so much and I don’t know how I can ever repay them for that.

Q) Who would you like to have more scenes with on the show in the future?

A) I want to do more scenes with Kristen Bell. She’s the sweetest person in the world and we have a cool relationship. To have more scenes with her would be great.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that has made it such a fan favorite?

A) Don is a really big part behind the scenes and he is such a legend. It’s the bond and the amazing people we have working on it every single day.

Q) This was a short season. Will fans be satisfied where we leave off?

A) Yeah, I think we’ve done great work. We’ve all put our all into it. I think the fans will love it.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive?

A) It’s cool! Me, personally, I don’t let the feedback that we get good or bad effect me. It’s not what fills me up. I know that being around Don, we’re doing some great work. I’m proud of what we do. We don’t get a lot of negative feedback, but seeing all the positive energy is amazing. I’m just glad to promote the work we do.

Q) How does it feel having had the show being nominated for several NAACP awards?

A) It’s always cool to see people getting recognition for the work they have done. For me, it’s more about the work than the accolades that come after it. That’s great. Don’t get me wrong. Being nominated for an award is amazing, but I get more fulfillment out of being on set and doing the work and getting to know my character more. Being nominated is awesome though!

Q) Is there anything else you want us to be sure we share with your fans?

A) We worked really hard on it and I had fun on it. It’s shorter, but it won’t matter. Don was on this season. Kristen was on this season. So, I know you guys loved it. Talk to me on social media at @TheDonisJr on Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with that!