Warren Egypt Franklin is quickly rising as a triple threat performer. Perhaps best known for his work as Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the touring company of Hamilton, Warren is now celebrating his first television role. Warren can next be seen starring as Des in the fourth season of the Freeform series Grown-ish.
Photo Credit: Sophie Chan Andreassend
We spoke with Warren about what viewers can expect from his character, what he is most excited for fans to see in the upcoming episodes of Grown-ish season 4, and his hopes for the return of Broadway and Hamilton 2.0.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Warren Egypt Franklin below:
Congratulations on your first television role! How does it feel to be branching out and tackling different opportunities and genres?
Thank you! It feels so good honestly, I’ve dreamt of my TV debut for a while so I am so grateful to be on such a culture-shifting show.
You are appearing in the new season of Grown-ish on Freeform. Can you tell us a little about your character and what attracted you to the role?
Des is such a great guy, he is moving through life juggling mental health as an athlete but also finding himself and his sexuality and not conforming to what others think of him. To me, that’s what makes the character so cool, there has never been someone like him on TV before so I’m excited for audiences to see his journey progress.
Des is a character with many layers that really has the ability to grow within the series. What is on the horizon moving forward in the season for Des?
There is so much coming for him. Since he’s new, I feel like every episode that he’s in we learn another layer to him, and by the end you’ll be really shook at his journey. Let’s just say in the next few episodes we really start to see some expression from him, that will most certainly shift some things.
Warren Egypt Franklin as Des
Photo Credit: Freeform
What can you tease about what viewers can expect from the upcoming episodes? Is there anything you’re most excited for them to see?
This season we focus on mental health, Black Lives Matter, and white fragility. I’m so excited for everyone to see us break down these hard topics, they are needed.
You also appear as my favorite characters Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the touring company of Hamilton. Can you talk a little about that experience performing with the cast?
He’s my favorite character too, haha! Hamilton was life-changing, I’ve learned so much from touring the continent with the show and I’m forever grateful for that experience. It grounded me and also taught me to be flexible. That show holds a special place in my heart.
What do you love most about music and performing when you compare it to your other roles?
Music is my love language. So it has really shaped the young man I’ve become, a lot of what I’ve done has had music in it in some way. I think the cool thing about Grown-ish was Des is not a singer, so it was truly all about the acting. When I prepared for the role, I made a playlist inspired by my character to listen to in the trailer so even in some corny way music was still a part of the equation haha.
There have been so many changes to live theatre since the pandemic and I am so excited at the prospect of Broadway reopening. How excited are you to get back out there and tour and perform?
I’m so excited, we are currently in rehearsals and I can’t wait for everybody to see Hamilton 2.0
Do you have any dream roles or performances you would love the chance to be a part of in the future?
I have so many dream roles, Fieyro in Wicked, Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, the list goes on. I would also love to play Miles Morales in a live-action version of Spiderman.
Thank you so much to Warren Egypt Franklin for taking the time to speak with us!
Be sure to keep up to date with Warren by following him on social media on Instagram
Tune in to Grown-ish airing on the Freeform and streaming the next day on Hulu.
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