Actor Shekeb Sekander discusses working as an actor on the set of “All the Queen’s Men,” and on the TLC Network’s “I Love a Mama’s Boy”
Actor Shekeb Sekander is a talented Atlanta based actor who has appeared on the drama “All the Queen’s Men” on BET+ produced by Tyler Perry Studios, “The Have and the Have Nots,” also produced by Tyler Perry Studios and released by OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, “The E-Listers: Life Back in the Lane,” and perhaps most recognizably from his starring role portraying himself on TLC’s “I Love A Mama’s Boy.” Sekander, who has worked in both television and film, and commercials, speaks of enjoying every experience thus far as an actor, as each presents “an ability to learn and grow not just as an actor, but as a human being too.”
Shekeb Sekander states, “Working on a Tyler Perry Production was one of my biggest goals and I hope I am presented with the amazing opportunity to work with him and his production company again. I really admire Tyler Perry’s work ethic too, to see him in action on set was beyond inspirational. This man has created his own empire making brilliant films and TV shows. Who wouldn’t be inspired?!, and the way Tyler Perry treats his actors I liked a lot. It was cold on the set of “All the Queens Men” one day and I was shivering my butt off wearing a polo shirt. Mr. Perry noticed me in a bit of distress and quickly asked for someone to bring one of those giant heaters over. I insisted that it was okay, but he didn’t think twice. Being on set with a filmmaker like that is fulfilling, and makes you feel appreciated as an actor. I hope I have more opportunities to work with him on more productions – what an amazing experience.”
Sekander, discussing his role on the TLC Network, states, “I was not afraid to share a little glimpse of my life outside of acting. I embraced the opportunity and am grateful for the opportunity. I grew up watching Reality TV and TLC shows as a child, so to be part of one was really a dream come true. One of the most rewarding experiences from my appearance on the show was connecting with people from a global scale, it’s truly wild. Mind you, it does come with a lot of online heat, but that’s pretty much with any avenue in the industry you go into. Not everyone will like you, and some will love you and either way, that’s completely okay. Smile, wave, wish them a blessed life and carry on, is my motto.” Continuing, “One time, I was at the Grand Canyon, and I crossed paths with this family that was visiting from Taiwan. They had recognized me from “I Love A Mama’s Boy.” We laughed, took selfies, we even had ice cream together and cracked up about the show. It felt pretty nice honestly, naturally, I’m a people person anyway, so I never mind connecting with people in public, and I really enjoyed meeting them.”
Having nearly 30 accumulated credits as a working actor, Shekeb Sekander has much more to accomplish with his career. Stating, “I always looked at acting as an extension of my inner being. I truly love the craft and any day on set, whether a big or small or a small role (as we know there are no such things as small roles!), is a blessing. One of my biggest strengths when working on set, is the ability to listen.”
Shekeb Sekander spoke of the kind of characters that he feels most led to portraying, stating,“I like a character who has been through a lot, and then fights his way to a happy ending with purpose… an ending that makes one think. This is always appealing and what I gravitate towards. I like true depth to story lines. I like films that inspire, and have meaning.”
Commenting on maintaining some authenticity in casting, “Diversity in TV and movies has always been a subject in my mind and an important one to me. I feel as if productions should highlight more of the beauty in our culture, and that there should be a better representation in TV/FILM maintaining authenticity in terms of casting. I’d like to see more people cast who truly are representative of many different nationalities and various cultures. I know the talent is out there.”
What many don’t know about Shekeb Sekander’s life off-screen includes his work being in the U.S. Army as a linguist. “My utmost respect to anyone who has served this beautiful country. Being in the army as a Linguist really opened up my eyes on the day-to-day life of these brave young men and women. Sekander speaks both English and Farsi (Dari) fluently as well as Iranian Faris. To follow progressions in actor Shekeb Sekander’s career as an actor, readers can view his IMDb page at Shekeb Sekander on IMDb or Instagram @theonlyshekeb.
He is also on Cameo at The Only Shekeb On Cameo. “I Love A Mama’s Boy” is available on TLC, Discovery Plus, Hulu, Apple TV, as well as other streaming channels.