Genius Star Aaron Pierre on Transforming into Malcolm X: ‘StairMaster Every Day for 6 Months’ (Exclusive)

For Aaron Pierre, playing Malcolm X on screen has always been the biggest acting dream. But when the British star first got the call, he booked one of the titular figures in National Geographic Genius: MLK/Xhe felt “very nervous.”

“I understood the gravity of this story,” the 29-year-old actor tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I understand the enormous responsibility of trying to portray this man’s life and his legacy and what he means to so many people around the world … the enormous impact he had on the black diaspora.”

Growing up in London, Subway star says, “Malcolm X’s legacy, his power, reverberated all the way to where I grew up and beyond.”

Pierre is one of several trailblazers — including Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Tyler James Williams and more — who spoke with PEOPLE for the latest issue about how they’re honoring black icons during February, which is officially recognized as Black History Month in the US since 1976. But stepping into his role as Malcolm X especially struck a chord in him.

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Aaron Pierre in “Genius: MLK/X”.

Richard DuCree/National Geographic

“The enormity of the responsibility scared me,” adds Pierre MLK/Xcovering Malcolm X’s youth in Nebraska, growing black empowerment activism and the Nation of Islam while in prison, and finally his assassination in 1965 in New York at the age of 39.

An award-winning theater actor, Pierre used his schooling to transform himself into a man (born Malcolm Little) inside and out. “I worked a lot with the vocal coach, we went all the way to the phonetics of the words to do our best to represent this great man,” he says of his transformation. “And physically, Malcolm and I are very similar in height, build-wise.”

But Pierre adds ironically: “I have more mass on me.” I was on that StairMaster more or less every day for six months.”

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X ‘Keep ’em Guessing’ in the big first trailer for the latest season Genius

Another reason why the portrayal of Malcolm X is terrifying is Denzel Washington’s acclaimed performance in Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic. The two-time Oscar winner “is my hero,” says Pierre. “I’m not sure there are enough words to express the respect and admiration I have not only for his art but for him as a man.”

Pierre solved the problem early on MLK/X the research process rather than the factor of Lee’s film. “I learned that I had to accept that my hero portrayed Malcolm X, and I had to release that in order to even try to portray myself,” he says.

(From left to right:). Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre in “Genius: MLK/X.”

National Geographic/Richard DuCree

James Earl Jones, August Wilson and Suzan-Lori Parks are also among the other black artists Pierre celebrates during Black History Month — and beyond. “We have these special months of the year that are, for lack of a better word, set aside to celebrate and celebrate our contributions and our history,” he explains. “As a black man, I always celebrate and stand up for my heritage, the contributions my community and diaspora have made to this world.”

Liberation from MLK/Xhe says, it’s another opportunity to honor and learn about the legacy of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played by Kelvin Harrison Jr. on the show. “I think this project coming out at this time is very special,” he adds.

Pierre starred in last year’s Foe alongside Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan, and will next voice the lead role in Barry Jenkins’ animated film Mufasa: The Lion King (in theaters Dec. 20), along with Harrison Jr. like Taka aka Scar.

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The first two episodes GENIUS: MLK/X premieres Thursday on National Geographic and can be seen the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, with two new episodes appearing weekly on all platforms.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education