For ‘Lost’ actor, Hawaii like home
After impressing critics with his work in films such as “Antwone Fisher,” Malcolm David Kelley was cast to play Walt on the hit series “Lost.” Now 25, Kelley is one of the stars of the new Kathryn Bigelow film “Detroit,” which is based on the Algiers Motel incident during that city’s 1967 12th Street Riot. “Detroit is a city with so much history,” says the Los Angeles-based actor, who is also one-half of the music duo MKTO. “The people are great and truly resilient.”
An edited version of our conversation follows.
Q: Hawaii is a dream destination for many people. Having worked on “Lost” on the island at a young age, do you still want to vacation there?
A: Oh, man, definitely. I would still 100 percent go there for vacations. I consider it one of my three homes. Like you said, I worked there as a young teen and grew up while filming the show and met people from the island, who I still consider family. I took my girlfriend, mom, dad and my grandmas, as well as a few others, out to Hawaii because it is truly a beautiful place. So many unforgettable memories from trying new food, to shooting one of the best shows ever, to (being) with my loved ones there. Crazy (memories) of wild boar running around and being scared of fake polar bears. Of course, I will never forget the water because it’s so clear and beautiful.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: For those going to Australia, spend a day in the Sydney Harbour and paddle around Rose Bay.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: One of the trips I loved as a child was with an organization called People to People, which takes groups of kids to learn about places around the world. My year, we traveled to England, Scotland and Wales. Staying with local families and visiting tourist spots with other teens was an incredible learning experience. I was blessed to have returned to the same places while touring with MKTO.
Q: Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A: I frequently reflect on my travels to Malaysia. It is an amazing place to visit, highlighted by the beautiful scenery and culture. However, I also saw a lot of poverty there, which truly humbled me. When faced with obstacles in my own life, I remain grateful because hardships in the U.S.
Qare usually minor compared to those of so many different countries.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Vegas is always a nice getaway, and it is a quick, four-hour drive. But lately I’ve been traveling so much that some weekends my own home is the best getaway. There’s truth in the saying “there’s no place like home.”
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Amsterdam and Egypt are among the places that I plan on visiting someday. While MKTO was on tour in New Zealand, we were so close to going to Amsterdam, but we got called to return earlier to New York City for a show. That just means that Amsterdam requires its own trip to experience all that it has to offer.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: I want to be able to take all of my loved ones to Jamaica to just enjoy ourselves, party and eat! For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.