Actor J. Alphonse Nicholson got candid about playing Lil Murda’s character on STARZ Network’s breakout show P-Valley.

Lil Murda’s character is a DL rapper struggling with his sexuality. The character is involved with the nonbinary star, Uncle Clifford. The characters share a dynamic, tension-filled relationship with a clear attraction toward each other. This relationship is explored heavily in the show’s first season with several intimate scenes.

Nicholson admits it was a process for him to submit for the role. Nicholson, who identifies as heterosexual, says the part was less about sexuality and more about understanding love and complicated emotions.

To really understand Lil Murda’s character and add truth to the man, he started to deep dive and unpacked the normalized homophobia in the Black community.

Growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, he said he knew people living in shame and fear and realized the role was an opportunity to help them heal and see themselves on screen. He recalled friends and family members who formed gay relationships in jail and struggled with their truth once they came home.

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When discussing taking on a role that is not his “walk in life,” J. Alphonse says he found a connection with the character and feelings of isolation.

“When you sit in things that are familiar and honest, you become truthful about the story,” he told Broccoli City TV earlier this month. “As an actor, you have to tap into the things you are familiar with,” and he did what he would do with any other character.

“Breath and believe,” he said. “I was hoping somebody would be changed from the role. Somebody would see it and say, ‘that’s me.’”

Nicholson portrays Lil Murda so well that fans do not realize that he is straight and married with kids.

The actor’s wife played a huge role in helping him take on the part because she encouraged him and pointed out the benefits of bringing this character to life. The role resonates with many and has become a topic of conversation amongst black people who still have their reservations about the LGBTQIA+ community. The couple

saw it as a chance to be better allies and represent and understand gay black men in America.

Nicholson says many people reach out and thank him for bringing Lil Murda to life. “It’s heartwarming, and it’s dope as a storyteller because that’s what you want to do.”

Watch the full Broccoli City Interview: