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26:NEXT! ASCENDING ACTOR ELIJAH M. COOPER ON: GOALS, GOOSEBUMPS + FINDING HIS WAY TO THE 7TH SEASON OF 'ALL AMERICAN'!

AS TOLD TO: COREY GUEVARRA
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KAI BYRD
GROOMER: SHADARA HOLMES
STYLING: JYOTISHA BRIDGES

Elijah M. Cooper for 26 Magazine 
AS TOLD TO: COREY GUEVARRA
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KAI BYRD
GROOMER: SHADARA HOLMES
STYLING: JYOTISHA BRIDGES

Elijah M. Cooper never could’ve guessed that a childhood sports injury would literally change the trajectory of his entire life! Stumbling upon acting classes to help pass his recovery time, he discovered an immediate, exciting, attraction to the formidable craft of creating characters. By 2019 the [Atlanta] Georgia native already began building a resume that warranted evolutionary next steps. With full support, his entire family decided to relocate to Los Angeles to expand both his craft & career. The leap of faith proved prosperous as things have been on an upward trajectory for the young actor ever since. Already co-starring alongside absolute legends like Angela Bassett and diversifying into multiple genres like his recent foray into sci-fi a la ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’. Today ironically, Elijah pivots back into sports as an almost 360 life moment brings him to merge his original athleticism and now advanced acting skill for the 7th and final season of the long running hit series ‘All American’. We caught up with the rising star for his 26:NEXT! cover story, talking everything from trusting your talent to balancing college textbooks with big audition callbacks!


ELIJAH, WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT INSPIRED YOU INTO ACTING? WHO WERE YOU WATCHING OR WHAT DID YOU SEE THAT MADE YOU LIGHT UP & SAY THAT THIS WAS WHAT YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO DO IN LIFE?

The moment that inspired me to fully embrace my journey as an actor was the first time I performed a scene on camera in acting class. Being completely immersed in the scene felt so freeing, almost like I was stepping into another world. And, to my surprise, I was good at it. You know, you watch television and movies as a kid and idolize the actors as if they are untouchable, but I don’t think I ever really thought this was something a regular kid like me could do. But man, there was this rush of adrenaline that happened when I was in the acting classes and watching myself back on tape. It became clear that this was an untapped passion - I just never even considered going back to sports. I had to keep exploring the spark. That drive pushed me to study actors like Denzel Washington, Daniel Kaluuya, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and others, so I could refine the technical skills needed to grow and improve as an actor.


Elijah M. Cooper for 26 Magazine 
AS TOLD TO: COREY GUEVARRA
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KAI BYRD
GROOMER: SHADARA HOLMES
STYLING: JYOTISHA BRIDGES

FROM THERE HOW WAS THE JOURNEY? WHAT TOOK PLACE ONCE YOU INFORMED YOUR PARENTS OF
YOUR DECISION?

My acting journey has been an exciting, and unexpected ride. I was able to get my first commercial audition when a casting director led a workshop my acting studio. I was 12 then. It was the first time I had auditioned and even though I didn’t get the role, I was hooked. That audition led to a boutique talent agent connecting with my mom and ultimately signing me. My mom was an educator and my dad was corporate, so they weren’t familiar with the entertainment industry, but they saw my passion and trusted my agent. She ended up helping me land several small jobs that prepared me for my first big booking. Many people ask me how I got my first agent and always tell them I just got lucky and fell right into the arms of my destiny. I was kind of in the right place at the right time. Although I’d say I stumbled into my career, once it started, it all progressed relatively quickly. I always make sure to send my thanks to God as He lit my path and placed the right people around me to help me and my family transition into the world of Hollywood with no prior knowledge of how to navigate it. I’m really blessed to have parents and a sister who have been completely behind me, every step of the way.



TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST BIG ROLE ELIJAH!

When I was 13, I booked the lead role in a short film called A Million Eyes. I played a young kid named Leroy, a gifted young photographer, grappling with his mother's alcoholism. Leroy sets out to capture something he loves and is able to do so with the help of a mentor. Booking this film was life-changing, personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to play alongside industry veterans, Joe Morton and Katie Lowes, and have my performance crafted by the amazing director/producer, Richard Raymond. This job changed the trajectory of my career - not only because it went on to win 14 national and international awards, but it also provided my family and I the opportunity to receive guidance from Katie and Richard on how to transition from acting as a hobby to acting as a career. I’m forever grateful and indebted to them for all their support in helping me find my footing in the world of film and television.


WE HEAR THAT YOU’RE ALSO IN COLLEGE CORRECT? HOW DO YOU HANDLE BALANCING SCHOOL WITH [FILM/TV] SETS? ALSO WHAT ARE YOU MAJORING IN & WHAT INSPIRED THAT DECISION?

I am in college! I’m in my sophomore year at Morehouse College. Becoming a Man of Morehouse has been a lifelong dream as my father attended and graduated in 2001, making me a legacy student at the college. I am so grateful to Morehouse for their help in building a hybrid experience for me where I can take my classes through the Morehouse Online program while also having an active on-campus life whenever I’m not working. I’m majoring in business administration. I have a very entrepreneurial spirit. Currently, I serve as the Co-Founder of Tints Streetwear, my clothing company, but I’m also looking toexpand my reach into the world of business even further. Ultimately, I will use the knowledge I gain from my time at Morehouse College to help fuel growth in my current and future business ventures.


YOU RECENTLY HAD YOUR SHOW ‘GOOSEBUMPS: THE VANISHING’ LAUNCH ON DISNEY+ AND HULU. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

Filming ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’ was an insanely amazing experience. It was my first time doing a sci-fi project and we did it big. From the beginning, I knew the job would be a challenge, but an incredibly exciting one. Personally, I had to navigate finding my footing in a new city, moving across the country from LA to New York. Professionally, I had to embrace the challenge of acting with heavy CGI elements for the first time. I had to push myself and my imagination in moments where I was acting towards nothing but a green screen. I also learned new skills like how to drive a moped with another person on the back. Navigating and managing a rigorous filming schedule, with several overnight shoots, was tough but built grit and stamina. The challenges were well worth the growth. We created an amazing show that’s done incredibly well on multiple platforms and I’m so glad audiences are enjoying it around the world.


Elijah M. Cooper for 26 Magazine 
AS TOLD TO: COREY GUEVARRA
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KAI BYRD
GROOMER: SHADARA HOLMES
STYLING: JYOTISHA BRIDGES

2025 IS PROVING TO BE A BIG YEAR AS YOU’RE ALSO JOINING THE FINAL SEASON OF ‘ALL AMERICAN.’ WERE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE SHOW PRIOR + WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE JOINING A CAST THAT’S BEEN TOGETHER FOR 7 SEASONS? -SINCE ‘ALL AMERICAN’ IS A SHOW CENTERED AROUND FOOTBALL, DID YOU HAVE TO PREPARE PHYSICALLY FOR THIS ROLE? FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN TEASE ON WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT?

Joining the season 7 cast of All American has been such a joy. Getting the call that I booked the role was a surreal feeling as my family and I have been such big fans of the show since its beginning. Season 7 brings in a lot of new characters, including myself, which has allowed us to create a fresh and exciting synergy for the show. We’re taking the show back to its roots and exploring the on and off field rivalries between a new generation of South Crenshaw High and Beverly High. I play Yasi, the quarterback of South Crenshaw High, which has given me the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of being a field general. As soon as I booked the role, I immediately started training with a quarterback coach. This show is beloved by so many, and our fans deserve to see an authentic representation of not only the teenage drama, but also the sport of football. I also prepared for the role by lifting weights with our cast leader, Michael Evans Behling, who plays Jordan. That guy is a beast in the weight room and honestly, is just a really good human being. This cast is pretty special, and we’ve created authentic bonds outside of set. Oh and I have to shout our showrunner, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, who makes the set feel like real family. When you have strong leadership in a show, it translates on camera. I can’t wait for audiences to see

season 7 of All American on the CW, starting [TODAY] February 3rd!


WHEN NOT ACTING OR STUDYING (OR CO-RUNNING YOUR APPAREL LINE :-) WHAT CAN WE FIND YOU DOING FOR FUN + LEISURE, ELIJAH?

Three words. I. Love. Golfing. Since a young age, getting out on the golf course has been a joy of mine. Four hours of uninterrupted nature and fun with friends allows me to recharge and decompress from the stresses of school and work. When I’m not golfing, I’m exploring my newfound love of bowling - currently working on getting my hook consistent.


IDEALLY, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF BY AGE 26?

By 26, I see myself thriving as a multi-hyphenate - making my mark in acting, producing and business. These are the spaces where I can fully express my creativity and bring my ideas to life. I have so many stories to tell and pieces of myself I want to share with the world. By 26, I hope those ideas will be out there, shining brightly and inspiring others.


Elijah M. Cooper for 26 Magazine 
AS TOLD TO: COREY GUEVARRA
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KAI BYRD
GROOMER: SHADARA HOLMES
STYLING: JYOTISHA BRIDGES

WHAT ARE SOME ABSOLUTE FORMS OF SELF-CARE THAT YOU PRACTICE?

Self-care is a big deal for me and something I’ve made a priority. Whether it’s working out, getting enough rest, or spending time with the people I care about most, these are the ways I make sure I’m taking care of myself. Taking care of your body and mind isn’t just about handling life’s daily stresses - it’s also about reminding yourself that you’re worth it.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANY YOUNG DREAMERS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN HOLLYWOOD SIMILAR TO YOURS?

The first piece of advice I would give to young dreamers interested in Hollywood is to make sure this is really your passion. Being in the industry is humbling. It’s cutthroat and chances are you’re going to face a lot of rejection. Making sure you’re in it for the right reasons is key. Second, if it is your passion, don’t give up. It’s easy to get discouraged after hearing 50 no’s, but the 51st try may just be the yes you’ve been looking for. Third, don’t be afraid to create your own opportunities. As an actor, you’re constantly waiting for people to say yes to you, but you can be your own yes. Work your creative muscle. Get out there, make something, post it on social media. You never know who’s watching. And lastly, be professional but have fun. This career is a gift.


WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM WORKING IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY SO FAR?

On my first day on 9-1-1, I met my TV mom, Angela Bassett - an absolute legend. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous to act alongside her. She could tell. But instead of letting me spiral, she reassured me, reminded me why I was chosen, and told me something that stuck: no matter how famous or influential someone is, we all have the same job on set. Now, every time I step on set, I carry that with me - no matter how successful the people around you are, you belong in the room. Never shrink yourself out of fear.


Elijah M. Cooper for 26 Magazine 
AS TOLD TO: COREY GUEVARRA
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KAI BYRD
GROOMER: SHADARA HOLMES
STYLING: JYOTISHA BRIDGES

IF YOU HAD A PERSONAL THEME SONG THAT PLAYED WHENEVER YOU ENTERED A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE? :)

Easy, ‘Started From The Bottom’. I began my career with no head start and no knowledge of this business. Now we’re here!


IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY 3 CELEBRITIES TO YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY, WHO WOULD THEY BE?

First on my invite list is H.E.R. I’m a huge fan of how she pushes creative boundaries and tells stories that hit on a deep level - both in her music and on-screen. Plus, she just seems like she’d bring a cool vibe to the party. Next, I’d invite Ryan Reynolds. Dude is hilarious. His dry humor and quick wit are exactly my style, and on top of that, he’s built an insane career acting, producing, and running businesses - which is the kind of path I’m working toward. Lastly, I’d have to invite Barack Obama. He’s the definition of swag. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get life advice from a guy like him?


FINALLY, OUR STAPLE [& ABSOLUTE FAVORITE] QUESTION! -ELIJAH M. COOPER, WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF LUXURY?

Luxury is….freedom. It’s the ability to just exist, fully and completely, without limits. It SHOULD exist for every human being, but sadly as we’ve seen and know, it doesn’t. Real luxury is about having the freedom to live on your own terms, do what makes you happy, and move through life with an actual ease.


‘GOOSEBUMPS: THE VANISHING’ IS STREAMING NOW ON HULU AND DISNEY+
CATCH ELIJAH ON THE SEVENTH SEASON OF 'ALL AMERICAN'
R E C E N T  P O S T S
A R C H I V E
F O L L O W  U S  !

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