Jalen Thomas Brooks, known for his role as Mateo Diaz in HBO Max’s The Pitt, is now part of the Prime Video series Off Campus, portraying John Tucker, an elite hockey player at Briar University. The 24-year-old actor understands the importance of faithful adaptations, acknowledging the dedicated fanbase of Elle Kennedy’s novels.
From Scrubs to Skates
Brooks describes his character, Tucker, as a “gentle giant” with a passion for cooking. Off Campus follows a formula similar to Netflix’s Bridgerton, focusing on different couples each season from Kennedy’s book series. Tucker is central in the fourth book, The Goal, and Brooks finds the slow character development intriguing.
The Transition from The Pitt
Brooks’ move to Off Campus comes after his notable role in The Pitt, where he played a recurring character, Mateo Diaz. Reflecting on his time there, Brooks shared how his mother helped him secure the role by guiding him through auditions. He recalls the privilege and humility of working post-strike, feeling part of a creatively nurtured project.
“It was my first role after the actors strike,” Brooks said. “Being able to work on that type of set was such a privilege and very humbling.”
Embracing Fan Expectations
Brooks, an avid reader, relates to the anticipation surrounding book adaptations. He feels a responsibility to stay true to the essence of Tucker’s character while embracing the creative liberties of the show. “The core of who Tucker is internally, and I believe what people fell in love with, is so there and so illuminated,” he noted.
A Team on and off Screen
Brooks appreciates the camaraderie among the Off Campus cast, mirroring the brotherhood depicted in the series. Meeting author Elle Kennedy and understanding the fanbase's devotion added to Brooks’ appreciation of the project. He emphasized the genuine friendships formed with co-stars Belmont Cameli, Antonio Cipriano, and Stephen Thomas Kalyn.
“The team dynamic that we have is not just because we’re on a hockey team, but because we actually have each other’s backs on set,” Brooks explained.
With Off Campus already renewed for a second season, Brooks embraces the pressure and anticipation, confident in the work they’ve done. “For me, I enjoy the pressure and the anticipation of it all because I am confident in what we’ve done,” he stated.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/jalen-thomas-brooks-off-campus-the-pitt-interview-1236593676/
