“American Gods” Star Ricky Whittle Talks Mindset, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Every once in a while you come across an individual that breeds lights and authenticity. This is no doubt the case when it comes to actor Ricky Whittle, star of “American Gods”.  Ricky sits down with Contrast Magazine to share some wisdom and little of his experience in the world of entertainment. 

To Ricky it is no secret that letting your imagination soar can take you to unimaginable places both in and out of this world. It is clear to him that when mind, body, and spirit are aligned humans can accomplish incredible things. Whittle draws inspiration not only from his colleagues and fans, but also by the characters he portrays on screen.

“Every actor brings a part of themselves to every role” shares Ricky, as he talks about it bringing truth and authenticity to the characters he portrays.

Ricky’s most recent role on Starz’s American Gods has him playing the character “Shadow Moon”. The British actor shares that he finds Shadow moon inspiring as a moral compass. He describes him as a “universal punching bag” that is tested spiritually, physically and mentally with the whole world coming at him.

Whittle feels he relates to the American Gods character as neither of them gives much power to difficult moments such as roadblocks or setbacks. He believes he is in control of his life and will not allow anyone to define him. 

Ricky’s most recent role on Starz’s American Gods has him playing the character “Shadow Moon”. The British actor shares that he finds Shadow moon inspiring as a moral compass. He describes him as a “universal punching bag” that is tested spiritually, physically and mentally with the whole world coming at him.    

Whittle feels he relates to the American Gods character as neither of them gives much power to difficult moments such as roadblocks or setbacks. He believes he is in control of his life and will not allow anyone to define him.

“I never let anyone else tell me who I am, people can have assumptions about who you are based on what they see or read. But what you see or hear isn’t always exactly what it seems.”

Our team asked the Starz actor how he felt he is playing his role as a public figure right now in a  world that seems to be in reset mode culturally, spiritually, and racially. 

 “I will constantly push out positivity, love, and light” – says Ricky. 

He says he doesn’t embrace negativity and rather than talking much he prefers to take action. He strongly encourages people to thoroughly research news and topics of interest. He thinks people should be well informed on the validity of the information they consume and share. 

“Time has proven that we should not be stuck in the past. The world needs to evolve. We need to be better people”

Whittle expressed how satisfied he is with the production behind American Gods. He’s been proud of what the show has been doing to promote diversity and inclusion.

 The definition of Contrast is “to be strikingly different.” What makes you strikingly different?

To a fault, he thinks of others before himself. “I’m not driving a sports car. I’m conducting a huge train and I’m taking as many people as I can with me. I believe we are more powerful as a force.” 

Follow Ricky Whittle on Instagram. 

Thank you to such an incredibly talented team.
Talent: Ricky Whittle
Photography: Michael J
Photographer Asst: Rion James
Creative Direction: Tyren Redd
Makeup: Stacy Stacy Rosas
Hair: Toni Garcia Jackson
Wardrobe: Amiraa Vee
Location: Zevarra Lofts
Project Coordinator: Handz Dirty PR
Interview by Michael D. Monroe
Behind The Cover Video: Brick Group Media