Talented actor and comedian Chase Anthony discuss his role as Deon Lewis in Will Packer’s hit series Bigger streaming on BET+.
With television credits from ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, FOX’s Lethal Weapon, and TBS hit Deal with It, Chase Anthony is no stranger to the small screen. When he isn’t acting in front of a camera, Anthony is on the road, sharing his experiences and challenges through stand-up comedy. His comedy provides a unique perspective on love and relationships and challenging topics such as alcoholism and parent-child relationships. Anthony stars as handsome corporate businessman Deon Lewis in BET+’s hit show Bigger, which just released its second season. This season finds Lewis struggling with his confidence and career as he feels left behind in the corporate landscape.
Bigger, set in East Atlanta, is a slice-of-life dramedy focusing on the lives of a group of black 30-somethings as they navigate friendships, relationships, and careers. The personal and professional lives of the groups start to blend as they face uncomfortable truths about themselves and one another.
The Knockturnal: Coming from a fellow Atlanta native, how does it feel to get the chance to portray your hometown on screen?
Chase Anthony: Portraying the Atlanta that I know and love is rewarding. Being able to do something that represents your roots as an artist, it’s like doing your part to get a ‘Win” for the home team.
The Knockturnal: Stagnation and the feeling of being left behind by your peers is very relatable to young adults like myself. What was it like to explore that on screen?
Chase Anthony: Stagnation can be an eye-opening experience, realizing different traits and aspects that you may need to work on internally. I experienced that in real life, and my role as Deon feeling as if he needed to improve in his career and keep up with his friends.
The Knockturnal: I think it’s important to tell stories of adults entering their 30s as that’s not an age group that is tapped into frequently. The stories on Bigger are hilarious but equally poignant as they deal with uncomfortable growing pains. What does it mean to you to play these multifaceted and complex people in their entirety?
Chase Anthony: Playing this particular age group puts you in the driver’s seat of all the people experiencing similar challenges. We all learn from the choices our characters make. My goal is to express that authentically in my performance. I want people to see their true selves when watching our show.
The Knockturnal: I love the way the show portrays the messiness of navigating life. How important is that to explore?
Chase Anthony: Life can be messy; I think we need to portray how real life is for everybody. No one has it all together, no matter how great they make it seem. We need these stories to be told about what’s holding some back and what’s pushing others forward.
The Knockturnal: What was your first impression upon reading the script? (for the new season)
Chase Anthony: Damn, Deon! Here he goes again. Bless his Heart…
The Knockturnal: Do you see any of yourself in Deon Lewis? How do you prepare yourself to play him? How do you feel about the way his story is progressing? What sort of person is going to relate to this character? What’s the biggest challenge about taking this role?
Chase Anthony: Yes, I see myself in Deon in a lot of ways. A few being growing up with a single mother, the corporate grind, and ideas of wanting more.
I dig in the crates to work on Deon; some of his struggles have been my own. So, it helped him to think back and apply his mindset to those events. I’m happy to see Deon on the road to being happy finally. Life has been shitting on him, and he needs a win.
I think anyone with a boss climbing the corporate ladder can relate to him. I feel like my character strikes a nerve with anyone that has ever quit a job with no game plan.
The biggest challenge I’ve seen is just shaking off his energy; he’s so grumpy at times, and I’m happy. So, I have to leave the Grinch at work.
The Knockturnal: What advice do you wish someone gave you in your twenties?
Chase Anthony: Dream Bigger and only want what’s for you.
The Knockturnal: What role does your comedy show play in your life? What do you want your legacy or overarching message to be?
Chase Anthony: Comedy is a breath of freedom. My overarching message, I’m hoping, is that some of the best things come from struggle and failure.
