MIAMI – We initial fulfilled up with actor Alex Hibbert back in 2017 when he was just 12 a long time aged and obtaining a haircut at Frank’s Barber Store in Miami Gardens.
It was the day before he and his fellow schoolmate and costar Jaden Piner were being equally heading out to the Academy Awards in Los Angeles for “Moonlight.”
CBS4’s Lisa Petrillo requested him back then about how enthusiastic he was for the movie remaining nominated for 8 awards.
“I was just energized that we got nominated for a person, but to see 8 was wonderful,” claimed young Alex.
The Miami-primarily based movie went on to acquire 3 Oscars, such as Finest Photo.
“This is where I bought to escape, this is wherever I bought to specific myself. This was my remedy,” he explained just lately as we caught up with Hibbert, now 18, visiting his previous school auditorium at Norland Middle Faculty. It is exactly where he invested most of his time.
“For a youthful Black boy, I wanted a safe and sound place. I necessary a protected room, and this was my protected place you know. Mrs. Cidel made that,” reported Hibbert.
A harmless place from the streets and a talent discovered by a discerning tunes theater teacher recognised as Mrs. Cidel.
She’s been teaching visual and doing arts at the school for 22 years.
“Ms. Cidel saw my expertise. I don’t know why. She just trustworthy me. Considered in me,” he reported.
These days, Hibbert is continue to performing. He is been in films and had a top job in Showtime’s hit sequence The Chi.
On this day, Hibbert thinks he is right here to fulfill and operate with the theater kids and that was a major section of the day.
“I want you to know you fellas can do nearly anything in this environment,” he claimed to the pupils cheering him on.
But there was extra. A surprise. His former co-star and schoolmate Jaden Piner was there as very well.
“This my brother appropriate in this article. This is my dukes proper right here. Me and him, getting more than Hollywood,” he stated.
Each younger gentlemen ended up satisfied to reunite at the position where it all began.
“I haven’t noticed Alex in so lengthy. it provides back all the recollections we had, mentioned Piner.
Their concept to the learners who have dreams as they did is obvious.
“I want to permit the youth know, you really don’t have to just engage in basketball or go to a 9 to 5 job to fulfill what your mom would like you to do. Observe your desire,” claimed Alex.
And as for Mrs. Cidel, a proud moment all about that continues to press forward.
“It just tends to make me so happy. This is what you stay for. As a teacher, we will not do it for dollars. We do it due to the fact you see the change it tends to make,” claimed Tanisha Cidel.
Jaden continues to audition for roles and is now focusing on computer science as a scholar at Tennessee Point out and Alex is slated for time 6 on The Chi, one particular of the longest-managing sequence on Showtime!
