Spotted — Keith Carlos
Model/actor
America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21 winner
Former New York Giants Wide Receiver
Spotted at: RuJohn Foundation Awards Banquet at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel and Suites
First take…
It’s my first time visiting Jamaica and it’s been amazing. I always wanted to come back here because I have Jamaican roots. My father is Jamaican. I wanted to come and give back here and inspire the youth as much as I can.
Does being of Jamaican descent have special significance to you?
Yes, having Jamaican roots is special to me because the culture of the people is a special thing I love. It also connects me to my father, who is now deceased.
From the gridiron to the runway…
Coming from professional sports, I always wanted to get into modelling and acting. I sustained an injury in camp while I was playing for the New York Giants. It opened up the door for me to go on Tyra Banks’s show America’s Next Top Model. I sent over a head shot and auditioned, they loved me, and it’s been snowballing since I won the competition. I have relocated to Los Angeles and I’m now working on my acting career. Acting is a lot harder than modelling, but I have a natural talent for it so I’m just building and bettering my craft.
Secret talent…
I love to cook. I was the kid in the kitchen wanting to help cook and make a mess! So the things I’ve learned from then to now have made me an exceptional cook.
Sweet charity…
Having wanted to come back and inspire, being a part of the RuJohn Foundation was the perfect opportunity to do so. Through the acting and sports camps, I have inspired youth with my story and they have been inspiring me with theirs, so it’s a give-and-take thing and I’m happy to be here.
Next up…
I am getting acclimated to the agency I signed with in Los Angeles. I have a movie coming out at the beginning of January called The Hollywood Tragedy. I have a small role in that. I am using that as a springboard for my acting career.