Superman & Lois' Wolé Parks

This season on TV we saw the much-anticipated return of CW’s Superman & Lois, developed by Greg Berlanti and now in its third season. Not just a retelling of the Superman story that has been rehashed in a myriad of films and TV shows, this show centers on our famed comic book couple in their biggest challenge yet – being parents in today’s age. Of course, there’s always the supervillain lurking in the shadows…this season is rumored to welcome Lex Luthor. For me, stealing the spotlight is Superman & Lois co-star, Wolé Parks…and he’s one of us.

Playing John Henry Irons / The Stranger, a soldier from an unidentified parallel Earth, Wolé has seen his character go through some major changes. Starting off as Superman’s supreme nemesis, hellbent on killing him, the two have eventually forged a partnership to protect the world from the baddies. This is the first TV iteration of the Superman story that has featured Parks’ character, who has appeared as a titular character in the comics. Working with the writers, Parks' character has been an evolution in progress as his story has grown. This season will focus on John Henry’s role as a single father and things will get a bit deeper.

In this episode we get deep as we talk about Wole’s philanthropy inspired by his mom, leaving the finance world to be an actor, his love of comics, his decision to be an openly queer actor, playing it straight, early success in the biz, working with Hollywood’s big names, his journey with sobriety, doing the AIDS life cycle, wanting to work behind the camera, and the new season of Superman & Lois. Hosted by Alexander Rodriguez