A rising Black British actor is heading to Hollywood for opportunities because he says the UK still has a problem with race.

Ricardo P Lloyd, 27, has already secured an American agent and plans to head to the United States when restrictions from the pandemic are lifted. The actor and producer from North West London, believes structural racism and classism are holding many Black actors back in the UK.

Speaking to The Voice, he said: “There is structural racism which is systematic and unfortunately there are a lot of gatekeepers within the entertainment industry. As a Black actor from a working class background it is hard.”

Mr Lloyd has several years of theatre experience and is currently trying to transition into TV and film, but says the only roles which are open to him in the UK are “stereotypical hood stuff.”

He said: “One casting I recently went to, was for a prime-time TV programme, but they wanted me to play the role of a man coming from the streets. They wanted me to have a spliff hanging out of my mouth and that made me uncomfortable.”

The talented actor is from Harlesden and says he will not take on roles which perpetuate negative stereotypes –that ultimately harm Black communities.

He said: “I have grown up in a rough area and have managed to make it out. I’m one of the few success stories from my area, I have not gone to prison or gone down that road. I failed my GCSEs but still managed to get two degrees­ –these are the stories that are out there which need to be told but they are being ignored.”

One casting I recently went to, was for a prime-time TV programme, but they wanted me to play the role of a man coming from the streets. They wanted me to have a spliff hanging out of my mouth and that made me uncomfortable.

Mr Lloyd is of Jamaican heritage and his family came to the UK in the 1960s from Jamaica and were part of the Windrush generation. He believes because of all of their sacrifices it should be a bit easier for his generation, but feels things have not progressed.

He told The Voice it can be “frustrating constantly working twice as hard to get the same opportunities as your white counterparts.”

He said: “My industry only seems to allow a handful of Black actors to be successful at a time and there are so many talented actors and actresses waiting for their chance.”

Mr Lloyd says recent promises of more opportunities for Black actors and actresses have not materialised.

My industry only seems to allow a handful of Black actors to be successful at a time and there are so many talented actors and actresses waiting for their chance.”

He also slammed the industry for its use of the word diversity and said “it has just been a buzz word for many casting agencies.” “They will say they are open, but then only offer you the role of a criminal, which is just reinforcing negative stereotypes about black people,” he added.

Lloyd has extensive theatre acting experience and entered the industry in 2013. He was listed  among the Top 20 “Ones to Watch Out for” in business, sport, culture, and politics in The Voice in 2020.

He says despite his experience and being mentored by Oscar winning actor Mark Rylance, he is still having the door shut on him.

The actor, says he has been inspired by Top Boy star Ashley Walters who he says is “a pioneer”.

During the last 18 months, Lloyd has managed to co-produce a documentary film called Artshole and plans to release his own short film Call It a Problem sometime in 2021.

“In the UK, you will act, write and produce and even make your own short-films and will still be overlooked. Why do I have to be my own publicist, my own writer and director just to get in the door?” he said candidly.

In recent years, several Black British actors and actresses have managed to secure leading roles in the US which has propelled their careers. Idris Elba, Bashy, Letitia Wright and John Boyega are just some who have thrived in the US and Lloyd hopes to follow in their footsteps.

He said he has already noticed a difference in the approach from US agents.

He told The Voice: “They appreciate your talent and are willing to help you get that next level, there are so many opportunities in America and that is what is lacking here.”

For Lloyd, he wants to be an inspiration to the next generation of actors in his local area, Harlesden, which is in the London Borough of Brent, where footballer Raheem Sterling also grew up.

“I want to be for rising actors what Sterling is for young aspiring footballers in Brent and the rest of London,” he said.

As soon as restrictions lift, Lloyd will be heading stateside. I am ready to work hard and hope to get stuck into some great roles and stories that inspire and empower people. I’m open to doing TV, film, radio, online streaming services and theatre. I feel like the US is where my career with take off. I would rather try and give it a go than have regrets later on.

“I’m focused and I can’t wait to get over there and get started.”

For more information on Ricardo P Lloyd visit: https://ricardoplloyd.com/