Kareem Grimes generously takes time out of his busy schedule to talk about Season 7 of ‘All American‘, acting and charity.
Kareem Grimes continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his powerful performance as Preach in Season 7 of ‘All American‘ on The CW, which returned for its 13-episode season.
Grimes’ journey began in the 90s when the legendary director John Singleton discovered him as a child, casting him in the iconic coming-of-age film ‘Boyz n the Hood‘. His debut performance set the stage for a successful career in both film and television, including appearances in ‘Baby Boy‘ alongside Tyrese Gibson, as well as ‘ER‘, ‘CSI‘, ‘Bones‘, ‘S.W.A.T.‘, ‘Grown-ish‘, and more. Currently, Grimes is shooting his second season of ‘The Vince Staples Show‘, where he plays the quirky and endearing “Uncle Mike,” a role that earned him two recent NAACP Image Award nominations.
For the past six seasons (making his debut late in season one), Grimes has captured audiences as Cordell “Preach” Simms, a former gang member turned teacher at South Crenshaw High on ‘All American‘. His portrayal of the character has resonated with fans and solidified him as a standout actor on the hit show.
In addition to his acting, Grimes’ name carries significant meaning in Arabic, where “Kareem” translates to “generous.” This meaning aligns perfectly with his character, as he is known for being incredibly generous with his time, particularly through his work with the My Friends House Foundation. The foundation serves the Los Angeles area, providing food, clothing, job opportunities, and access to essential programs that help individuals achieve self-sufficiency and a healthier life.
In a recent conversation, we reminisced about growing up in Southern California. As an Inglewood native, Grimes has a unique perspective on his community, especially as Inglewood was once home to the Lakers and is now the future home of the Clippers. He spoke fondly of his roots and the role his hometown has played in shaping him as both an artist and a person.
Grimes credits much of his success to the guidance and support of those who believed in him, and it’s clear that his generosity and dedication to giving back continue to influence everything he does, both on and off-screen.
For more information about My Friends House Foundation visit: https://www.myfriendshousela.org/.
Follow Kareem Grimes on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kareemgrimes/.
‘All American‘ airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. on The CW and the next day on The CW App.
