Aaron Pierre on Cheat Days, Last Meals, and Bulking Like an Action Hero

Meet Hollywood’s newest action star, a hulking screen presence who brings a cerebral quality to his bone-breaking. If you saw the Netflix smash Rebel Ridge, you get it. But what really feeds him? Where does he get the energy to voice Mufasa in the Lion King prequel, and how did he celebrate booking the lead in HBO’s new Green Lantern series? To find out the answers to these burning questions, we asked him everything we could about food.

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What was the last thing you ate?

Swordfish, which is a rarity. I had it with potatoes and it came with a side of tomatoes, olives, and onion sauteed together. It was really delicious.

What’s in your diet?

The way that I eat is largely paleo. Everyone is unique and will discover a way of eating that’s right for them, and I’ve discovered in my journey that having a mostly paleolithic diet resonates with me most.

What’s in your fridge?

A lot of water. I have bottled water and some lemon juice. I also have a lot of fruit and vegetables, and a lot of dips like hummus, guacamole. My pantry is usually fuller than my fridge, to be honest. Also, anyone that knows me knows I love oatmeal. I have it every single day, more or less.

What’s your favorite piece of meat?

Oh, now this is not something I eat regularly, but I really enjoy red meat, like a burger or steak. And although it’s a rarity, when I do engage with it, I really enjoy it.

What’s your go-to craft services snack?

Popcorn with a little bit of salt.

What’s your favorite cuisine?

Caribbean and African. That’s the food I grew up on. My favorite dish would be what we refer to as “hard food,” which is yams, boiled green bananas—it can include boiled dumplings. And I usually have that with callaloo and saltfish.

What do you eat to bulk up?

Exactly the same answer as before (haha). Yams, boiled green bananas, and callaloo and saltfish. I really enjoy doubling down on the yam and green banana and don’t really eat the dumplings as much.

What dish reminds you of your childhood?

Corned beef and rice. If you know, you know.

What’s your favorite restaurant? Other restaurants you love (in any city)?

One of my favorite restaurants is Rock Steady in Atlanta. I just love all of the food there.

What would be your last meal?

Honestly, something very simple. Maybe oatmeal with diced banana and peanut butter, but bear in mind, you’re asking me this at breakfast. If you asked me that again tomorrow it would probably be something different.

Are you a small plates person?

No. I’m a big sharer.

What do you eat on cheat day?

Oohh, a cheat day! I usually go for a cuisine that I adore, and in this case, it’s Italian. I love pasta and my favorite pasta is fettuccine. I really enjoy pasta with a garlic and olive oil marinade, and I like it with either homemade beef meatballs or diced grilled chicken breast. And I’m always open to garlic bread. Like I said, I’m mostly paleo.

What’s more important, food or vibe?

Honestly, if the vibe was not something I was enjoying, that would result in me not enjoying the food as much. But if I enjoyed the vibe, even if the food didn’t match that, I would still be surrounded by good energy and having a great time.

What’s your post gym meal?

Usually a very full salad with chicken breast. Very simple but very effective.

Do you eat breakfast?

Yes, but not always at conventional times. And I usually have oatmeal.

What is the secret to eating on camera?

I think each individual will have their own approach to it, but I try to eat as naturally as possible. However, I do try to be very specific and mindful of the way I’m eating something, because I usually have to do it multiple times for different takes. I want to honor continuity as best I can and don’t want to cause any additional work for the editing team.

What food makes you weak?

Honestly, I think it always goes back to pasta.

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Grooming: Grace Phillips using Chanel.

Photography Assistant: Joey Abreu.

Fashion Assistant: Ian Whalley.

Post-Production: Camerin Stoldt.

Production Manager: Cecilia Alvarez Blackwell.

Location: Mr. Chow Beverly Hills.