Entertainment

Allen Maldonado

Photographer: Bobby Quillard  /  Stylist: Daralyn Carter KZAIZ MAGAZINE - The 13 Questions  By Kalent Zaiz KZ. Being African American and Puerto Rican, how was your experience growing up with this salt and pepper culture? How do you define yourself? AM. It's interesting, to say the least. I was raised by my black mother and would visit my Puerto Rican family in New York for the summers. So along with the different racial cultures, there was a regional culture that was just as different. Those experiences have molded me into the diverse individual that I am. It was tough, but I found a way to make my mark on each side. KZ. Tell me about your education. AM. I graduated high school at the age of 16 to further my education in college. I went on to stay for two and a half years before starting my own business and landing a role on "The Young & the Restless." KZ. What does family signify for you? AM. Everything! My family is what motivates me to be great. I look to lay the foundation to change the scope of my family's future and the many generations after. KZ. I've seen some of your pictures with long hair where you appear more Indian than African American, and now, just 32 years old, your expression is more mature than your age. Do you think these different images have opened up more possibilities for you in the industry? AM. Yes. Since cutting my hair, I've made myself more diverse. For a long time, I...