
Jalen Thomas Brooks is making waves in the medical drama genre with his latest role as Nurse Mateo in The Pitt, which recently premiered on Max. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Jalen opened up about his journey to landing the role, his approach to playing Mateo, and what fans can expect from the emotionally charged series.
From Basketball to Acting
Jalen’s path to acting wasn’t straightforward. A former basketball player with aspirations of going pro, he found inspiration to pursue acting after watching The Hunger Games. “I was on my bedroom floor, watching The Hunger Games, and I got super inspired seeing young kids convey such deep emotions in this incredible universe,” Jalen shared. That moment sparked his interest in storytelling, leading him to take theater and on-camera classes before securing his first agent.
Interestingly, the release of The Pitt coincided with the latest Hunger Games film. “It felt full circle,” Jalen said. “The Hunger Games inspired me to act, and now I’m part of this amazing series that’s pushing me as a performer.”
Landing the Role of Nurse Mateo
The journey to The Pitt was fast-paced. Jalen initially self-taped his audition while staying in Oregon and soon after found himself on a Zoom callback with series creators Noah Wyle, Scott Z. Burns, and producer John Wells. “It all happened so quickly,” he said. “Within a few days, I got the offer, and it was such a surreal moment.”
The show, which takes a grittier, more intimate approach to the medical drama genre, puts its focus on the emotional and physical toll of working in a high-stakes hospital setting. Jalen described Mateo as “the cool, level-headed guy in the chaos.”
“He’s the one people can lean on,” Jalen explained. “He’s confident, kind, and has a sense of humor that lightens the heavy atmosphere of the ER. Mateo is calm under pressure, and that energy plays a big role in keeping the team grounded.”
Preparing for the Role
Jalen worked closely with medical consultants on set to ensure his portrayal was authentic. “We had doctors and nurses guiding us on everything—how to hold instruments, proper medical procedures, even how to carry ourselves during emergencies,” he shared. He also learned about the importance of humor in high-stress environments. “The doctors told us that humor is how they cope. It’s a way to stay sane while dealing with life-and-death situations.”
Mateo’s Journey in The Pitt
Without revealing spoilers, Jalen teased a complex arc for Mateo over the season’s 15 episodes. “Every character on the show goes through something intense, and Mateo is no exception,” he said. “The stakes are high, and you’ll see him face challenges that reveal new layers to his personality.”
Jalen highlighted the show’s unique focus on the patients’ stories, with the doctors’ lives unfolding through their interactions. “It’s less about relationships between doctors and more about how they connect with the people they’re saving,” he noted. “It’s raw, emotional, and unlike anything else in the genre.”
Working with Noah Wyle
Jalen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Noah Wyle, a veteran of medical dramas thanks to his role on ER. “Noah is incredible—so approachable and full of wisdom,” Jalen said. “He’s given me advice on everything from acting techniques to writing. Watching him work is like watching someone in their element. He’s taught me a lot about rhythm and flow in a scene.”
What Fans Can Expect
Fans of The Pitt can look forward to an emotionally intense and gripping season. Jalen hinted at an episode involving a particularly challenging scene that left the entire cast emotionally drained. “There’s a moment later in the season where the weight of the story really hit all of us,” he shared. “It’s a testament to how real this show feels.”
As for Nurse Mateo, viewers will see his humor and charisma balanced with moments of vulnerability. “Mateo might seem calm and confident, but he has his own struggles,” Jalen said. “The audience will get to see his layers unfold.”
What’s Next for Jalen
In addition to The Pitt, Jalen is gearing up for the sequel to the hit horror film Thanksgiving. “We start filming Thanksgiving 2 in March, and I’m super excited to dive back into that world,” he revealed.
Connect with Jalen
Fans can follow Jalen on Instagram at @jalenthomasbrooks to keep up with his latest projects.
Final Thoughts
Jalen Thomas Brooks is quickly proving himself as a versatile actor capable of tackling complex characters. With The Pitt, he’s bringing heart and depth to Nurse Mateo while making a mark in the medical drama genre. As fans dive into the series, they can look forward to an intense, emotional journey led by a cast and crew committed to authenticity and storytelling excellence.
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Photo: Collin
Photo: Collin Stark