In The Z-Suite, Spencer Stevenson brings the character of Elliot to life, a Gen Z powerhouse who’s unapologetically true to himself, with a flair for bold fashion and a carefree attitude.
Today, HOLR is sitting down with Spencer Stevenson, of Tubi’s The Z-Suite, to dive into the actor’s creative process, how he connected with Elliot’s unfiltered spirit, and what it’s like to portray a character that celebrates individuality and authenticity. From exploring the dynamics of Gen Z’s approach to work to balancing personal passions with a growing career, Spencer Stevenson shares insights into his journey as an actor and the role that fashion plays in telling a character’s story.
Elliot’s character in The Z-Suite has such a distinctive, quirky vibe with his bold fashion choices and carefree attitude. How did you prepare for the role?
Huge thanks to our costume design team, led by Marissa Schwartz, with amazing help from costume assistant Dariush Zadeh, for bringing Elliot’s look to life. From the start, we wanted to make him relatable within queer culture, mixing his “masc/fem” vibes. His bold fashion and carefree attitude feel real and authentic, something a lot of people, including myself, can vibe with. Elliot is all about unapologetically living your truth. Honestly, I live pretty similarly to him within my close friend group, and I see him as an extension of myself—just turned up to 10!
With The Z-Suite exploring the chaos of Gen Z taking over a company’s C-suite, what do you think is the most significant difference between Gen Z’s approach to work and that of previous generations? Plus how does Elliot fit into that dynamic?
Gen Z is all about being real, having flexibility, and caring about the work we do. If it doesn’t vibe, we’re not here for it—mental health and balance are a must! Elliot is the ultimate Gen Z employee: breaking the rules, staying true to himself, and doing things his way. He’s the energy we bring to the workplace—unapologetic and unfiltered.
You’ve had a variety of roles, from Rosaline to Never Goin’ Back. What do you look for in a script or character that excites you the most when taking on a new project?
The chance to tell authentic queer stories. As an out gay actor, I take a lot of pride in that, especially because growing up, it wasn’t exactly “normal” to see people like me represented. Telling those stories is super important to me now more than ever! Never Goin’ Back was also a kind of official “coming out” moment for me, and I’ll always be grateful for that. It’s about finding roles that allow me to be real and true to myself, while also connecting with others through those experiences.
You’ve mentioned being a fashion enthusiast. Does your love for fashion influence how you approach your roles or how you develop a character’s style?
The Z-Suite was the first job where I had this much creative freedom. Our creator & showrunner, Katie O’Brien, really fostered a collaborative space on set. Fashion is a powerful way to express a character’s personality, and Elliot taught me just how much style can define a character. Having such a collaborative environment, especially with the costume team and Hair & Makeup departments, was a blessing—it really brought Elliot to life in a fun way.
Outside of acting, you’ve shared a passion for working out, exploring wines, and spending time with your dog, Apollo. How do you find a balance between your personal life and such a busy career?
Finding balance is all about prioritizing what matters. Working out keeps me grounded, and while I don’t explore wine as much as I’d like, it’s a fun way to unwind. Lately, I’ve gotten really into gaming to relax and get in my competitive bag. My dog Apollo, who passed last year, always reminded me of what’s important with his love and energy. I still carry those moments with me and make time for things that recharge me, so I can give my best in everything I do.
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Published by HOLR Magazine