DISILGOLDSOUL MAN OF THE MONTH
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| Djimon Honsou |
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Djimon Hounsou
The Never Back Down Interview
with Kam Williams
Headline: Djimon Announces Plans to Pop the Question
Born in Cotonou, Benin on April 24, 1964, Djimon Gaston Hounsou emigrated from West Africa to Paris at the age of 13 to Paris with his brother Edmund. Homeless, the strikingly-handsome 6'4" hunk led a hand-to-mouth existence, till he was discovered by French fashion designer Thierry Mugler who hired him as a runway model.
After spending time strutting up catwalks all across Europe, Djimon made his way to Hollywood to take a shot at showbiz. He first found work in music videos, appearing in everything from Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu4NcgQZucE) to Madonna's "Express Yourself" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMt53HYkfY8). His big break came in 1997 when Steven Spielberg cast him in Amistad as Cinque, the lion-hearted, slave revolt leader.
Djimon subsequently received critical acclaim for his work with Russell Crowe in Gladiator and then opposite Kate Hudson in The Four Feathers before landing Academy Award nominations for In America ad Blood Diamond. The versatile thespian has also appeared in Eragon, Biker Boyz, Tomb Raider 2, Constantine, Beauty Shop and The Island.
Last year, Djimon returned to modeling, showing off his hot chocolate bod in Calvin Klein's international underwear campaign. Apparently, someone does get between him and his Calvins, however, since for the first time in his career, Hounsou has been landing in the tabloids, all because he's been romantically linked to Kimora Lee Simmons, President of Baby Fat Fashions and ex-wife of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. Despite rumors that Kimora might be pregnant with little Djimon, Jr., the couple were not yet ready to make an announcement at the recent premiere of Djimon's new picture, Never Back Down.
KW: Hey, Djimon, thanks for the time.
DH: Absolutely, thank you. How you been?
KW: Great. I don't know if you remember the first time we spoke, but my son knew where Benin was, and you told him he was a very bright boy.
DH: Oh, yeah, that's right. How's he doing?
KW: He's doing very well, thanks. He's a freshman at Princeton University.
DH: See, he is very smart.
KW: Thanks. What interested you in playing this character, Jean Roqua, in Never Back Down?
DH: If anything, my love of the sport. That was my special attraction to the story. Beyond that, the challenge of portraying Roqua who had some demons that he needed to face and deal with. Plus, I liked his relationship with the young men and women coming of age who were having a hard time dealing with their own issues and trying to overcome them.
KW: I was really pleasantly surprised by this film. Going in, I was expecting it to be just a remake of The Karate Kid, but it really stands on its own. Plus, as usual, you bring a certain presence to the film that elevates the whole production.
DH: Well, like I said, started with my love of mixed martial arts. I was hoping that I would come across a venue with that as a theme. Then, the producers sat down with me and convinced me that it would be a great story.
KW: So, was your love of martial arts as a fan or as a participant?
DH: Well, it was mostly as a fan that I was drawn to the project, but I'd also taken classes. So, I already had a great affinity for the sport.
KW: What did you have to do in preparation for the role?
DH: A lot of training, obviously. There was so much that I had to learn about the sport. One of the things that came in handy was the fact that I had studied kung fu and boxing for so many years while growing up in France. When I came to America, I didn't really pursue them as heavily, but I definitely continued to appreciate a whole new aspect of the sport, which was mixed martial arts.
KW: I knew you'd been a model in France, but I never knew you studied martial arts?
DH: Yes, I did. Even while modeling, I was still practicing kung fu, and boxing, as sports.
KW: Was there anyone that you based Jean Roqua on?
DH: There's a certain spirituality that comes as a result of practicing the sport for a long time. What I was looking for was certainly someone with the right demeanor. So, I watched Royce Gracie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY6OYSbGRQQ) and the Gracie family. The Gracies were known to be the best in Jiu-Jitsu, especially in mixed martial arts. That name resonates with anybody who knows about mixed martial arts. Royce is the man, because of his understanding of the forces of nature, the spirituality, and the mental discipline that comes as a result of needing to survive this training.
KW: What sort of diet, exercise regimen and spiritual path do you follow?
DH: Meditation, mostly. The work that we do, you really need to keep yourself centered while you're in the process of it. It's very difficult.
KW: I can imagine, especially because you're always on the road, living in trailers for long stretches at a time, and not always having access to the healthiest of food.
DH: Yeah, plus you're going back and forth between movie sets, and having whole new groups of people that you're dealing with on a daily basis. It may seem glamorous, but it's really hard to remain centered when you're hopping from place to place. It's very challenging.
KW: I see you've recently returned to modeling for Calvin Klein.
DH: [Chuckles] Why not? If anything, Calvin Klein is the iconic company in terms of fashion. They do have iconic images for their campaigns. They shot it so beautifully.
KW: When is your next film, Push, coming out?
DH: I actually just wrapped Push. But that has so many special effects, that I think there will be quite a bit of time before it's released.
KW: You and Kimora looked like quite the loving couple at the Never Back Down premiere. Are you planning to pop the question any time soon?
DH: Uh, well, you know, she's the best candidate. So, eventually, yeah.
KW: Congratulations! Would you describe yourself as happy?
DH: Yes, very fulfilled.
KW: I call that the Columbus Short question, because he told me that no interviewer ever asks him that.
DH: Yes, no one does, actually. Yes, I am happy, and I have many reasons to be extra-happy nowadays. Life is calm, and the career is good and taking its course. And things are moving, things are moving ahead.
KW: Is there any question that nobody ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
DH: [Laughs] Yeah, I remember that question. You've asked me that before. You've caught me off-guard again.
KW: What message do you want people to come away with from Never Back Down?
DH: That we all have our issues, that no one gets away from facing their own issues, so that we can advance. Nothing is given lightly, and everything has a repercussion, as you're evolving. And, if anything, the sport itself is a great training, not only physically, but the mental discipline that it requires. The gym can serve as an excellent place where kids, and young men and women can really empty their issues right on the floor. It's amazing the spirituality that you get as a result of practicing and enjoying the sport. That's another plus.
KW: Well, thanks again for the interview, Djimon. I really appreciate it.
DH: You're most welcome. I want to know what's going on with your son. Don't forget to remind me next time, okay?
KW: Absolutely, best of luck with the film, your family, and all your endeavors.
DH: Thank you very much, sir. Until the next time. Take care.
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Marcus Patrick
The Descent Interview
with Kam Williams
Headline: Renaissance Hunk
Born in Bath, England on June 5, 1974, Marcus Patrick is of Cherokee, Jamaican, Cuban, English, Irish and French extraction. In addition to acting, Marcus is the former Heavyweight British Tae Kwon Do Champion and a 2nd degree Black Belt. At the age of 17 he was discovered by "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell who instantly signed the promising talent on as a member of the international boy band Worlds Apart. After touring for several years, Marcus turned his attention to acting in order to pursue his dream of following in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Bruce Lee. So, he then moved to America and began studying acting, first in New York, then, in Hollywood.
Soon, he encountered success both on TV and in movies, appearing in a number of commercials, sitcoms, soaps and finally theatrically-released films. On television, he guest-starred on "CSI Miami", "My Wife and Kids" and "Beyond the Break". But a critically-acclaimed stint playing bad boy Jamal Cudahy on the popular daytime soap "All My Children" served to turn Marcus Patrick into a household name.
On the big screen, Marcus recently co-starred opposite Rosario Dawson last year in the lead role of Adrian in the psychological suspense thriller "Descent." Meanwhile, also in 2007, he was seen in "Dirty Laundry", "Love and Other Four Letter Words" and "I Do I Did."
As for upcoming projects, Marcus has been tapped by world-renowned Marvel Comics animator and writer Stan Lee to star as his first black superhero in the upcoming feature presently known as The Untitled Stan Lee Project. No stranger to controversy, the handsome hunk posed for the September 2007 Playgirl Magazine cover story, which included a nude photo spread. This ostensibly led to Marcus' being fired from the daytime soap opera "Days of Our Lives," where he had been enjoying a recurring role as Jett Carver.
Here, forthcoming Marcus reflects on all of the above and more.
KW: Hi Marcus, thanks for the time.MP: You're welcome.
KW: You have such a diverse ethnic background, being a combination of Native-American, Jamaican, Cuban, English, Irish and French. How do you think of yourself, as British, as black, as a comblinasian as Tiger Woods says, or as all of the above?
MP: I think of myself as a being on Earth. We all came from Africa according to the most credible research, so we are all one!
KW: You were discovered at 17 by American Idol's Simon Cowell. Is he as mean in real life as he is on TV?
MP: He was cool to me. He had a lot of faith in me. But he can be pretty harsh on other people. I once saw him cus sout a fellow band member with his upper crust British accent and I had to Laugh.
KW: What was it like suddenly being famous as a teenager and touring the world with Worlds Apart?
MP: It was a bizarre experience, with so many stories. It was a good training ground for the future that lay ahead for me. I knew the band and the music wasn't for me but I saw it as a good apprentice vehicle. Now the music I write comes from my heart. If I don't feel it, I don't sing it.
KW: The group's big hit, Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel, was remake of a song originally done by Tavares. Ironically, a friend of mine played piano for Tavares back then.
MP: Yeah we were doing those songs from all the great bands and not really doing the best job of them, so it felt like we were pretty useless at the time. I felt embarrassed often when performing because I didn't believe in the product we were pushing. Tavares was an amazing band, we were just a couple of teens making a mess on stage. [Laughs]
KW: How did you find enough time to train at Tae Kwon Do to become the British heavyweight champ?
MP: My father was a karate teacher, so I trained since I was five years old with him. He made me do gymnastics, piano, swimming, and karate. Every day, I had an after school activity. He didn't want me to end up in a gang. I appreciate him more than he knows. So, when I was fifteen, I became junior champion and British champion. When I was 16, I became the men's heavyweight champion. I had a big advantage because from starting so young, I was a natural fighter. The irony of it all was that I began to feel remorse for those who I had hurt during competition, and I realized I no longer wished to hurt other men for my ego's needs. I wished to instead help empower men the way Ghandi, and Martin Luther King would have. That's when I knew the fight game was no longer for me.KW: What made you give up singing for acting?
MP: The business in music can be a rough one, especially if you come from a small town, as I did. I found the business to lack integrity and I had no idea how to handle that at such a young age. So, I quit for a while and decided I would only do things for my own pleasure. Years later, I felt inspired to write songs again and do it the right way this time out the gate, I'm a man now who's seen the world, not a little boy from a small village. Acting is a fun passion of mine. I will tell many stories in the future to help awaken the world to issues we need to tackle as a race on earth. And I plan to have fun with it too!
KW: Why did you decide to relocate to Hollywood?
MP: Hollywood is the Mecca for entertainment; it was the natural place for me.KW: Jimmy B., Jimmy Bayan, realtor to the stars, wants to know where in L.A. you live?
MP: I live in Canoga Park/Woodland Hills and I love my neighborhood. Right next to the biggest mall I've ever seen and my favorite restaurant, 'Follow Your Heart'.
KW: You've had recurring roles on three soap operas: Passions, All My Children and Days of Our Lives. Do you feel in danger of being typecast as a soap opera actor?
MP: Not at all, my four films releasing this year are very different, not at all that soapy style writing. I had fun with he soaps, met the fans, now they can follow me into the TV and film world.
KW: On the big screen, you were recently in Descent which just came out on DVD. The movie didn't do well at the box-office, despite critical acclaim. I gave it four stars. Without giving anything away, how would you describe your role in the film?
MP: The movie was given a limited release in theaters due to its graphic sexual content. It's a shocking movie, and my role is the big shocker. I really believed it will be a hit on DVD, and that people will talk about it. The content is so graphic and shocking, how can they not?
KW: How was it working with Rosario Dawson?
MP: Rosario was a pleasure. She is a free being... very focused on her work and very nice to all. She likes to explore everything and has little fear for anything.
KW: You were also in Dirty Laundry, which to my knowledge, was the first film with a predominantly black cast to explore the theme of being on the down low. What did you think of the movie? MP: As bad as this sounds… I still haven't gotten a chance to see it yet.
KW: What's up next for you?
MP: My focus is getting the Stan Lee film greenlit, so I can star in my first action film. And I have just been offered my own Web TV show called 'The Marcus Patrick Show.' Good title, huh? [LOL]
KW: Last fall, you were on the cover of Playgirl, and rumor has it that that's the reason why you were fired from Days of Our Lives. What do you think? MP: Yeah, I think so. Those older folks are afraid of these things. The fact that I dance at both gay and straight bars is also a media scare for them. Silly, really, 'cause half of the daytime fans are a part of the gay community. I had no doubt that by embracing the gay community, I might have helped the dropping ratings.
KW: Do you have any regret about doing full-frontal nudity? MP: I never did full-frontal nudity. We had a contract that stated no full-frontal. What actually happened was we were experimenting in the studio with silhouette shots and they promised I would be blacked out. The contract states no full frontal and Playgirl kind of breached it because they wanted to give the fans what they wanted. I just figured "What the heck? They probably did me a favor."
KW: Did you get a lot of new fans after appearing in Playgirl? MP: Tons. You figure about two million copies sold, so I had a lot of fans writing to me. It was great!
KW: Why did you start stripping in gay clubs? Because you were fired for that nude layout?MP: I've been dancing and stripping for years. That's how I pay the bills. It's also great fun for me and great cardio. I get so bored on the treadmill. Hey, I'll just get paid to do my cardio. [Laughs]
KW: Would you make a porno movie if somebody offered you enough money?MP: Who knows? If they offered me a clean million dollars, after all taxes and fees paid, I'd become Dirk Diggler [the fictional porn star played by Mark Wahlberg in Boogie Nights] that day! [LOL]KW: You're a handsome guy. Have you ever tried modeling?
MP: I tried it when I was younger. I just couldn't wait around for designers to pick me. So, I focused on my talent and passions. Of course, if campaigns come along now that would be great. They can use me as a celebrity model. I just love to sing, act and dance really.
KW: What type of exercise regimen do you have to maintain to keep in that shape?
MP: Well I hit the gym once a week. My experience as a trainer keeps me fit. All I need to do is a full body workout once a week. And I hit the track every Sunday with a group of friends and my agent Gar. The rest is my diet, really. I eat no animal products, so I really put no fat in my body. Other than vegetable oils. The dancing also really keeps me lean.
KW: You're a vegan. That's a pretty strict vegetarian diet. What types of foods do you typically eat, and what do you never eat?
MP: No animal products period. No meat, no eggs, no dairy and no animal flesh. I eat grains, nuts, vegetables and fruits. I love soymilk and cereal. I eat that in the morning and before I go to bed!
KW: Bookworm Troy Johnson wants to know what was the last book you read?
MP: "The Power of Now" by Echart Tolle.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
MP: I always feel great! Life is too short for anything else other than happiness. That's why I want to share my lifestyle with others so they can feel as great as I do!
KW: What question do you always wish someone would ask you, but no one ever asks it?
MP: How do we create heaven on Earth?
KW: Okay, how do we create heaven on Earth?
MP: Everyone needs to know someone from a different culture, creed, age, gender, and country so we can finally end this insane behavior with some goal to survive and start granting each other the respect of our spiritual being.
KW: What advice do you have for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?MP: Follow your heart impulses.
KW: Do you have a website where your fans can get in touch with you?
KW: Do you answer your own email?
MP: Yes I do! It takes a lot of time, but I have a lot of energy and respect for my supporters
KW: Thanks again for the interview, Marcus, and best of luck.
MP: You're very welcome! I appreciate your time and interest in me.
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Rick Fox:
The Meet the Browns Interview with Kam Williams
Headline: Rick Fox: Fair and Balanced
Ulrich Alexander Fox was born in Toronto on July 24, 1969 but raised in the Bahamas by his Italian-Canadian mother and father from the Caribbean. At the age of 13, Rick decided to pursue his passion for basketball, and moved to Indiana, since the Hoosier State is so closely associated with the sport.
After high school, he went on to play for four years at North Carolina under the tutelage of the legendary Dean Smith. That apprenticeship served Fox well, as he ended up being the first round draft pick of the Boston Celtics in the 1991 pro draft. The 6’7” forward went on to spend 13 seasons in the NBA, enjoying a storybook career which included a trio of championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers.
And his private life proved to be just as much of a fairytale, when he eloped with former Miss America Vanessa Williams in 1999. Although the union would not last, it did at least produce an adorable daughter, Sasha who is now 7, and an enduring friendship.
So, between sharing custody and Rick’s enjoying a recurring role as her character’s bodyguard on her hit TV-show, Ugly Betty, the couple has remained on good terms. He also has a son, Kyle, with his college sweetheart, Kari Hillsman.
Since retiring from the NBA in 2004, Fox has turned his attention to acting full-time, appearing in such television series as Love, Inc., One Tree Hill and Dirt, where he played a homosexual on the down-low. Now, on the big screen, he’s landed a breakout lead role opposite Angela Bassett in Meet the Browns, Tyler Perry’s new movie.
Here, Rick reflects on his new movie, the NBA, the NCAAs, Vanessa, fatherhood, Obama and being bi-racial.
KW: Rick, thanks for the privilege of a few minutes with you.
RF: No, my pleasure, man.
KW: What was it like working with Tyler Perry, my pick as the best black director of 2007?
RF: Being a writer/director, Tyler is very hands-on, and very graciously allowed me to play a character he could have played himself. I’m grateful that he entrusted me with the role, and gave me a big opportunity in the process. And having watched his work, and now actually having worked with him during the process of shooting this movie, personally, I don’t think there’s a more dedicated person when it comes to storytelling and having his message delivered to his audience. He’s obviously been tirelessly working for a number of years on the stage, as well as in movies and on TV, and I love his humble approach of consistently challenging himself and wanting to get better as a director.
KW: What would you say is the message of Meet the Browns?
RF: I think that with all of Tyler’s movies, there’s definitely a sense of faith and hope that there’s something greater than ourselves that is out there in terms of support. This particular one deals with a single mother who’s facing a lot of challenges in her life, and who has maybe lost hope that there’s any support out there for her. She finds it in the South in her family that she didn’t even know, along with a man who’s trying to move through his own personal struggles. And on the love relationship side of this, they both step out of their fears of beginning again to each other. So, I think it’s just a message of faith and hope that, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in, there’s still more out there for you, as long as you continue to push through.
KW: Landing the lead role of Harry is really a breakout opportunity for you. Were you at all awed by the challenge of acting opposite Angela Bassett?
RF: Oh, totally. [Chuckles] There’s definitely a long line of deserving and more talented individuals who are waiting to work with a talent such as Angela. But having taken my hands off the wheel a long time ago, and not thinking I’m controlling this path in life, I was blessed to be in this situation. I was definitely in awe for a period of time, but it’s like getting thrown into the deep end of the ocean. Eventually, you have to start swimming. [Laughs]
KW: So, how was it working with her?
RF: She really was like a life preserver out there for me. She was not only gracious and open, but teaching and sharing.
KW: I like how Tyler is so gifted at creating characters who resonate as recognizably real.
RF: Yeah, Angela and I experienced our characters that way as we continued talking to Tyler and worked through his vision of them and the message that he wanted to bring. There was a certain truth and realism that we wanted to have evolve out of the story. And it was easy to find as we went along, because his voice just rang through so passionately and so clearly.
KW: I have to talk a little about basketball with you, given the Lakers’ resurgence and that Carolina is the favorite to win the NCAA Tournament. I wonder how many people know that as a teenager you played basketball in Indiana. Were you named the state’s Mr. Basketball while in high school?
RF: I was close, runner-up, but I did learn how to play the game there.
KW: Well, you certainly led a charmed life after that, playing at Carolina, being drafted by the Celtics, and then winning three championships Lakers. What was that like?
RF: Honestly, I couldn’t have scripted it any better. To have come from a small island in the Bahamas and to experience all of this is definitely a plan greater than my own imagination. I’ve learned to just accept the blessings and thank God for them, even here where I find myself working with Tyler after he nearly ran me over by accident with his car on Sunset Boulevard. I’d never met him before that incident and shortly thereafter we’re discussing a role in one of his movies. Serendipity seems to be a theme in my life in a lot of ways.
KW: And you married Miss America, too. I interviewed Vanessa for the first time last year and I was just so impressed with how grounded, sane and intelligent she was.
RF: Well, I’d have to say that I definitely have to credit being married to Vanessa with any growth I’ve had in the course of my life. We’re still close friends, sharing and having conversations about our lives and raising our daughter together. She’s been very influential in helping me grow as a friend and former husband. I appreciate and value that so much because, like I said, she’s been a huge reason why I’ve made great strides.
KW: Will your character, Dwayne, remain on her TV-show Ugly Betty long-term?
RF: We’ll have to see. I know I’m still there, alive and kicking for now.
KW: Who are you picking in the NCAA tournament? I’m just about to fill out my brackets and could use a little help. Let me guess, your alma mater, Carolina?
RF: [Laughs] Yeah, what was that, a stab in the dark?
KW: And who do you like to win the NBA championship? Let me guess, the Lakers, even though they lost to Houston which is on a helluva roll.
RF: Well, I’d like for them to get healthier, that’s for sure. And then they’d have a really good chance of creating that Eighties and early Nineties run that their fans got quite used to enjoying, including the Celtics-Lakers rivalry.
KW: “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan was curious about where in L.A. you live.
RF: I live in Westwood, in UCLA country.
KW: And bookworm Troy Johnson was wondering: What was the last book you read?
RF: I’m reading a great one right now by John Truby called The Anatomy of Story. But the last one I finished was A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Would you describe yourself as happy?
RF: Am I happy? I’m very happy, yeah.
KW: Is there a question nobody asks you, that you wish somebody would?
RF: Wow, I love that question. That’s a good one. I think I’d regret throwing out an answer to that one without giving it some thought. That’s a powerful question, man.
KW: I’ll ask you that next time. Who are you supporting for president?
RF: Being Bahamian, and having lived here all my life, I’d have to say that I recognize the historical ramifications of a Democratic change, whether it’s a woman or a black man. Personally, I would like to see Obama win, but I don’t think we would lose as long as either of those Democrats wins.
KW: Since you have a black father and a white mother, do you think you might have a special insight into Obama?
RF: Yeah, though I haven’t read his book, I definitely connected with the way he was raised, like I have with a lot of friends who are bi-racial and looking for a way to effect change in general. I’ve known some who’ve felt that the hope for the future of the world rests with the views of kids who’ve grown up in bi-racial marriages. There’s a tolerance that you see in folks who’ve experienced both sides, in some cases many sides, and come from multicultural backgrounds. Their perspective is not so polarizing in a black and white way.
KW: How do you deal with the fact that you have both a black and white background, yet when you walk down the street, people see you as only black?
RF: That doesn’t bother me. I have a comfort zone in whatever setting I’m in. People might perceive it as being naïve, but even when I was the only black kid in high school, I never saw myself as anything but a human being trying to get an education. In the NBA, it was interesting watching the reactions of fans or coaches when my dad would come to visit me. They’d be shocked because he was dark-skinned. Then, they’d see my mom who was as white as the beaches in the Bahamas. It was always intriguing to watch the reactions. My teammates were much more comfortable than some of my coaches when my mother showed up. The different reactions gave me an insight about how various people viewed the world. But, personally, I found myself in the middle and was always comfortable, regardless.
KW: Because you were just you, and your parents are you parents, I suppose.
RF: Yeah, it’s like how Eckhart Tolle discusses in that book, A New Earth. He talks about how people lose the experience of taking-in a human, a bird, a flower or a tree because they’re living on the superficial level of labels. Instead of really stopping to take-in a person fully, they take in the label. I think that what I was blessed with by being raised in a bi-racial family is that I took in people and things as I experienced them as opposed to saying that’s a black man, that’s a white man or that’s an Asian man.
KW: I thought it was pretty moving after the South Carolina primary when the Obama supporters started chanting “Race doesn’t matter!”
RF: There can’t help but be more and more change, because more and more people have grown up around an interracial relationship. From that standpoint, it’s no longer such a rarity in this society, where most people, just a generation before wouldn’t even consider entering one, out of fear.
KW: What’s up next for you?
RF: Spending quality time with my son and my daughter during Spring Break is my focus right now.
KW: Well, Rick, thanks again for the time, and hope to speak to you again soon.
RF: Wonderful. Thank you.
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| Kicking off Women's History Month with a new actor on the rise for the ladies. Stay tuned for Special Women's Tribute Magazine mid March. Developing! |
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Disilgold: What inspired you to become an actor?
B.J.: As an actor, you have the ability to become a visual representation of an idea or an actual person in history. I’ve seen Denzel become Malcolm X; and Jack Nicholson, The Joker. I want the chance to embody a character that has the power to affect an audience the way these great actors affected me.
Disilgold: What new projects are you working on?
B.J.: As of this interview; I’m filming Slums 13 along side Mark Dacascos, Taimak and Akon. I’m also slated to play a character in a stage play for New Level Productions, touring this summer with Chico DeBarge. The next thing you will probably see however is my calendar, which we will begin shooting in the next month.
Disilgold: What do you do in your spare time when you are not acting?
B.J.: In my spare time, I like the company of close friends and family. I’m involved in other business ventures that take up a good portion of my free time. But I try to make time for the people in my life.
Disilgold: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
B.J.: Hopefully; happy, healthy and wise.
Disilgold: Do you have any advice to aspiring actors?
B.J.: Love what you do because the beginning is the most challenging time.
Disilgold: You have a great sense of style, what fashion tips can you give for fellows?
B.J.: Thank you. Um, I would say; don’t over think it. No matter what you wear, you’re not going to please everybody. Keep it simple.
Disilgold: What qualities do you look for in a woman?
B.J.: Ha ha! Honestly, I love a woman that knows how to be a lady. I love the woman that laughs and jokes and plays games; but I also love the woman that knows how to put on that dinner dress and heels, go out and be catered to. Its a beautiful thing to have a lady that lets you please her; um, cater to her.
Disilgold: What movies or actor's works would you recommend to the Disilgold audience?
B.J.: Morgan Freeman and Mel Gibson in my opinion are two of the best ever. For actors, I would also suggest Will Smith's performance in I am Legend. The movie may have received mixed reviews; but he made the audience feel the emotion of his character.
Disilgold: I hear you are going to debut in Tyler Perry's House of Payne, America's number one show? How does this feel and will you be a regular on the show or is the Hollywood Movie screen calling you?
B.J.: While there are currently no talks about my becoming a recurring character on the show, I hope to have the opportunity to be on the small screen and the big screen throughout my career. Different venues are proving to be a learning experience, and a time of personal and professional growth.
Disilgold: Most actors have a lot of preparation before auditions and casting? What casting tips do you suggest to actors?
B.J.: Difficult as it may be; try not to worry about what the last person did or what the next will do. Work with what you have to do the best you can do.
Disilgold: There have been a lot of celebrity mishaps. Do you think you will be able to handle the paparazzi per say your acting career takes off in 2008? You were issued an Actor of the Year Award for several entities which is major.
B.J.: Thank you. With any new undertaking, comes new responsibilities; I feel prepared for what lies ahead, and trust that those around me will keep me informed.
Disilgold: When you are on the next flight to a movie screening what books will you be reading?
B.J.: Mostly books concerning real life changing stories, like those of Robert Kiyosaki and Russ Whitney.
Disilgold: You've got to work out. What is your exercise regimen?
B.J.: I stay active a lot of different ways. I try to lift a few days a week; and play football or basketball in between time.
Disilgold: Where are you from and what is your nationality?
B.J.: I was born in Augusta, GA to an African-American Mother and European Father.
Disilgold: If you could say something to inspire young children out there, what would be your quote of inspiration?
B.J.: The life you live today is based on yesterday's choices. So make good ones.
Disilgold: The Disilgold Soul Magazine family loves Tyler Perry's books. Do you see yourself writing a book one day and could you share the topic you're contemplating?
B.J.: Certainly. Im keeping notes of my journey now. I think we all have a great story in us, and I think my personal story is the first one I want to share.
Disilgold: Well, we look forward to your projects and possible literary works, but most of all wish you success in 2008. Will you let your Disilgold family know what you're doing and all about your tour upcoming or how fans can keep in touch? Do you have a MYSPACE site?
B.J.: Of course; all of my movie, television and tour information you can find on myspace at www.myspace.com/bradjamestheactor. Also I can be found at www.IMDB.com the Internet Movie Data Base. Just search for my name and click on the picture.
Disilgold: Thanks so much Brad for granting Disilgold an interview away from your busy schedule.
B.J: It’s been my pleasure. So, this means Im in the Disilgold family, right?
Disilgold: This is an honor for us. I sense a multi-talented actor on the rise who is going to make major moves within the next few years. Wishing you much continued success from the fam. Please keep us informed of all great happenings.
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Sean "Diddy" Combs
A Raisin in the Sun
Interview with Kam Williams
Headline: A Dialogue with Diddy
Born in New York on November 4, 1969, rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is the CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, one of the preeminent urban-oriented conglomerates. The company encompasses a broad range of businesses, including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, apparel and restaurants. The 38 year-old, multiple Grammy Award-winner is also widely-recognized as a music producer, performer and solo artist. On the big screen, he's previously appeared opposite Halle Berry as her husband in her Oscar-winning performance in Monster's Ball. Now, Diddy breaks new ground by both producing a TV adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" and reprising the lead role of Walter Lee which he brought to Broadway in the play's 2004 revival.
Here, Diddy touches on many aspects of his career and addresses the rumor that he's changing his name for the sixth time, to Sean John. Over the years, his memorable moniker has been altered from Puffy to Puff Daddy to Puff to P. Diddy to just Diddy.
KW: Hey, Diddy, how are you?
SC: Good; how are you?
KW: Have you changed your name again to Sean John?
SC: No, I didn't change my name. That's just a rumor.
KW: Well, then, what is your official name right now?
SC: My name is Sean Combs.
KW: Fine. What about "A Raisin in the Sun" made you want to bring it to Broadway and now to TV?
SC: You don't read scripts like that these days, especially for African Americans.I just felt so thrilled and blessed, that I jumped at the chance to do it. On Broadway, I was blessed with an acting coach who knew the passion that I had to become an actor. And she knew I was studying extremely hard. After doing a quick role in "Monster's Ball," she knew I wanted to take another route besides the cliché roles which you would expect of a rap artist that's transitioning into acting. She said, "If you really, really want to get serious, I have the perfect role for you." Then, she told me about possibly playing Walter Lee Younger, Jr. And I was like, there's no way I can do that. I'd never even been on a live stage. But she said, "You can't have any fears," and so I just really jumped at the chance to do it without knowing how difficult and tough starring on Broadway was. It was a dream role for any actor, but it was one of the most challenging things I've ever done as an artist, and it like truly changed my life.
KW: Did you draw on any of your childhood experiences from Harlem and Mount Vernon in creating Walter Lee?
SC: Yes. Ironically, some people think that maybe I may not be able to relate because I've had a little bit of success. But I feel I was destined to play this role because my father was killed when I was three years old and I grew up in a house with three women, my mother, my grandmother and my sister. I went through those years of having to watch my mother and my grandmother work two jobs and not being able to take care of my family and seeing the look on my mother's face when I would ask for things that she couldn't afford. And the stress we went through when I was going to Howard University and me just having a dream of being in the music industry kind of related to Walter Lee's dream of having a liquor store. Everybody looked at me like I was crazy back then the same way Walter Lee is treated in this movie. And so, some of the anxiety, the way you feel, the pursuit of the dream and how you're constantly hittingobstacles and it's getting deferred and how you just have to keep that passion and motivation and can't stop is something that I truly was able to tap into and relate to from my life.
KW: Why don't we see more scripts like this for African-Americans?
SC: That's a good question. I think that things are changing for the better. You're seeing African-Americans get more power as far as being executive producers, so I think a lot of work that Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and a lot of the black actors are doing right now are really opening up doors for actors like me. Still, there hasn't been an abundance of roles that really look into all of the dimensions of a black man, but I do think that things like that are changing. You don't see as many gang-banging movies as you used to.
KW: What about the original play by Lorraine Hansberry touched you?
SC: I hadn't really read another script where almost every single word from beginning to end means something. I think that her understanding of eachcharacter's motivation was genius. That's what makes this work still relevant today and so timeless. When people ask, "Why do this again?" I say because it's important that the story lives on just like Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" lives on.
KW: How was it working with Phylicia Rashad, Sanaa Lathan and Audra McDonald?
SC: Oh, to be able to work with three incredible actresses that are so vulnerable and so real you can't but help tell the truth when you're looking into their eyes. It comes very easy with actors like that. You can't help but get better. You can't help but nail the scene because they're so believable from their years of experience.
KW: Diddy, did you speak to Sidney Poitier, who originated your role on Broadway back in 1959, in preparation?
SC: Yes, yes. When I got offered the role, I immediately called Sidney Poitier, reached out to him, because I just wanted to tell him myself. And he was very excited and he's been very supportive. He just literally passed me the baton, and we went out to lunch in L.A. He really supported me and gave me confidence, and so did Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis. They took me under their wing, because they felt it was important to share this story with a new generation.
KW: By Jim Collins. Oh, I reviewed that book. I loved it. The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
SC: Am I happy? Yes, very happy.KW: And Jimmy Bayan, realtor to the stars, wants to know where you stay when you're out in L.A.
SC: The Beverly Hills Hotel. But don't tell nobody.
KW: Mum's the word. Your secret is safe with me. Speaking of secrets, what is the secret of your success at juggling so many different responsibilities?
SC: One of the secrets of my success is my professionalism. I think, for somereason, a lot of people, are surprised by that. I guess I use it to my advantage because this is just the way I am. I couldn't have all of these companies running successfully if I wasn't a professional. I come from the world of hip-hop, known for the bling bling and the money and the champagne and all of those things that become very, very blown out of proportion. But most of the time, I'm just in my office working or in the studio. And when I do go out, a lot of things get magnified.
KW: Do you especially expect your character in Raisin to resonate with black males?
SC: Yes, definitely. I felt his pain because I was going through that pain and I think everybody feels his pain who wants to take care of their family. I think that's why so many people relate to this and especially to be able to tell this story from an African American man's perspective so people could try to understand the pain and the anxiety that a lot of African American males are going through, being born into conditions where it's like their life is predestined for failure. They're born into all the statistics on what they're going to become and how they're not going to become anything. That's very painful.
KW: What message does Raisin have for members of the Hip-Hop Generation?
SC: Oh, my. I think the core message for this generation is love of family and that, at the end of the day, when things are rough, and the chips are down, your family is going to be there. And to never give up hope, to keep on pursuing your dreams because this generation has gone through this story in more of a widespread way than I think it was like when the play was originally done. Now, it's not just African-Americans that are touched by this. Whites and Latinos and other impoverished communities are going through this same story. You have the line in there about "Money is life." That's something that this generation kind of believes because this is the world that we were brought up in. And I think this brings it down to that reality, just like it's brought a lot of hip hop stars, even myself, to the reality that there is more than that, that family is life and love is life.
KW: Do you like the fact that the film is coming on TV during Black History Month and at a time when we have history in the making with Obama running for President of the United States?
SC: You know, I think that the timing couldn't have been any better, especially given what happened, earlier this year with a lot of the racism that we saw trying to stick its head out. But America has said we're not going to have that anymore.KW: This movie's going to air on ABC the night after the Oscars. Does that mean you'll be a presenter at the Academy Awards?
SC: If ABC sets that up.
KW: Who in the cast of Raisin was the most fun on the set?
SC: Me. Oh, man, one of the things that I was able to do was make sure that when we weren't in front of the camera, we still kept our family vibe. I did the same thing on Broadway. It was a continuation, so it was a lot of work, but we had a lot of fun.
KW: You wear a lot of hats: actor, rapper, producer, etcetera. Which is your favorite?
SC: I just like being an entertainer. I just view myself as an entertainer and Ireally try to look at myself as the entertainers of old. They did many different things. They had albums and they acted and they also had some side businesses. I like entertaining people and pushing the culture of hip-hop forward, so that we can do other things that aren't maybe written for us to do that are not very typical. And maybe that way we could raise our culture up.
KW: Because you've broken so many new artists, I was wondering how you know when to sign someone who's going to be the next new sensation?
SC: I think that you know that was one of my blessings, so that's why afterall these years, I'm still here. I just signed a new artist, Janelle Monae, and it's just a feeling that I get. I just get this certain feeling when I see an artist, I can't really describe it. It's just like, you know, if it touches me emotionally and it has certain unique tones. I love vulnerability and rawness, but if you go like on My Space and look up Janelle Monae, you'll see my newest artist and she's really groundbreaking.
KW: Is music still fun for you?
SC: You know, I still do love music, but I am transitioning, you know, as an artist from music to acting right now.
KW: You're such a trendsetter. What do you have on the horizon in terms of clothes – anything new?
SC: Right now, this is one of the biggest weeks of this year for me because I'm returning to the runway for the first time in five years. I haven't been to sleep in like six days and probably got four more days to go, and I'm just finishing up all my clothes now.
KW: How do you balance so many responsibilities? Isn't it stressful?
SC: This is a stressful time, but it's a good stress. I'm blessed to have these opportunities and so I think it has a blessing. Anytime I get stressed or tired, I just think about how blessed I am even to have these opportunities and how so many men and women would love to be in my shoes. I just try to take advantage of this so more doors are open for other people.KW: Have you been able to keep up your exercise routine, too?
SC: No, I haven't in the last couple of weeks, but I have to. That's very important, I'm trying to get back into that.
KW: Thanks for the time, Diddy. Best of luck with A Raisin in the Sun and all your other ventures.
SC: Thank you very much. I truly appreciate you're taking out the time to speak to me. I just really appreciate it, thank you.
KW: Same here, bro.
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The Great Young Stars in The Great Debaters
Jurnee Smollett & Denzel Whitaker
The Great Debaters Interview with Kam Williams
In The Great Debaters, Jurnee Smollett and Denzel Whitaker more than hold their own opposite a couple of Academy Award-winners in Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. These accomplished young stars deliver powerful performances portraying members of all-black Wiley College's 1935 debate team which won the national championship.
Born into a family filled with talented thespians, Jurnee's siblings, Jazz, Jake, Jocqui, Jussie and Jojo, are also professional actors. Only 21, she already has won a couple of NAACP Image Awards, both for her work on the TV series Cosby. Jurnee got her start at the age of five on TV, enjoying recurring roles, in turn, on such shows as Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Full House and On Our Own. By the age of 10, she had landed her first title role on the big screen, as Eve in the critically-acclaimed Eve's Bayou.17 year-old Denzel's resume' is practically as impressive, as he made his auspicious acting debut at 11 opposite Denzel Washington in Training Day. Since then, he's appeared on numerous television programs, including One on One, ER, All That, The War at Home, Teachers, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.Here, the gifted pair share their thoughts about their latest outing as James Farmer, Jr. and Samantha Booke.
DW: Hey, Kam!
KW: Thanks for the time.
DW: Not a problem. How're you doing?
KW: Great. How intimidating was it for you working with Oscar-winners Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker?
JS: It wasn't intimidating…
DW: Because right when you step into the audition room, Denzel demands a certain level of professionalism. Also, he sets a professional tone, and a collaborative tone among everybody. Nobody's bigger than the rest. It's one of those situations where you can't be intimidated otherwise we wouldn't have made it past the first audition. It's all about being a professional and performing, although at the end of the day you might sit back and realize, "Wow, I just did a scene with Denzel Washington." I'd be standing at the snack line saying, "Did I really just do that?" But, at the same time, when you step back onto the set, and hop back into character, you're ready to shine a light onto a story that not many people have heard of. And so many little things are playing in your mind that you don't even think about the fact that you're doing so-called acting in front of Denzel and Forest.
KW: Did you have a sense, as you were making the movie, of the significance of the story, historically? DW: No, I only really got a sense of its importance after the film. But I have to say that during the lynching scene you could feel the importance of the film, of what it meant to grow up during that era. And to feel what our ancestors felt. JS: Yeah, once I saw the film, I was really blown away by how impactful it was even on me, and I'd been there for the entire process. But while you're doing it, you're so focused on being present that you have to forget all the external stuff in order to make it honest, to make it natural.
KW: Denzel, given your name, did you feel predestined to act as a child?
DW: No, not at all. Acting didn't occur to me till about seven years ago. I knew who Denzel Washington was, but never did it occur to me that I had the same name as an Academy Award-winner. It didn't drive me to acting, but it's definitely a compliment when someone says something like, "Hey, you're little Denzel."
KW: What do you hope this picture will impress upon young kids?
JS: The film has so many messages. One is the power of the spoken word. We see it today in poets and hip-hop artists. The power of our tongues… The power of having an opinion and using your mind as a weapon versus using something like a gun or a knife… Using the tools that God has given you as your biggest strength. That was the ticket out. That was how we got to where we are now, because there were so many people who decided to pick up a book, and fed their minds with that kind of fuel.
KW: Next is what I call the Jimmy Bayan question. Where in L.A. do you live?
DW: I live in the South Bay area.JS: And I live in the Valley.
KW: Is there a question that nobody ever asks you that you wish somebody would ask? JS: Yeah, what's your favorite cereal? [Laughs]
KW: Okay, what's your favorite cereal?
DW: Jurnee, what's your favorite cereal?
JS: [Hesitates] Ummmmm, see, I go back and forth between oatmeal and Wheatena.
DW: And I go back and forth between Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Fruit Loops [Laughs]JS: [Laughs heartily]
KW: I like natural oatmeal, the grain that you actually cook.
JS: Yeah, definitely! Old-fashioned, not that quick stuff either. Kam, what do you put in your oatmeal?
KW: Soy milk, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, a dash of vanilla and a dollop of butter.
JS: Ooh, you do it up! I put cinnamon, bananas, raisins and coconut oil. KW: Wow! That sounds delicious! I'm going to try that.
JS: And I've also tried it with some walnuts.
KW: Denzel, how about you? Is there a question that nobody ever asks you that you wish somebody would ask?
JS: Ask him what's his favorite song?
KW: Why, is there a song he plays all the time? I heard that he likes Rapper's Delight.
DW: Oh, that's something from my past that my cast members don't know anything about.JS: Rapper's Delight?
KW: Old school. I heard that you can rap the whole song.
DW: Not the whole thing, just the first segment of it. It was before the Kids' Choice Awards, the first one I ever attended. I was on Nickelodeon's All That at the time. They were like, "Okay, now we're going to bring someone up from the audience to sing Rapper's Delight. If you know this song, raise your hand." Everything was new and exciting, and I started waving my hand, because and I'd heard it once or twice on my mom's radio. Then all of a sudden they call on me and I'm just standing there with a dumb look on my face. So, I run up on stage and grab the microphone, and the next thing you know I'm rapping and shaking people's hands in the slime pool pit. It was cool! KW: The Columbus Short question. Are you happy?
JS: You know what? I'm immensely happy. I walk in a space of gratitude. I'm so grateful to God for blessing me with an amazing family and the opportunity to do what I love. I love what I do, and I'm so proud of this film.
DW: I'm very happy. I'm proud to be doing the work that I'm doing. And I'm anxious and hopeful that my next body of work will be as significant as this film.
KW: Do you know what picture's up next for you?
DW: No, sir. But having Denzel and Oprah put their hands on you, so to speak, is something special. After this, I'm just trying to see what scripts are out there. I'd really like to find more roles that are meaningful.
KW: Jurnee, you were Eve in Eve's Bayou.
JS: Yes, sir.
KW: So, you landed a title role pretty young.
JS: Yeah, I was 10.
KW: How does it feel to have been a part of such an important film at such a young age?JS: Thank you. I'm really, really proud of Eve's Bayou because we made it 11 years ago, and still people come up to me and tell me how much it touched them and how much they loved that film. It was also import | |
