You were born and raised in Boston. You were an accomplished boxer and athlete in school. When did you figure out that you wanted to be an actor?
I grew up in BROCKTON, yes it’s Massachusetts but it’s different from Boston. Brockton was a town where being TOUGH was a religion. So, I boxed and played football. As a boxer and football player, I knew I could act and wanted to act, because I loved the spotlight and loved to make people laugh and do impersonations. I always had people laughing, especially in the locker room.
Looking back, one of your very first projects, was the film Lift, starring alongside Kerry Washington, who’s now a household name and Eugene Byrd. What was your reaction when you booked the role?
I was like dope! I’m in the heist movie with some actors who are real good and all around awesome fun people and I was happy to be working. Looking back, I can see the directors knew what they were doing.
You’re most notable for your role as Derwin Davis on BET’s The Game. Talk about about a fan favorite! What did you enjoy most about your experience on the series?
It was like real life… going from an unknown commodity to a known commodity… The Game was awesome and one of the funniest roles and best times I’ve ever had.
Something that rarely happens, is seeing a show comes back almost 2 years after it was cancelled. How does it feel to have been a part of TV history?
It’s awesome… As far as I know (knock on wood) I’m having a solid run in my career and I am not stopping! I want to eventually get up there with Will (Smith), Jamie (Foxx) and Denzel (Washington)… I’m ready to work.
Let’s fast forward to your latest project, Showtime’s Ray Donovan. Congratulations on your new role, which is now in it’s second season! What made you decide to take on the project?
Liev Schreiber and Papa Jon Voight… were the first reasons and then this character, has so much to offer, given who he is and being a part of this crazy family.
As Daryll Donovan, you’re obviously the odd one in the Donovan clan, but not really. What’s the good and bad of Daryll and what do you enjoy about playing him the most?
Well, I bring a different flavor to the screen. I mean, I’m the black brotha, come on…LOL… The bad for Daryll, is that he keeps getting caught up in his dad’s twisted psychological crap… without really knowing if he should be associating with his father or his crazy brothers. But, his vulnerability and goodness is what keeps him loyal. He’s really a good kid with a strange child hood. But, he wants to be part of a family and the Donovans are all he’s ever known.
Season 2 is already underway. What can we expect to see in the sophomore season of Ray Donovan?
You can expect a lot of betrayal, action, murder and relationships being put to the test.
You’ve done very well thus far and we are fans of your work. What other actors would you love the opportunity to work with?
I really hope to have the opportunity to work with Denzel Washington, Robert DeNiro, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Whalberg, Matt Damon, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Viola Davis, James Franco and Jonah Hill. I mean, the list goes on….there’s so many greats that I know I will and am going to work with… (Jon) Voight always gives me props, pointers and compliments. He treats me like a son outside of Ray Donovan. I love, trust and respect him and if nothing else happens in this business, at least I know he gave me MY PROPS.
In regards to fashion, who are your favorite fashion designers that we would find in your closet?
Hugo Boss, Armani, Sean John, NIKE/AIR JORDAN and the Gap.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. We are looking forward to seeing how things turn out on Showtime’s Ray Donovan. What other projects do you have coming up?
I have a film called “Carter High” with Charles S. Dutton and David Danner and an untitled project directed by Craig Ross. And whoever wants to hire me…ha!
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Photos: Courtesy of Benny Haddad & Ray Donovan/Showtime