Some people build fences to keep people out; some people build fences to keep people in.
In 'The Hate U Give,' I play Big Mav', who was incarcerated for a number of years and is raising three children. He was a gang member but reformed himself, and he's trying to empower his children, help them understand the best way to keep out of trouble.
What's fun about doing a series is you get to take some time to create the character.
My philosophy is to live below your means.
The thing is, about a character, it's not about being right, it's about the truth. The truth comes from within, so you have to search as an artist for the truth.
I wanted to represent the brothas I have seen when I go to the rhythm section of Oakland, hearing brothas speak and tell me about their journeys. Men who have been to prison and found themselves, brothas who have made mistakes but are loving their wives and children, trying to protect them and educate them. These men do exist.
We are not apathetic in this country.
I subscribe to the slow nickel theory. You take a little bit at a time. You always make better of what you have when you don't have best.
I mean, of course, I love sci-fi and stuff like that, but I'm not, like, a comic book crazy guy.
In a lot of work places, you work at a lot of jobs and people work more with their colleagues than with their family.
As an actor, we spend so much putting the mask on and trying to be someone you're not.
At the end of the day, you have to find the humanity in you in each character.
Kids - black kids - are forced to grow up too soon.
There is so much stimuli coming at young people, you don't even have time to grieve before something new happens. We are desensitized to the issues.
As a black man, so often you grow up suppressing your emotions and sensitivity.
These are human issues. These are human stories. I think that's why 'Fences' has been able to resonate and been able to hit so many people over the years because it is just that. You can't run away from the racial specifics of it, but that's just a part of it.
It is a distinct and an honor to work with the august Regina King. I would call her Queen King. This woman is one of our treasures. She's an actor's actor. She has craft to burn. She's a craftsman who knows what she is doing, and she's got soul.
Acting is a privilege, and I'm exceedingly blessed to be able to do what I do. At the end of the day, it's all entertainment.
I'm an actor of the theater.
I want authenticity. And rarely do actors - more specifically, black actors - get a chance to be authentic on film and television.
