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Arts & Entertainment Michael Ealy: ‘Think Like a Man’ Interview Kam Williams Special To The Skanner News B orn in Silver Spring, Maryland on Aug. 3, 1973, Michael Ealy majored in English at the University of Mary- land before heading to New York City where he performed in several stage pro- ductions, including the off-Broadway hits “Joe Fearless” and “Whoa Jack.” After find- ing his breakout screen role as Ricky Nash in “Barbershop” and “Barbershop 2,” Michael rapidly rose through the ranks as one of Hollywood’s emerging young actors. Since then, he’s starred opposite Kate Beckinsale in “Underworld Awaken- ing” and opposite Matt Dillon, Idris Elba and Hayden Christensen in the action flick “Takers,” and he was per- sonally picked by Will Smith to play his younger brother in “Seven Pounds.” He’s also portrayed a Buffa- lo Soldier in the Spike Lee World War II epic “Miracle at St. Anna,” and appeared in “For Colored Girls” with Kimberly Elise, Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Whoopi Goldberg and Phylicia Rashad. On television, Michael is set to co-star in the new detective series, “Common Law,” which debuts on the USA Network on May 11. His other TV credits include stints on “The Good Wife,” “Californication” and “FlashForward.” As for accolades, a stellar performance on the Showtime miniseries “Sleeper Cell” earned him a Golden Globe nomination. In addition, he was cast by Oprah Winfrey to star opposite Halle Berry in the made-for- TV movie “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” landing the first of his three NAACP Image Award nominations for his sterling performance in the picture. Here, he talks about playing Dominic in his latest picture, “Think Like a Man,” Steve Harvey’s battle- of-the-sexes comedy which is currently number one at the box office. Kam Williams: Hi Michael, thanks for the time. Michael Ealy: Hey, Kam, how’s it going, dude? KW: Great, thanks. What interested you in “Think Like a Man?” ME: Honestly, it was the first romantic comedy that I liked. I’d kind of avoided them for awhile because I never felt that any of them were really smart enough. But when I read this script, I genuinely fell in love with the characters, especially my own. ‘Yes, the cast is predominantly African- American, but color is never really an issue in the film’ So, I just wanted to be a part of it. KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles asks: How flattering or unflattering to the image of the black male are the “types” that the actors are asked to portray in this film? ME: That’s another great thing about this picture. Yes, the cast is predominantly African-American, but color is never really an issue in the film. It’s rarely brought up since, at the end of the day, these guys are going through universal relationship issues that anybody can relate to. So, while the characters like “The non-committer,” “The Player,” and “The Dreamer” might be rec- ognizable as common stereotypes, color isn’t involved. KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: Did you do any preparation for your role as Ealy, right, starred in Spike Lee's 'Miracle at St. Anna' with Omar Benson Miller and Italian child actor Matteo Sciabordi. a food service worker by spending time in my sister was that we graduate from col- lege. And as soon as I fulfilled that, they restaurants? ME: The irony is that I spent five years as were extremely supportive of what I wanted a waiter at a restaurant in New York City at to do next. I will always be grateful to them the beginning of my acting career. So, I had for that, because I wouldn’t be where I am a little bit of experience in food service. today without their help and encourage- Fortunately, I didn’t actually have to pre- ment. KW: How hard was it working with an pare anything on camera in the movie, which saved me from having to take any ensemble cast with so many big stars? Was cooking classes. [Chuckles] But I always it hard to get a little elbow room to do your thing? appreciate a good chef. ME: No, it felt a lot like my first movie, KW: How did your parents feel about your becoming a struggling actor after help “Barbershop,” which was also an ensemble putting you through college? Did they ever film, and which was also directed by Tim pressure you to abandon acting for a more Story. So, it was sort of like a ten-year reunion. practical profession? KW: Tell me a little about your new TV ME: No. my parents, God bless ‘em, were very supportive of me and my decision to pursue acting. Their dream for me and See EALY on page 10 The Skanner publishes several special editions throughout the Year Call 503.285.5555 On the web at theskanner.com Page 6 The Portland and Seattle Skanner May 2, 2012
