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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (June 25, 2014)
Arts & Entertainment Michael Ealy: The ‘Think Like a Man Too’ Interview F or the last few years, Michael Ealy has been red-hot, jumping from TV to film and back to TV, seamlessly. He recently starred in the sci-fi televi- sion series, “Almost Human,” for which he earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Out- standing Leading Actor in a Drama Series. Earlier this year, he starred in the remake of About Last Night, and prior to that on the TV series “Common Law.” He also completed impactful, multi- episode arcs on CBS’ hit series “The Good Wife,” and on the Showtime series, “Californication,” while concurrently shooting the feature adaptation of the renowned theatre produc- tion, For Colored Girl’s Only, Who Consider Com- mitting Suicide When The baby, Elijah. C ELEBRITY I NTERVIEW by Kam Williams lege, including the Off- Broadway hits Joe Fearless and Whoa Jack. It would not be long thereafter before Michael nabbed guest-star- ring television roles on “Law & Order” and “Soul Food.” And he was subse- quently cast in the films Kissing Jessica Stein and Bad Company. While visiting his friends in Los Angeles, Michael heard about auditions for Barbershop. After placing a call to his manager and a few rounds of auditions, he K a m Williams: Hi Michael, thanks for the time, bro. Michael Ealy: What’s up, Kam? KW: Tim [Director Tim Story] man- aged to reassemble the whole cast for the sequel. How’d he make that hap- pen? ME: It’s a miracle that everybody’s schedule opened up. I think part of the genius of it was that they made the decision early, and said, “Next summer, we’re going to try to knock this out.” So, everyone kinda made sure that they were available. We also had such a good time making the first We had such a good time making the first one that everybody jumped at the chance to come back and do a sequel with the same cast and same director. Rainbow Is Not Enough for Tyler Perry Studios and Lions Gate Films. Prior to that, he was hand- picked by Will Smith to co-star in Seven Pounds, and by Spike Lee to join the ensemble of The Miracle at St. Anna. Michael’s riveting performance was lauded in this true story of four Buffa- lo Soldiers who risked their lives to save a young Italian boy while behind enemy lines. A student of history and supporter of education, Michael participated in the History Channel’s docu- mentary series The People Speak, based on Howard Zinn’s acclaimed book where one of the historical figures he portrays is “Mal- colm X.” He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his lead performance on the Showtime mini-series “Sleeper Cell” where he portrayed Darwyn, a Mus- lim FBI agent sent undercover to infiltrate a terrorist cell in Los Angeles. He was tapped by Oprah to star opposite Halle Berry in the Harpo Films telepic “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” The TV special received rave reviews and was viewed by over 26 mil- lion people. Michael earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dra- matic Special for his portrayal of “Teacake”. landed the role of “Ricky Nash,” a two-strike offend- er. In terms of the tabloids, the blue-eyed hunks was named one of People maga- zines’ “On the Verge” actors in the magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2002 and 2013 issues. Furthermore, he was named one of E! Entertain- ment Television’s “Sizzlin’ 16” of 2004 and appeared on the cover of Essence magazine’s “Hollywood Screen Gems” for their April 2004 issue. Michael resides in Los Angeles with his wife Khatira Rafiqzada and their one that everybody jumped at the chance to come back and do a sequel with the same cast and same director. That’s an opportunity you just don’t get very often. KW: And did you enjoy yourself as much the second go-round? ME: I definitely did, although being in Vegas for two or three months obvi- ously presented a whole new set of challenges, since it’s a place that most people visit for only two or three days. You had the heat and the extreme air condition- ing. And also constant, con- stant stimulation, whether it’s people getting drunk out of their minds, couples get- ting married, people going to strip clubs, prostitutes or whatever. It’s Sin City! It’s hard sometimes to stay focused on your job when there’s so much going on around you, as well as peo- ple following you around. There were plenty of dis- tractions. So, I wouldn’t say it was as easy as shooting in L.A. Location is a factor. If you have to go somewhere to work, it helps to be focused. KW: As usual, I have a lot of questions for you from fans. Harriet Pakula-Tewe- les says: This isn’t your first sequel. You also did Barber- shop 1 and 2. What is it about them that calls you back, and will you be doing Barbershop 3. ME: [Chuckles] I think what happened on Barber- shop also kinda happened on Think Like a Man, and the irony is that both pic- tures were made with the same director, Tim Story. It just doesn’t happen often that the movie you shot for $12 million ends up making $90 million. That’s very rare. So, when you catch lightning in a bottle like that, you jump at an oppor- tunity to come back and do a sequel. You’re lucky if one out ten movies you make gets a sequel. KW: So, will you be doing Barbershop 3? ME: I don’t even know whether that’s in the works. KW: I spoke to Ice Cube a few weeks ago, and it looks like a go. It already has a page up at imdb.com, although no director has Michael Ealy been named. ME: Really? Well, they haven’t come to me yet. So, I don’t know anything about it. KW: What about Think Like a Man 3? ME: I don’t see why not, if we can bring back the exact same producer, cast and director. KW: Marcia Evans says: I’m a fan of yours, big time. I think the chemistry you have with Taraji [co-star Taraji P. Henson] in Think Like A Man is awesome. I appreciate the message your characters’ relationship sends to the audience that falling in love can be sexy and respectful. ME: Thank you. KW: She goes on to say: I’m a history buff and I love the TV series “Finding Your Roots” with Dr. Henry Louis Gates where he explores the lineage and genetics of some prominent people. When I see you onscreen with those blue eyes, I wonder if you have personally researched your genealogy? See MICHAEL EALY on page 11 The Silver Spring, Mary- land native appeared in several stage productions after graduating from col- June 25, 2014 The Portland and Seattle Skanner Page 7
