Mykelti Williamson
Some actors are unmistakable. People who are immediately recognizable due to the types of roles they play, or simply who they are as a celebrity. Then, you have your actors who are downright chameleons. Incredibly gifted acting shape-shifters that can transform themselves into any character simply by changing a careful nuance. Hank Azaria, John Turturro, Walton Goggins, and the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman are all masters at this ability; able to alter themselves completely when inhabiting a role. And extraordinary actor Mykelti Williamson is one of the best of the best when it comes this skill.
An icon in both film and television, Williamson is a rare gem of an actor that has managed to not only be known for one role or for himself, but for multiple different parts that are stretch across a vast spectrum of versatility, clearly showing his enormous range. Whether it be on procedurals like in the legendary Hill Street Blues, to CSI: NY, or classic comedies like The Love Boat, to new hits like Justified, the gifted actor has clearly conquered the small screen. Then in film, the beloved star has made a revered name for himself to the industry, critics and fans in multiple capacities; as a lovable hero in family movies like Free Willy, A trusted dramatic heavy hitter in Ali, and How To Make An American Quilt, A bone fide action star with films like Heat, and Lucky Number Slevin, and one of the most capable actors in the industry that is ready to handle anything that comes his way with Forrest Gump. And in Spinning Into Butter, a truly fantastic film that seemed to go over audiences heads, Williamson demonstrated that he is also clearly able to hold his own as a phenomenal leading man.
So, with a resume under his belt that proves the acclaimed talent can already do it all, it's no surprise that he had such an impressive year last year. Beyond being part of four of televisions hottest shows including Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Underground, Hawaii Five-0 and ABC's new mega-hit; Designated Survivor, Williamson also dominated the big screen with an incredible blockbuster like The Purge: Election Year, and finished off with what is sure to be one of the new great modern classics of cinema; Fences.
Having already been part of the original Broadway play that co-starred fellow esteemed cast members Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Russell Hornsby, and Stephen McKinley Henderson, the season veteran was more than happy to reunite for the classic words by August Wilson that tell the story of an African-American man and his family and their triumphs and tragedies in the 1950's. With two Golden Globe nominations already to its name, and another thirty-seven wins and seventy-six nominations intact, the movie is sure to be a huge part of the solution to last year's problem with diversity at award shows.
But, even bigger than the problem with diversity when it comes to awards, is the problem that the roles aren't there to begin with- and again, Fences and Williamson seek to be a great agent of change to fix that. The role that the Missouri native plays is deep, complex, and not easy to take on, as his character, Gabriel, is a sufferer of TBI- traumatic brain injury- an illness that the actor paid much attention to honoring and respecting.
And perhaps beyond his astonishing career, that is what the kind-hearted star is even more notable for. Poised with unspeakable grace, the eloquent actor is ever respectful as he speaks of the families that are affected from TBI and how important it was to pay tribute to them- as well as how important it is to use Fences as a whole to inspire people. Greatly looking to take on even more roles like the Denzel Washington directed film that can make a difference in some way, Williamson is always looking for ways he can make some sort of change or lend a helping hand- particularly to his friends. Whether it be to co-star alongside a friend who calls him up and needs him to guest star on a show, inspire fans through his work, or carefully honor audiences through the research of his roles and the dedication he puts into them, the lovable star remains devoted toward being there for people.
Glad to take an interview and talk about that loyalty he has to his friends, Williamson was all smiles when he launched into a discussion on Fences and how it was "Getting the band back together again." Read below to find out everything the actor has to say about working alongside Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, why he loves August Wilson, What has been some of his favorite career highlights, who he has loved working with in the past, who he would love to work with in the future, and who he keeps in touch with from Forrest Gump!
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So, as expected, "Fences" is getting rave reviews! Why don't you tell fans who are not familiar with August Wilson's play what the movie is about.
August Wilson is one of America's most brilliant playwrights. He is on par with William Shakespeare- and I mean that as a compliment to both he and Mr. Shakespeare. August Wilson wrote a ten play cycle that captured a century, and Fences constituted a ten year slice of American history. It's told through the eyes of a man by the name of Troy Maxson, who was a dreamer and a gifted athlete, and his dreams went unfulfilled, and he is now working as a garbage collector in the 1950's. So, this is about Troy Maxson trying to make life work- and it's his challenges, pitfalls and victories all rolled up into one nice little nutshell.
Your character Gabriel is not an easy character to play by any means as he suffers from TBI. Can you talk about how you went about researching for your role?
Traumatic Brain Injury- also known as TBI- is a very serious condition. This character Gabriel happens to be a person who served his nation in the military, and he came home very different than when he left home to go and serve. And now Gabriel is in the care of his brother Troy, but Gabriel also happens to be his brother Troy's caretaker. It's a really interesting journey because anyone who is affected with TBI, them and their families go through things that other families don't have to contend with on a regular basis. So, my approach to the character was first and foremost to be absolutely respectful. I really wanted to honor the humanity of anyone who had suffered from these traumatic brain injuries, as well as their families- because everybody is somebody's child. So, that was really my approach- to be absolutely devoutly respectful.
You also played this role in the Broadway version! How was it adapting this show from stage to screen? Are there any major changes?
Well, there are a couple of major changes. The similarity is that we bring truth in both applications- on stage, and in cinema. But, the differences in the applications is that on stage there is a lot more technique involved so that you can be inclusive to the audience in the very back row of the theater. In cinema it's far more intimate because the camera follows you everywhere you go, so you can eternalize and tell a story. You can be conversational in a very personal manner. So, that personal level really does elevate your performance quite a lot- you can be truthful using much less technique.
And, of course, you are surrounded by talent here with Viola Davis, and Denzel Washington- who not only acts, but also directs. Talk about them, as well as some of the newer talent added that weren't in the original production.
Yes! We have two new actors who were not with us on Broadway; Jovan Adepo and Saniyya Sidney. The younger actors who had worked with us on Broadway actually outgrew their roles. Russell Hornsby is still intact, and even Stephen McKinley Henderson. Viola Davis, Denzel Washington and myself- we are the original revival Broadway cast. And it was an amazing journey to be able to bring the band back together again. Denzel was really able to not focus on the seasoned actors so that he could give his time to the two new actors and bring them up to speed so that they could play the jazz and blues that August Wilson writes in his poetry, and they could step up and dance on the same dance floor with all the seasoned veterans.
And one of the original actors you had in the Broadway version was the very gifted Chris Chalk, correct?
[Delighted just to hear his name] That is correct! Chris Chalk! The amazing Chris Chalk! I love Chris Chalk. He's an actor's actor, and we missed him dearly. There are things that we are not able to do because we do not have Chris Chalk- because God only made one Chris Chalk, and we miss him dearly.
And this has been a huge year for you- you also conquered the box office with "The Purge: Election Year," where you get to act alongside Elizabeth Mitchell- who is also not only talented, but she is just one of the nicest people alive! Talk about that experience!
Elizabeth Mitchell is just great! She was fantastic to work with! Frank Grillo is also great- on steroids great! he's amazing. So much fun and such a hard working actor. The Purge: Election Year was a challenge because I felt it needed to have more comedy infused, and fortunately the writer/director James DeMonaco and his producing partner Sebastien Lemercier really trusted the journey and allowed me to play a little bit and have some fun with their franchise, and it was very successful- and I'm very pleased about that.
Then you also dominated TV this year with the hugely popular "Designated Survivor" alongside Kiefer Sutherland, Natascha McElhone, and Italia ricci. And then you also worked on the incredible show "Underground" where got to work alongside not only Chris Chalk, but also great talents such as Chris Meloni and Alano Miller! Talk about those projects a bit.
Yes! Chris and Alano are both great, and there are really so many stand-outs; there's Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and there's also another one of my favorite young actors- Aldris Hodge. And then, of course, there's New York's very own Amirah Vann. So, that's such a talented cast and really such a lovely experience. Underground is different for me because it's about slaves in The Underground Railroad, but these slaves are not victims by any stretch of the imagination- and that for me is very fresh, because for me I don't care to play victims. So, that really fit right into my wheelhouse- it was a great experience. And Designated Survivor was also fantastic and filled with talent- as you mentioned. Kiefer is a long time friend of mine, and everything he gets his hands on he elevates- so it's always fun to work with him. So, I think he's doing a great job over there and that was also a great time.
You are no stranger to great projects that become classics. You've been in this industry a long time and have guest starred on everything from "The Love Boat," to "Miami Vice," to "Starsky And Hutch." And, although you've been on many procedurals, you were part of the ultimate television game changer- "Hill Street Blues," which really changed the landscape of television. Does any show you've guest starred on stick out as a favorite in your mind? If you could lend your amazing talents to any show currently on, which would it be?
I feel very privileged to have been on Hill Street Blues, as well as many of the other shows. Being part of the Mary Tyler Moore brand was a huge gift to many actor's careers, mine included, so it was a real honor to come about in that time and Grant Tinker will be hugely missed. But, current projects now? I can't single any out because I have friends on just about every show! [Chuckles] But, I'll tell you this much- if one of my friends were to need me and ask me to help them out and be on their show and give ma call? I would go in a heartbeat and do the best job I possibly could.
You've also been in so many amazing films as well, like "How TO Make An American Quilt," "Free Willy," "Heat," and "Spinning Into Butter." What kind of roles are you looking to play from here, and who would you love to work with... or work with again?
You know, there are a lot of people I would love to work with. Christian Slater is a great actor that I admire. I think he's a wonderful talent- as is Kevin Bacon. There are just so many that I would like to work with. But, the kind of work that I would like to do going forward is work that is meaningful- like August Wilson's Fences. I want to work with great filmmakers such as people like Michael Mann, and people cut from that fabric. There are so many- just so many I would love to work with. I would love to reteam up with my friend Samuel L. Jackson at some point because I think Sam works really hard and he hasn't gotten the accolades that his body of work deserves. He's gotten the paycheck- but not the accolades. But, ultimately, again, whatever I could do that could help out friends or help people? That's what I would like to do!
And of course, you played one of the most famous roles of all time- Bubba Blue in "Forrest Gump." Do you still keep in touch with Tom Hanks, and do you ever eat at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company?
I've never eaten at their restaurant- ever. I've actually never even been inside one! [Laughs again] But, yes, I see Tom Hanks all the time- as well as Gary Sinise. In fact, I travel and play for the troops at times; I play harmonica, piano and other instruments, and I guest in Gary's band sometimes and we travel and go to Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever we need to go to perform for the troops- so, we're in touch all the time!
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Performing for the troops in his down time? Williamson wasn't kidding when he said that he seeks to do things that are influential and help out! And with Fences sure to be an agent of change in multiple ways from helping raise awareness to TBI through film, or helping to fix the problems of diversity at award shows (because we all know it will), Williamson will undoubtedly continue to inspire.
Fences is still in theaters.
The 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, presented by The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) airs this Sunday at 7PM eastern/4PM pacific on NBC.