Robertson Treatment Syndicated Column (RTSC): Six Questions with Michael Ealy

*Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Michael Ealy majored in English at the University of Maryland before heading to New York City where he performed in several stage productions, including the off-Broadway hits “Joe Fearless” and “Whoa Jack, before being lured to Hollywood where he landed his breakout screen role as Ricky Nash in the box office hits, “Barbershop” and “Barbershop 2”. Since, he has rapidly risen through the ranks as one of Hollywood’s emerging young actors.

With a growing filmography that includes starring “Underworld Awakening,” “Takers,” and “Seven Pounds,” Ealy will next star in the new USA Network detective series “Common Law,” which debuts on the USA Network on May 11.  The Robertson Treatment recently caught up with hot actor about his latest picture, “Think Like a Man,” and his growing career in Hollywood.

Robertson Treatment: What interested you in Think Like a Man?

Michael Ealy: 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. So, I just wanted to be a part of it.

RT: 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 recognizable as common stereotypes, color isn’t involved.

RT: How did you prepare for your role as a food service worker?

ME: The irony is that I spent five years as a waiter at a restaurant in New York City at the beginning of my acting career. So, I had a little bit of experience in food service. Fortunately, I didn’t actually have to prepare anything on camera in the movie, which saved me from having to take any cooking classes. [Chuckles] But I always appreciate a good chef.

RT: What was it like working with an ensemble cast? Was it hard to get a little elbow room to do your thing?

ME: No, it felt a lot like my first movie, Barbershop, which was also an ensemble film, and which was also directed by Tim Story. So, it was sort of like a ten-year reunion.

RT: What’s your new TV series, Common Law about?

ME: It’s an action comedy about two detectives who are really good at what they do. But they have different approaches to the work and to life in general, and that creates conflict and bickering and fights, sometimes. What happens is that their captain decides to send them to couples’ counseling in order to keep them together, because they always get their man. They basically just need a little help in getting along. What makes it funny is that the characters end up having a lot of the same issues as the married couples they’re in therapy with.

RT: How do you want to be remembered?

ME: One of my heroes is Mr. Sidney Poitier. In his autobiography, “The Measure of a Man,” he talks about the difference between being a great person and being a great actor. I’m happiest when I’m acting, and I’ve dedicated my life to it. Still, as much as I love acting, at the end of the day, I want to be remembered as a great person, first, and as a great actor, second. I believe that acting is a talent while being a great person encompasses so much more: being a good father, a good husband and the ability to show compassion for others. There’s nothing mor

BEST BETS: MOVIES – THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

The movies often portray growing old as a wretched part of life filled with decline, loneliness and unhappiness. So the best thing about watching is that this story is its depiction of a group of people settling into old age told from a perspective that is completely the opposite. Featuring a  veteran cast of respected actors led by the magnificent Judi Dench, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a delightful film that follows an elderly crew as they make their “last journey” to a dilapidated hotel in a remote part of India. Surprise, surprise as this elder squad finds a 2^nd lease on life, filled with renewed meaning and vitality. Well-acted and directed by John Madden (“Mrs. Brown” and “Shakespeare in Love,”) the film also features a great Indian subplot piloted by the marvelous actor Dev Patel.

I strongly recommend to film audiences both old and young.

Grade: A-

AUOTOMOTIVE SPIN

Subaru Impreza

With its great all-wheel drive value and safety features, the Sabaru Impreza more than lives up to it high performance reputation.  Throughout my week-long test drive with the Impreza I was tremendously impressed at how durable and manageable it was on the road. When you add it’s sleek and sexy exterior, the Impreza is  a ride with plenty of assets to give to its driver.

Wow Factor:  Consistency. I drove the Impreza on a variety of roads and through some pretty tricky weather conditions and it handled exceptionally in every instance.  My Impreza was loaded with a resilient spirit that never failed to get the job done. Now that’s a big plus.

Ride:  The Impreza’s 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine provides drivers with more than adequate start-up power and acceleration. It’s solid suspension and firm wheel control translates into a confident drive experience.

Comfort:   The roominess of the Impreza provides the perfect fit for busy lifestyles. The rear seats are highly adjustable and can make room for transports, both large and small. The ride’s controls are easy to read and offer an accessibility that adds to driver confidence.

Spin Control: Overall the Impreza delivers a well-balanced ride and good value for the dollars that you’ll spend. Although some of its competitors may offer faster and flashier rides, the Impreza still jumps to the head of the class for delivering a dependably well-balance ride, plus good overall value for your dollar.

Grade:  B+

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