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     Adding complement to an already dazzling cast, hip hop legend Common cuts his teeth on another action film, as Gunsmith – a strong silent type.

     In addition to having a stellar cast of big names, the film was shot in Common’s hometown of Chicago. However, the rapper told EUR's Lee Bailey and other reporters that neither his costars nor his homecoming were the main real attraction to doing the film.

      “I read the script and knew that this was something fresh and new,” he said of what drew him to the part. “I want to be a part of things that are groundbreaking, things that feel new and feel like they can become something that’s classic.”

      It was only after reading through the script that the rapper/actor found out that he’d be surrounded on the set with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, James McAvoy.

      “Those are all actors that I really love. I was like, ‘I want to be a part of it,’” he said.

Common & Morgan Freeman in 'Wanted'

      Modestly, Common said that though his part had few words, he was quite honored to be in the cast. He explained that he understands that a career grounded on small significant roles is a good basis for longevity in Hollywood

      “I am a new actor and I know I have to take things in steps,” he said. “I knew my role didn’t have a lot of lines to say, but I feel you’ve got to be the best with the role that you’re given and be present regardless and bring what you can to that role. You’ve got to be humble enough to take on certain roles at certain times and know that you’ll have opportunities to have leads in movies as you keep taking these steps.”

     Furthermore, at times it’s even more difficult to have a silent role than one with a lot of dialog, and Common felt that that challenge helped him work on his craft.

      “You have to be able to say things without speaking. When somebody looks at that screen they need to see, whether the character is speaking or not, that this character is alive, that there’s something going on,” he said. “Whatever dialog they do give you, or if they add or take away, you’ve got to be the core of that character and let that character be alive. That’s what I strive to do. It is a challenge at times, but I love the challenge.”

      Common clearly was up for the challenge and passed with flying colors. Even after he’d finished his parts in the film and was hanging in Chicago to promote his album, he was called back for more face time in front of the camera.

      “They called me back to do more. They wanted to put me in more scenes. I felt honored. I was grateful,” he said. “I knew this was something good, so any camera time – I was excited.”

      In the film, Freeman stars as the group’s leader, Sloan. Sloan is a wise and enigmatic teacher, as was Freeman to Common on the set. Impressed by Freeman’s iconic status, Common admitted that he was a little awestruck by the Oscar-winning actor.

     “I looked over at Morgan Freeman and said, ‘Man, that’s Morgan Freeman.’ This is an incredible actor and I’m in a scene with him,” Common recalled. “It’s a blessing to be in his presence. He did come over and give me some acting wisdom. When he did that, I got chills.”

      Though Common’s acting career is building right along with his love of the art, the lyricist said that he’s still quite in love with hip hop. It just happens that around 2000 he found himself disenchanted with the industry, which led to his affair with acting.

      “I was looking for a new way to express myself. I love music, but I felt I had creative energy that I wanted to express in new ways,” he said. “At that time, hip hop was feeling a little limited to me, so decided to take an acting class. From the first day I went, I just loved it.”

      Common would take classes whenever he had the opportunity between studio time and touring. He got his first chance to perform in front of cameras on an episode of the TV show ‘Girlfriends’ and got even more excited about acting.

      “My first film was ‘Smokin’ Aces,’ and when I got that chance, it was over. I was building a career in this.”

      Construction continues. Up next for Common is a role in the fourth of the “Terminator” film series called “Terminator Salvation,” expected in theaters next summer.

      “I’m doing more work and I’m looking to do a lot more roles. I want to have a career as an actor,” he said, suggesting that one day, reporters will sit with a young actor and ask about him.

      “I want us to be able to sit here and say, ‘You know he’s one of the great actors of our time. How does that feel working with him?’”

      “Wanted” opens nationwide this weekend. For more on the film, check out the official website at www.wantedmovie.com.

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