Michael B. Jordan is best known for his roles as the young drug dealer, Wallace on HBO’s hit The Wire; and troubled teen, Reggie on ABC’s All My Children. But Jordan isn’t letting himself get pigeon-holed by past roles—since then, the Friday Night Lights star has tackled TV roles from Burn Notice to Cold Case and now he’s making sure you remember the name.
Is there a lot of confusion because of your name?
Michael Jordan: There is always a little confusion. Ordering pizza can sometimes be annoying when the person picking up the phone thinks your prank calling them. The pizza guy usually says, “Let me guess you want this delivered to apt # 23″ and hangs up on you! One time I decided to drive down to the pizza place to order because I was so pissed off. On the good side, no one ever forgets my name. I love my dad for that.
Are you a Jordan fan?
MJ: Yes, I’m definitely a Jordan fan…But my all time favorite would have to be Baron Davis. I’ve followed him since his days at Crossroads High School in Santa Monica and what he did to Washington at UCLA should be labeled unfair!. Just google “Baron Davis UCLA Highlights” and you will understand why. He plays like a big man; he can get to the basket and score over anyone. I modeled my game after him and Melo.
How did you get cast for The Wire?
MJ: I was coming off of the first movie I did called Hardball with Keanu Reeves. I had just moved back to New Jersey from Chicago (where we filmed) and Alexa Fogel (casting director for The Wire) called me in to read for Bodie. I read for the producers and they thought I was too young for the role. Alexa had me come back in and read for the younger character Wallace and the rest was history. I never thought the show would have turned out to be such a classic and labeled as “one of the greatest television shows ever made”.
The Wire was one of the best shows on television. How do you feel about it not getting an award?
MJ: I’m blessed to have been part of history. As far as it not getting a award, it seems a little unfair that we were overlooked all five seasons. However, I think the fact that The Wire had such a strong fan base and will always be remembered as an amazing show is better than any award.
Do you think the subject matter had to do with the show not winning any awards?
MJ: I think the subject matter and the “majority” of the cast had a lot to do with it. Example…when ER first came out there was nothing like it, it got numerous nominations and wins. Suddenly there were many hospital/doctor-driven “ER-like” shows popping up on every network following the recipe of success. Now, imagine if The Wire won Emmy after Emmy there would be plenty of Avon Barksdales over every channel and I doubt the network executives would let that happen…if you catch my drift. Politics.
You played the drug dealer/gang banger role at a very young age—The Wire, All My Children. Were you afraid of getting typecasted?
MJ: Well, Wallace was a drug dealer who had a conscious and a heart and Reggie was more a troubled youth. At the time it was so early in my career I didn’t think it would have a long term affect on me. I was in my teens when I had been cast. Now if I continued to play those roles that would be a concern of mine. But let’s be honest, what type of roles do you see on TV for young African Americans that are in a positive light? Then compare it to everything else on TV.. Those were the roles that were available at the time. Sometimes in the early stages you have to do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.
Was it hard to get roles after The Wire?
MJ: Thankfully I’ve been working ever since. It’s been stepping stone to stepping stone.
What can we expect from the new season of Friday Night Lights and your character?
MJ: You can expect a reinvented FNL. The show is edgier, addresses brand new issues and introduces new characters from the other side of town people didn’t know existed in Dillon. Vince Howard is a kid at a crossroad because he has some major decisions to make in his life. He represents so many inner city kids throughout the country who’s stories have never been told. I try to bring a piece of everyone to this character and the decisions he makes. There are a lot of ups and down with Vince but it’s quite a ride.
Tell me about what you’re working on now.
MJ: I’ve been working on some projects of my own. My partner and I have been developing some TV content that I want to Executive Produce sometime in the near future. In addition, I want to open up a small tapas bar one day. There is so much to do I feel like there is never enough time in a day.
Are films in the near future?
MJ: I definitely want to do films. To see a character out from beginning to end in a matter of a hundred somewhat pages and then move on to the next role, is fascinating. Sometimes when people see you in the same role for too long that’s all they see you as and that’s not what I want to do. I would love to do an action film… Jason Bourne style.
Who would you like to work with?
MJ: Having a chance to work with the likes of Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard and George Lucas at such a young age has set the bar pretty high for me. But I would love a chance to work with Giovanni Ribisi, Don Cheadle, Laurence Fishburne, and Jonny Depp as well.
