‘You Gotta Become Sexy’: Anthony Mackie and Tyler James Williams on Getting Past Child Stardom and Actors Who Choose the ‘Wrong’ Roles
variety.comTyler James Williams is shifting through poses in front of a photographer when Anthony Mackie appears on set, voice booming, to poke some fun.
He asks Williams to coach him on pursing his lips like he’s Trey Songz. During their conversation, Williams outlines his path from “Everybody Hates Chris,” where he played the 13-year-old title character, to starring as first-grade teacher Gregory Eddie on ABC’s hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary.” In exchange, Mackie explains how he played an amnesiac named John Doe in Peacock’s video game adaptation “Twisted Metal,” and what it was like to take his Marvel character, Falcon, from film to TV and back. ANTHONY MACKIE: Since the last time I saw you, you’ve been nominated for an Emmy 35 times and won, like, 20. TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS: Just two.
And same thing: You’re superhero-ing everywhere. MACKIE: I didn’t even get nominated for a BET Award. I ain’t got nothing. WILLIAMS: We’ve come a long way.
Last time I saw you, we were doing “Detroit” with Kathryn Bigelow. MACKIE: You were in your mid-20s. A kid.
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