This month, our DEC ISSUE #72 is covered by Curtiss Cook who has appeared in a number of films that we enjoy including Shutter Island, Netflix's Roxanne Roxanne, and West Side Story to name a few. In addition to commanding the big screen and his work on stage, he has been in countless TV shows as well. He brings a dynamic force to his characters in Netflix's House of Cards and Manifest, NBC's Chicago Med, FX Mayans M.C. and Showtime's The Chi.
We talk with Curtiss about how he got into acting and how he approaches his characters. We also talk about the recent film West Side Story and we're keeping our fingers crossed that we will continue to see him as Douda in the critically acclaimed series The Chi and what led him to this role. We also talk about work behind the camera as well as his work in the upcoming QCODE podcast, The Burned Photo.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you realized that you wanted to be an actor?
CURTISS COOK: You know I don’t know if I can put an exact time on it, but what I can tell you is—I don’t feel like I chose acting, I feel as if it chose me. NO one in my family acted or performed for a living or even casually, so I didn’t have any direct role models, but once I found it, that freedom of being another person and being able to say things I wanted to but couldn’t, learning things about myself and the world… I never looked back!
AM: You have been in so many TV series from The Sopranos, The Bold Type, House of Cards, Mayans M.C., The Chi, as well as movies such as Shutter Island and been on Broadway for The Lion King and Miss Saigon. What are you looking for when you’re reading a character or the script overall in terms of deciding whether you want to be in it?
CC: Hmmm good question… It changes from project to project. Sometimes it may be, “Have I done this kind of role before?” and if I had, “Is there something I can improve upon?” Sometimes it’s, “Does this person move the story forward? If not, is there space for me to make that happen? Or, is this something I NEVER THOUGHT I could pull off?” Yes! So, let’s go for it. And then, it could be as simple as, “Do I like this person (character)? No? Why not? Let’s see if I can have empathy for him.”
AM: Is your approach to the work different depending on whether it’s on TV, a movie or on the stage?
CC: No, it’s pretty much the same. It’s just the time I get to prep for the character and how long I get to live with him that differs.
AM: We’ve seen you in a number of roles and always enjoy when we see you are attached to the project as there is a poise and bold quality that you bring to your work. What is the process that you go into when it comes to becoming the character that you will play?
CC: Well, thank you for the compliment! That really means a lot to me. I take what I do seriously knowing that it’s not serious… Finding the joy in what I do is important to me. This is not just what I do, it’s who I am. It’s a part of me—a HUGE part of me—So, I go all in and the devil is in the details.
AM: Do you find that when you’re finished playing a character that there’s a process in releasing him and is it harder when you’re in a series since you will have to pick him back up again?
CC: The short answer is yes. I definitely have to decompress when work is done. I’m getting better on the time it takes, but I make sure I take it.
AM: West Side Story is an iconic musical and this musical film adaption directed by Steven Spielberg has been very anticipated. You play Abe, a new character – which was created by Steven specifically for you – how did this come about and what did you draw from to bring him to life?
CC: Well, the character was created for someone like me, an addition to a classic that was needed and necessary. So, Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Kushner did that. I just so happen to be the one who got the gift of breathing life into Abe and hearing one of the greats say, “If Curtiss wants it, he can have it.” It means and meant the world to me.
AM: What was it like being part of this production?
CC: Nothing short of amazing!!!
AM: Being from the Midwest originally, I’m always intrigued about shows that focus on Chicago so when The Chi came out, I was hooked from the first show and I love how they showcase the lives of those that live in the community that spans a number of economical, aspirational and inspirational layers. When you came on as Douda, you bring such a dichotomy to the show. How did you get connected with this series and how would you describe your character?
CC: Once again, thank you! I auditioned—I self-taped actually. At the time, I was doing two other series and I thought there’s no way I’ll get three series at the same time and low in behold!!!
Douda is a complicated man like most of us are, that’s one of the beauties of this character. Just when you think you have him figured out, you don’t… and not because he's fooling you, but because he has so much to offer, so many layers, and he has a plan for himself and his community. Nothing is going to stop him from seeing that plan come to fruition.
AM: It feels like Douda continues to share new layers to him which we saw in Season 4 - how much influence do you have in shaping him and giving insights into how he will be portrayed?
CC: None really. I wait for the pages and try my damnedest not to mess it up. I just stay open, willing and adventurous. I get to act for a living... how glorious is that...
Mannnnn, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do and I get to do it on this level with this character on this show on this network and with these people. I HIT THE LOTTO!!!
AM: The Chi was renewed for a 5th season, are you getting ready to film and is there anything you can tell us about the upcoming season or are looking forward to?
CC: Well, I just hope Douda comes back. You saw what happened at the end of the season right? I just hope we get to see him again.
AM: You have worked with phenomenal people from Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Lena Waithe to name a few. You were the Executive Producer of Counselor and A Black Man Acting. Do you see yourself doing more projects behind the camera?
CC: Yes, I will and there’s something happening now. So, yes keep a look out for it.
AM: We love that in the past few months there have been phenomenal immersive podcasts that have top talent telling scripted stories. I think that QCODE does this in such an amazing way and am a fan of their shows regardless of the topic. You lent your talents to The Burned Photo which was a podcast that I enjoyed listening to and I can’t wait until the second season. Why did you want to be apart of this and what was it like creating it?
CC: Wow yeah, I had never done that before and I was curious to see if I could and how it would work. And let me tell you… it was WORK. Wait until you hear the second season! Boy-oh-boy, get ready.
AM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us that we should keep an eye out for?
CC: A great movie written and directed by Charles Murray with an amazing cast. Hopefully you’ll hear about a release date soon!
AM: When you’re not on set, it seems like you spend a fair amount of time at the gym. What are 3 things that you like to do when you’re working out?
CC: Yea, health is pretty important to me. My favorite work out is boxing, then I’ll do a little free weights, then end everything with core.
AM: How do you take personal time for yourself?
CC: I don’t know if I do… I need to get better at that.
IG @CurtissCook
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT + BACK COVER, PG 16 -19 James Washington | PG 20 - 25 Evgeny Milkovich | PG 26 - 29 SHOWTIME/Parrish Lewis | PG 30 - 31 SHOWTIME/Elizabeth Sisson |
Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see Acting Chose Me with Curtiss Cook in mag.
