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interview Jermaine Crawford (July 2009) | Interview By: Jonathan Hay & Sabrina

   Most of you will recognize Jermaine Crawford from HBO’s mind-blowing, dramatic series The Wire, where he masterfully played Duquan “Dukie” Weems—but this astonishing young actor is just getting started.

Still in his teens, Crawford just wrapped up the upcoming Joel Schumacher movie, Twelve, which stars 50 Cent, Keifer Sutherland and Chace Crawford and is moving into his next role as Bow Wow’s best friend in a film directed by Tasha Smith (Daddy’s Little Girls). And with two other movies coming out soon— Explicit Ills which stars Rosario Dawson and Black Thought and A Mother’s Prayer starring Robin Givens, Shirley Murdock and Johnny Gill (from New Edition fame)—it seems his career will not be coming to a standstill any time soon.

Today, Dubcnn is on set at Crawford’s latest movie location to catch up with him for this Dubcnn exclusive interview.

It’s time to get on the wire.

As ever, be sure to leave your feedback in our forums or email them to haywire@dubcnn.com.

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Interview was done in July 2009

Questions Asked By: Jonathan Hay And Sabrina

 
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Dubcnn Exclusive – Jermaine Crawford
By: Jonathan Hay And Sabrina
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay
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Dubcnn: Geographically speaking, where do you spend most of your time? Where do you consider your home?

I spend most of my time at home, in my room or at swim practice—when I’m not working on set, of course. However, I just consider home where my family is, which is in [Washington] DC.


Dubcnn: When you are experiencing personal issues or drama in your life as every one of us goes through, how do you block it out and focus when you’re in front of the camera?

I actually never block it out, I use it. Acting is all about making your audience believe you are what you are portraying. So you have to believe it. And what is more real than your own real life experiences?


Dubcnn: When you audition for a part, how much preparation is involved?

It depends on how long I have the script. If I have it for more than a week then, in that case, tons of preparation goes into it. I have to create the character—his traits, personalities, his public persona and his tragic flaws. There’s a lot to it, but I definitely try my best to indulge into each script as much as possible.


Dubcnn: When you review your performances, how critical are you of your own work?

Probably a little too critical. I have to realize, give myself credit and just learn from it.


Dubcnn: Have you watched every episode of The Wire?

(Laughing) Yeah, the majority! However, not all of them. I know, I know, it’s pretty bad.


Dubcnn: How many days out of the week were you actually on location during the filming of The Wire?

About four or five days a week.


Dubcnn: Obviously, The Wire was a paradigm shift for your professional career; how much do you keep in contact with other castmates from the show?

We all keep up with one another. Tristan [Wilds] and I keep in touch the most, though, especially after filming the fifth season of The Wire. We probably talk every other day on iChat – God Bless Macintosh! (Laughing)


Dubcnn: Were you surprised to see the way your friend, Triston Wilds, was able to make such a dramatic shift from the character Michael Lee in The Wire to Dixon Wilson in 90210?

Oh, absolutely, man. I almost thought it was impossible but, evidently, good actors get good work. And thankfully, I just wrapped a movie with Chace [Crawford] from Gossip Girls, which I find is pretty coincidental. Make room for the new batch of good actors in Hollywood. (Laughing)


Dubcnn: Is there anyone from The Wire that you wish you were in contact with more?

Like I said, we all keep in contact and it’s such a small world in the industry, so you see everybody pretty often.


Dubcnn: (Laughing), Okay, this is the final Wire question—what is Michael K Williams, better known as ‘Omar Little’, like in person?

He’s the coolest, most down-to-earth person ever—the complete opposite of our character. It’s funny how we are all connected to our character, but yet, different in so many ways.


Dubcnn: Let’s switch gears to talk about your current work on the Joel Schumacher film, Twelve; please describe your experience on set so far…

Incredible! Working with Mr. Schumacher was an honor! I just learned so much from him, just watching his directions. This is the man that has directed some of my favorite actors and movies, and to work directly with him was truly an honor.


Dubcnn: In your opinion, what is 50 Cent like both as an actor and as a person in general?

I was actually slightly nervous to meet Fifty, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I came to find that he is the most chill, laid-back person. And he will definitely drop knowledge on you. Definitely, a cool person and no ego—no huge overbearing personality. He is a good dude.


Dubcnn: Twelve also features Keifer Sutherland and Chace Crawford – what’s it like working with them?

Once again, an honor! I didn’t get to work with Keifer—and you’ll understand why when you see the movie (laughing). But Chace is another cool dude. I’m just so happy I haven’t really had to work with any egotistical maniacs. Chace was dope!


Dubcnn: You are also working with both Tasha Smith and Bow Wow?

Well, I haven’t gone into production yet, but said to later this month or early July.


Dubcnn: Do you ever feel intimidated or even star-struck when you are around certain celebrities?

(Laughing) Yes, all the time! But you would never know…


Dubcnn: What is one of the most embarrassing moments you’ve experienced on set?

Back to The Wire days…my co-star Maestro [Harrell] and I had a scene when we had to walk up an alley, and the two biggest rats came our direction and we broke character immediately! And it was a cut! (laughing)


Dubcnn: What would your dream acting job entail?

My dream job is doing a huge big-budget action film like a box office, smasher-type movie. I want to work with Shia Lebeouf, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Will Smith.


Dubcnn: Being such a young age, has it been hard for you with all the personal sacrifices you’ve had to make for your professional career?

Sometimes, but my family gets me through every step of the way.


Dubcnn: Whom would you like to personally interview if you were a journalist?

I would like to interview Barack Obama. He inspires me to do more and set no limitations. My future expectation [for our country] is change…





 


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