Quierra Luck talks to legendary actor Eriq La Salle about his new project.
Eriq La Salle, who made Dr. Peter Benton the TV icon of ER, is playing a bold new role, On Call, a police drama that redefines the story of law enforcement. This time, he is playing the role of Sergeant Rassman, a character designed to get the audience to guess.
“We all think we know people, right?” La Salle sat down to share in the recent virtual. “My character embodies the idea. You think you’ve figured out him – so is Arman. But by the end of the season, you realize, “No, we’ve been feeling rather than facts.” ”
This is challenging his and the audience’s roles, forcing the audience to question their assumptions in real time.
The evolution of master craftsmen
Deep in La Salle’s commitment to his craft. In reflecting on his early days at Juilliard, he recalls the tough approach of school training actors.
“As a black kid of 18-year-old Juilliard, they didn’t value who I am,” he admitted. “Their goal is to break down everyone – black, white, that’s OK. But for African Americans it feels like they’re taking away everything that makes me, me.”
At New York University, he found different philosophies. “They said, ‘It’s you. That’s what makes you great. What his advice for the next generation?” “I don’t want to see your behavior-I want to see you.” ”
Learn Hollywood business
La Salle’s career shifted to key when he connected with law and order creator Dick Wolf, who directed him in the business side of the industry.
“Dick asked me to participate in a game about guidance, responsibility, and a bigger picture,” Lasalle recalled. The class was stuck. Now he moves it forward, ensuring that young actors and creatives appear behind him and can thrive.
From drama to comedy – and everything in between
While La Salle is known for his dramatic work, fans still remember him as Darryl Jenks – Prince Akeem’s competitor to the United States is too slippery. This character proves that he also has comedy movies.
“Comedy, drama – it’s all about depth,” he said.
Stay true, hungry
At the heart of all this, La Salle’s approach to his craft is still simple: stay authentic, stay hungry and keep learning.
“I don’t care what I do,” he said. “Whenever I walk into something new, whether it’s acting, coaching, production, I join as a student.”
This mentality keeps him developing. “When I started guiding, I didn’t feel like ‘I got it.’ I had to humble myself and understand the real meaning of being a director.”
Eriq La Salle’s journey continues to inspire, proving that reshaping is key to Hollywood’s longevity.
For more phone calls and how La Salle tells a story, check out the full interview.
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