Being an ever-changing vessel in the world of entertainment, Tyrese Gibson has definitely come a long way since his days of wowing us in features like Baby Boy, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Waist Deep. As he climbs the Hollywood ladder, working with major filmmakers like John Singleton, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Bay, the R&B singer turned actor, is gaining a steady momentum in the industry and proving to be one of Hollywood's most relevant and sought after talents.
He is one of few actors who has the ability to take that incredible leap from a feature film actor to starring in Major Motion Pictures, but for unbridled talent it doesn't stop there. Gibson is not only gearing up to take over the theatrical box office this summer, but he's also preparing for the release of a 32-page comic book Mayhem, which he will introduce to the world upon its anticipated release date of August 5th.
Embodying all the qualities of a superstar, but packaging it perfectly in a humble attitude, this actor, singer, model, comic-book creator, businessman- and so much more, is engulfed in a symphony of accomplishments by being the conductor behind orchestrating his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Gibson is this summer reprising his Transformers role as USAF Tech Sergeant Epps in this summer's hottest sequel, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.
Insight News, caught up with Tyrese Gibson to give you a taste of things to come and get a preview of what we can expect when he graces the silver screen July 24th in the sequel to Michael Bay's hit movie Transformers.
Since the last time we talked, you were on the threshold of crossing into your 30's, how does it feel to be an official “Grown Man”?
I feel like my age is just now catching up to me. [Laughs]. It's always been said that I'm like an old soul, so I've always thought that maybe someone had my age wrong because I just never felt like I had the type of thoughts of a 25-year-old or a 21-year-old, even when I was that young. But 30, is a good age. I feel great. It feels great to be 30.
I like that. How are you preparing for the release of your new film Transformers 2? That's only a few weeks away now.
Well, we have to go to about nine different countries on an international tour. My first biggest preparation though, is to get as much stuff done as possible before I leave. I just want to spend as much time as I can with my daughter before I break out. Today, I'm singing the National Anthem at Game five for the Lakers. I'm excited about that.
What can viewers expect from the sequel that they didn't get the first time around with your character USAF Tech Sergeant Epps?
You're going to meet my family finally in this one. I think the scope and the canvas of this film is so much bigger and greater than the first one. The chemistry amongst the cast is so much better. Michael Bay is just in rare form and he really went full throttle with this whole jump off. My character has been given more responsibilities and more pressure because he is now the Master Sergeant of the Air Force. There's just more pressure when it comes to communication- where to drop bombs, where to pick us up if anything happens and all the above. So, there is a lot going on with Robert Epps in this one.
So we'll be able to get closer to your character.
Absolutely.
How do you think the film will appeal to African American audiences, who tend to show more support for films with a predominately African American cast and theme?
Oh, they're going to love it, because my Black behind is sprinkled all up and through that joint! [Laughs].
You've come a long way since your first film Baby Boy, how do you think you've grown as an actor?
You know I'm still growing. Everyday is one of those things where you kind of put your head out there and try to be your best. I feel good about everything that's been going on and the different levels that things are going to. I'm just glad that I'm not limited to doing a certain type of film and that I can spread my wings, fly and have fun with it. You know?
Will we be seeing you do other roles in the future that will challenge you even more as an actor, quite like Jamie Foxx when he did the film Ray, that took him all the way out of his comfort zone- more dramatic features, or are you going to stick with the action genre?
Oh we're definitely going to get into the dramatic stuff, all day. That's a no brainer. Absolutely.
Have they ever confirmed the rumors about your portrayal of the superhero Luke Cage in the upcoming film adaptation, or is that still up in the air?
Not yet. They're still tweaking on it. It's a long process to get things all the way right.
For those who don't know, you do have a personal phone line, where you allow fans an up close glimpse at your life, and on it you give a lot of wonderful advice. Do you think you'll ever transfer any of that offered wisdom into a book?
I'm actually writing a book right now. The book is titled, “How To Get Out Of Your Own Way.” I'm trying to get that done right now.
Do you have any advice for the readers of Insight News who are interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?
Yes, I have to say this: you can often tell how far your life and career will go based on the five people you spend the most time with. So, if you have a problem with your life then you have to change your Circle of Five because you represent your five. If your spirit is down or you're unmotivated all the time or you're not career-oriented, it's your Circle of Five. So, if you want to change your circumstances then you have to change your Circle of Friends.
To pre-order your copy of Image Comics and Tyrese Gibson's “Mayhem” visit www.buymayhem.com.
Insightnews.com