Fresh Air Sterling K. Brown Was Told By Hollywood To Lose The "Smart-Guy Thing"
14 snips
Jan 1, 2025 
Sterling K. Brown, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor known for his roles in This Is Us and Black Panther, discusses his journey through Hollywood. He reveals the challenges of losing his father and the prejudice he faced in the industry. Brown candidly shares how stereotypes impact casting and reflects on his emotional connection to roles, including his thoughts on the O.J. Simpson trial. He also humorously recounts moments from his Emmy speeches and emphasizes the importance of representation and storytelling in film.
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Authentically Black
- Sterling K. Brown was told to lose his "smart-guy thing" to get more roles in Hollywood.
- Casting directors wanted a specific portrayal of Blackness, tied to socioeconomic struggles.
Economics to Acting
- Sterling K. Brown majored in economics and interned at the Federal Reserve to give back to his community.
- He realized his passion wasn't in finance but in something more "spiritual and holistic."
O.J. Simpson Trial
- During the O.J. Simpson trial, Sterling K. Brown's focus wasn't on guilt or innocence.
- He, like many, wanted the system to work for someone who looked like them, given its history of working against them.
