OMAR BENSON MILLER:
HOLLYWOOD'S NEXT GIANT
The actor talks about the Industry image and what
projects of his own are on the horizon
HOLLYWOOD'S NEXT GIANT
The actor talks about the Industry image and what
projects of his own are on the horizon
(March 2008) Omar Benson Miller is changing the look of Hollywood and stomping out his
competition with extraordinary talent and his brilliance in front as well as behind the cameras.
Whether he is dancing circles in Shall We Dance with Jennifer Lopez or riding alongside 50
Cent in Get Rich or Die Trying, he is making a name for himself and proving that he is a force
to reckon with. This fall, Miller can be seen in three films, one of them being Miracle at St. Anna,
directed by the legendary Spike Lee.
Miller spoke with BSL about what he had to do to prepare for his latest role in Miracle at St.
Anna’s, how he continues to land role after role and what it was like working beside the most
beautiful woman in the world.
Growing up, did you know you wanted to act or did you fall into this industry?
No, I fell into it. It was a blessing from God. I grew up thinking I wanted to be a baseball player.
Acting just kinda fell into my lap while I was in college.
You have appeared in various roles from comedic to more dramatic roles. How do you
select which roles to go after?
Over the past couple of years, I've been blessed in that roles keep popping up that I have been
interested in. I think it is important as an actor to keep sharp so if the story is compelling, the
character is compelling or a combination of both or it's in an exotic place that I have never been
to, then you can sign me up.
In an industry where appearance is everything, do you feel your size has kept you
from acquiring other roles?
I have never felt that my size has been an inhibitor for me. It's just who I am. One of the best
things about being an actor is that it is a portrayal of reality. There are people who look like me
walking around. When I'm out, I get a lot of love because in my opinion, people can associate
with me because I look like a real person. I don't look sculpted or like I just got out of a surgeon's
chair. I look like that guy you know. I believe it helps me more than it hinders me.
competition with extraordinary talent and his brilliance in front as well as behind the cameras.
Whether he is dancing circles in Shall We Dance with Jennifer Lopez or riding alongside 50
Cent in Get Rich or Die Trying, he is making a name for himself and proving that he is a force
to reckon with. This fall, Miller can be seen in three films, one of them being Miracle at St. Anna,
directed by the legendary Spike Lee.
Miller spoke with BSL about what he had to do to prepare for his latest role in Miracle at St.
Anna’s, how he continues to land role after role and what it was like working beside the most
beautiful woman in the world.
Growing up, did you know you wanted to act or did you fall into this industry?
No, I fell into it. It was a blessing from God. I grew up thinking I wanted to be a baseball player.
Acting just kinda fell into my lap while I was in college.
You have appeared in various roles from comedic to more dramatic roles. How do you
select which roles to go after?
Over the past couple of years, I've been blessed in that roles keep popping up that I have been
interested in. I think it is important as an actor to keep sharp so if the story is compelling, the
character is compelling or a combination of both or it's in an exotic place that I have never been
to, then you can sign me up.
In an industry where appearance is everything, do you feel your size has kept you
from acquiring other roles?
I have never felt that my size has been an inhibitor for me. It's just who I am. One of the best
things about being an actor is that it is a portrayal of reality. There are people who look like me
walking around. When I'm out, I get a lot of love because in my opinion, people can associate
with me because I look like a real person. I don't look sculpted or like I just got out of a surgeon's
chair. I look like that guy you know. I believe it helps me more than it hinders me.
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Actor Omar Benson Miller
THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT
Shining A Light on African American Entertainment & Culture