A Conversation with Actor Michael Ealy of Seven Pounds

Upon first glance, Michael Ealy could be easily written off as one of Hollywood's stereotypical "pretty boys." But time and time again, Ealy has proven himself to be more than a handsome gent, although the media tends to focus on his blue eyes and chiseled face, which have turned him into one of America's best known "sex symbols."

Ealy's current resume boasts a string of films that have showcased his versatile acting chops, including top billing in Miracle at St. Anna, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Barbershop, and 2 Fast 2 Furious. On December 19, 2008, Columbia Pictures released his latest film, Seven Pounds, where he stars as "Ben's Brother."

In preparation for the DVD release of Seven Pounds, Michael Ealy managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview — reflecting on life on the set, his brotherly bond with Will Smith, and the directing style of Gabriele Muccino.

When you look back on the Seven Pounds experience, what memories immediately come to mind?

Let's see. It was fun. It was actually fun. With Will Smith being the lead, he kind of dictated the tone of how things are going to get done, how people are going to behave. If he's not upset, no one else has the right to be. He just keeps it light. He keeps it playful. When you're doing long hours, that's always good. Keep it as playful as possible. Despite the fact that he had some of the heaviest stuff to do, for him to be able to keep it playful I thought was tremendously brave and at the same time comforting.

Is there a playful moment that you experienced with the cast that comes to mind when you say that?

Let me think. Even in rehearsal I remember at one point there was a really contentious scene between me and Will on the street. We were working this out in rehearsal and director Gabriele Muccino wanted me to like shove him and get physical with him. I'm like, "Gabriele, do you have an older brother?" He's like, "No." That makes sense. You don't shove your older brother around. I don't have one but I know you don't shove your older brother around especially when he's bigger than you, you know what I mean? One time I tried to give Gabriele what he wants and knocked over the TV. Will was like, "Oh, don't worry about it, man. He would like that." That's the dynamic those two have between each other. They just have a shorthand with each other. They enjoy working with each other so much it was fun to see. I felt like a fly on the wall when you're in the room with those two. You almost don't matter when you're in the room with those two. They're just like back and forth. 

Article Author: Clayton Perry

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