 |
| Upcoming: Texas Battle |
You may not know his name, but you will certainly recognize his face. Texas Battle has appeared in such TV shows as, "The Bernie Mac Show," "The Parkers" and most recently played the supporting role of "Maddux" in the hit movie "Coach Carter" starring Samuel L. Jackson and Ashanti.
In addition to his acting credits, Texas is the first African-American actor to be featured in the 'Abercrombie Catalogue'. The Catalogue also features Chris Carmack ("The O.C."), Michelle Trachtenberg ("Euro Trip") and Agnes Brucker.
We recently had the opportunity to interview Texas, here is what he had to say.
First, is there a story behind your unique name?
The story that my mom gave to me is that, when she was in labor, the doctor was trying to ease her pain, and made a little joke about how stubborn I was being that I didn't want to come out. So he said, "Ya know, we just ain't gonna mess with Texas, we'll wait until he's ready. Next thing ya know, 36hrs later, BAM I'm out. She couldn't make up her mind about my name until then. Texas Quency Battle.
Can you tell our readers a little about "Coach Carter" and your role in the movie?
Well, 'Coach Carter' is basically about a coach who had a different philosophy on the way student athletes should approach life in the real world by becoming a young successful black man in today's society, by putting academics first, and basketball second. Based on the true story
of the real Coach Ken Carter. There's more to life than just money, sex and girls. That can easily be taken from ya, but the knowledge that you learn in academics can not. You'll have that forever. My character in the movie, is a young basketball player on the squad as well, who at first goes along with the rest of my teammates, by giving the new coach a hard time. But I'm one of the first ones to realize that what he's doing to us, is not to hurt our careers, but to better us as men.
How was it working with Samuel L. Jackson?
I have to say, that I'm very blessed to have worked my first big studio film with the man, Mr. Samuel Jackson. He's the real deal. He comes to work always prepared. He brings great energy to all of the young actors in this film. He's not afraid to tell you what doesn't feel right, and not afraid to tell you what feels real. Mr. Jackson showed me to just make the scene come to life. Stop thinking so much, and just do what feels right. From his own mouth, Mr. Jackson says, "If someone knows that your acting, then your doing a horrible job. But, if someone can't tell the difference, then you got them where you want them".
You have appeared on a couple of television shows. So, do you prefer shooting movies or TV shows?
I have to say that I really enjoy shooting T.V. shows, because it is an in and out day. But, if I had to choose one, it has to be making films, because I like the fact that you get the chance to work with different cast members all the time, and I like to travel to different locations. The hotel stays, the different cities, you can't beat it.
You will be featured as the first African-American in the 'Abercrombie Catalogue' this January. How do you feel about that?
Man, Man, Man. Now you're talking about being blessed, how about that? The first African American to be featured in one of the top clothing lines in America, as an upcoming rising star. Life is good. Out of the hundreds, they chose me. Till dis day, I'm still flying high.
Do you enjoy modeling?
I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy modeling. It is my bread and butta, my peanut butta and jelly, my gravy and rice, my - well you get the picture. I won't ever stop modeling. It's something that I really enjoy doing, plus its easy. Taking pictures. I love the camera.
Aside from acting and modeling it says in your bio that if you aren't "kicking it on the beach or shooting hoops" you are working on your next rap. Do you hope to launch a music career in the future?
It's funny that you mention that, about the rap career. At one point thinking about doing that, but came to a conclusion that it's not for me. The music industry, is one of the most difficult industry's to manage. So, for the time being, I know that I have to invest the majority of my time in the acting, and modeling world. But, you never know, huh?
Do you have any other projects in the coming months besides "Coach Carter?"
As of right now, my next project is the comedy sitcom "Crazy 4 You." I play "Tony" a love interest to one of the cast members. I can also be see in the next Robinson's May campaign. (commercial and print).
If you were a fly whose wall would you land on?
If I was that fly, I would land on the beautiful, exotic, and sexy Victoria Secrets super-model Adriena Lima.
Check out Coach Carter in theaters now!
- Chad Kennedy, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief |
|
 |
 |
