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Star Spotlight
He's one of the hottest musicians of the past 10 years. After winning countless awards for his killer songs, Usher starred in his first leading role as a nightclub DJ named Darrell in the movie In the Mix. The movie is coming out on DVD next month, but before you go to rent the flick, check out our interview with the superstar. Here's what he had to say:
Q & A
Q:
In The Mix was your first starring role. How did you find the experience?
Usher: I just hoped that one day this opportunity would be possible. I didn't know that it would come this way, where I would actually be able to be an executive producer and have a say in which direction we should take the movie. So many actors go out to Hollywood and they're looking for that role that's going to make a difference in their careers, their lives. When you're put in a position to dictate the direction of it, it can be very rewarding. I'm very proud of this film, not only because I'm the lead in it, but also because I wanted to create something that everyone can be a part of—that's what I do with my albums.
Q:
The movie deals with how to overcome obstacles in relationships. Do you ever have those kinds of obstacles in a real relationship?
Usher: Yeah. I'm all too familiar with obstacles in relationships. It's funny, my grandmother, my mother, and my brother are like the safeguards for me. If you can get past those three, you're good.
Q:
How are you different from your public image and how you're portrayed? How do you see yourself?
Usher: Wow. There's like a quadruple persona that I have. One is a side that people probably would never be able to see until I do an autobiography of my life. There's a side that's understanding, kind, accommodating, and humble. Then, there's the side that's very aggressive, strong, and most likely to succeed because of the physical energy that I put into what I do. It could be any one at any given time.
Q:
What kind of reaction do you get on the street?
Usher: I get a few screaming fans, people come up for autographs, and all that stuff.
Q:
Do you see yourself as a role model for young kids?
Usher: Well, I hope that the positive things that I do are motivating to kids. It's part of the reason why I do some of the work I do as a philanthropist with the New Look Foundation.
Q:
Can you explain how you got that started?
Usher: The New Look Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia is a camp that I put together for 150 kids. It teaches kids through real-world experiences about all the options that they can have in life. Obviously, a child is motivated by [his or her] environment, so if you change that environment and give them hope and make them believe in themselves, and you encourage them and make them believe in their goals and dreams, they are more likely to succeed. So, I put together a two-week camp where my celebrity friends speak to the kids. I give the kids a curriculum of basketball, entertainment, and acting. Attorneys, managers, production managers, football players, agents, and management people come to speak to the kids and it gives [the kids] an opportunity to say, "I have a talent." I put together a basketball game at the end of the two weeks and all the kids who sing and dance are able to be part of the entertainment.
Q:
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
Usher: It is who I am, and I kind of live it every day through the sacrifices that our civil rights leaders as well as activists took on our behalf. I try to be as supportive of them as I can during Black History Month.
Q:
Do you think there will be a day where you'll do more movies and less music? Would you ever give up making music?
Usher: I don't think I'm going to give up music, but as time goes on, I may do more acting. I have to carve out a specific amount of time and keep to a schedule when I’m working on films as well as being a music artist. I'm working on putting them together. I have this ultimate plan: an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, and a Grammy. I got a few Grammys, but you got to do film to get Oscars.
Q:
Is there any downside to fame?
Usher: To be honest with you, no.
—Interview by Gerri Miller
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Usher
(Photo: Courtesy of Showtime Networks)
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STAR STATS
Star Calendar
March 21, 2006
In the Mix comes out on DVD.
Star Stats
Full Name: Usher Raymond IV
Birth Date: October 14, 1978
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
Childhood Home: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Current Residence: Atlanta, Georgia
Astro Sign: Libra
Sibling: younger brother, James
Height: 5' 9"
Star Faves
Sports Team: Atlanta Hawks
Movie: The Five Heartbeats
Musicians: Donny Hathaway, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson
Childhood Book: The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss
Snack Food: strawberries
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