You mentioned Monday night to the audience at the Cleveland Public Library that you'd told wife "we should move back to Cleveland." Would you really like to move back?
AF: Yeah, I would like to buy a house here. I truly like the area. Hiram maybe, I spent some time out there you know. When you grow up around trees and nature and snow you like to get that in your life and into your kids' lives. I can definitely see living back here.
Would you be interested in encouraging more creative development by the Cleveland entertainment industry?
AF: Yes, definitely. When we were filming the movie (Antwone Fisher) here, the producers and people working close to the film were all so impressed with not only how easy people are to work with but how Cleveland looks - we found cobblestone streets in Glenville, big Victorian homes, such great architecture - you don't find that everywhere - maybe San Francisco but San Francisco looks like San Francisco, you know? Cleveland has a look all its own.
Would Cleveland be better off promoting itself somehow as an "alternative" location to the mainstream entertainment industry?
AF: I think Cleveland has a great reputation in the industry. There are a lot of people in the business who know Cleveland is a great place to film. There are a lot of people living in LA from Cleveland, so that helps. In discussions involving one of my next projects, filming here is being considered.
Has your success brought unrealistic expectations on you to do more for foster care in this country?
AF: No, I don't feel I'm under pressure to make it my cause or anything but when you are so much a part of something, when it is so much a part of you, you can never really ever separate from it. It would be like asking John Glenn about being an astronaut - he would want to do that because it is so much a part of who he is. I feel connected to those issues in a similar way. You do become associated with what you are recognized for.
I think it is very interesting that you use an example of something and someone so positive to explain how you feel about this issue. But some people with your experience might find it easier to disconnect from being involved so closely - to such an unpleasant experience.
AF: I don't think I ever can - nor would want to.
Do you feel "called" in some way - obligated - to take on the cause?
AF: In some ways, yes. If people could realize what is happening before it gets too late - If there is a bad situation, that they understand there are places and good people that can help. I think the important thing is for kids to have a place to go before it gets too bad. People sometimes need to sort things out. I was really fortunate to have the Metzenbaum Center when I was growing up. There's also Applewood and other excellent resources.
What's the best advice someone gave you?
AF: Never give up - always believe
What can you tell a young man turning 18 who will "age out" of the system?
AF:Join the navy!
(Antwone smiles and offers a small laugh but there is a feeling to his expression that his answer should not be taken lightly)
Care to tell us about current projects?
AF: Like Shakespeare said - "I have a screenplay" (laughing) I have several projects in process, most waiting for the proper funding or the right actor to star in order to get it going.
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
AF: Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughn, Miles, Sonny Rollins. I like OutKast. Sarah has a song "Shiny Stockings". Man. There are a few versions, the ones back in the 40's sound too tinny - but the 60's recordings - what a voice, what a singer.
Best part of "Antwone Fisher" left in the cutting room floor?
AF: There was a scene where the character playing me is lying on a grate in an alley at night and the camera is in very tight - almost invading his space, really uncomfortable for the viewer - it was a very powerful scene. I wish it stayed in the movie.
If you could interview anyone, living or not, who would it be and what would be your first question?
AF: Louie Armstrong. Every night he would "journal" into a tape recorder. When he died he left thousands of tapes behind. The night Martin Luther King was shot he turned on the recorder but didn't say anything. Couldn't say anything. He left it running for over an hour. I would like to know what he said that night or what he was thinking.
Will you be a regular Cool Cleveland reader now?
AF: Absolutely! You know it.
Interview by Cool Cleveland reader Tom Perrino
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