Anthony Mackie

What made you get into acting? Where you always passionate about acting?

I was a kid in second grade and my teacher suggested I should audition for the talented in theatre program at my public school. I was always a class clown and she thought it would help me focus and be a constructive outlet for my energy.

Where you “Dancing on the Ceiling” “All Night Long” when you found out that you will be part of Marvel MCU?

It was definitely a huge celebration. It’s not often that you have a dream and it comes true!

How did you find out that you will be in the Avengers: Endgame?

With Marvel it’s always the same. They call you and tell you to keep certain dates open. I never knew in what capacity I’d be used or what the storyline would be. I was just excited to hang out with Captain America again!

Tell us about “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”? What was it like to shoot the series?

The process for this series was really something special. I actually got to know things first and really prepare for what we were walking in. I have to say, I was very nervous because I didn’t think we could do on TV what we’ve been doing on the big screen. But, lesson learned, I’ll never question Marvel again!

Sebastian Stan and you are close friends. Does that friendship help your on-screen chemistry? 

I truly consider Sebastian a dear friend. We’ve been through a lot together! Our friendship and trust off screen is the biggest reason we work so well together. I’ve learned a lot from watching him in scenes together and seeing his career grow. I mean… he was amazing in I, Tonya!

How different is making MCU as tv series compared to a feature film?

To be honest… it was exactly the same! Same crew, same schedule, same laughs. Doing a Marvel movie project is like summer camp.

Do you think there is a possibility of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier musical?

I’d definitely pay good money to see Sebastian as the Winter Soldier on stage! The look on his face after the show at the stage door would be worth its weight in gold. And, everyone knows my dream is to do a Broadway musical!

Before becoming an actor, you wanted to be a mechanical engineer, can you tell us a what got you interested in engineering?

My brothers were very important to me growing up. They literally were my superheroes! One of my brothers was in Law School and my other brother was in engineering school. I knew I wasn’t smart enough to be a lawyer so engineer was the next pick… I honestly thought engineering was all about building things and blowing thing up! How could you not be excited about that!

You have revealed your love for Betty White on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Can you tell us how you met Betty?

I was at an event and I was introduced to her and pushing my way through a crowd and telling people I was her security so I had to get through to her. To me, she’s really a national treasure like Marla Gibbs or Melba Moore! If you look at the history of her career and the amount of opportunities she gave to black people when she had her variety show… you gotta love her! Light years before her time.

Six degrees of separation were proven on the photoshoot. Our creative director and photographer Mike Ruiz was really excited to work with you, he was an exclusive photographer for Betty White for many years. Have you enjoyed the photoshoot? 

It was really a great experience and not a second wasted! I’m not a model in anyway but he never made me feel as awkward as I felt! LoL

You are an entrepreneur offscreen, specifically when it comes to building houses. Tell us what got you interested in that?

My Dad was a great man. My first job was working with him on a roof here in New Orleans. I remember he’d drive past houses he’d worked on a say “I did that!” He always offer people jobs who were on the side of the road asking for money. So I do it to honor him.

If you had a chance to give your younger self an advice, what it would be?

Those before me sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am… Work Harder!