MYKELTI WILLIAMSON
BRILLIANT ACTOR, PRODUCER AND WRITER
by Donza Meagley

Mykelti Williamson was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but spent a great deal of his childhood in Memphis with his grandparents. He reflects on his childhood years when he would mimic the character who played in “Leave It To Beaver.” He was actually acting around the house, but did not realize, that this would be his calling. What really was a pivotal move occurred when Mykelti’s grandmother assisted him in getting a part in a small play. He shined in the play and everyone knew he had a true gift. The Williamson’s family settled in Los Angeles when Mykelti was about 15 years of age. He was known to be a superb athlete in football and basketball, but he just could not get acting off his mind.  .:read more:.
 

Soon as he graduated from High School, he began working as a professional actor, taking parts in shows like Starsky and Hutch, Hill Street Blues, China Beach and so many more. Mykelti landed the role as Bubba in the critically acclaimed performance in Forest Gump. When he got the part for Forest Gump, his audition took place in a cold hallway, to create the feel and scene for his character. Mykelti made the transition into Bubba with ease. He had a stiff upper lip and let the character take over. This actor has a fascinating background and family history.
His grandfather was a Blackfeet Indian who gave him his name which stands for “Spirit or “Silent Friend.” This unique spirited actor has also been nominated and given Humanitas Prize for Outstanding actor in a drama series for “Boomtown.” This bigger than life actor, is also a tall guy. When I met him at The International Black Film Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, his height demands your attention. He is about 6’1” and very charming, we have to remember Bubba, is the character played in Forest Gump. Mykelti expressed, his role hindered him in getting other roles for about a year. One of the problems, I feel, is that he played his part so well, producers could not see his abilities to play other types of roles. Even I was surprised of his great features verses Bubba. Magazines would publish pictures of what Bubba, the character, looked like but not Mykelti. This could clearly typecast an actor, but Mykelti forged ahead over coming obstacles, starring in films and television shows. He Proved, that he can play riveting roles and still continue to be versatile.

This versatile actor played in so many films, with parts that received rave reviews, such as the critically acclaimed HBO film Soul of the Game. Mykelti had a major role in the portrayal of the legendary Black League baseball team (Josh Gibson). He is consistent with his acting, delivering performances that pull you into his character, each and every time. Mykelti says, “he has a system when he is filming.” He reverts to his cabin to prepare than goes back out to act and repeats this step through out filming. Well, it’s clear to see his system has paid off for him. Not only did he move forward after Forest Gump as an actor, but he also continued to write and produce. Mykelti, can get comfortable under any characters skin, now that’s true talent. He had great mentors along the way such as Lincoln Kilpatrick out of Los Angeles, California, who we lost last year. Kilpatrick, was from the old school of actors like Billy Dee Williams and Harry Belafonte to name a few. In many ways, Mykelti, is very fortunate to have crossed paths with such wonderful actors and entertainers.

Center Stage: Did you have an Agent?
Mykelti: Yes, a wonderful agent by the name of Earnesteen McClandon. She was one of the first black female agents in the union.

 Center Stage: Who were some of the key people that helped mentor you?
 Mykelti: Moses Gunn, Jackie Gleason, George C Scott and Lincoln Kilpatrick were some of the people that taught me a lot about acting.

 Center Stage: Did you get type casted with the character Bubba?
 Mykelti: Forest Gump was a wonderful opportunity it was the best. However, I could not get work for a year. Magazines would turn me down because of the look that I had to portray being Bubba. I would send my photos into publishing companies, that did not have the Bubba look, but they would still show the Bubba photos. I had to hire a publicist to get my real face out there.

 Center Stage: I felt you should have received an award for your role as Bubba how did you feel about that?
 Mykelti: Yes, well so did a lot of other people. Al Pacino felt so strongly about it that he paid for me to be in the film Heat. Casting for the roles had already been complete, but Al Pacino wanted me in the movie. He felt strongly about me not getting an award for the role I played as Bubba in Forest Gump.
 

Mykelti Trivia For Our Readers:
 ● His grandfather was a Blackfeet Indian who gave him his name which stands for “Spirit or  “Silent Friend.”
● Mykelti is pronounced like “Michael Tee.”
 ● He was an alternate for The lockers, a featured dance group on Soul Train.
 ● Also, did you know he played in Forest Whitaker’s Waiting to Exhale?

Mykelti, we can’t wait to see you in your next film or television role. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with Center Stage Magazine and our readers. Also, I would like to thank The International Black Film Festival Organizers. This is a great platform for enriching and educating people who want to learn more about the industry.