By Andrew Cristi
As one of the biggest names in the world; entrepreneur, actor, producer, writer, and unparalleled athlete Mike Tyson boasts a name so great that it makes total sense that most projects beg for him to come on board as himself. A living legend, the gifted sports hero remains the undisputed world heavyweight champion, the first to hold WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, and the only person to maintain them all at the same time, not to mention the youngest boxer in history to win the world heavyweight crown. Inducted in both the International Boxing Hall Of Fame, and The World Boxing Hall Of Fame, it goes without saying that the Brooklyn, New York native commands attention, and that his extraordinary successes have made him not just a world-famous celebrity, but also an icon in a league of his own that will forever be cemented in history.
And that historical superstardom that is tremendously celebrated for the legendary boxer’s wins also has a human interest story attached that makes Tyson all the more riveting. A man who has been able to come up stronger and fight harder every time he’s been kicked down- both in the ring and in life, the athlete turned actor has managed to make comeback after comeback and overcome tremendous blows to his physical self, his emotional self, and his career. A true testament to perseverance and rebuild, the world champion has managed to prove that true character doesn’t come from how many times a man may win, but, instead, how many times he can get back on his feet and fight harder after a loss, and that is just one of the many reasons that his future posthumous biopic will be a dream role any actor would love to get his hands on.
That said, it again makes total sense why producers, directors, writers, and all storytellers want to get the name “Mike Tyson” in their film- not just in the credits as an actor, but also as part of the story. As a true juggernaut in our culture, and in a world where fame is even more fleeting than ever, Tyson remains as one of the most known names in sports and entertainment. So, when the question of “Who wouldn’t want to play Mike Tyson?” comes into play, it becomes relatively shocking to learn that the number one person who doesn’t is, in fact; MIKE TYSON!
Having played himself over a dozen times in major hits like “The Hangover,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Entourage,” Tyson has grown tired of acting as himself in projects and is constantly seeking to spread his wings as an actor- which makes his new film “Public Disturbance” a strongly welcomed addition to his resume for the icon. Already a fan of the comedy troupe that inspired the film; The Janoskians, Tyson gladly took on the role of major media mogul Barry Black- a man throwing a sweet sixteen party for his daughter who then has to deal with The Janoskians hijinks.
Slipping seamlessly into the uproarious comedy, Tyson immediately proves to be very funny even when taking on a new role, showing the world that he is easily capable of handling humor that doesn’t revolve around himself- which he has already excessively taken on with great sportsmanship. Surrounded by a talented cast of seasoned comedic actors from Jai, Beau, and Luke Brooks, to Daniel Sahyounie, to Amber Stevens West, to established pro Joey Lawrence, Tyson never falters to keep up, shine, and bring on the laughs in his own right- and he insists that comedy is just the tip of the iceberg of what he is ready and willing to do.
Excited to work in any genre with anyone that might help him expand his skills, the well-rounded former athlete is open to doing drama as well- happy to take on any role that doesn’t pigeonhole him as a performer. And with his talents not only lying in the ring or in front of the screen, Tyson seeks to create even more opportunities- not just for himself, but also for others- through creating and producing, much like he did with his cartoon series; “The Mike Tyson Mysteries.” An avid supporter of cartoons, the diverse audience they attract, and the escapism they provide, Tyson beams proudly of the series, this time very glad to add his colossal name to the title of the project.
And with at last three other movies on the way and “Public Disturbance” attracting major buzz, Wingman knew we had to sit down with the multi-talented superstar and ask him all about his new role, what it was like working with The Janoskians, and what else he might have on the way. Read below to see what the iconic king of the ring had to say!
WINGMAN: So, you just had “Public Disturbance” come out. This film was inspired by the comedy troupe The Janoskians. Were you familiar with them before the film?
MIKE TYSON: Yes! Yes, I was- very much so. I thought they were really great and I was very much familiar with their work.
WINGMAN: Can you tell us a bit about the film and your role; Barry? You play a famous media mogul here…
TYSON: Yes, I play a media mogul, and my character is having a big sweet sixteen party for his daughter, played by Amber Stevens West. So, people can expect this big party that is filled with tons of surprises and shenanigans from the Janoskians.
WINGMAN: Many times on film, you play yourself; Mike Tyson. How does it feel to put on different shoes and step into a character that departs from yourself?
TYSON: I love playing someone else. I actually never really liked playing myself, I definitely prefer to take on a character and step outside what I know.
WINGMAN: Do you like doing comedy?
TYSON: I do love doing comedy- but, I’m open to everything. Any genre, any character that gets me outside of my box.
WINGMAN: You’re surrounded by a great company here; director Danny Lee, and actors; Skyler Samuels, Amber Steven West, Bobby Lee, Joey Lawrence- who we love, and The Jankoskians; Jai Brooks, Beau Brooks, Luke Brooks, and Daniel Sahyounie.
TYSON: They were great. I was very fortunate to have a great cast surrounding me. They all worked hard and gave it their all, and they’re very funny. I definitely have a lot of love for them all.
WINGMAN: You have a ton more films on the way; “Soul Business,” “The Devil May Care,” and “Le Champion”– which you also act as executive producer on. Can you talk about any of these?
TYSON: I actually can’t talk about any of them right now- I can’t give anything away, but fans should definitely be on the look out!
WINGMAN: You’re definitely taking on a lot!
TYSON: Hey, I’m just excited to take on even more!
WINGMAN: You also have “The Mike Tyson Mysteries,“ which you also executive produce, as well as created. Tell us about that, and are you interested in taking on the roles of writer and producer more often?
TYSON: I love the cartoon. Cartoons are awesome because they draw in a great diverse audience, and it gives them a fun escape to look at. There are definitely a couple more chapters there, and more stories to tell. As for working more behind the scenes as an executive producer, writer, or creator, I would absolutely like to do more, and I will.
WINGMAN: As you grow further in your acting career, what other roles are you looking to play, and who else would you love to work with?
TYSON: I’m open to working with anyone, I’m just excited to take on projects that have my heart in it and offers me to show new skills. There are definitely various people out there that help me advance my skills, and I am really open to working with anyone who can do that.
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And as for right now, those people who are helping the legendary champion find new talents within himself are The Janoskians with the hot new film “Public Disturbance,” now available on iTunes and On Demand as of August 28th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exq_SlzHrfw
Mike McCarthy