Interview With Actor Chad Coleman

Otakus and Geeks had a quick chat actor Chad Coleman. Viewers know him as Cutty from The Wire and recently Tyrese from The Walking Dead. We talk about his early acting beginnings, playing Cutty in The Wire and sneak in a few Walking Dead questions.

Otakus and Geeks: Let’s start from the very beginning. Do you remember the moment you caught the acting bug and decided I want to do this for a living?

Chad Coleman: Of course! As a sophomore in high school I participated in afterschool drama program called The All City Theatrical Co .I was doing a scene from A Raisin In The Sun. My director said I was speaking the words really well but that I needed more emotions and to go offstage and think of something sad and do the scene again. So I did and when I did the scene again I had an out of body experience with emotion spewing everywhere! *Laughs*

Otakus and Geeks:  If you can remember.  Can you tell us a little bit about your very first role as actor, and what that experience was like for you?

Chad Coleman:  My first role was in the third grade Thanksgiving play. I had one line " I have two drumsticks!. I was a big hit because everybody could clearly hear me all the way in the back of the auditorium.

Otakus and Geeks: You have been on many hit TV shows such as The Wire, Law & Order and now The Walking Dead. However you also appear in some movies as well such as Green Hornet and in addition you do voice over work. Which film format do you find to be the most challenging as an actor? Filming for a TV Series, doing voice work or filming a movie?

Chad Coleman: I don't find any of them challenging. I have a gift that's tailor made for them all.

Otakus and Geeks: One of our favorite roles that you have played is Dennis “Cutty” Wise from The Wire. He was a very interesting character. Here is a guy who tries to reform but the game keeps pulling him back. This is a character that faces so many dilemmas between right and wrong. What was it like playing a character that is face with a situation like that?

Chad Coleman: Complex characters are always the most intriguing to play because you experience a multitude of emotion. Most people are far more complicated than many portrayals we see on TV and film.And was so glad to represent a positive African -American story that wasn't overly simplistic.

Otakus and Geeks: Your most recent role is playing Tyreese Williams on the comic book adaptation “The Walking Dead.” Can you tell us how did you get the role of Tyreese?

Chad Coleman: Robert Kirkman is a huge fan of The Wire and fought AMC hard to insure I got this role. Thanks Big Kirk.

Otakus and Geeks: Comic book fans are very critical when it comes to live adaptations of their beloved books. Did the success of the show in the previous seasons, take the pressure off your debut and interpretation of playing Tyreese?

Chad Coleman: I'm just appreciative of the way the comic book fans have embraced me in this role.

Otakus and Geeks: What do you like most about the playing Tyreese character?

Chad Coleman: His strength and his humanity.

Otakus and Geeks:  Since you’re on a comic book show once in a while you make appearances at conventions. What was your reaction to your very first Comic Con? Seeing all the cosplayers, people dressed up as characters on the show etc?

Chad Coleman:  I was blown away. Floored by the passion of the people.

Otakus and Geeks: Is there anything at all you can tell us about Season 5 of The Walking Dead?

Chad Coleman:  It's the best season ever! Why do you guys persistently ask that question?  *Everyone Laughs*

Otakus and Geeks: Fun question what music does Chad Coleman listen to while driving to the set?

Chad Coleman: My taste in music is vast but Coldplay will be on, some Maroon 5 and hip hop of course!

Otakus and Geeks: Final question any advice for young actors trying to break in on the business?

Chad Coleman:  Don't TRY...DO!

The Walking Dead Season 5 Returns on AMC February 8th.