The energy. Jamaica has a very special energy that is unusual, I haven't felt it anywhere else I have travelled to -- the people, the civility, the intelligence. Where I live now, you can't just have good conversation anywhere. Here in Jamaica I find everyone I encounter to be of refined intellect, no matter what their opinion on any subject may be.
What's excited your taste buds thus far?
Definitely fish. Fish in Jamaica seems to taste so clean. And the Heineken is better here, I don't know how that is.
Your grandparents were Jamaican. Which parish were they from and do you have any more relatives here?
My great-grandfather, Charles Woodbine, is Jamaican and helped to build the Panama Canal. He married a woman from Colombia and had my grandfather. But shortly after that he disappeared. It's still a mystery as to where he went, so as far as what parish or the history, there's no way of knowing.
You got a pretty early break in Hollywood, at the age of 19 to be exact. Any regrets?
No, none. I might have missed things that other people experienced like college, or traditional coming-of-age rituals, but what I gained will benefit me and my family for generations, hopefully. No regrets.
If you knew then what you know now, you would have...
I would have been a little less social in life, because ultimately I benefit most from having a small circle of friends.
Are you still as excited about the film industry today as you were as a teen?
Even more. Now that I know how it works, it's even more exciting to plan a strategy to manipulate the industry in such a way that I can truly express all the creativity I have inside.
One hears talk about racism in Hollywood and the challenges faced by actors of colour. What are your thoughts?
The world is racist! Hollywood is a reflection of the world's lack of universal integration. In a lot of ways these are still the Dark Ages. We must also take responsibility and realise that some of us in Hollywood profit from propogating a stereotype about ourselves. In addition, we don't always support our movies, so even though it's true Hollywood is racist, they will get behind anything that makes a profit. Green is more powerful than black or white.
Are you a supporter of US President Barack Obama?
Yes, I support Barack Obama because he has a lot of common sense and that's something that's been sorely lacking in governmental politics over the past eight years.
We have a burgeoning film industry. What are your thoughts on us taking it to the next level?
I want to help facilitate that transition. I am here precisely for that reason. I am scouting the island for talent and locations and soaking up the atmosphere. The creative energies are so strong in Jamaica that I believe the world should experience it.
And your thoughts on any local movie?
I haven't had time to take in any local cinema, but I saw the trailer for my friend Makonnen's film JOSEPH with Lennox Lewis and it makes me want to see the full-length feature!
Are you a movie buff?
Yes, of course. Absolutely! I live, sleep, eat and breathe movies, movies and more movies!
Who's your favourite actor?
Sidney Poitier.
Why?
Dignity.
And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?
Bob Marley's Natty Dread -- quite honestly, any Marley music.
What was your last bit of retail therapy?
This Fedora. I love hats.
When next can we expect you on the big screen?
I'm in an independent film, a drama called Letting Go that's opening this month. There's also the sci-fi remake Total Recall that comes out in August in which I play Colin Farrell's best friend. Early nexy year, I'll be in another sci-fi film Riddick with Vin Diesel and there's also a Black Western They Die By Dawn due out in 2013.
Share a few places in your black book.
Dubai, Paris and the Bob Marley Museum here in Kingston.
What makes you sad?
Inequality.
Finally, what's your philosophy?
Don't be scared to look within for the answers without.
