How Did Leon Get the Part of David Ruffin After 'The Five Heartbeats'? - The Mike & Donny Show

Leon and Robert Townsend talk about how Leon got cast as David Ruffin in the Temptations movie after his role in 'The Five Heartbeats'.
#DavidRuffin #TheFiveHeartbeats #TheTemptations #MakingofTheFiveHeartbeats
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[@liznicholas6369]

Leon definitely should have gotten an award for his role as David Ruffin. Hands Down! I watch all the time. Temptations Forever!

[@kingrollo8199]

I thought he was David ruffin

[@francinejohnson1345]

"MY" favorite movie for life. 😍😍😍 PeriodT And Yessssss he should have.

[@tammyt8708]

Iknow that's rite 💯

[@pianoarmond]

They usually don't nominate a lot of black actors for serious roles. I don't think the Oscars is a black mans award.

[@CaribbeanQueen72xx]

Liz Nicholas yessss I agree 💯

[@keystonestatewarrior3358]

Leon extremely underrated as an actor. Hell, the man only goes off of one name c'mon ppl!

[@TerryOnDemand]

Lol

[@Rubrick23.]

He was in so man good movies under rated guy

[@KV-mz8ro]

I so agree! Great actor!

[@keystonestatewarrior3358]

@Jazzy AndCool Because I feel he is underrated. If you don't think that way then that's of no consequence to me. We all got our opinions about actors we like, it's as simple as that.

[@powerintheshadowpodcast]

Lolll

[@mommimommi5014]

Leon done played every role, Lil Richard included. I like Leon.

[@barbarabrown4205]

mommi mommi , that was his hair

[@shonnieperson7649]

Yass

[@demerarasugar1837]

mommi mommi . Loved Leon long time. First the Madonna video, then cool runnings, and a couple years ago I learnt he was Noel’s dad - I was sooooo excited cause I thought he’d make more of an appearance, but hey I’ll take what I can get. One Love Leon.

[@mommimommi5014]

@@demerarasugar1837 - Yes, Like a Prayer video and when he was in Waiting to Exhale.

[@demerarasugar1837]

mommi mommi. Oh yes, I forgot Whitney, how could I!

[@Luvlysis4u]

Robert Townsend is so underrated! He and the Wayans been doing this Aloooong time!

[@arthurjackson25]

🐐

[@DUB_87]

He don't care. He makes big money.

[@getachewbitew2414]

Leon

[@HypnoticHollywood]

@Jazzy AndCool Has Leon won any major awards for acting? If not he's underrated.

[@angelaoverton7190]

All the Townsend voices sound alike, DNA doesn’t lie

[@joseyeastwood]

Leon should have received a Emmy for that iconic role he was David Ruffin.

[@uploadvidz4490]

Definitely for Little Richard

[@michaelhedgemond603]

FACTS!

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

And Christian for Paul Williams

[@sexymae4404]

Cynthia baby daddy is being interviewed by her new to be husband the level of maturity is great.

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Awesone

[@MisSterious1987]

Yes

[@melhopkins1053]

sexy mae day that shit bc that’s truth

[@melhopkins1053]

Come on grown black men

[@ledwards273]

@jill scottman Agree

[@lootoottootsie2347]

Leon, killed it as David Ruffin and Little Richatd, brilliant Actor!!!!! Hands down, all the other actors of Five Heaetbeats killed it too!!!!!

[@angiedixon3230]

LEON!!!!💞

[@lootoottootsie2347]

@@angiedixon3230 texting, thanks

[@smoothbro9711]

Angie Dixon RIP Little Richard and Betty Wright

[@angiedixon3230]

@@smoothbro9711 So heartbreaking...😔...We all know that this world is not our home...but it hurts every time.

[@carolynwhite9975]

I like Leon as Little Richard too!!

[@aceboogie1157]

I'm David Ruffin. And these are the Temptations.

[@hisbeautifultruth5931]

That line right there!😂

[@Noneofyabusiness1]

My favorite line: David Ruffin says " Y'all can't fire me, I made your asses!"

[@sew04ss]

😁

[@NellieEllie15]

David Ruffin

[@SelectiveSocial401]

David Ruffin and uhhh...snap...snap...snap...what's they name...aaaahhahahaha!

[@mmzebra98]

Leon did a fantastic job in the Temptations movie..............in my opinion he captured David's spirit. It was an unforgettable performance.........The line "Ain't nobody coming to see you Otis" will go down as one of the most famous lines in movie history.........The public would like to see more of these kinds of movies.............keep going guys.

[@sandraatkins2539]

I am so glad Leon was chosen to play David. Ain't nobody comin' to see you Otis!!!! I couldn't see them wasting Leon's talent by playing Otis. Love you Leon. RIH MELLIFLUOUS-VOICED, MAGNANIMOUS, BEAUTIFUL MR. DAVID ELI RUFFIN❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jerramaurice7836]

Michael Stanford now they need a a documentary of the making of the temptations they should do that!

[@ladennayoung2939]

You wish you could work it like me. LOL.

[@sandraatkins2539]

@@ladennayoung2939 That's right Ms. Young. Otis couldn't work it like David because he didn't have what David had. LOL

[@clarencepugh395]

That roll was tailor-made for Michael Wright. With all respect Leon

[@ronblack2700]

The line “ ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis,” was improvised. Leon’s character was on point.

[@michaelconner1771]

Interesting. How do you know that it was?

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Never heard it was improvised

[@ronblack2700]

@Michael Conner... He talks about it in this interview.

[@michaelconner1771]

@@ronblack2700 Ah, cool.

[@Jevans47403]

@@michaelconner1771 here’s the link to where he talks about that line he improvised kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHRc2uhp9aojZY

[@BrooklynEwms32LAKERS]

Leon is "The Denzel Washington"...of Music Movies..."Ain't Nobody Coming to See You Otis"👏👍

[@josephinecannon4058]

Definitely

[@sdg1009]

Listen y’all please let’s give Robert Townsend his flowers now. Peep how’ve said he tried to get David Ruffin into rehab, give him a job and pay him. I know of people that have stayed at his sisters house while trying to become actors in LA. Well done Mr. Townsend👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💯

[@donte3739]

I cant believe he did Temptations Five Heartbeats & little Richard And dont have multiple Grammys He's AMAZING

[@ladarin95]

Above The Rim

[@soullegend1700]

Cool Runnings !!

[@breslinhoward6992]

@BabyGirl Spirit good point we don’t need their validation just like the Malcolm x movie didn’t need their validation

[@MsDellis1]

Facts, he is my fav actor e er

[@aviah123briony123]

Having seen this movie about 350 times, I can tell you that this man, "Leon Robinson," AKA "Leon" is one of the most fantastic actors walking the face of the earth. There was much talent in that movie but when you watch Leon playing David, it is extremely difficult to believe that Leon is NOT David. This is the sign of a great actor. Yes, I have admitted to Otis that I watched the movie 350 times. :)

[@unicornmadness6286]

And at his age he is still fine! And I'm 20 something years younger than he.

[@deborahdixon5181]

Leon makes the character come alive. Outstanding actor.

[@TashaTalksTrucking]

Come through Leon!!! He still looks good after all these years! FYI NO ONE ELSE COULD HAVE PLAYED THAT ROLE

[@karmamenzel1631]

Facts lol

[@Linda-fe7jo]

Robert Townsend is so kind, that was really great that he was trying to help David Ruffin. I always imagined if David and Marvin had lived longer what they would have done. I admire Robert Townsend for his generosity and hard work.

[@ginagardner6727]

"The Temptations aint nothing, without David Ruffin"

[@judewilliams3911]

yeah he played the he double toothpicks out of that man

[@fjacks1189]

Dennis Edwards said, Hold my champagne 🥂 glass.

[@jd2616]

“Otis, you wish you could work it like me.....but you cant “. That’s my favorite David Ruffin line

[@TerryOnDemand]

Leon is an EXCELLENT Actor! And to think he is almost 60! He has aged very well!

[@sheraii]

Peppermint Leon is 58 yrs old.

[@BayouBarbie504]

Whoo Chile! He is a hot older gentleman!

[@kentrellcole588]

He just turned 59 this month

[@darlenegoodwin]

He was born two days before my brother.

[@NDGOCHYLD]

Leon is SO underrated. That man embodies his characters. He is a genius!!!!!

[@tonib4800]

I love Leon but I have a lot of respect for Robert Townsend . This man is a genius

[@bufb]

Exactly what i was thInking. There is a genius there

[@sofumba]

SO UNSUNG!!!!

[@kapparhotau181]

Man that would be cool if they did an TVOne Unsung episode on Townsend

[@barbarabaldwin9036]

HE ALSO PLAYED LITTLE RICHARD IN A MOVIE TOO. DID A REALLY GOOD JOB. LOVE HIM A GREAT ACTOR

[@wendylee7242]

Leon is a great actor,and a scene stealer,keep it going ,Robert Townsend is wonderful in front and behind the camera,bravo brothers!

[@jerramaurice7836]

Wendy Lee he was great in Meteor Man

[@angelahamlett8249]

He looks just like David when he was younger. Let's be honest, the choreographer, Cholly, made all the difference. Leon is a very good actor.

[@indiam4008]

Y'all begging me not to leave you. And I refuse to let you gooooo. My favorite part of the temptation.. Leon play that part so good and I was only twenty-nine I went out and bought the tape David ruffin whole tape..💯💯💯

[@candiceallen5304]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@msoddballz5763]

Mine too. That little adlib had me rolling!

[@lovemywife698]

Helllll yes!!!

[@keishadeborahsalley8919]

David: I knew they’d come crawling back Eddie: See David that’s the same attitude that got you fired in the first place David: I wasn’t fired, I quit! 🤣🤣😂🤣 Leon kilt the whole movie

[@jmcharles75]

Why this is my favorite part in the film😂😂😂😂😂 I Just literally just got through from laughing at this line 😂😂😂

[@rashodbest612]

😂lol

[@ghanasoul]

Leon didn’t play David Ruffin, he WAS DAVID RUFFIN! Content and film accuracy aside, he portrayed him very well and was definitely one of the standouts in the film. Glad i had the opportunity to meet him in NY of all places at a pizza shop. Ha. He’s VERY tall and VERY cool. Easy goin guy.

[@terrencewhite3748]

"LEON" definitely deserved a "best actor award" for his portrayal as David Ruffin in the movie "Temptations".

[@ladeecristyle4093]

Leon is a great actor The Five Heartbeats led to The Temptations then The Little Richard story. I love his suave charisma. Cliffhanger, Waiting to Exhale, Above the Rim, Cool Runnings, Colors, Get Rich or Die Tryin, Bats, Ali, and so much more.....A true talent.

[@josephinecannon4058]

Also, Madonna was her pick for lead actor for her video Like A Prayer

[@kmofficial8108]

Leon is one of the most underrated actors of all time ... always plays the role perfect

[@queenempress2541]

Leon. Every movie he played he pur his heart n soul into it.

[@janal1206]

Dang he still is fine. COOL RUNNINGS, WAITING TO EXHALE, FIVE HEARTBEATS, THE TEMPTATIONS, AND LITTLE RICHARD. Wow I just looked him up. He made 47 movies.

[@lisashaw8657]

Nobody: JT: I want you to hold my coat like you holding me. Ahh yeah squeeze me tighter baby. 🤣🤣 I love Leon!!

[@Yvettee214]

Yesss that’s my favorite part!

[@laneysa123]

😂😂😂😂

[@kristybutts3118]

Baby come back come back to meeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeh 🤣🤣 ok I’m done 🤣🤣🤣

[@cadillacdeville5828]

That's a FINE man 🥰😍😘

[@indiam4008]

Girl he so fine. 😍😍😍

[@midnightflower4307]

Once he was on a commercial, I thought he was talking to me😥😍

[@christinagraham2915]

Exactly

[@michellebuckner2129]

LEON is David Ruffin. That man can act!!

[@msoddballz5763]

Yes lawd!!! Sexy chocolate.

[@mscampbell6998]

Leon def made david ruffin look way better ..he was a fine as david ruffin..

[@sonjabethay2277]

He is an amazing actor

[@ninadozier104]

Black Panther 2 needs "Leon".

[@jerramaurice7836]

nina dozier word up

[@ohshucks30]

Where tf did that come from?😂😂😂black panthers? That's such a random movie to want him in lol

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

I agree.

[@jovongipson6070]

Big Facts

[@anthonygetdat]

YO BIG FACTS

[@reddavis4808]

Damn does this brother Leon age? We still use that "Ain't Nobody coming to see you Otis" when talking trash to someone.

[@bobbyhorne2880]

I liked the one too, You ain't nothing without a Ruffin.

[@3912James]

60 in 2021.

[@antmanthebossman]

ain't nobody coming to see you Big Red davis

[@Mr2KOOL4LYFE]

I expected to see more David Ruffin quotes in the comments. O well 😂. "Y'all ain't nothing with out David Ruffin" "y'all can't do me like this"

[@lawrencecarr4973]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🏾

[@tylerkwoka9349]

Y'all begging me not to leave, But I refuseee to let youuuu goooo ;P

[@jojosaylor8996]

Temptations was his best work. But his amazing in everything

[@knowledgesomemore3564]

"Did you hear Berry Gordy go yes David, yes David"? David Ruffin and snap, snap what's their name's???🤣😂👀🚬

[@dorothymccarter4770]

He played it perfectly. And also he is so sexy. Get use to women liking this guy whoever his wife is. I been a fan since day 1

[@cherylsumler259]

🎩’s off to Robert Townsend & Leon The Five Heartbeats - Is The Best of All Times!! Leon is such an charismatic actor as he just stated if you think someone else could of played that part better then you didn’t own that character!!!

[@knowledgesomemore3564]

I'd say the Heartbeat's is a close second behind the Temptations.Also the Temptations movie is about 90% original.One of the things that never happened in the movie was the part where they fired David He did quit and the part where he jumps on stage.They talked and cried together back stage and they did let him back in the group.But once again David was David and this time it was over for good.They had put David out or he quit several times but they always would let him back in the group."👀✌️🚬Did you hear Berry Gordy say yes David, yes David"

[@robbrown2358]

Leon is an extraordinary actor and singer... He has a Jamaican band.. And they sound awesome... I'm also proud to say I'm facebook friends with David Ruffin Jr.. And The Ruffin family... ✌💗

[@amelianaireslair5820]

What's the name of the band? I want to check itmoug

[@amelianaireslair5820]

*Check it out*

[@paynec076]

Leon, Your portrayal was excellent. You are a fine Actor & deserve your place in the "Character Actors Hall-of-fame"

[@carmelcapricorn7701]

Style, Sex appeal. Charm and just talented. Blessed.📀📻🎙

[@sandrasmith6963]

"I made yo asses"...i love Leon😍

[@kellybrown2879]

Ain't nobody coming to see you ,Otis!!!! Lolololol. Love you, Leon!!!!

[@glindaconard3554]

Leon got the part because it was made for Him❤️💯

[@gwendolynforest9610]

Leon is the bomb, Loved him in all the movies.

[@justme4609]

"Ain't nobody coming to see you Otis" classic.

[@bihmthethird]

The 5 Heartbeats brought families together to watch the movie over and over again.

[@mittiejones3533]

My sister, Donna, loved, loved, loved 'The Five Heartbeats.' She played it endlessly.

[@lilpopes]

If they make a Marvin Gaye move they needa book this man!

[@ChannieChauni]

Leon never got the recognition as a actor. That he should have gotten. Every character he played, you believed him as the person. The commitment is unmatched.

[@millionaire6849]

Why is Leon still so goddamn FINE?? This man just oozes charisma and sexiness without even trying...whew 😍

[@antoniooverton49]

He played that role very well. He made it very believable.the five heart beats another one of my all time favorites.

[@sheronabrooks2085]

This makes me So Proud Of Our Black Actors Especially Leon& Robert They Really Played Their Roll in Each Movies & To This day We Still Enjoy Watching it's Never Boring Keep up the good work Ya I'll ❤️😍😇

[@mariel.4566]

“Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis”! 😂😂😂

[@keishamurrell3095]

Love ❤ Both movies 😍💞💕

[@ymccormack9613]

Always loved Leon..he is one smooth actor..any role he takes on drips with melted gold..🔥

[@dannygentry6988]

Leon till this day is still so fine lawdm.. he aged like fine wine!

[@Den-hz8]

Leon is the smoothest dude on earth lol. Would love to see a movie with Leon and Denzel.

[@123breakinout]

I don’t know if it’s just me but every time I watch the five heartbeats I gotta watch the temptations or vis versa! It’s like even though there different movies there connected together

[@aadyae]

I love these 2. Great performers. Leon is a great singer. I met him about 20 years ago. He was in a play at the long beach convention center. I told him I am married to his twin. My husband looks exactly like him.

[@ayoung399]

Robert Townsend is AMAZING!!!! Hollywood Shuffle and Five Heartbeats are among my favorite movies!

[@lordwalker6610]

Leon was believable in all the roles he played in... this man completely transformed into those characters

[@toniking153]

Yes indeed.

[@lynnw2953]

my goodness he is so damn handsome. 😍😩

[@deenicole4951]

GREAT COMMENTARY.. GUYS.. GREAT TO SEE YOU ROBERT, AKA DUCK.. AND LEON AKA J.T.. MATTHEWS. SUCH A CLASSIC EXTRAORDINARY CONNECTION.. I ALAWYS WATCH HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE; ONE OF MY TOP FAVORITES.. 😁 GREAT CAST .STILL HAVE IT ON VHS, AND IT PLAYS. WE ALSO MISS ANN MARIE ... LUV HER.. YOU GUYS STAY SAFE.. GOD BLESS

[@VBchilli]

This is gold and Leon deserves so many rewards

[@recole210]

both movies were bomb

[@knowledgesomemore3564]

Real Talk 👀✌️🚬

[@SandraSealySeawomanBDS]

Mr Townsend, your Making Of "5 Heartbeats" was wonderful and heartbreaking. You created an enduring piece appreciated from around the world (I'm not in the US). And Leon is amazing in every role. Thank GOD you were honest about honoring Ruffin. That was the role that really stood out.

[@voxxy85]

All my mom talked about was leon. I love his movies

[@marshallwalls1263]

I understand david ruffins personality by the movie n unsung..he was a capricorn like me. we can be full of it for sure lol

[@penseyfrancis464]

Any role Leon takes on, he does a great job. I think it helps that he can sing. The best role I've seen him in was "Cover!". It was a hard role to play, but he did his thang. Go watch it.

[@knowledgesomemore3564]

Cover was easy for Leon,he didn't even have to act.Just play his self!!🤫👀✌️🚬

[@gwensneed5222]

I've seen that movie. He played that role to darn good

[@sugarbrichespusspop1990]

No one not one could have done it better Leon ur role as David Ruffin 💯🥰🔥🔥🔥🔥 Temptations forever Leon I love u ❤️🥰

[@tammylewis2702]

Love this interview....

[@mscampbell6998]

Leon is so talented ... awesome dude

[@renitawilliams8499]

Wow, 2 of my favorite actors! Leon is so underrated and hopefully will get all of his due accolades while he is still alive! Robert is so creative and talented and I've enjoyed every movie he's been a part of. My kids used to watch the Five Heartbeats daily! I still watch both The Temptations and The Heartbeats like I've never seen them, lbvs! #classics

[@knowledgesomemore3564]

Me too I watch them like I'm listening to the album.🎶"Now show me a girl,a girl that's fine and I'll choose the one with true loving Everytime🎶👀✌️🚬

[@mina-yu4hn]

leon was powerful he should have gotten an award. he did ruffin to a t. made you feel ruffin was on the screen. love the movie so sad. watch it all the time never get tired of watching their story

[@Mimi-cg2cw]

We saw the Temptations last Xmas in Oklahoma at the Hard Rock or River Spirit..its on KZbin..the performance was great and we stood chanting we came to see you Otis...it was a moment. I'm 65 a Oakland who grew up on Get Ready You will lose a precious love..lol. My Mother listened to that. I'm Runaway child..anyway Leon you was great..and the World love Otis..David head was big..

[@SimplyShandrell]

The Five Heartbeats and The Temptations will forever be in rotation in my home. This are movies that just keep on giving.

[@tamikajohnson238]

Love The 5 Heartbeats and The Temptations movies...Leon really found his nitch as an actor👏🏽👏🏽. How cool that Cynthia's new boo is interviewing her old boo/babydaddy😏

[@doubledareyou7778]

Salute too the whole cast my teenage yrs in the 90's definitely in my top 5 singing group movies......

[@jenniebaez6947]

Leon needs more exposure. The man can act and he still looks fine.

[@annetteledesma1795]

Leon played it so well love that movie

[@JohnIvoryMusic]

He looks like a villain lol like he's gonna double cross all of them lol. Amazing actor!

[@theprototype907]

IM STILL CRUSHING ON MR. TOWNSEND 😅 “THE FIVE HEARTBEATS” HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A FAVORITE 💜💜💜💜💜

[@sweetsavage9411]

LEON IS A GD AZZ ACTOR WITH HIS HANDSOME SMILING SELF😍😍🤗...✌🏼

[@NikkiJayArtistry]

Both his roles in the movies are legendary

[@Wisdom2knowthedifference]

Nah The Five Heartbeats is DEFINITELY CLASSIC!!

[@DrBrandiPJones]

We love Leon!

[@kkain123]

This is so great to hear this story.

[@mariarussell354]

That line was so true nobody has ever said that they wanted to see OTIS of the Temptation's they have always said they wanted to see David Ruffin and the Temptation's

[@duyeasmith2487]

The 5 Heartbeats was a great movie. They were portraying the Dells if you don't know who the Dells are one of their hit songs was Oh What A Night.

[@Anthony-hj3iy]

No they were not. The Dells were just Technical Advisers to the movie

[@duyeasmith2487]

They sure did sound like the Dells and that song a heart is a house for love that same song was on my Dells greatest hits CD.

[@duyeasmith2487]

Okay you're right the 5 Heartbeats were portraying several artists including the Dells, the Temptations and the Four Tops just to name a few.

[@tswrench]

I love this production and I've watched it many, many times. A few years back, I was watching it with my girlfriend at the time, and afterward I kept on reciting the line, "Y'alls is mama's boys, and you don't know nothin' 'bout me and women." We didn't share the same passion for dialogue, and after having said it to her for about the 20th time that weekend, she got very cross with me and said, "What the hell is wrong with you?" I knew I needed a reply and I needed it fast, so I squared up, looked her straight in the eyes and said, "Y'alls is mama's boys and you don't know nothin' 'bout...." She barked out an obscenity as her hand shot up with fingers splayed wide to stifle me before I could finish delivering that classic line for the 21st time. I said, 'Baby,' it's not me, it's David Ruffin.' To which she replied, "Yeah. Well, you're gonna be 'ruffin' it out on the couch tonight, funny boy. I Hope it was worth it." And you know what...it was!

[@Sabrina_the_2ueen]

The temptations biopic is one of my favorite movies

[@DLBMOS]

LOVE his portrayal of David Ruffin, better than Oscar-worthy...

[@freshboimusik313]

Cold ass actor. Underrated. He killed the Little Richard movie role also.

[@aubreyloving6744]

Blessed brothers, looking more gracefully with time!