Wood Harris on Doing The Wire with Idris Elba, British Actors Often Being Better

[@spiritminstrel]

I met Wood Harris just walking down the street in NYC. I stopped him, fearing I was bothering or delaying him, but wanted to tell him how much I loved his work on The Wire and to thank him. He was super friendly and said he really appreciated me saying so. Thanks for talking to a fan, Wood!

[@khrisi9410]

I met him in the club back in the day. Dude was dancing like he was a regular and nobody seemed to recognize him but me. I looked over and said your that dude and before I could finish my sentence he put his finger up to his mouth and did the shhhh be quiet. He was cool and just having fun.

[@tonys9796]

@@khrisi9410 nice!! Lol

[@tylerdurden576]

avon barksdale was one of the best characters in the show

[@Wannabe_Chemist]

@ST 23 "yo it's avon" haha

[@PowerUsr1]

Spoke to Wood...He said you delayed him. He hates you now.

[@charynoy]

Wood Harris played a teenager in "Remember the Titans" in 2000. Just two years later, he played a drug kingpin in his 30s on "The Wire." He was completely convincing in both.

[@drewinsur7321]

i would atribute that to "ambiguous hairline" lol. not joking now, i'm brazilian and i play american football (nfl style) i was recomended several movies about the sport, and remember the titans with friday night lights just got together in a bundle. thanks undirectly bro.

[@deathrager2404]

you forgot paid in full.

[@luc2k23]

To be honest "Remember the Titans" didnt have one actor that actually looked like they could be in high school haha. He was one of the best in the movie obviously since they gave him a more emotional story than some other characters. But I guess what I'm trying to say was he was more convincing in "The Wire". I didnt connect him to his other work for a while. Even though "The Wire" wasnt the first project he was in I always see Avon when I see him.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

Great actor. His brother plays Goggles in Sugar Hill

[@teddybillionz311]

@@luc2k23 people looked older when they were younger back in the day. I graduated 2009 & it felt like I was in school with grown ups.

[@spainman2020]

The Wire really opened my eyes about how the wheels really turn in a city, like every time I hear about a "tough on crime" initiative I'm asking what the angle is for this or is it an election year. Not exactly shocking now, but for an early 20 something yr old at the time it was a revelation.

[@brianchapman8531]

I rewatch it for that aspect, especially the political parts with Clay Davis and Tommy Carcetti.

[@morwaze]

SHEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIITTT!!!!

[@quirkypurple]

Same, that's why I never claim to know anything about politics or how to run a country. There are so many cogs in the background we don't know about. I think it's arrogant to claim to know whats going on.

[@leonbrooks2107]

Yeah it was a real penny drop moment for me too. I can’t watch any politician being interviewed now without trying to think what angle they are playing.

[@Jackzay90]

That's what makes the wire such a work of art. It beautifully illustrates the individual workings ("all the pieces matter.") That contribute to this perfect storm of kafkaesque bureaucratic bullshit that keeps cities in shambles. And when you put that up against other "cop shows", especially the ones airing back then, the wire was avant garde as fuck and set the precedent for the high standard we now see in good tv.

[@obatron1]

The Wire was too real for an Emmy.

[@pixelpotato4874]

Emmys are faeces...The Wire got the best AWARD... The Public Vote... SHIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET

[@tydeprince719]

Yea too real cuz based on real people in Baltimore shit was wicked

[@Broderick_]

I've always said, best show to ever appear on the medium of television

[@kamtheman106]

David Simon held a mirror up to America and we did not like what we saw.

[@dlfleming80]

Kam amen!

[@ramses1500]

I remember when mcnulty couldn’t do a british accent in the show 😂😂 the mofo was british the whole time lol great actor

[@joancollaku8744]

lmaoooooo

[@bullmilk]

A Brit doing an American character while faking a cartoonish British accent in a whore house. Just brilliant. 🤣

[@youtubinit]

He was a dude, playing a dude disguised as another dude.

[@Daedalus4]

Pretty sure he was trying to do an Australian accent in that scene.

[@prettylilhumblegirl3260]

That's where it belongs

[@kaiz3nberg]

I cannot look at any other actor playing a drug kingpin and be convinced with their performance anymore all thanks to Wood Harris. Criminally underrated actor.

[@elahosun2101]

K G that's right fuck power it's gobbitch

[@alexanderadonyae7937]

I agree💯 he been in some hood classics back in the day

[@TheRausing1]

Agreed, dude has a presence

[@djdarkseid6440]

Don’t sleep on Marlo... he took the torch and ran with it.. shout out to Chris and Snoop... coldest show ever made...

[@what6604]

@Alexandru Guzzonato omg city of god was so fucking good lil dice is one of the most coldblooded killers on the big screen

[@jovanmcnair328]

the wire wasn't just a show for people in the hood it was like a documentary the acting and storytelling was amazing. greatest show ever made in my opinion

[@BluDrop5]

The writing was excellent!

[@geronimopratt7976]

@missy strong that means the truth of hidden America scares you. That is a real depiction of a part of America.

[@couchy8824]

Been from England the wire gave me a good insight as to how rough the people of Baltimore have it. We have some rough areas here in England but batimore is on a totally different level. I enjoyed the show so much,it’s one of the best shows I’ve watched. Great writing and acting. You actually feel the characters and learn to appreciate every characters part no matter how much they appeared in the show.

[@nekrataali]

It's going to be a great time capsule in the future IMO. Even if you never had that kind of experience with poverty and violence in America, The Wire establishes really well what the country was like circa 2001 post-911. The lack of social media, the changes in telephones and communication, the transition from typewriters to computers, the emphasis by law enforcement on terrorism, the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind Act, etc. The show does a really good job portraying a specific time period where its outdated fashion, technology, slang, and politics actually works to its advantage.

[@davidarmitage4132]

Agree 100%

[@dennismullen9700]

"Look, I don't know about all that African history, I'm just a ganster I suppose... but I want my corners."

[@jboone7570]

Ctfu 🤣😂🤣😂

[@iomtzsfl7]

GOAT🤣🤣

[@dennismullen9700]

@@iomtzsfl7 Avon or me?

[@iomtzsfl7]

Dennis Mullen Yo Comment 🤣

[@brianal7143]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😩

[@wm9904]

"Heartbroken culture with no therapy."

[@dbarnes0270]

Bars!

[@dbarnes0270]

@Michael Moore Help me out, so I don't misunderstand. What does that mean and why the demeaning comment?

[@darnellsmith363]

@W M I rewinded the video just to relisten to it.

[@dbarnes0270]

@Michael Moore Lol. I guess trolling is your thing. I'll bite. Prove it. Otherwise, kick rocks.

[@dbarnes0270]

@Michael Moore So, my man, because clearly you don't know me, your "minor" in history qualifies you to diminish a culture that had a PROVEN existence for thousands of years prior to any other culture? In addition to that, you attack a comment that kinda confirms your position and you expect me or ANYONE to take you seriously? Sounds like your "degree" is questionable and your intellect is minimal, as evidenced by your vitriol and misguided anger. How about you send me a citation proving your position (because I need an education) or keep masterbating intellectually. 🙄 By the way, your degree didn't afford you the knowledge of The Nile Valley contributions to civilization (Northwest Alkebulan), how to respond to a poster correctly, proper capitalization, syntax or grammatical structure? Looks like lost money. Doesn't require a lot to deconstruct a troll.

[@saber26ful]

Wood Harris is underrated. He's the Denzel that never happened.

[@seanmatyas3938]

I have never seen him a movie/show I didnt like.

[@4partmedia]

He's the Wood Harris that did happen.. no comparing the 2 legendary actors.

[@Holland4evahh]

95% of the good actors dont become a leading star like Denzel, Leo, Samuel and Brad. We see a lot of great supporting roles from good actors that never have leading roles. And especially guys that star on tv shows hardly make it on the big screen.

[@aleksisuuronen5969]

Idris Elba happened, because british actors are better

[@luc2k23]

He's phenomenal but he's not quite on Denzel's level in my opinion. Denzel is high on my list of the best actors of all time. But that being said: if he got more roles maybe he'd have developed into someone like that. If I ever got to make movies I'd have a role for this guy in every one if he wanted it. Also seems down to earth and easy to work with for an actor.

[@nsmith3128]

"heartbroken culture with no therapy!" gotdamn that was deep

[@GhettoArabSage]

He sounds like if Avon Barksdale went to school and got enlightened.

[@mrpearson1230]

FACTS

[@geronimopratt7976]

@@GhettoArabSage dude is very intelligent and reads abundantly

[@Lildoodirty]

phillip martin yea what he said was hella true but it shouldn’t be used as a excuse for why people can or cannot be successful

[@ajamusmith37]

💯👏

[@jonahmontemurro7814]

"Heartbroken culture with no therapy." This guy is incredibly intelligent and educated

[@Threemore650]

Not when it comes to history. That was hilarious. “Africa civilised Europe” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@thugwafflexp]

@@Threemore650 Europe was at a loss until Africa introduced us a better way of living.

[@Threemore650]

@@thugwafflexp They came and built Stonehenge for us, you know. They left no trace of themselves behind ... so they must have worked really fast too.

[@freebee8221]

He is a moron if he thinks slavery was in any way an american thing. Slavery has existed thousands of years. Every nation and every country and every culture has experienced horrible things under Vikings, rome, Alexander, napoleon, mongols or sengoku era of Japan ect ect there has been slaves and people have been slaughterd in every corner of the world.

[@jimirsayssponsor5844]

Don’t know what that has to do with Idris Elba being British but okay..? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RedCupBookClub]

Wood dropped the knowledge so casually...that shit was BEAUTIFUL! It needs to be said and he said from the heart.

[@emanuelandrewsiii4160]

Imagine Black History Month starting with that history?

[@Cl0ckcl0ck]

@@emanuelandrewsiii4160 It would be laughed out of class. And the school would be ridiculed.

[@MajorKie]

As a black British person I can honestly say 90% of how he describes the black European experience is so far from the truth. Most of us are Caribbean and descended from slaves also

[@geordiejones5618]

he just as wise as Avon

[@vaahtobileet]

@@geordiejones5618 he was spouting some real nonsense there.

[@VladSlickBartender]

Avon Barksdale was a true criminal mastermind in the wire. Some of the dialogues from the show impossible to forget 😅

[@stigma3593]

Oh indeed... Never on a Sunday

[@shawnhall7274]

"The game is the game".. "I want my corners".. " Be a little slow, be a little late".. "Just a gangster i suppose".. " When I look at you, I see a man w\o a country"..

[@NoKapprio]

@@shawnhall7274 "What I told you about playing those away games."

[@coreycantu3996]

Really feels like people don't see it. They think Stringer is the brain and Avon is the muscle, but his intelligence is understated and clearly present. He's always one step ahead, and has a razer sharp tongue. He's downplays his smarts in order to be a more effective leader. I made this argument on Twitter it didn't go over well.

[@NoKapprio]

@@coreycantu3996 right

[@Paidnfullray4]

Underrated actor. I will never forget his role as Avon, hands down has to be my most favorite character in any show or movie

[@bosschedda_]

The Wire is a classic

[@royalescorpio]

My #1 show

[@CVargas202]

i can never make up my mind between Breaking Bad and The Wire

[@JERMAINE650]

Facts

[@zhukov1943]

The Wire

[@ShockwaveXX]

The wire was one of the best shows ever.

[@TaddyPee]

agentcypher Definitely. THE best in my opinion.

[@GOWRISANKARAS]

IS

[@danhull4376]

That's a well accepted fact. You're not coming with anything new when you say that.

[@the_one_who-knocks]

One of????? The goat tv shows

[@Amin-ls1sj]

It is the best show ever

[@bartzhang391]

British actors being good has a lot to do with the THEATRE culture there, a lot of actors for film and tv has extensive background in theatre and it really shows, I am not in any way saying theatre is greater than film or TV im just saying the process does help with acting.

[@SoBeSuchin]

The Wire is a show that is STILL RELEVANT today, which is alarming...and powerful. The writing and acting are spectacular but the city of Baltimore is truly the standout star of the series.

[@Demsky83]

I put the Wire above the Sopranos

[@adanacman666]

I agree 100%

[@oneandonlyjaybee]

Agree. The Wire was the first multi episode show I ever watched. I enjoyed individual episodes of Sopranos after but just couldn't get into it in the same way. It just seemed shallow and overly cinematic and cartoonish. I know you can't compare like for like with the two, but the Wire is just the best thing i have ever watched

[@hashimdoe1832]

Who wouldn't

[@FIYARtv]

I do too and I was a diehard Sopranos watcher. The Sopranos had 3 good seasons then went down hill. And don't even bring up the finale'!

[@divinejacobmathew1503]

No way ! Sopranos is better written and not only that without the Sopranos , there would be no Wire! Also can you give some memorable quotes from the Wire because the Sopranos got plenty!

[@DblTap317]

Can't believe they didn't get flowers at the time. I remember seeing the first season and being in awe at how groundbreaking it was.

[@jaynyce5923]

This man does not age

[@Josh-go5lu]

Jay Casado black don't crack

[@raoulhery]

right!?! Almost 15 years later, looks the same

[@ricomartinez2869]

Josh And Spanish don't vanish

[@Arteaga4K]

Rico Martinez Hispanic women age like milk after pregnancy

[@PortiaMonique]

One of the realist interviews EVER!!! So informative 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@AerialPenn]

Wood Harris is a great actor. We are blessed to have had him in the roles he played.

[@deo415]

Wood Harris is a brilliant brotha

[@DivineTraditions]

Heartbroken culture with no therapy..

[@davidmckesey7119]

French Montana shit hit home

[@jaychild78]

French Montana Powerful

[@tableek]

Truth is the light..and that shit shines with that quote.

[@robertoclemente5512]

dude droppin k'nowledge

[@robertoclemente5512]

Don't talk shit Kwill.

[@akeemjackman9582]

Great interview. Wood Harris is a great professional and down to earth.

[@dhani1taylor]

Why doesn't anyone mention The Corner when they mention The Wire. Charles S Dutton stand up!

[@sleezzzyp]

Dhani Taylor I wish I could thumb u up again(no homo) don't nobody remember the corner.not even actors either,real people off the street

[@mansamusa2012]

Ahhh you remember! I really didn't like that show though. But it was very realistic.

[@dhani1taylor]

I think of it like it is in an optimistic way of thinking. On the pessimistic side I think of all the acclaim David Simon received and Charles S, Dutton did not. On the realistic side, both series where EXTREMELY under rated.

[@dhani1taylor]

And a lot of those actors and actresses ended up on The Wire.

[@pragmatic1ultramagnetic202]

The corner was brilliant. Actually made me well up.

[@sirrjazz734]

The British Actors most of them have had a LOT of Theatre work. The majority of American stars today have had very little Theatre experience.

[@jackrichardson5213]

Haha no we never bro 😂 ive never seen a theatre and i live in london and never after shakespear the thing i know is romeo and juliet other than that i dont know shit about all that

[@cw1436]

@@jackrichardson5213 lololol so proud to be a dumbfuck

[@danielngongang9419]

@@jackrichardson5213 Probably because you have no interest in it

[@lindar6326]

BITCH THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE A BRITISH FILM INDUSTRY. THIS IS NOT BRITTYWOOD!!!!!

[@steveg5302]

Jack Richardson your obviously not an actor. Plus how can you be from London and never seen a theatre London is full of theatre . I’ve never been to one but I’ve seen hundreds

[@OntarioAndrews415]

This interview is so freaking cool. Wood Harris is so deep. And yes, The Wire was the best of the best in paid television bar none!

[@heyggirl1]

Heartbroken with no therapy.......that was deep, and its true.

[@jojonnyjones]

It's really enjoying to see Mr. "I'm just a gangster I suppose - and I want my corners" to go deep and philosophical! Great man, great actor

[@jodo223]

Love this interview, so much truth just casually dropped - I hope people see the show in a new light and how well it captured the Baltimore experience and how it's still so relevant. This show needs more awareness from the youth

[@raymundturner1140]

he should get more work he is a good intelligent actor.

[@EdTowel-ww7yh]

He ain't wearing any dresses. Thus, little to no work is coming his way from Hollywood.

[@CarLitozWayzz]

He was in Ant-Man, one of the Police officers lol. Didn’t recognize him at first

[@ReeFStackz]

He was in the new creed movie

[@jones21215]

.. and that's the reason why he doesn't get more role, unfortunately

[@phantomprophet6791]

The Wire spin off with him as the main character running a business in prison with Chris and Wee Bey as his enforcers

[@meekyw.4010]

Smart guy and great Actor, longtime fan. Don't see him often enough in movies or tv. Highly underrated!

[@marvelousjames1331]

@UndergroundGrower UK explain

[@jameslyddall]

M W some actors I really want to see more of Michael K Williams aka Omar, Wood Harris and that Somalian guy who played “I am the captain now” dude.

[@ant06freeify]

UndergroundGrower UK His not lying get out of your feelings

[@ridgedowtin5520]

UndergroundGrower UK no dumbass. Ur misinformed. Everything he said is spot on and I got time. Look up the moors. You just stopped doing your research once it justified that everyone but a black man started or created something.

[@Kmoney87]

The best actors always underrated . Said but true

[@dumasthompson4567]

Thank you for that Moment, MR. WOOD HARRIS!! it is much needed.

[@katrina8822]

When he left the Wire cuz he said he didn't want to play a drug dealer anymore I didn't understand why...your working and on a hit show but now I get it. This is smart educated talented black man that has more to offer to our tv screens than besides playing a stereotypical black drug dealer.

[@TMV420]

Ka Trina I know what you're saying but he played anything BUT a stereotypical drug dealer. Avon Barksdale was a deep, complex character unlike most 1-dimensional drug dealers portrayed in most tv or movies.

[@bigbadbear4988]

Bunk-"BNBG"

[@duptygupty]

Come on bro, Avon Barksdale is no stereotype

[@franjes9999]

Avon Basksdale was hardly a stereotypical drug dealer The Wire wrote characters with incredible complexity and richness. Bar maybe the Sopranos and Mad Men I don’t think there’s anything better. He wasn’t on Top Boy or something

[@siab5759]

This man is the truth.

[@DankPhlosophy4111]

Snapple facts

[@eat-goodsmoke-good4970]

Gio Temachtili im

[@jamesbrown5262]

lol except that part about blacks bringing schools, roads, and written language to Europe. hahahahahahah

[@JumpOffBiggSean]

He's one of my new favorite people.

[@mobid.2084]

John Finlayson you haven’t done your homework then and you’re making his point! Smfhh

[@Irishrover101]

I'm shocked I never see this guy more in film or tv. He was just as great as the rest

[@danieldevito6380]

Avon Barksdale Aka Ace Boogie Aka Wood Harris

[@crawfordharrington9626]

Daniel DeVito .. aka "Left side, Strong side!!" Julius Campbell

[@ronhenson6716]

"I want my corners"

[@mahadhassan880]

Daniel DeVito aka "is he crying?, take him to side with the rest of the bitches!" -above the rim

[@scarecrow2811]

Daniel DeVito That's the only movie you know him from isn't it?

[@StillTheVoid]

So we all just gonna forget he played jimi hendrix??

[@alisdairreid6998]

This is a cool style of interview. I like the free form conversation with minimal editing. Nice choice to keep the subject in-frame at all times. Gives the lovely illusion that Wood Harris is talking to directly to the audience.

[@romanmcghee600]

My homeboy right here representing Chicago. A lot of good talent comes from Chicago and he played Avon Barksdale character very well.

[@heyimkodi9017]

This is the first time that I have seen him do a interview smart man

[@neilsun2521]

Great interview. Had never seen him talk in depth about filming w/ Idris. Those 2 were a great duo in the 1st 3 seasons.

[@warrenman1919]

Wood Harris is a smart dude. Wish he has more film and tv exposure. Love this man's explanation. Thank you

[@rassieai]

For goodness sakes Vlad, you realise that Senegal is a country in Africa - not Africa!!! Your experience in Senegal will not translate to be exactly the same in Zimbabwe, Namibia or South Africa.

[@rashardgeter6660]

Cro-Magnon BC That exactly what he unwittingly insinuated. His initial statement was about Africa.

[@SB25-n6j]

Pretty most of african countries have this hospitality but Senegal does stand out amongst them that’s why it is called le pays de la teranga meaning country of hospitality

[@warrnp845]

rassieai Exactly.

[@Raphie009]

It's unfortunately a common thing in the Western lexicon. Black people were always regarded as a racial monolith...so, it makes sense that their ancestral home would be regarded in a similar manner.

[@ronaldkuykendall6057]

@Hulk Hogan SHUT your dog smelling ASS UP!! The only history you people think you know is your own and you don't even know that, sad part about it you don't know anything about the rest of this world you think white people own everything, invented everything and mastered everything, you are an ignorant fool because you don't know history you just know white supremacy!!!

[@djkurse9209]

Sopranos and the Wire are top 2 shows of all time they're interchangeable for the top spot

[@flipgsp]

I saw both shows at the same time. One episode of one show then of the other. The best couple months of entertainment I can remember.

[@prettygirlpalette]

J2theB this is my opinion as well top 2 and interchangeable I have watched both series at least once a year since they have been released

[@ChimcharrNo1]

I can agree with this.

[@minnesotamatt1980]

Sopranos bro and trust me I like the wire

[@dofo970]

Couldn’t agree more

[@SHOCKSTRUT]

Great Interview! Anybody who sat down and actually watched the wire already knows what a fantastic show it was. They should also know exactly why it wasn't given the recognition it deserved. THE WIRE was one of the greatest television shows ever written, scripted and acted! If you don't know, now you know.

[@starbury2007]

The first 7 minutes of this interview is the dopest thing I've seen in some time

[@thesaint8400]

By the end of the first minute he's spouting total ignorance about Europe. He's a hack

[@vaahtobileet]

he's clearly uneducated

[@aliabdi2759]

The Saint Africans took Europe out of the dark ages and rule over Spain for 900years. We taught you guys how to read and count. If you don’t believe me go google that shit 😂

[@jshx709]

The Moors in Spain. Maybe you should read up on that. And Ancient Egypt while you're at it.

[@vaahtobileet]

@@jshx709 were either of those even "black" though? The Moors were Arabs at least. also lol at ALI ADBI up there.

[@capuletrose4819]

I’m from the uk. When I talk to my friends, who happen to be black. The fact that they are black never really comes to mind and is seldom brought up. In my mind as a white person from the uk. The difference between me and my black friends is because he or she is African. They are brought up slightly different then me. The fact that we have different skin colour or features, never comes to mind. I have over the last year met a few people from America and two of them happen to be black. What surprised me was how often the fact that they are black and I am white came into conversation. They made me feel as if we where very different from each other not because of culture or upbringing but just because I was white and they are black. Very strange feeling for me.

[@jasminehill6312]

And Africans are different than being Black American so they have a different experience

[@Basta11]

The history of African Americans in the US is very different with slavery, the Civil war, reconstruction, Jim Crow, segregation, the KKK, systemic racism, lots of race riots/massacres, Civil rights movement, and so on and so forth. Race pervades US history and culture.

[@MaRaX93]

Americans have no cultural heritage, so they cling onto racial identities that have no place in the 21st century

[@xxxmickyxxx3]

@Prince Jaren lol are you mad because they spoke facts. Americans are quick to put other non black Americans down but at least they know their roots. You guys dont know your ancestral roots. All you know is America and that is it. Educate yourselves and your mentalities 🙄

[@xxxmickyxxx3]

@@MaRaX93 🤣🤣🤣 say it louder please. Finally found a comment that I've been saying to myself for time. They dont know their true ancestral roots and have no connection to it that they only go by America and that is it. All they know is America. They are very unwise and need to educate themselves. Poor mentality to have man

[@Thatguyoverthere606]

The reason British actors do so well is because they start off in the Theater. On the theatrical stage, you are that character for 2 hours at a time. While in American films, you are that character for 2 minutes at a time.

[@patrickbyrne5070]

We also have a cynical yet open view. There’s a kinda naive simplicity a lot Americans have that comes from being kinda isolated. As the man says their is a different dynamic. It’s not like there isn’t racism everywhere but there’s def an appreciation for reality and serious acting that crosses class boundaries many in America lack. The creators of the Wire are not that. They have that American writing style that kills it. Unfortunately you don’t get that many amazing shows like The Wire that marry the two. Great film and TV that has both UK Irish n American is the best stuff. Cause it brings out the best- when it’s done properly. That’s all there is to it.

[@kingofpendragon]

The real reason black British actors are superior to black American actors is because black Americans are ETERNALLY LAZY AND ALWAYS HAVE A FUCKING CHIP ON THEIR SHOULDERS.

[@victorseaton9123]

Opened my eyes to a viewpoint I hadn’t really thought of before. Wood is the man.

[@cbread208]

Brother Harris is dropping jewels!

[@jbcheema9883]

The wire is the most closest to the reality thing you gonna get on TV.

[@nenadpopov3601]

And Sopranos and Breaking bad isn't??

[@ag2407]

@@nenadpopov3601 They were, but you gotta understand the history of Baltimore to realize how real and impactful the show was during its time. I’m from Maryland, Baltimore and DC were the top two cities from 1998-2006 ranking as the murder capital of America. Let that sink in. Two cities 40-50 minutes apart from each other were #1 and #2 for highest deaths in the country. The Wire will forever be the realist show ever created on television regardless how good Breaking Bad or the Sopranos was.

[@donniedoesdishes]

@@nenadpopov3601 nope not even close, oz is more realistic than the sopranos

[@jayinri6658]

@@nenadpopov3601 the sopranos is literally written by some white dude fantasizing what would happen in that lifestyle, the wire is written by former cops, it might not always be honest to their faults but the show is definitely more realistic than sopranos & I loove breaking bad but the show is far from real

[@kk-tq8in]

@@jayinri6658 the sopranos and breaking bad were great shows. But they weren't THAT realistic. Elements in both those shows were inspired from other industry products like goodfellas. What makes the wire is an extremely grounded setting where poetic moments are more subtle. Meanwhile the sopranos and breaking bad were a little more like story-based. They had moments of realism but were more focused on characters. The wire was more about the people and culture of Baltimore. Breaking bad is my favourite but it is easy for me to acknowledge that its a story while the wire is reality

[@rasheedshakur3754]

Dropped science Planting Jewels Great interview. Salute!

[@ascend3654]

son of duke

[@seanboddie3852]

💯

[@platinum_knowledge]

To bad, it's not historically accurate but hey if it makes us feel better so what right.

[@last7509]

@@platinum_knowledge lol. our people got a long way to go....

[@platinum_knowledge]

@OTA well where do we start the oldest road in England dates back to nearly 4,000 BC. After that Rome built roads in England in the first century AD and in Southern Europe even earlier. Nearly 700 years before the Moors invaded Southern Europe, they never made it to England. Egypt influenced Rome not the Moors. While they are called Arabic numerals our numbers actually originated in India and were not the creations of the first numbers system which dates back to Babylon, if you are a fan of the NFL you will be familiar with Roman numerals. Cleopatra was a white woman of Greek ancestry who's family was from Macedonia...etc. I could go on but why... Moors pulled Europe out of the Dark Ages but to act as if there was no civilization in Europe prior to that is ahistorical...ijs...there is enough credit to go around and give everyone their just due.

[@uptownprince9557]

Wood Harris aka Julius from Remember the Titans. Strong Side, Left Side.

[@roninblax]

Holy shit. You're right.

[@BluDrop5]

I love that movie!

[@vulkanofnocturne]

1:51 Iberia was colonized by Carthaginian & Greeks in antiquity that is when the first writing would arrive. Then the Roman empire arrived in Hispania and held if for centuries, during which time the language of Hispania's people and politics became Latin. That is why Americans call South & Central America 'Latin America, Spanish is a Romance language. Then came the Visigothic kingdom (They moved down from Germania I think). The Moors conquered most of Iberia in the 8th century when Iberians had been writing since the Roman times, maybe even longer in the old Greek colonies. Besides I think most Europeans see a distinction between North and Sub Saharan Africans.

[@sprPee]

Thank you, what he said there was completely untrue. No European thinks it was Africa that gave Europe civilisation. That’s just completely untrue.

[@GEM.music13403]

Yes, he needs a history lesson.

[@TL-kt2ye]

Wood Harris is soooooo underrated! I love this dude... he's soooooooo smart.

[@The810kid]

Wood Harris one of the most underrated actors ever

[@marvinhunt117]

I always love it when I'm pleasantly surprised by brothers and sisters during interviews. That plus The Wire was just soooo insanely off the chain!

[@GamerGee]

The wire was the shit. Stringer was my favorite criminal.

[@1472583699904322]

Avon Barksdale was the realest nigga on The Wire

[@aduarte8057]

Zach Williams nah man Wee-Bey was

[@EMosby615]

Nah Slim Charles was

[@audiofella5066]

Stringer Bro Stringer!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cuddacalhoun4971]

But Omar had nikkas running 🏃😭💀

[@nathaninostroza7655]

Nah, it was Butchie. After him, whoever You wanna put, but hey just, never on no sunday, man.

[@MrSupercommenter4]

What an incredibly great speaker. Intelligent, educated, and interesting. And a phenomenal actor

[@gregoryldismukes]

I like seeing educated black men.

[@somchai9033]

Too bad you didn’t see one here

[@TWENTYTWOBeats]

Jamie Ramsay why so in-denial

[@thesaint8400]

1:11 proves he's an absolute moron

[@thetruth2684]

White Working Class Pride western civilisation was founded by the Greeks whose mathematics , science and philosophy came from the Ancient Egyptians which were in Africa .... so he’s not that far from the truth

[@thesaint8400]

@@thetruth2684 Fair, but it's a stretch to say all those things came from Egypt, then Greece. It's simply hard to pin down who figured what and where. But yeah, Egyptians absolutely contributed. Going from there, he seems to think North Africans generally were sub-saharan black people.

[@jerrydavey556]

Dam i never heard the inferior complex explained like this and that is really true and im white but dude is deep and i was already a fan

[@sdogg]

Great interview. Didn't realise how well spoken, knowledgeable and intelligent he is

[@shill1444]

GREAT INTERVIEW... WOW... Too many jewels from this man in one setting.

[@vale-y1i]

LOL trust me, British people don't grow up with Shakespeare or poetry. Even if we did, it doesn't mean that we would produce great actors as the two things are unrelated. Idris Elba is a great actor because he has great talent and worked even harder to turn it into something special and to make opportunities happen...Respect to Wood Harris though...He is no different to Idris in the talent and work hard department...

[@marko9506]

Actually he is right. Have you never heard of a "Shakespearean" actor? The idea is that British actors learn their craft through the stage whereas in America people are funneled straight into TV roles. Most of the successful actors you see from the UK, black or white, will have had experience performing on stage...Shakespearean plays being highly prominent.

[@vale-y1i]

Markus Okafor That's a very good point. I am sure that this applies to some actors, but definitely not all, i.e. there's no record of Idris ever being in a Shakespeare play. Whilst he attended the National Youth Music Theatre it makes no mention of them performing Shakespeare plays (mostly just musicals). The same applies to Stephen Graham (who played Al Capone in Boardwalk Empire), he even got expelled from the world famous Rose Bruford drama schooI! I was flagging more the point that its a fallacy to think that Shakespeare plays a prominent role in UK education. Most of his plays are unfathomable to the average British person. We don't have some close affinity to what he wrote and the average home will have zero books of his plays or DVD's... ;-)

[@StephanieKOAStevens]

beatnuts1uk hmm have you undertaken drama training in UK? I'm an actor currently in training, Chekhov and Shakespeare is a main stay in our curriculum.

[@StephanieKOAStevens]

beatnuts1uk I really disagree with what you've said, it's a misrepresentation of what we learn as actors in UK, whether it's formal drama school or informal classes. National Youth Theatre don't just do musicals, they also do contemporary plays and classical plays, last year they did Romeo and Juliet. It's a huge misconception that the average person won't know Shakespeare, he wrote for working class people, it's just been co-opted by rich academics.

[@vale-y1i]

Stephanie Stevens Of course I haven't! I hate to break it to you but British people are not all classical actors darling! "They grow up with Shakespeare from day one. They grow up with poetry in their life". This is utter BS for the average British person. You are living in a fantasy world! The average working class British person (or middle class for that matter) hasn't read Shakespeare or been to a Shakespeare play. They don't relate to it and no amount of pretence is going to change that fact. You are totally correct that the NYMT did Romeo and Juliet last year - my mistake. Notice though how they did it "It’s 1950s post war London. Teddy girls mix with teddy boys and as immigration booms, so does brutality, prejudice and a ruthless gang culture" to try and make it interesting to the average punter. It got rave reviews: "Kate Hewitt’s 1950s-set Romeo and Juliet is unfortunately not the best showcase for these committed young actors" ;-)

[@cdr861532]

Been a fan of this man for a LONG TIME!!!!! Watched "The Wire" back when i was in high school. I remember trying to turn my friends onto it, but they couldn't place their asses in a chair at the same time every week to watch it. I've watched "The Wire" 4-5 times since then, and it gets better every time. When I was in 8th grade, our football team was going to play for the state championship......our coaches took us to watch "Remember The Titans"......after that, I was called "Sunshine" because i was a "pretty boy" with long blonde hair. We ended up winning the state championship and I think that the whole team watching that movie helped us connect with one another, as different as were were, with one another. Guy is a tremendous actor and doesn't get the respect or work that he deserves. Also, during that same time, HBO had a killer line up. OZ was on every week and so was The Sopranos. 3 of the best TV shows of all time......on at the same time.....on the same network.

[@MonaJ888]

The wire is my favorite series ever

[@illiteratethug3305]

Wood brought such an air of articulance to Avon Barkesdale, made him such a 3 dimensional character, I think that's why so many people love Avon's character. And fucking amazing acting aswell, obviously

[@paulvece3714]

Interviews with Harris, West, and Elba totally belie their characters. That's some collective ridiculously excellent acting on The Wire. By far my favorite television series ever.

[@FineAsDesign1]

Americans still seem to have the biggest misconception of how us black people have it in the UK. We dont get taught about slavery at all, we still get steered at and questioned in every damn shop we go in to. Still dont get promoted etc etc. we had to go through a lot when our parents came over from westindies to a 'white' country. i had to fight a lot in school. some americans need to travel more man. 90% of everything he saying is just simply not true at all

[@tgeter402]

What ou're saying is a slippery slope because unless you've lived in America then what can you compare your struggle to?

[@tnb7410]

FineAsDesign1 he was simply saying Africans in the U.K don't relate to coming from slavery. Most don't see a slave master when they see a white person. He wasn't even talking about people from the indies

[@tgeter402]

TNB exactly and what sucks even more is our brown skin tone is more than likely defined by rape. So we've got European washed blood that we don't even want or care to know.

[@JamalW239]

American culture is projected to other countries much more than English culture so generally people are more aware of problems internal to America. US racism is no doubt more prevalent, but it is still very common in the UK, albeit much more covert and subtle.

[@tnb7410]

Jamal Williams I know which is exactly his point

[@gahlenfuller8008]

Awesome Actor. Very Underrated. I still watch " Paid in Full " at least once a month.

[@thatbemefool]

Gahlen Fuller - #MeToo “Don’t call me Lucky no more Ma, Thank You!”

[@lildrum78]

Wood Harris is amazing. I would love to see him here in England playing a British role - as Brits head to America - it would be amazing to see him in the theatre here. Fantastic interview.

[@alexh4319]

That would be interesting. American actors seem to have a trouble imitating the British accent. Largely due to American actors not having the same exposure to British accents that Brits have with American accents. British actors watch and experience American accents a lot more than American actors watch British actors. So it’s a little harder for American actors to play British characters with convincing accents than Brits playing American.

[@ADMAFIA210]

WOOD HARRIS!....always a lesson learned in his interviews...

[@erikayahchelle1123]

The legendary “Pit Stroll”.. Avon, Stringer & Stinkem.

[@jasminehill6312]

I just rewatched that episode last night

[@brandonethereal1084]

The music in that scene made it 10x better

[@jonathanl123]

Was this the scene he’s referring to with the orange couch?

[@wimberlynoveless]

Wee Bey too

[@MrVanDep]

@@wimberlynoveless WeeBay not in the scene. It's the 3 and they meet D'Angelo

[@djezerlite4655]

This is the first Wood Harris interview I've seen. Am amazed to discover how much he's awake... 😮 that's very nice 😎👌💯 and it is clear that it is not normal that the series did not win an Emmy award 🤯🤕 Everyone agree about that 🙏 Clearly one of the Best TV series of the decade, even of all time 👌 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@velmarose3800]

I am glad he didn't down Idris like djvlad want him to .

[@reggiebrownjr9105]

"...FUCK them European actors motherfuckers. Us westside thesbians here in America, we're the real soldiers with scripts..." - Avon Barksdale

[@neyanelson8946]

I noticed that I'm happy he spoke highly of the actors

[@jumahamis227]

Reggie Brown Jr put jealous aside, in reality those British actors are very good compared to many Americans actors, example Daniel Kaluuya is amazing, cursing won’t change the situation, do a better job in your acting bro.

[@arrjee9474]

juma hamis Many of their television series seem to be on a higher level as well.

[@johansmallberries9874]

The more I see of Vlad, the more I notice that he tries to start conflict. If Wood said anything negative, and down the line Vlad interviews Idris, he’d bring that shit up.

[@cwillie1492]

Dude shut Vlad up when he’s spitting knowledge. Love that.

[@MM-px8rk]

1st time vlad ever let da anyone talk n not turn da interview fully bout himself loool

[@thedavehudshow3802]

FACTS

[@jcsmitty22]

after Vlad interrupted him like 3 times. good lord what an unbearable person

[@tremelmonroe4992]

Wood Harris also played the hell out of Jimmy Hendrix. He switched gears, and I couldn't believe I was watching Avon Barksdale play this character. Awesome Actor!

[@MrSilksoul]

I love how Wood broke that down. All it takes is research.

[@liamdhardy]

The guy doesn't know his history. No roads and numbers before 711? ok

[@steven401ytx]

He's absolutely delusional. I think he watched Black Panther too many times.

[@DepressedHandsomeSpaceCop]

Dude the Roman empire ruled iberia long before the moors did. They had numbers and roads. I understand Harris' point about African history not being recognized, and that's valid, but a lot of what he's saying is pure nonsense.

[@W333dm4n]

Africa invented schools and roads in 711 yeah ok buddy

[@Shirellmybelle]

The great Wood Harris is teaching today, dropping major gems!💎 #Truth

[@martymart42]

Damn this is the first time I have ever seen this interview. He is a trip. He is very bright and sharp

[@Glimax]

This guy has so much culture, so much respect for him. Terrific actor 👌

[@gretchennesmith9538]

The story lines in The Wire was a well told story...I still watch The Wire to this day. I remember when it first came on HBO I believe it was 99 or 2000 if I'm not mistaken. It was the best show of all times. It didn't even win a blue ribbon so sad...Avon and Stringer turn on each other some real life stuff.

[@FUNNYMANERICWHITE]

2002 it came out

[@adamgardiner5869]

What an articulate and well read bloke, loving watching him interviewed.

[@VonVitto]

Wood needs to do his own movie with all his knowledge. I just gained 100 times more respect than the 100 I already had for this brother

[@TheFUNKSTARR]

Von Vitto Most definitely king!

[@seanosull2884]

Some of his knowledge is wrong though. Spain nor Portugal did not get its written language from the moors. They use the Latin alphabet, not Arabic script as the moors would have used.

[@jiggmodollo88]

The thing also about those british black actors is they are primarily of str8 African descent, so they are one or two generations from Africa and thus a real strong sense of culture and heritage.

[@brotherrabbit6197]

Well the majority of black British people are of afro Caribbean descent

[@parkerxjr]

Watch bbc america

[@sparkvideos77]

Brother Rabbit Not true anymore - majority of black British are now African not Afro Caribbean

[@MyPhone-wq8xo]

The most elegant way I've heard anyone explain our peoples position in America. It's spot on thank you brother for given these words.

[@quaytashon]

I can not believe that I have hit the thumbs down button 😿I understood what he was trying to say but it's simply not true. There is not a bloody monopoly on racism 😡 If your black you feel and know it. I just want to big up all the Black people in Britain that keep on fighting and trying to make a way through. We know the struggles that we face everyday, but keep going. 😘

[@adam_lux4691]

The truth !!!! And I'm in the uk!! Even we see how black people are marginalised and deemed second class citizens over in the states.

[@__ghostwolf__]

Ok family. Nice. But I disagree because they still demonise Africans in England and instead of the slavery re run we get Windrush re runs time after time as if African people weren't in the UK since 16th century. Blacks worldwide are fooled by the false histories that have been retold. Plus the Moors were very important in Europe but were also responsible for the slaughter of the Congolese under Leopold.

[@marko9506]

Exactly. The states seems to have greater extremes. More intense examples of racism but then also more example of black excellence too. Cant say the same for England...seems the blacks here are being whitewashed and nullified. You never see black people doing anything except when it comes to a few premier leagues stars (most of whom are African imports anyway) and whenever they want to sell their bullshit interracial relationship propaganda. I swear they say the rate of unemployment among black people in the UK is 50%...its fucking higher than it is in America.

[@KingKelz144]

DA 329 Tru stories, the gentrification is real. Just look at my home town Brixton. :(

[@__ghostwolf__]

Real talk my g, the "village" right there on coldharbour. Dead.. Its mad trendy town .. plus they about to knock down the market arches for cross rail.

[@Nainocard]

LondonBrixton this was all going to happen because of the 2012 Games. The gentrification scheme was most likely planned in 2005 and mainly targeting areas within Zones 2 and 3 of London.

[@-lowe5765]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve listened to. I come back to it often

[@gdeiselable]

Damn bro, I fucs with you Woods. You deep B. Somebody need to tell these folks what time it is

[@andyw9255]

An inspirational man with opinions that are worth listening to.

[@mr308jrod]

Wood Harris get that legend title and while not seen as much or well recognized, he is well respected with less spotlight such as interviews groups talks and public speaking...keep up the good work bro

[@finaldez-tination3315]

What scene was Wood talking about with him & Idris at 1 in the morning? The only time I ever remember Avon going down to the Pit was during the day when he was with String & Stink to take Wallace the money for pointing out Omar's boyfriend.

[@AwakenNightmare29]

That's the scene he's talking about.

[@RMSNOMORLIMA]

Anybody actualy remember that was Michael B Jordan playing Wallace back then? Little brother all grown up now...

[@thomasgrey6309]

Cleopatra was Greek. . descended from Alexander the Greats general, Ptolemy, but I dig what you sayin'. European actors, the opportunities are much few and far between back home. The theater is mostly small, local, intimate, and low/no-pay. Many still take the bus to work, few perks on the set, the general European environment keeps most humble and grounded, especially those that do not break out and establish themselves on the international scene. . they are hungry and more love the craft, less about fame and fortune and diva-ism. Idris-n-them, like had little true avenues to realize their potential back home. To realize their potential, they had to leave home, else they'd still be doing bit and obscure walk on parts here and there. To a large extent, the British entertainment scene has been small and closed to many. It is certainly has been changing and things are opening, but historically. . .very limited opportunities for new talent and especially 'brown' talent. It has been changing tho for some years now. .

[@raymondberry6164]

Cleopatra was an African queen bro.... you need to corrected bro

[@demoncard1180]

The Ptolemaic dynasty called themselves Pharoahs and took on the Egyptian culture, all the while inbreeding and occasionally taking foreign consorts. Macedonian, Iranian, Egyptian, and god knows where else, to call them Greek is not entirely truthful.

[@Chungus581]

Raymond Berry nah she was ethnically Greek. The Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt at the time and they were Greeks just living in Egypt

[@francescotamburini5790]

It's incredible to watch The Wire and to see all of these extremely talented black American actors, and even more incredible to hear them speak so eloquently about race and their experience. I love to hear it whenever Wood Harris or Wendell Pierce speak their mind.

[@Russ_Hoops]

"The Wire" was the realest TV series ever. I grew up in Maryland and lived/worked in Baltimore for 2 years. The star of "The Wire" was Baltimore. The series really captured the essence of that city largely because David Simon is from Maryland and Ed Burns is from Baltimore. Burns served in the Baltimore Police Department for 20 years including in Homicide then he became a teacher in the Baltimore public school system. If 2 random Hollywood guys tried to create/write "The Wire" it wouldn't have been as successful or as real.