Wood Harris on the Lasting Impact & Popularity of ‘The Wire’ | The Rich Eisen Show

Actor Wood Harris and Rich Eisen discuss his Avon Barksdale role in ‘The Wire’ alongside the likes of Idris Elba and a young Michael B. Jordan.
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[@antonioarias9078]

The Wire was a Masterpiece

[@lubbucs546]

*is

[@keith4826]

Truly is . Deserves more respect. Mesmerizing. So many characters that was hard to take your eyes off. If you have not seen it… find it and watch it. Masterpiece.

[@CozumelTy]

MASTERPIECE!!

[@Wesimm23]

Facts 💯

[@timsmith8886]

Truf

[@jrizzy626]

I’m a paramedic, my patient one day was a retired Baltimore cop, I asked him if he had seen the wire. He said “SEEN it? I LIVED it!” Over the next 30 minutes, he told me how true to life that show was. It was fascinating.

[@semperaugustus661]

Makes sense. The show was written by a former detective and a former crime reporter.

[@thebestanswer2]

He said, "sheeeeeeeiiiit"

[@Evan-qt3ep]

Yeah it was based on real people

[@mikedbigame3398]

Wood Harris as Avon was one of the most unforgettable characters ever on Television, but its a crime Andre Royo didn't win an Emmy for Bubbles.

[@Evan-qt3ep]

Fr he killed it

[@InFaMOus187NYC]

Wood Harris is so underrated as an actor like it baffles me. 1 of my favorite actors of all time, this dude is extremely talented.

[@thepassportog]

EXTREMELY underrated

[@TheBlackPrince447]

He's class, surprised he's not been in a lot more shows than he has.

[@MegaMezmerize]

It's criminal he never received an award for his portrayal as Avon Barksdale

[@debobakare400]

Been in so many classic movies

[@jamiestewart48]

I think what makes him so captivating in The Wire is that we don't really see him in season one. So when we do see him you cannot take your eyes off him.

[@cdfs2822]

Watched the wire for the first time this time last year… unbelievable show and completely blew my mind

[@toddsalkowski448]

Sadly, Baltimore has gotten MUCH worse since The Wire aired.

[@theballadsback5128]

@@toddsalkowski448 a sad truth.

[@theballadsback5128]

@CDFS- would encourage watching a few times. You pick up different stuff every time. 👍🏽

[@cdfs2822]

@@theballadsback5128 do not worry, I have since watched all the way through 3 times and read all the pieces matter.

[@fence22]

I have never watched what is it about

[@alexandermarquardt597]

The Wire is EASILY Top 10 tv-shows ever. And (to this day) I remember Avon Barksdale walking across a yard, leaving no doubt who the baddest mufa around was.

[@HARVEY_1988]

Absolutely👍🏾👍🏾

[@timsmith8886]

He was but Marlo gangster and a gentleman.

[@Sportsguy0258]

@@timsmith8886 Marlo was not no freaking gentlemen he was cold blooded and vindictive. He really ain’t have to kill Lil Kev that was crazy

[@tonybleau6219]

Top 1.

[@MrG__2]

@@tonybleau6219 100%

[@Chris-is1rd]

I am almost 60 years old. I cannot think of a better dramatic TV series ever.

[@SarahTheBoredEnglishPerson]

Just watched it through for the first time. Blown away. Now rewatching straight away.

[@derekdaniel86]

From a Bmore born and raised Bro. The Wire was real life from the school system, political games, the docks and yes the drug game. Love the Bmore history drama.

[@aaronhutchinson885]

The wire is the best TV show ever..its not close. Great writing, story telling, character development. GREAT show, I couldn't wait until Sunday nights. I re-watch every few years,

[@raymondsims7042]

AGREED

[@skoomskaa]

I remember at the time that for some reason as HBO subscribers we got to watch the next week’s episode right after the current one aired. I could never help myself and I would watch it and then hate life because now I have to wait 2 weeks for a new episode!

[@reneecwilliams9333]

Slightly above the sopranos.

[@raymondsims7042]

@@reneecwilliams9333 not “slightly” I love the sopranos but it’s not even close to the wire

[@mikec3949]

Snowfall was better. You guys really have to pump the breaks with this "not even close" BS

[@urbannuance5151]

This guy has to be TOP 5 most influential Black American actors in the past 20 years. He's played the most memorable roles in the culture. From "Ace" in Paid in Full to "Pat" in BMF. EVERY ROLE IS ICONIC

[@shadow_realm47]

Paid in Full is amazing.

[@nbabinladen5784]

He’s always playing ball or selling drugs in everything he plays 😂 the goat

[@billyb4790]

I had to rewatch The Wire about 5 times before I could finally get "Ace Boogey" out of my head.

[@ReactKitty]

@@nbabinladen5784he played a hell of a Jimmy Hendrix

[@lhb873]

@@nbabinladen5784 he played d1

[@bradmaguire9611]

Absolutely no wasted performances, they took non actors and put them in perfect scenerios to succeed, that was like a sports teamhl having perfect coaching and execution, unsurpassed in television broadcasting, which is why its a great choice to bring to a sports show as a conversation piece.

[@djnkosi]

Tremendous talent / actor in Wood Harris. The Wire - greatest show ever. Rich and the gang with another great interview!

[@shadow_realm47]

He was amazing In The Wire but as hard as it is to believe he was even better In Paid in Full.

[@jey4908]

The Wire, The Sopranos, and Breaking Bad GOAT shows. Bar none. Wood Harris is a fantastic actor. He might be the best in the show, which is saying A LOT.

[@onlyiforgive5083]

I fully agree just add true detective 😮

[@bromanoski]

@@onlyiforgive5083 season 1 only

[@onlyiforgive5083]

@@bromanoski season one is the best but the other two are great

[@techwood16]

Yes yes and yea

[@williamhermann6635]

He was great, but nothing tops old Bunk 🤣

[@account_suspended]

Chemistry amongst the cast was outstanding.

[@the77th]

I didn’t just Watch the wire, my IDENTITY became “I watched the wire” 😂 slang and characters from the show BECAME language to myself and my friends !!!!!! I STILL CAN NOT fully get over Dukie……. I still can not accept, how REAL AND SAD that child’s arch was ……. LORD

[@simpleanswer8954]

Dookie.

[@lhoan004]

Randy’s arch was very sad too.

[@the77th]

@@simpleanswer8954 it’s “Dukie”…. His name was Duquan so he was called “Dukie”

[@kalimba04]

You're right, but that's part of the greatness of the show, in reminding us how unfair life can be. Naymond ( who I hated) was gifted into a warm, nurturing family, while a sweet and smart kid (Dukie) was turned over to the streets at 16 years old.

[@royhunt1690]

The Wire was like aged wine, it got better with time. Great Show!

[@Juan_deep]

rare times when watching the 2nd time is almost just as good as the 1st because you start understanding alot of things that went over your head the first time watching

[@CitizenoftheWorld1]

That was the golden age of tv. Watching The Wire, The Sopranos and West Wing simultaneously was my fav part of my childhood

[@toddj3605]

Wood Harris,Leon and Bookeim Woodbine are 3 of my favorite actors who don't get enough credit or recognized enough for thier craft as well as Michael K Williams rest in Power

[@phyllisduncan1408]

Don’t forget remember the Titans ,one of my favorite movies,Mr Wood always bring it

[@mindphaserxy]

RIP Michael K Williams.

[@jasonpowell6096]

I worked at a Blockbuster in Baltimore City and the cast would frequent it alot. It was cool to talk to them.

[@carloscardona8425]

This is hands down the most complete and most accurate tv show/series of all time by a landslide!!! I lived that life for years and it ultimately cost me my freedom for 8 years but the script was as close to mirroring real life in the game as it could get. And not just from the side of the criminal but if u ask real police they will agree as well. There were many great series but most were steeped in wildly unbelievable plot lines such as Sopranos and Breaking Bad and GoTs etc etc.

[@rudy_4ier]

I agree that Breaking Bad's plot was not believable and GOT is just fantasy anyway, but isn't Sopranos semi-realistic? obviously not The Wire level of realism but still way more realistic than most crime/police dramas out there.

[@carloscardona8425]

@@rudy_4ier sopranos was only semi realistic in the first season. From that point forward the show had become such a huge hit that the writers were caught up in sensationalizing much of it to garner more viewership and keep old viewers coming back.

[@jayboogie5403]

I'm from baltimore. Sopranos was better

[@BonnChnd]

I didn’t watch “The Wire” until 2020….I have nothing in common with characters or story but my goodness it captured my imagination and the acting was superb. I still go back and rewatch from time to time.

[@CarlosPerezESP]

Funny thing is, The Wire is a masterpiece because we all have something in common with the characters. We've been in situations where we surrender to chain of command, or we become rolling stones like McNulty, etc... I think that's why it is the best show of all time, it's because we all understand or share something with the characters even if we belong to different environments. My 2 cents

[@BonnChnd]

@@CarlosPerezESP maybe so

[@newlife.vanessacalfan]

I also thought I didn't have much in common when I first heard of it some twenty years ago. Now I know that I have everything in common. It's perspective @@CarlosPerezESP

[@nat5112]

I saw glimpse of the wire when it aired, but Watched it fully during COVID lockdowns. Re-watching it again. Absolute masterpiece. Nothing like it. Arguably the #1 show ever made! Seeing the ending montage makes me happy, sad, angry and frustrated. What show can do that? Wood Harris is a living legend.

[@jasminehill6312]

During your rewatch, you’ll realize how much you missed the first time

[@nat5112]

@@jasminehill6312 No doubt! You catch so many connections! Even I saw some secondary characters! Playing different roles! The girl where Sidnor talk to to get paperwork at city land records department is the same person that was in the courthouse lol

[@N.O.BxStanos]

The Wire Paid in Full Remember the Titans Above the rim Dude really played most of my favorite character’s in some classics.

[@billstrohler]

Smaller role but great in the Creed movies.

[@rodmills737]

And the New Edition Movie

[@N.O.BxStanos]

lol the list was just some of my favorite overall movies/show in general. Realizing he played roles. I know his catalog is way longer.

[@RobinTig]

Great talent, great character. He hasn't aged ! What a amazing show

[@shepshape2585]

I have an excellent track record with the wife when it comes to picking new shows for us to binge. Even so, it took a long time before I could finally get her to watch The Wire. She was hooked instantly. To this day, if we're driving down the road and she sees some young guys in white t-shirts, she'll be like "honey, look at those young hoppers over there!" LOL

[@odoylerules03]

Whitey sale! Whitey sale! - Bubbles

[@XanderShiller]

Happened to me with Sopranos. One of the most quotable shows. Have you seen Better Call Saul? It's a slow burn that turns explosive. Not to mention the amazing cinematography.

[@shepshape2585]

@@XanderShiller of course! Amazing show!

[@trust5977]

Great guest for Rich. The Wire was an amazing show. An all-timer for show.

[@raymondsims7042]

Best show ever

[@CamJames]

Man called Stringer Bell an anti-hero lmao. He's a straight up villain bruh.

[@marcusgood9006]

The Wire is the greatest show ever. Magnificent.

[@raymondsims7042]

Without question

[@CozumelTy]

4th season!! Kids was my stuff. Wood Harris is a legend!

[@sisypheantask9242]

Love Wood Harris. Very natural as Avon. "Just a gangsta I suppose..." - he really enveloped that vibe.

[@katlap3101]

We need to see Woody more, a great actor

[@Nicole-kx9vg]

✔️😊😊😊🤩🥰😍😍😍😍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Star-POWER

[@wojo8881]

Bmf

[@openthemind1244]

it's widely accepted that THE WIRE didn't get it's proper credit at the time for 2 main reasons: 1) It was heavy subject matter, (poverty/drugs/automation/union-busting/education/political corruption/etc.) and let's be real, most people didn't want TV shows that made them have to THINK, especially back in the early 2000's. 2) Because the cast was almost all Black actors.

[@LandonMetochoi]

Incredibly stupid and factually incorrect post

[@byronbranch4645]

Greatest show of all time

[@sims4610593]

Egggxactly

[@williamhermann6635]

You lost me when you made it about racism. Ive literally never heard anyone say they didnt like it cuz of all the black actors. Ive never even heard anyone say they didnt like it, period. Many people just havent seen it. There was no hbo streaming service bsck then which means you had to have the full cable package just to get HBO, which many people didnt have. Myself included. I never even heard of it till my brother introduced me to it when it was already 4 seasons deep. Not everything is about racism. Most things arent about racism.

[@gomezgomez7759]

Ima say no in the race reasoning. I thnk thy just wanted it to b word of mouth. Somthng sublt. It knew it greatness n timelessness. The sopranos was hbo s darling n that got all the publicity.

[@westcoastkidd17]

Wood Harris has been in cultural masterpieces through the decades!!! The man deserves his flowers!

[@anthonykeyes8225]

The wire was one of my favorite HBO shows that came out at that time and it still is to this day and one of my favorite characters is when Wood Harris is Avon Barksdale and Michael Kenneth Williams as Omar little.

[@michaelsnoddy2926]

The Sopranos, The Wire, Breaking bad, Ozark, Peaky blinders, Snowfall, Broadwalk empire are the greatest shows from beginning to end I have ever watch. 💯

[@grimori]

Thanks for the list

[@MyKeeP81]

Boardwalk empire 🔥🔥🔥

[@samsummer8382]

The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad, Rome, Succession. Honorable mentions for Justified, Watchmen, Mindhunter. Best comedies Curb, Always Sunny, Office UK, What we do in the shadows, Danny Mcbride Triology. I have spoken, I've said my piece Chrissy

[@raymondsims7042]

@@samsummer8382 my top ten would be 1. The wire 2. Game of thrones 3. Mr robot 4. Dark 5. The boys 6. Breaking bad 7. Succession 8. Stranger things 9. Sopranos 10. Dexter

[@samsummer8382]

@@raymondsims7042 dexter s4 was v high level but ultimately it lost its steam for me and belongs in tier C with shows like game of thrones, boardwalk and walking dead

[@HaroldtheDon]

I became an Orioles fan because of a player from my hometown that is now in the O's HOF; Melvin Mora. When I saw that Mora was mentioned in the Wire I was like yes! This is just meant to be.

[@repentyasharahla7632]

The Wire is the best television show ever.

[@raymondsims7042]

No doubt

[@jasminehill6312]

The Wire remains my favorite show!!! It’s time for a rewatch ☺️

[@shefrombrooklyn718]

That's my guy Wood. Whatever he's in I'm watching.

[@TheAvargas687]

Big fan of him ,he's a fantastic actor glad he's still acting and a class act

[@ggsimmonds1]

I think what made The Wire so damn good was the perfect blend of "real" people like Snoop paired with highly skilled actors like Wood Harris. Their two worlds intersected for a brief moment in time and complemented each other perfectly that the entire show benefited.

[@willkerr665]

For sure, it really helps set it apart from other shows cause of how authentic it is

[@Col_Fragg]

Wow! The finger waving was an ad-lib? That's one of my favorite bits in the entire series. Such a simple motion and it really elevated the scene into something special.

[@Daveosbeatz]

Been a fan since Above the rim ..should have been in allot more films.very underrated

[@GHOST91141]

In season 3 those scenes with Avon & Stringer together was some good acting from them two

[@ysaismartinez7618]

It is the best show in the history of television. I've never seen an exploration of our institutions as thought provoking and genius as The Wire. Every sociology major in America should be required to watch it. Season 1 (the police department), 3 (the war on drugs), and 4 (the education system) particularly explore those topics with an honesty and realism that's long gone in American life.

[@prophecyjackson184]

Anything Wood Harris is in I watch no matter how small the role

[@danielbeja9924]

Dredd is greath

[@westwarden5979]

I seen a lot of very popular shows, recent ones too. But the wire is just something else. Real, raw and clever

[@davidarmitage289]

Just a masterpiece , end of. Respect to all the writers and actors for their flawless, real performances. Still lives the test of time!!

[@TheRedPeril]

Brilliant show, brilliant actor. All the characters are believable, that’s what makes it stand out.

[@patricklandor47]

The Wire was the best drug show EVER!! Just rewatched it and it’s still hit the same.

[@spideyschaf9489]

The Wire was almost like the dramatic counterpart of In Living Color in that each show had so much tremendous talent in the cast. And as time progressed, so many of the individual cast members made Incredible strides post show but all made their mark in those respective shows. Especially actors like Michael B. Jordan and Jaimie Foxx, who played a smaller part in each of their shows respectively but, the talent shown in those roles was undeniable and a precursor to future greatness.

[@therealist2798]

Nobody knew how big The Wire would become...it was a brilliant script...very realistic.

[@ayubabdi3073]

Avon Barksdale! The greatest show of all time!

[@chuckd4877]

One of my favorite actors, he was so cool as Avon. The King stays the King.

[@williamhermann6635]

Best interview Eisen has done in years.

[@ChooseCompassion]

I’ll never forget watching the first episode and how I was entirely hooked. I was already a fan of David Simon’s Homocide: Life On The Street and was very excited about the show. It’s surpassed my wildest dreams but I feared that knowing only one other person watching it that it would never make it to a second season. To this day I consider this a masterpiece with a bolded M. The best drama series ever. And no matter what year I watch it again it’s still holds up.

[@petergreen5337]

Beautiful show. I NEVER thought a series about the street from EYES of street would ACTUALLY be MADE.

[@5IvanDrago5]

The Wire GREATLY benefitted when the entire series became available to be binged. Lets be honest that show had so many story lines running with so many characters and was a slow burn. To watch a episode and wait a week for the next it would lose people. Being able to binge it makes it a much easier watch.

[@dalehodges5362]

Rich brings us gold every now and again. It looks and sounds like this when he does. Thanks to ALL

[@brianchapman8531]

And The Wire never won a single award. Let that sink in.

[@Salah-fq2wi]

That's criminal, literally.

[@raymondsims7042]

@@Salah-fq2wi yeah lad how tf did that happen?🤔it’s literally the best show ever made, and couldn’t get a single emmy. That’s why idgaf about the emmys

[@marknewbold2583]

@@raymondsims7042 racism

[@eclecticmusica]

The Wire was and is the best show ever!

[@raymondsims7042]

No doubt

[@jasminehill6312]

Indeed

[@darianforh5347]

i binge watch it every few years or so. might be that time again. Boardwalk Empire too

[@aaronhutchinson885]

Facts.

[@shawnbailey573]

"Omar" walking to the corner store to get those Cheerios was iconic!

[@nccamsc]

“Be a little slow, be a little late…” Still gives me chills.

[@bmoregorillas828]

Underrated and under appreciated

[@woppotaco9350]

I still watch it

[@Ayydouble]

Sometimes i wish i never watched it so i can watch it again and get that 1st time wow moment

[@lilywhite5499]

He's a great actor. Played Jimi Hendrix masterfully among other roles. I was never much of a Wire fan, but Wood Harris is bomb.

[@anthonykeyes8225]

Yes the wire was one of my favorite shows instill is day.

[@edwinbowles2]

I can tell what Wood Harris was saying was true. EVERYONE acted their behinds off.

[@garysiddons2157]

Avon was such a great character. Wood was brilliant. The Wire is still the best tv show ever.

[@MafiaKingfishNOLA]

The Wire is definitely one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The show was FULL of so many great performances and amazing characters. Wood Harris was awesome.

[@joeschmoe5231]

Wood is the man, fr!!!

[@TheBlackPrince447]

Avon Barksdale, one of the greatest characters of all time, Wood Harris nailed him, class actor great show....

[@Crazylove1120]

Bless Mr. Harris! Wonderful actor!!

[@fly3xzistence]

He plays east coast characters so good I never woulda thought he’s from Chicago😮

[@DiaDeLaDead]

The Wire was a masterclass of a show when it came to writing and keeping things real. The chemistry between Avon and Stringer felt so real. Such a masterful show.

[@ratemyshins]

It is actually nuts that Wallace directed Avon in Creed

[@mikecantreed]

Wood Harris should be equally as famous as Idris Elba. He was fucking fantastic as Avon Barksdale.

[@TheNaz1996]

Damn I just realised Wood Harris and MBJ were in the wire together and Creed … 🤌🏾👏🏽

[@brandonriddlesprigger8754]

The greatest TV show of all time...

[@Nimo14555]

Wood Harris you a legend 💯💯

[@BirdGang6]

He’s so talented and I don’t think he ever gets mentioned among the Denzel, Will or Samuel L Jackson

[@Kommunik8Moor]

The Wire is the best show ever. Thus the reason it hit years later and has lasted the test of time. Avon Barksdale was an awesome lead actor of The Wire.

[@raymondsims7042]

Yeah the wire without question is the best show ever made

[@JamesWilliams-dz5tn]

the acting on that show was tremendous

[@jacovermeulen8739]

The themes and scrips that HBO based their shows on is unmatched. True artists.

[@MrJonzee68]

CLASSIC SHOW!!!

[@tseit1]

Show was amazing

[@SiNsCere1100]

Such a great actor man!!!!!

[@MrBellsa61]

The street is the street. Always.

[@edwinbowles2]

"It's not about your business, it's about that other thang."

[@MissCrissy87]

Wood Harris is Legendary ❤❤❤❤

[@theodorafyn]

Met him a few years ago. Very nice man!

[@warrenspeaks]

Outstanding content.

[@phamawa]

Finally started The Wire last night, could've easily watched 5 hours straight.

[@scbluesman13]

Sopranos will always be my absolute favorite, but The Wire & Deadwood are definitely #2 IMO.

[@davidevans3175]

As far as I'm concerned, the greatest show of all time.

[@allenprice1570]

I love watching the HBO The Wire. I can watch the wire over and over I will never get tired of watching HBO The Wire.