FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EBONY Magazine Features “Get on Up” Cast on September Cover
Exclusive Interview with Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis and Tika Sumpter
CHICAGO (August 12, 2014) — Following the release of the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed film, Get on Up, actors Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis and Tika Sumpter are now the featured cover stars on the September issue of EBONY magazine, exuding the same glamour and style depicted in the James Brown biopic.
Boseman, who epitomized the legendary Godfather of Soul, exclusively tells EBONY he originally didn’t want the role that is now giving him Oscar worthy buzz.
“When my manager brought me the script, I didn’t even want to read it because I knew attempting to play James Brown would just be crazy,” cited Boseman. However, once he received the role, beating out 20 actors for the part, he was completely dedicated to capturing the essence of Brown. “He was a complicated man, both good and bad. Once you understand the reasons for his dichotomy, it’s easier to grasp who he was.”
Boseman’s co-stars also agree that being a part of the film has pushed them to take their acting abilities to a higher level. In the article, Ellis credits Boseman for being a “working machine” and wanting to keep up at his level.
“I thought, ‘If I’m going to act opposite [Chad], I’ll need to prove myself worthy,’” cited Ellis, who played Brown’s longtime friend and collaborator, Bobby Byrd. “You’ll see some of the best acting I’ve ever done on this last season of True Blood, and I owe that to Chad,” Ellis continued in reference to his character Lafayette in the hit HBO series. “I don’t know what people’s reactions will be, but I do want them to see a different side of my acting in this film.”
Sumpter, the sexy powerhouse actress known best for her sultry character in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and Have Nots, plays a noticeable short role in the film but says she values the experience more than anything.
“I wouldn’t take this time back at all. The talent here elevated my own and has done nothing but push me forward,” she said. “For me, it’s not always just about the work; it’s also about the connection.”
Sumpter is now leveraging the moment to create her own opportunities, and she is currently starring and producing in her own untitled project.
“Nowadays, you simply can’t wait for someone to give it to you,” she added. “You have to create opportunities for yourself when nobody else will.”
Inside the September Issue, EBONY presents for the first time, The Eunice W. Johnson 2014 Best Dressed List, curated by fashion industry giants such as Andre Leon Tally, Francisco Costa and Audrey Smatlz. Celebrity winners include from Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles, Pharrell and Kanye West. EBONY also presents its annual Beauty & Grooming MVP Awards, and finally readers will have the opportunity to meet the top 10 winners from the 2014 HBCU Campus Queens contest.
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