Answers with Omari Hardwick

Answer 1

Power isn't even done with its first season and it's already been picked up for a second one. How does that feel?

It feels like the ultimate compliment to the countless hours spent by Courtney Kemp Agboh (our creator) and her producing and writing team devising intricate, fascinating, complex story lines for a show envisioned beautifully by our E.P., Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Mark Canton, and brought to life by a group of talented actors and stellar crew. It feels like I have found a secure home in an equally dedicated network in Starz and Chris Albrecht to springboard my gifts as the lead of this groundbreaking show. As an ex athlete, it feels like we may truly have the pedigree to be spoken about for some years to come like the very strong teams of all leagues. Humbled.

Answer 2

What did you feel when you landed the role of Ghost St. Patrick?

I felt finally I had embraced my power, which was a prayer being prayed over me months leading up to this opportunity. By embracing it, I was rewarded by God with a special special opportunity. ALL that was housed in my range of self and artist could be illustrated in James "Ghost" St. Patrick on a weekly basis.

Answer 3

What was it about Power that made you want to be a part of it?

Obviously the lead character of Ghost was fascinating. And I knew the story could equally be, if done right. "If done right" became the operative portion of that phrase for me. I had long respected the complexities and business brilliance of Curtis Jackson, but it was upon a 2 hour meeting with Courtney I had that left me knowing in my soul and mind that this show would be done right. From that meeting on (where producer David Knoller joined, then Exec. Prod., Mark Canton, and ultimately director Anthony Hemingway), I was all in. Courtney gave me the insight to where this entire ship was sailing.

Answer 4

You've said that "all the roles I've played are personal to me because they all are pieces of me." How do you relate to Ghost?

Well I would never take a role on if I didn't find a personal connection either with it or a personal connection to where I desired the character to go, within of course the parameters of the writer. I relate to the range of Ghost as there is a similar range of life and ability in me. He is bright and equally street smart. He is passionate. He is flawed. He is good. He loves hard. He is loyal. He is a father. He possesses an 8 year old dreaming kid inside of himself. ALL the above I relate to.

How have you made Ghost's character your own?

I have made Ghost my own: (refer to above answer. wink wink).

Answer 5

What's it like working with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson?

Working with 50 is like working with a lifelong friend. He is a smart funny loving brother of sorts who I have learned a lot from and we have worked hard at creating a bond of trust. A real pleasure. I go so far as to speak for my cast mates as well in saying this.

Answer 6

If Answers users want to see you in Power, where can they go?

They should all order Starz so that whenever they need a Tommy or Angela or Tasha or Ghost fix, they can go to Starz on demand and fulfill it!

Answer 7

Middle of Nowhere has won plenty of awards and received praised from all around the industry. Did you know the film would be so well-received when you read the script?

When I read the story I immediately knew we had a special project on our hands. I closed my eyes and saw Film Festivals, wide appeal, and lessons taught and learned.

Answer 8

What is it about Middle of Nowhere that makes it such a great film?

The film is first and foremost a love story. And everyone from earth to planet Mars wants love love love. Writer and Director, Ava Duvernay scripted to the forefront of this love story a piece of life and of our American, African American, and Latino culture that has plagued us for far too long, incarceration. The combination of what Ava created in the navigation of a woman through this muddled journey and the large amounts of families who can relate to such a piece of life, makes this story timeless.

Answer 9

Do you enjoy participating in indie films, such as Middle of Nowhere?

Yes, I enjoy good beautiful "messy" real stories. In modern times, and with the fall of the economic structure in all industries, the film business has resulted in these types of stories mostly being told in the genre of indie filmmaking. I also innately have a heart and passion for "The Little Engine That Could."

Answer 10

Football and the arts were your two passions growing up. Were you ever teased for being an athlete with a taste for poetry?

That's funny. Well, I always found myself more of a leader and old soul since a very young age. So, typically the leader archetype can evade the major teasing kids are subjected to. I probably teased myself more than anyone LOL. But, at Univ. of GA, there were fellow leaders and ball playing dear friends who definitely got the jokes in. I loved it!! Especially carrying almost 200 lbs. around while performing August Wilson pieces and reading Shakespeare.