Brian White: The Focused Man

“I work hard to keep anything and everything within my orbit strictly aspirational, thought-provoking, progressive and positive.” -Brian White.

Brian White has to be one of the most inspiring and hardest working men I know. Doing this interview and his photographs allowed me to share with the world what I have access to every time we have the time to speak (both of us are super busy).

Brian is no stranger to film and television. He is currently playing the outspoken and egotistical Marcus on the hit show ‘Men of a Certain Age’, has a starring role in the romantic dramedy ‘Politics of Love’ with Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob and Mallika Sherawat and has a slew of feature films in the coming year. I would like to introduce you to ‘The Focused Man’, my friend, Mr. Brian White and get a taste of the man that inspires the world.

Words by Jerris Madison
Photo excerpts from Project: Brian White 2012 Calendar
Photography by Jerris Madison
Wedding Photo by Emily Perez
Wardrobe Stylist Eddington Howard
Photo Assistants Brooks Proctor and Steven Blank

Sweater  B. Scott
Shorts Damir Doma

Jacket  B. Scott

Tank  B. Scott
Gloves  Stylist’s Own

LEFT
Jacket  King Baby
Shirt Stylist’s Own
Hat The Ampal Creative

RIGHT
Photo by Emily Perez
Dress Lasposa
Formal Suit  G. Pierce Bespoke

INTERVIEW

Brian White is no stranger to film and television. He is currently playing the outspoken and egotistical Marcus on the hit show ‘Men of a Certain Age’, has a starring role in the romantic dramedy ‘Politics of Love’ with Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob and Mallika Sherawat and has a slew of feature films in the coming year. I want to introduce you to ‘The Focused Man’, my friend, Mr. Brian White and get a taste of the man that inspires the world.

Wow, tomorrow’s your big wedding day! Are you excited and nervous at the same time?
Just excited. And I guess a bit relieved, because the party planning aspect of it all is taxing. But I am truly blessed to be marrying my absolute favorite person on earth, my soul mate and best friend tomorrow. Let’s GO!

How does it feel to be marrying your best friend and how long did you wait to pop the question?I finally feel complete and like a new chapter of my life is beginning now.  I am aware of maturity setting in and am excited to explore the ramifications, specifically as they pertain to the depth of my work and artistic endeavors. My wife is a great motivator of excellence so I feel inspired to push myself even harder because I represent us both now.  She’s my personal angel here on earth.  My best friend.  My partner for life.  My buddy. My soul mate. The only person I have ever wanted to have a family with. My wife. I am blessed.

As far as how long… We dated for 6 years and waited until the moment when we knew it was right for us to say forever and mean it. Until neither of us had doubts, questions, worries.

Do you plan to have children?
Yes. At least 2.

Via your Twitter page, you often communicate back to your fans. Why is that important to you?
In the simplest terms, I want to be a positive alternative to the negativity, via all mediums, I see broadcast and feeding our countries young impressionable minds and being called “entertainment”. I was raised by my mother, Estelle White to: Be the change I wish to see in this world. One way I try to do this is using my social networking platforms (FB, Twitter, Myspace) to promote strictly positive items OR to challenge and/or “call to task” the negative or wrongful items I see.

I believe open honest communication is the only real option when it comes to progress. I recognize that my profession affords me an audience; and I desire to use whatever attention I have to usher some kind of positive progressive discussion about whatever the topic may be – with the intended result always being positive growth and change.

Now that marriage will be apart of your life, how will you balance it with your exploding career?
We’ve been together for 6 years… That part is already a well oiled machine!  She is truly my best friend and has been with me since before I had a career or money or interviews to discuss it all in. She truly elevates me and I think I am now about to enter my prime professionally.  I have never been this grounded or focused.  It’s awakening a whole new level – which is very exciting artistically.

You play the outspoken and egotistical ‘Marcus’ on the hit show Men of a Certain Age, how did you land that role?
I had a meeting with Ray Romano and Mike Royce and one topic we discussed was the progressive nature of the way the Thoreaus (Andre Braugher’s TV family) would be portrayed: happily married, successful, in love, aspirational, Cosby style! From that moment I let them know I was in if they’d have me.

Since The Cosby Show left the air you can count on one hand how many images of aspirational black families have been seen on scripted broadcast network series.  I feel blessed to be a part of MOACA because it provides a gloves off, current, adult, refreshing, raw look at a multi-generational black family and the result inspires, feels good and elevates the standard based on any measure.

Is there a method to your role selections on both film and television roles?
Keeping it real, I choose roles based on three things:

1. Is this something new for me artistically OR is there a powerful message/statement I can make with the role that is important to me?

2. Is this an opportunity to work with talent or a director I respect and admire?

3. $$$

If your ‘dream’ script came to your front door, what would it be and who would be the director(s)?
I am working on producing that project right now. Stay tuned to my website and Twitter for details!

You’ve managed to keep yourself out of public scrutiny and drama. Is this on purpose?
I was raised under public scrutiny as the son of an NBA Legend and All Star, so the “fame” aspect of my chosen career path is the least attractive to me and not anything I covet or feed energy to; and I work hard to keep anything and everything within my orbit strictly aspirational, thought-provoking, progressive and positive.

I’ve seen the relationship your have with your mother. Are you very close?
My mother is my hero, my mentor, my idol, my business partner and she lives 10 minutes away from me to this day.  I owe all that I am today to the tools instilled in me by my mother and do all that I can to live a life worthy of her efforts.

You have a new 2012 calendar coming out 10.10.10 (that date will not come for another 100 years). Why did you want to do a calendar?
I have always said that I will give the shirt off my back for charity.  So, this is a fun and artistic way that I can connect with fans and involve everyone in supporting a good cause.

What movie roles do you have in the works?
Coming in 2011 I play the lead in the romantic dramedy ‘Politics of Love’ with Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob and Mallika Sherawat; and co-star in the Joss Whedon & Drew Goddard horror, thriller, sci-fi, dramedy ‘The Cabin In the Woods”.  I also am Executive Producing a feature drama, called ’7 Sons’ lensing this February in Detroit, MI.

People can get more details on all on my official site: www.BrianWhiteOnline.com
Twitter: @actorbrianwhite

What is your favorite vacation spots?
St. Thomas, USVI; Paris; Rome; Buenos Aires; Miami.

What is your favorite food and dessert?
Sushi & Peach Cobbler

Name 5 things you are grateful for?
My family, my friends, my health, my education, my fans.