Typically, this space is dedicated to the subject of baseball.
However, sometimes other things come along that I want to write about, and
let’s face it; it’s my space to do with as I please. Fortunately, there is
something extraordinary interrupting the regularly scheduled baseball material,
and that’s concerning the greatest TV show of all time—The Wire, and one of its tremendous cast members, actor Tray Chaney.
The Wire, an HBO drama series created by David Simon,
ran from 2002 to 2008. The show explored urban decay, told through multiple
points of view, including the police, illegal drug traffickers, the school
system, politics, the working class and the media. Set in Baltimore, it’s
difficult to identify a more thought-provoking and authentic production. The
crisp writing and phenomenal performances by the actors give viewers the
experience of being cast directly into that world than simply watching from the
periphery.
Chaney is a multi-talented artist, known for dancing, music
and writing, in addition to his acting. He was a regular on The Wire, playing
Malik “Poot” Carr, a “corner boy” caught trying to survive in a world that had made
him an underdog caught in the struggle from the moment he was born. For those
in his shoes, the only way to get by is figuring out how to best survive “the
game;” day-to-day life where winning is temporary and
losing is often forever.
His portrayal is noteworthy for a number of reasons,
including the way he and his colleagues worked so seamlessly together. The show
isn’t about catching audience attention with the use of A-List celebrities. It’s
about telling an incredibly layered story through performances that were often
drawn from a place of authentic experience. They may be actors playing roles,
but in many cases, they could be superimposed on real people whose lives
mirrored the show to a surprising degree.
I was able to chat with Chaney regarding his run playing
Poot Carr, and his take on the impact of the show. Before reading on, make sure
to check out some of his more recent projects.
His most recent music video, “Attendance” can be seen here.
He is clearly still doing great work that is sending positive and strong social
messages.
His website also
contains a lot of great information about him, including even more of his
videos and other work. Hopefully, he continues to participate in these projects
that are finding such a widespread audience.
Tray Chaney
Interview:
How did you land the
role of Poot, and were you given any part, or did you lend any personal
experience in helping create his persona/personality?: I actually
auditioned with Pat Moran in Baltimore for the role of Wee-Bey. That was
actually my first time ever reading for a role on TV as an actor. The Wire was
my first television gig ever. I was called back three times, and the third time
David Simon and some of the producers were there. I received a call later on
that week saying I wasn't casted for Wee-Bey but I had landed the role of Malik
“Poot” Carr. My personal experience in preparing to play a character like Poot
was spending a lot of time in Baltimore and just embracing their culture in
some of the neighborhoods. I'm from Forestville, Maryland, right outside of
Washington, DC, so it's a lot of examples of characters like Poot that's what
inspired me to bring the character to life
Not to sound cliché,
but when you were making The Wire, did it feel like you were part of something
special, and if so, why?: Well it definitely felt like I was a part of
something special because the writing and entire production of the show being
shot in Baltimore was so authentic. It's such a realistic show on so many
levels that people can relate to until I knew I was a part of something that
people would talk about for a while. But now The Wire has passed all of our
expectations I feel I can speak for the cast. None of us knew it would blow up
so huge and have an effect on pop culture like it did, but we did know we were
filming something great.
How frequently do you
hear from people regarding your involvement in the show and the impact it has
had on them?: I hear from people all the time. The fans, friends, family,
and the industry.
I'm always engaged in debates and conversations but I love
it all. I'm just honored to say I'm a part of history.
Poot is one of a
precious few characters who has a somewhat happy ending (presumably). Were you
satisfied with his character arc?: Yes, because first off, to say Poot
lasted five seasons is a blessing. I was the last man standing, and it showed
that in America an individual has choices. Poot had a choice to stay in the
streets or take the positive route, and it just proved you can turn a negative
situation into a positive.
What was your
favorite scene or moment on the show?: It’s so many scenes and roles to
name as favorites. One classic scene was in the third season was when Snoop’s
character does a drive by on Poot, and I had to fake my death. That was fun
until I had to go home realizing I did my own stunts and my body was aching.
What do you believe
is the lasting legacy and impact of the show?: I feel the impact of
touching on so many subjects from the streets, politics, education, media, and regular
middle class workers. When you talk reality shows, The Wire is the reality TV
show the world gravitated to.
You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew
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