*Ving Rhames (pictured) was born and raised in Harlem, New York. His career as a thespian career began at the New York High School of Performing Arts, followed by training at the prestigious Julliard School of Drama. Soon thereafter, the talented actor landed his first role on Broadway in “The Winter Boys.” In 1985, he made his first TV appearance in Go Tell It On the Mountain.
He subsequently segued to feature films, and was eventually cast as a merciless drug dealer opposite Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”. That performance helped him land the role of Luther Stickell in the film reboot of “Mission: Impossible,” opposite Tom Cruise. Ving has since starred in many other blockbusters, such as “Rosewood” and “Con Air”. In 1998, he won a Golden Globe for his powerful portrayal of Don King in “Don King: Only in America”.
Since, he went on to star in “Out of Sight” with George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, “Entrapment” with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and “Bringing Out The Dead” with Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette and Tom Sizemore. Other films on his impressive resume include Baby Boy, Undisputed, Dark Blue and Dawn Of The Dead. And he ventured behind the camera in 2005 as a producer for the USA series “Kojak.” His producer credits also include: “Back In The Day,” “Animal” and “Shooting Gallery.”
We spoked with him recently about reprising his role as Luther in “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation”.
Robertson Treatment: How did you enjoy reuniting with Tom Cruise to make Rogue Nation?
Ving Rhames, we did the first one eighteen years ago, so I feel very blessed and very privileged. And outside of Tom Cruise, I’m the only person who’s been in all five films. And I think that I might have made history for an African-American. I don’t know whether any black actor has been in an original and four sequels. You know what I’m saying? So, I really have to thank Tom, and I’m glad to be a part of this process.
RT: Why do you think the Mission: Impossible franchise has been so successful?
VR: I really think it’s because of Tom Cruise’s passion and energy, and the fact that he deals with every facet of production. He’s involved with the writers… he has a certain vision… and I think he knows what his audience wants, which I think is a by-product of his being in the business for over thirty years, since he started young as an actor. He really has a grasp of what both American and foreign audiences want to see. So, I give 95% of the credit to Tom Cruise.
RT: What was your favorite scene to shoot in Rogue Nation?
VR: The scene where the four of us, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, myself and Tom, are sitting in a bar. It almost looks like just four guys hanging out. But it was really four friends. The simplicity of that scene, which is surrounded by so much action, makes it special to me, especially given the good chemistry among the four of us.
RT: An African-American actor once told me that it is extremely difficult for black males with deep voices and a strong presence to get work. So, how did you manage to succeed in spite of that?
VR: First of all, I don’t agree with that assumption. But here’s how I feel about it. I attended the High School of Performing Arts, and I graduated from the Juilliard School. So, I believe in being trained, just like you have to do with any profession. As a professor, she had to get a master’s degree. I find that a lot of aspiring actors never really train, and yet think they can just act. Being a black man with a deep voice is actually more of a plus. I do voiceovers for Arbys, ADT, and other companies. So, I make a lot of money by basically using not only my voice, but also my size, as far as the camera is concerned. But train, go to school and train. Become a craftsman.
RT: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in?
VR: Yes, Brother John, a very old film Sidney Poitier I caught one night It didn’t do well. It was barely seen. He plays a Christ-like character who returns to the small town where he was raised. You have to check it out.
KW: How would you describe your work ethic?
VR: I’m learning to work now, and I’ll use the analogy of working out in the gym. When I was 25 or 30, I worked out one way. Now, at 56, I work out another way.What I think I’ve learned to do is use my energy more wisely. I’m a better actor now in terms of conveying the dramatic arc of a character and my overall intention. Because I’m more seasoned, I know my instrument better. And often, less is more. That’s the major lesson I’ve learned. A lot of young actors expend energy unnecessarily on things that don’t need that much energy.
AUTOMOTIVE SPIN
2015 Ford Mustang
There are few things more impressive than driving a Ford Mustang – the quintessential pony car introduced by the auto giant 50 years ago. Besides oozing loads of sex appeal and top-grade road performance, the ride is simply fun to drive. I was truly enthusiastic about beginning my drive.
Wow Factor: Well-known for its aerodynamic exterior styling, the Mustang is loaded with POWER that underscores its physical attributes. The ride is simply a standout and given its iconic positioning among car buyers, anyone behind its wheels is bound to get loads of attention.
RIDE: Armed with a thoroughly efficient DOHC 32-valve V-8 engine, the Mustang handles the road with absolute authority. My ride operated with under manual control which offered excellent steering and handling. In fact, this baby handled curves impressively– with smooth and sharp precision that was on point. .
COMFORT: Even with its narrow body and compact design, the Mustang is surprising accommodating for daily driving demands. Its seats are sturdy and comfortable and the gauges and controls are accessible and easy to read.
SPIN CONTROL: By now it’s no secret that I am totally enamored with the 2015 Mustang. Although its base price hoovers in the mid40s, It has attributes that will appeal to just about every driver. I am confident that you’ll find one driving alongside you on the road in the near future.
Grade: A
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