About this episodeDeon Cole discusses his career trajectory, highlighting the transition from stand-up comedy to dramatic acting…AI summary
Deon Cole discusses his career trajectory, highlighting the transition from stand-up comedy to dramatic acting in roles like 'Average Joe' and 'Michael'. He shares personal anecdotes about discovering a hidden sister, the importance of auditioning regardless of fame, and the supportive environment on the 'Scary Movie' set. The interview serves as a promotion for 'Average Joe' Season 2 on Paramount+.
Key takeaways 6
Deon Cole discovered he had a half-sister named Tiffany when he was around 30 years old; she was living in Chicago and their father had kept them apart.
Cole emphasizes that all actors, regardless of status, must audition to ensure they are right for the specific role, noting that even A-listers like Tom Cruise or Denzel Washington do chemistry reads.
He draws a parallel between observational comedy and dramatic acting, stating that both require deep listening and observing human behavior to react authentically.
Cole credits his casting in 'Michael' to divine timing and prayer, as he was not originally considered until legal issues forced the production to rewrite the third act and recast.
The 'Scary Movie' set was characterized by strong brotherhood and support, particularly noting Marlon Wayans helping Sean Wayans return to acting after a 25-year hiatus.
Adam Sandler is described as grounded and business-focused, with Cole noting that being part of the 'Sandler circle' provides long-term career stability.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“You got to go be someone else for four months... That's what they're paying you for. You can't be you.”
▶ 8:50Deon Cole explaining the discipline required for dramatic acting versus stand-up comedy.
“I found out I had a whole sister... at first I didn't believe her and I kept like dissing her... then she kept telling me stuff that only I knew... it was like seeing me with a wig on.”
▶ 4:16Cole describing the moment he accepted his relationship with his previously unknown half-sister.
“Never never doubt the power of God... You never know how God going to work that out for you. He going to know a way that you don't know.”
▶ 14:09Cole reflecting on how he landed the role of Don King in 'Michael' after initial rejection and script changes.
“Once you in that Sandler circle, you going to have work for the remainder of your career unless you [__] it up.”
▶ 16:23Cole discussing the career longevity associated with working with Adam Sandler.
“If you got a brother in the business put your brother in some [__] and then do the same thing that them people doing... at least give each other a chance.”
▶ 29:23Cole advocating for mutual support among Black artists in Hollywood, inspired by the Wayans family's dynamic.
Chapters & Sections (18)▼
0:00Deon Cole Discovers Hidden Sisterchapter2
2:11Comedian's Interview T-Shirt and Fashion Habits
3:04Deon Cole's Sister Discovery Story
5:52Applying Comedy Observations to Dramatic Actingchapter4
7:47Acting Requires Becoming Someone Else
9:45Overcoming On-Set Anger During Filming
10:57Deon Cole's Prank on Sway Calloway
12:56Divine Intervention in Career Opportunities
16:16Auditions, Adam Sandler Circle, and Average Joe Season 2chapter1
18:57Auditioning and Average Joe Season 2
21:35Promoting Average Joe Season 2 on Paramount Pluschapter1
23:07Average Joe Season 2 Plot and Promotion
26:59Scary Movie Legacy and Set Supportchapter1
30:04Celebrity Set Privileges and Security
31:32Working with Icons and Jay-Z Full Circlechapter3