Written By: Jayme Face
Michael Epps is a young actor to watch! He got his big break on “The Chi” season 3 Sundays at 9! Check out our interview to learn more about Michael!
Photo Credit: Robert Smith
upfrontNY: Can you tell us a little bit about “The Chi” and your character?
Michael Epps: “The Chi” is about events and situations that occur throughout the city. They talk about real life situations. They talk about past situations that happened. They talk about the family functions that go on. My character Jake, I would say he plays an important part in “The Chi” because Jake is like something you see almost every day in Chicago. There’s a bunch of kids in Chicago like Jake, they have the wrong guidance. They don’t have a man at home to look up to like Jake. They don’t have a good father figure.
upfrontNY: So, this is season three what can we expect from this new season?
Michael Epps: This season you can expect a lot. Every character is evolving. They go through more problems; those problems help them evolve into the new people they are becoming. The problems also push some of the characters together and that evolves their relationship with the other people.
upfrontNY: “The Chi” is about Chicago and you have grown up in Chicago is there anything that particularly stands out to you or you can relate to being from Chicago?
Michael Epps: It was season 1 the block party episode that really felt like Chicago. That really made me feel at home because Chicago summertime wherever you go there’s a bunch of blocks blocked off and there’s a block party going on, so that there really made me feel like this is home.
upfrontNY: This role was actually one of your first auditions, what has this journey been like and what have you learned?
Michael Epps: It’s been a great journey because this has been new to me. It’s a great experience. The journey is great. Along the way I’ve met new people, new friends and I really look forward to big things.
upfrontNY: How did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Michael Epps: I was inspired by my mom. She had me play a little role on this YouTube series and she saw how well I did on it. She was like “He did so good on this and he took directions very well; let’s see how he does in the acting game.” So, she started to dip my toes in it. I originally had a little background role on “Empire” and then I got my big part on “The Chi”. She saw how good I did on that and it took off and now I’m an actor.
upfrontNY: You are also a musician and you released your debut single “Drip” last year and the music video is on its way; can you tell us a bit about the song and your musical style?
Michael Epps: My style of music is of course Hip Hop. I plan on talking about things I want to have and things I’ve been through, things that I hope to have, things I want to get like that in my songs. The music video is coming soon. I can’t really tell you too much about that yet, but stay tuned for that.
upfrontNY: What kind of role would you love to play some day?
Michael Epps: I would like to play in an action movie. You know movies like “Fast and Furious” or “Transformers” or “X-blade”. Movies with all the production and slow motion, something like that.
upfrontNY: What are your interests outside of performing?
Michael Epps: I like basketball. I’ve been playing basketball for a while now, since forever. I’m going to try football. I’m going to see how that goes.
upfrontNY: Is there anything you’d like to let our readers know?
Michael Epps: Yes, stay tuned. I’m working on some clothing lines, some merch, working with my mom. Make sure y’all stream “Drip” and stay tuned for my newer music and make sure y’all are ready to watch season three!
Favorite Fast Five:
Favorite musical artist: Lil Baby
Favorite actor: Oh, I don’t’ know I have so many! I’ll probably say Mike Epps
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite place in Chicago: The Malls
Favorite YouTube channel: Prettyboyfredo
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