LiveWorld Transcripts

Showtime presents

Boris Kodjoe
Co-star of "Soul Food"

January 03, 2001

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Audre: Do you miss modeling? Was it just a stepping stool? Did you always aspire to act?

Boris Kodjoe: No, I don't miss modeling at all. I always dreamt about acting. And it was just a matter of time until I felt I was ready, that I would throw myself into the acting world.

TC Tuttie-2: What other appearances are you going to be in?

Boris Kodjoe: I will be attending the NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl, and then I have to be back in Toronto on the fifteenth of February to shoot the second season of "Soul Food."

Ellen: What else would you like to pursue? What other opportunities have you been offered?

Boris Kodjoe: For now, acting is something that is a challenge and that I want to grow in. My objectives are to get to the top - to be a leading man in Hollywood, and this is where all of my energies are focused on at the moment.

Jeffery: You are considered a sex symbol. Do you enjoy the attention?

Boris Kodjoe: Well, I'm aware of the attention and I appreciate the compliment. But I'm not intending to make this a way of life. I still have a lot to prove, and I intend to do that with quality work, and not use any superficial assets to further my career.

Becca: Do you still play tennis? Who are your favorite players? What do you think of the success of the Williams sisters?

Boris Kodjoe: I still play tennis from time to time. Unfortunately, not at the same level that I used to. My favorite players are Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, and I am very proud of the Williams sisters because they show a lot of discipline, commitment, and heart to establish themselves among the female tennis elite.

Regina: Is it difficult to remain humbled, given all the fanfare and attention?

Boris Kodjoe: No, not for me. I have a strong support system around me, consisting of my brother and other close friends, who would kick my ass if I would get out of hand!

Tynisha: Are there any parallels between you and the role you play, Damon?

Boris Kodjoe: Yes, absolutely. Damon is also bi-cultural. He is a confident young man, who is waiting to find his path in life. And we have a lot in common because I also have been in situations where I comfortably waited for an interesting new idea or direction to come along.

Cat: How do your parents feel about your success? And have they ever seen you on "Soul Food"?

Boris Kodjoe: My parents are far away, which makes it hard for them to keep up with what I am doing, but they are, indeed, very proud, as long as they are convinced that I am happy. I try to send videotapes to them as often as I can.

Kareem: Do you think Damon’s relationship with Teri will last? In the real world, do you think a couple could endure the same challenges?

Boris Kodjoe: I think it takes effort, love, and respect to make a relationship of any kind last. So, I do believe that Damon and Teri have a chance - if the writers are on the same page.

Francamilla: How did you get started in the business? And who was your mentor?

Boris Kodjoe: I try to learn from everyone, so I wouldn't say I had a specific mentor. I had a lot of people giving me advice. And I will continue to grow if I learn from others.

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