Actors on Actors: Regina King and Aunjanue Ellis

Actresses Regina King (The Harder They Fall) and Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard) sat down and had a virtual discussion as a part of Variety’s “Actors on Actors” segment. They compare their methodologies of getting into character and review their respective roles and films.

“We don’t get the opportunity to just have the moment to sing praises.”

Both actresses talk about their busy schedules and the last films (Ray and If Beale Street Could Talk) they did together. Both jokingly comment on how they played adversary roles in both films, yet they are good friends in real life.

“My education has come from being on set.”

Ellis claims that King is an inspiration to her, and her time in acting school could not prepare Ellis when she first starred alongside King. King graciously accepts the praise and states that despite their years of acting, they still learn new things. This leads to a continued talk about Ellis’s education and the film Ray.

“What I saw in you in that performance (‘Jerry Maguire’) was a clarity and a confidence in character. I see confident actors all the time, but I don’t necessarily see a confidence in character.”

Ellis moves to ask King about her performance in the film Jerry Maguire. The talk leads to a back-and-forth series of inquiries regarding their respective techniques and methodologies. Additional films (The Usual Suspects and King Richard) come into the discussion. Actors Will Smith and Mark Wahlberg also become a topic of conversation.

“When I think of you (Regina King)—and I’m not throwing this around—you are an icon of American cinema, and you are an icon of Black American cinema.”

At the end of their talk in acting techniques, Ellis remarks on King’s performances make her an icon of the American and Black American cinema. In response, King begins to cry in appreciation and declares that she is proud to be a Black American. King then describes how she doesn’t see herself as an African American but as a Black American. King claims that she channeled her passion and confidence in this topic through her character on The Harder They Fall.

“I won’t even begin to try to tell you how grateful I am to you, Regina—for the example that you are, for the leadership that you offer. I thank you for your career.”

The segment closes after Ellis describes her training in tennis to play her character. King expresses her belief in Ellis and her character being inspirations for loving parents of Black children. After King briefly mentions an experience she had when her son was young, both end their talk by expressing their appreciation for the segment and their performances.