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Greg Rosenthal
Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn more@discover.com credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report. What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
Stephen A. Smith
I couldn't wait to have my next guest next to me in studio. You see him on, you've seen him on Broadway, in television, in film, How Stella Got Her Groove Back. All American. Okay, the best man. 1, 2. As far as I said 1, 2, and 3. Cause I know Peacock, but damn it is 1, 2, and 3. All right, the list goes on. Brown Sugar can't forget all of that. He's here to talk about some new projects he's involved in as well. The one and only Taye Diggs in the house. My brother. What an honor.
Taye Diggs
It's a pleasure.
Stephen A. Smith
How's everything going, man?
Taye Diggs
It's going well. I heard that you own all this and that makes me sound like that warms my heart, man. Really? Yes, yes. Now that we are coming up as a group and starting to take responsibility and ownership. Good for you, man.
Stephen A. Smith
I appreciate it, man. Thank you so much. But you know what? You ain't too damn shabby yourself. You're doing some big things. Talk to me about what you're about to do right now. I'm hearing something about a new talent competition series coming up. Talk about that for a second.
Taye Diggs
Yes, sir. Thank you. I've always loved watching American Idol and the Voice and America's Got Talent. I've always wanted to be a judge on one of these programs because I think I have what it takes to lend my talent and experience. Never been asked. And miraculously this opportunity presented itself. It's called Second Chance Stage and me and two other judges. We are blessed enough to watch all these people who have another opportunity at their big dream. So for whatever reason, they had to postpone whatever talents they were gifted and deal with life. Some people had to take care of sick family members or people that had died or they ran into money issues. So they had to postpone their dream. A dream deferred. We give them another chance. And the stories are amazing. You know, we get to judge them, we get to give them suggestions. But to hear the stories that these people have been through, it's quite emotional. And I'm very excited about the show.
Stephen A. Smith
What kind of a judge are you going to be? Because remember, you know, back in the day when they had American Idol and stuff like you see Simon Cowell and stuff like that, he just looking at people, you don't have it. I mean, you just don't have no chance whatsoever and stuff like that. What kind of judge are you gonna be?
Taye Diggs
I won't lie. I wanted to be that kind of judge, but I'm too emotional. I don't know if it's my age or the fact that I'm a father. I just, I hear these people's stories and it gives me a completely different perspective. So I'm far more empathetic than I thought I would be. I mean, I tell them like it is, but, you know, I can't help but be affected by what these people.
Stephen A. Smith
Have to say and what kind of stories. I mean, when you talk about being a storyteller and telling their stories because you're basically justifying the fact that they're getting a second chance essentially, right?
Taye Diggs
Yes, 100%.
Stephen A. Smith
These stories give us an idea of how compelling some of these stories are.
Taye Diggs
One, it's heartbreaking. There was this one woman who's a stand up comic, okay. And was. Everything was going her way. She was hitting other. And then her mother, I think she was hit with dementia.
Stephen A. Smith
Oh, gotcha.
Taye Diggs
So she had to completely pull out. And it's also just a testament to, you know, the quality of life that these people have where they put themselves second and they put their, you know, the people that are important to them first. So she, this comedian, she just, you know, stopped doing what she was doing and started living with her mother. And finally, once her mother was on the right track and she started to have those thoughts again, maybe I should give this another shot, right?
Stephen A. Smith
When would you. What's your most memorable second chance? All of us have received second chances in life in some point, in some capacity. When you think about yourself, Your life. What would you qualify as a second chance?
Taye Diggs
I was. I thought you stumped me just now. But my son. My son to me is the ultimate second chance. Because, you know, just living life with my first marriage and these relationships, I can see where I could have maybe stepped differently or, you know, acted a little bit more intelligently with my heart. And my son is that second chance. He's. He represents to me all of the good. So thank you for asking me that. That makes me look at that relationship in a different way.
Stephen A. Smith
Well, you can't just mention your son. I mean, that brother wants to shine. What's his name? How old is he? How old is he?
Taye Diggs
Daniel Diggs. He's a little Hooper, little point guard. He's, you know, we reclassed him so he could get bigger. You know, he's got his private, private coach, James, and, you know, training his muscles with rj. He's got a wiki. He's got a whole crew behind him.
Stephen A. Smith
That's actually gonna be very, very helpful. Because when you young and you doing it when you're young, they not only teach you how to build muscle, get strength and what have you, they also teach you about stuff you need to avoid. I walk around in my 50s now with chronic knee injuries. Cause I was playing on cement all of those years and stuff like that. You know, they guard you against that in this day and age. So I think that's very, very helpful. But getting back to you, I want you to take a moment to really reflect on all the work that you have done as you reflect on your career and what you've been able to achieve. How do you feel about where you are now and the road you had to travel to get here?
Taye Diggs
You're good, man. You're good. I feel. I feel good. It took me a minute because, you know, in my day and age, we grew up and it was like white Hollywood and black Hollywood. And for the longest time, we were taught black Hollywood wasn't enough. So I would be making it, but then I would. And I would be proud and I would have pride. But then it was always like, okay, I want to be like, I gotta cross over. Gotta cross over. And it wasn't until just recently where now I'm old enough to really appreciate young people coming up to me saying, you were in the classics. Like, I grew up watching my mother watch you, and now I'm watching you, and. And now I want to be an actor, or now I want to do this or that. But realizing that, you know, the work that We've done has an effect on people, and now I'm proud of that. You know, where it used to just be, let's climb, let's climb, let's climb until I'm good as they say I am. But now it's different. And I'm very, very proud. I'm very proud.
Stephen A. Smith
So you never took time to smell the roses until recently?
Taye Diggs
No. We were taught, you know, you know, just keep moving, you know, just, you know, my mom would say, and now I'm realizing other parents would tell their children this. You gotta be like, you gotta be five times as good as they are. And if you're trying to be five times as good, there's no time to smell the roses. You're too busy trying to be five times as good as the next person. So now I'm still on my hustle, but I'm not letting that pass. I'm appreciating. I'm listening to the compliments.
Stephen A. Smith
Did you ever take a moment to define or classify what exactly was five times better as you were on that grind? Because a lot of times I feel. I know in my life when I'm on that grind, just like you just finished talking about, you get lost. Because all of a sudden it's like, well, what's really success? I thought this was success, and then I achieved it. But I don't feel fulfilled. All I'm gonna go after this, but damn it, I got it. But it doesn't feel fulfilling. What is it? What. What did qualify as that?
Taye Diggs
5 times better for me. Another great question. For me, what I could control was. And I used to get fun of it. I used to get made fun of how I. How I presented myself. So my mother was a teacher, so I would listen to how she would speak. She made sure I was reading all the right books. I would watch how they would talk and interact with each other. So I had that. I had that down. No one was ever gonna come to me saying, you know, well, he doesn't really speak. I got made fun of. People just say I spoke white. But you put me in a room with white people, and they could have messed with me. You know what I mean? I knew. I held myself accordingly. And you know what I loved about my mother? She used, you know, prominent African Americans, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, you know, and she was like, you need to be like this. You need to be like these people. That is what is required of you. So once I got that under my belt, it was a trip with my identity, because the cats from the hood, they didn't really get it at the time. So there was always this disparity of, I'm like you, but you're not accepting me, but then you think I'm trying to be like them, but I'm trying to move us forward. There was a whole bunch of that, and it wasn't thanks to people like you, me seeing cats that, you know, are cool but then still articulate and, you know, growing up, it was. It was rough, but luckily the right people were in front of me. And, you know, I really feel like the universe, you know, kind of laid a path for me, that everything now is starting to make sense. And I can, you know, relay this to my son, and he gets it.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm thinking about what you just finished explaining and the pressure and what you do to really qualify. Just establishing yourself as one of the best, if not the best, having that peer pressure, trying to sort of pull you back and stuff like that. There's a lot of cats out there who wish they accomplished half of what you've accomplished, particularly in the act, you know, in the world of acting and what have you. I'm wondering, what advice would you give to them based on the experience that you've had to endure and ultimately overcome in order for them to have a chance at succeeding in today's day and world? Because times have changed so much over.
Taye Diggs
The last couple of decades, I would say keep your head down, keep moving. And I would say, listen to your inner voice and keep the energy, keep moving forward. Because a lot of people will stop me at a street corner, outside of an interview, whatever, and say, do you have any advice for someone? And I never asked anybody, and we didn't have time. We just moved forward. So part of me wants to say, if you're worried about what somebody else is going to tell you, your head's not in the right place. Keep moving. When you keep moving, you'll. You'll find yourself next to other people that. Where you can just watch them. You don't have to ask. You can just watch. Oh, I like how this cat's moving. I like how this cat. Who's this dude who's talking about sports? Listen to his vocabulary. Okay, I can speak like that. You know what I mean? But when people are sedentary, what's that mean when you don't.
Stephen A. Smith
Stationary, Stagnant. Yes.
Taye Diggs
Those are the ones that are like, well, what can I do? What can you do? You should be already doing it. You know what I mean? I like the cats that Are like, I see you at the top. I like them cats.
Stephen A. Smith
I don't like the cats that say, I'm gonna take your spot. See, now you ignorant. Now, I ain't doing a damn thing to help you because you trying to take my job. You ain't trying to join me. You trying to replace me. That's just a dumb thing to admit. Don't you. What did you say, Tay? What'd you say?
Taye Diggs
Hey, man, you know, I like that better than not moving at all.
Stephen A. Smith
That's fair. That's fair.
Taye Diggs
You know what I mean? I like that than not moving at all. At least you're moving. Cause, you know, energy will come back to you.
Stephen A. Smith
What's the best role you've played?
Taye Diggs
Oh, man, it's corn. If I'm like, ooh, father. You know what I had to play? I had to play. I had to dress in drag. Hedwig and the Angry Inch. There's this crazy play where I had to be in high heels and a wig and make. It was. I had to sing, I had to dance, I had to act. It was on Broadway. That was crazy. But then there's the best man. Just that crew. It's like going back to school.
Stephen A. Smith
Morris Chestnut, Terrence Howard, you know, Neil Long, Tania Lathan. I mean, Lord have mercy. I mean, it's just bringing back memories. It's just bringing back memories. How Stella Got her groove Back.
Taye Diggs
That was the first one.
Stephen A. Smith
I mean, that was with Angela Bassett. I mean, it was. We must acknowledge that was with Angela Bassett. You understand? What did that do for your career?
Taye Diggs
Oh, man. Well, I was right on schedule for me. That was like the universe telling me, all right, keep moving. You're on the right path. I learned so much from her and Whoopi, and I just knew to keep going, to keep going.
Stephen A. Smith
When you say you learned so much from them, what was it?
Taye Diggs
They acted like they belonged there. And this was. I wasn't used to that. You know what I mean? You know, we were raised, you know, not to say that they weren't polite, but when they were on set, you could tell it was their set. And, you know, it's tough coming up where you want to be polite and you want to make sure you're humble. You know, you read the Bible and you say, turn the other cheek, and you don't want to speak too loudly or come off rude. But you. You know, I saw at that early age that these were strong, black, prominent women who were to be taken very seriously. And that was that mental attitude.
Stephen A. Smith
It's Interesting that you bring that up, because obviously, I know Nia long a little bit. She's been absolutely wonderful to my daughter. I really, really treasure her. Angela Bassett is a legend in this business. And you would hear, like you just said, you know, they own the set, and, like, they didn't take any mess. They didn't play any. They didn't play any games. You weren't gonna bully them, push them around, anything like that. You hear the same thing about the Denzels of the world, the Morgan Freemans of the world. You hear stuff like that. I've even heard stuff like that about you. And I used to go like this. That mean the brother don't play that mean about his business. And you better be about your business, or it's gonna be a problem. All right? I mean, do you like having that reputation? Is this something that an actor or an actress is leery about? Because it could potentially affect your work. What about that?
Taye Diggs
It could. It could. Especially with women. You know what I mean? And then with black women, you know, there's this idea that, you know, when a woman is direct, that she is a B. You know what I mean? But it's slowly changing, and I love to see it. I love to see it. I love a strong woman.
Stephen A. Smith
Let's get back to the Best man, because it's one of my favorite movies of all time. I mean, my favorite. I don't mean to throw this at you. My favorite scene was when Morris Chestnut whipped your head.
Taye Diggs
Yeah.
Stephen A. Smith
You know what I'm saying? And the first one, right. And about to throw you over the damn balcony. Here's why it was my favorite scene, because Terrence Aleck comes up in there, and he goes like this. El Baby. L. Baby, you ain't gonna do that. Baby, you ain't gonna do that. You gonna marry a beautiful woman, a woman that loves you and only you. I mean, it was like, yo, that's really cute. I mean, that was my favorite character in the Best man, because he was. He said, comma, don't come back that strong. L. Oh, it's hilarious. It was hilarious. You know, that I love. I absolutely love that movie. How do you compare the three. The three best minutes?
Taye Diggs
Oh, three best minutes. Oh, man. They, they, they, they. It happens on its own. It really does. Once I get in the same room with them, we immediately just. It's like riding a bike. You know what I mean? And we. Those characters just come right back to us. And thank God the writing is such that, you know, we just have to say the words and show up and everything else kind of happens.
Stephen A. Smith
Is it true that the wonderful, nice, mild mannered Nia Long slapped the living hell out of you for real in that scene? Is that true?
Taye Diggs
It is so true. Yeah. That was a good lesson for me to. Yeah. A lesson to be learned now, just.
Stephen A. Smith
For everybody to notice. Try to interject, but that was after you got your ass kicked by Jamar's chestnut. Right. And then you were. Cause you were supposed to be getting Whitney that night, you understand? You were supposed to be cheating on Sanaa to get with Nia. And then after that, you came back to the house, but you were all beat up, and she was all in the mood, ready to go spraying, you know what I'm saying? And you just ruined everything. So she really slapped you.
Taye Diggs
She did. And it wasn't scripted.
Stephen A. Smith
Wow.
Taye Diggs
And, you know, I had just come out of drama school and I was just so, so, so offended that she would. She would not tell me ahead of time. But it was one of the best choices, one of the best choices that was made in that film, I think. Yeah. Sometimes you just gotta, you know, improvise and go with what you feel.
Stephen A. Smith
You brought up black women and you talked about the roles and the perceptions that they have and the stigmas they have to fight off and stuff like that. And I imagine working with your own people who look like you share your cultural identity, et cetera, et cetera, can be a huge plus. But some would say it's also a plus to work with folks who are very, very different because it forces you to display your range. Which brings me to All American.
Taye Diggs
Yes.
Stephen A. Smith
Okay. And I'm wondering, juxtaposing or comparing the two, being amongst the cast and crew with best man compared to All American, was there a distinct difference? Did it call for a different challenge for you?
Taye Diggs
Oh, sure, sure. I mean, it is what it is. You know, it's different when you're working with family than when you're working with people that are just nice. But it's always lending itself to improvement. You know what I mean? All American was great just because it was so diverse. It was so diverse. And a lot of what we were dealing with on the program, these were issues that people have to deal with in real life, having to do with diversity and race and, you know, identity, all of that. So it was a real. It was a real blessing.
Stephen A. Smith
Did you like being a football coach?
Taye Diggs
I did, I did. You know, I consider myself athletic, not an athlete.
Stephen A. Smith
Right.
Taye Diggs
My kid is an athlete.
Stephen A. Smith
Okay.
Taye Diggs
But I got to kind of Pretend. And when he was coming up, we would watch the show together and he would correct me in plays. It was awesome.
Stephen A. Smith
How did that assist you with your parenting of your kid who you say is an athlete?
Taye Diggs
Very, very much so. Just seeing how I was forced to watch other coaches and, you know, watch how we have a wonderful supporting cast that did stunts. And hearing those stories, my assistant, Troy. Troy Brookins played in the NFL, and he had to tell me, you know, how he was raised. So now I have just all these different people to draw from and apply that to parenting. Because as, you know, athletes, they're built different. You know what I mean? And I gotta treat him different. He's got a mind and he's hungry, right? So I gotta let that animal out. So I'm not. You know, there are times when I'm a little bit less disciplinary, and I let him get a little big on the court and. And let him kind of roar.
Stephen A. Smith
And. How old is he now?
Taye Diggs
15.
Stephen A. Smith
Okay, so he's not of age yet where he could drink alcohol and stuff like that.
Taye Diggs
No, no, no, no. But he shoulders me like, I can feel his weight. I can feel his weight. So when I'm in the kitchen and he's passing me refrigerator.
Stephen A. Smith
I was asking that question because I'm reading about some bourbon that you got right now, Sable. I mean, I was wondering about that. I mean, because, you know, you out there doing that thing, and Tay Diggs got some bourbon to. To. To market and promote people. Gonna take a sip of that. You know, that's what I'm asking. That's why I'm asking about it.
Taye Diggs
I appreciate that. Yes. Me, Harold Perno, Morris Chestnut, and Malcolm. Malcolm D. Lee. We ownership. We have this bourbon. Sable. Smooth brothers. Yeah, man.
Stephen A. Smith
Four smooth brothers owning a bourbon lady. What y'all trying to do, man, what y'all trying to do out there?
Taye Diggs
We're trying to explore, you know, stretch out. You know what I mean? Expand. So that's been fun.
Stephen A. Smith
I know that. And one of the other things that I wanted to bring up was something that you got going on with Anthony Anderson. Because, I mean, this is the whole. The real. The Fox is the real Full Monty. I need you to talk about that for a quick second, too, because, I mean, literally, there's no exaggeration. These people showing their ass. They showing their ass. I mean, explain. Explain this. Hey, Dig, what's going on with this?
Taye Diggs
It's all for a good cause, for cancer awareness. Me, Anthony Anderson, Tyler Posey. A bunch of people got together and we do a Dance that's choreographed where it's a striptease, but we're doing it to make people more aware and to hopefully convince folks to get out there and get tested for testicular and colon cancer. Great cause.
Stephen A. Smith
Great cause.
Taye Diggs
We need it. We need it.
Stephen A. Smith
The thing that really, you know, I remember when it was a scene, you know, in the Best man, when you had your shirt off and stuff like that, and Neil longs just looking at you like, lord have mercy. And I often wonder where people like yourself and others who are in Hollywood and in shape, you know, the male model, I call him Zoolander. That's more his chestnut. This is a true story. I'm at an event, right? And literally, this is the truth. Morris Chestnut, Michael Ealy, okay? Boris Kojo, Jesse Williams and me. Now, damn it. If there was ever a place that I found out of place, it was that I'm. Like. I said, you know, I said, y'all ain't shit, man. I look horrible compared to this crowd right here. I don't want to be around any of y'all right now.
Taye Diggs
No, you got that hype, man. Ladies be liking that hype.
Stephen A. Smith
Do y'all ever think about, I mean, being a sex symbol? Do the fellas pay attention to that? Do you like that? Does that make you more money in Hollywood?
Taye Diggs
I'm sure it does. I'm sure it does. But, you know, like I said, I was raised in the church, and we were always taught to be humble, don't think too highly of yourself. And, you know, I started out really scrawny and skinny and insecure, so I've had to build myself up. And then sometimes, you know, when you're really successful or when you're blessed enough to be successful, you wonder if you're even supposed to be there. So I've had to do the opposite and just, like, talk myself up and, yeah, I'm somebody. I deserve to be here. Does it deserve to be standing next to Boris Kojo?
Stephen A. Smith
Does it inspire you to be in the best physical condition possible? Is it the work? Is it the perception of how you're looked at? Is it the artistry? Or is it being a parent to an athlete?
Taye Diggs
It's that.
Stephen A. Smith
It's that.
Taye Diggs
It's that, yeah, my son inspires me. And now he's old enough to kind of poke me in my little midair six pack.
Stephen A. Smith
What's six pack, dad? Where did it go?
Taye Diggs
He said, so let me get this right. You work out so you can eat, right? And I said, yeah. He said, that's not the way to do it, Pops. I said leave me alone.
Stephen A. Smith
Exactly, exactly. Look, man, I couldn't let you leave out of here because without bringing up a list, because I've sort of put together my own list of the leading ladies that have worked with Taye Diggs and I sort of rated them in my favor. Would you mind if I did that in front of you? Would you mind if I did that.
Taye Diggs
In front of you?
Stephen A. Smith
All right, we gonna put it right up on the board right here. Give me number five on the list, please. That I got right there, please. Raja Manson, one of the elite actresses in the business. No question about it.
Taye Diggs
She's hilarious. Yes, she and Regina.
Stephen A. Smith
And phenomenal.
Taye Diggs
Yeah. Oh, yeah.
Stephen A. Smith
And phenomenal. Oh, you see that right there? Lisa Ray.
Taye Diggs
Okay, second movie.
Stephen A. Smith
I got it. But. But Lisa Ray was somebody now.
Taye Diggs
Oh, yes.
Stephen A. Smith
You understand the wood? You understand what I'm saying? I love the scene when Pops threatened you. He was sitting there when he walked up there. Because that's how I'm gonna be. That's how I'm gonna be. That's right. Now, Lisa Ray, she's something special, right?
Taye Diggs
She really is.
Stephen A. Smith
Okay, let me show you the next one right here. Please. Give it to me. Now, you see this one?
Taye Diggs
We gotta do another something together.
Stephen A. Smith
Here's the problem. How do you have the best man? Won the Best man holiday, it was two. And then the series on Peacock, an eight part series. And at no time did y'all get together.
Taye Diggs
How does that happen? Tank, that's the magic man. That's good writing. They keep you feeding for it.
Stephen A. Smith
They keep you feeling for it. That's a lot of feeding. That's a lot of feeling. Two movies in an eight part series. Oh, boy. Now, this is my.
Taye Diggs
I thought I was gonna marry her at one point in real life before I met her. You know what I mean?
Stephen A. Smith
Right? Yeah, she is special.
Taye Diggs
Yeah, they're all something else.
Stephen A. Smith
I've always been a Sanaa Lathan fan. She's a marvelous actress. She's a beautiful woman. Now, hey, no, that's number one. Okay, that's number one right there. That's number one.
Taye Diggs
Yeah.
Stephen A. Smith
Angela, she's in her 60s.
Taye Diggs
That's crazy.
Stephen A. Smith
She's in her 60s. That'S Courtney Vance, brother mine. Love him daily. I always shake his hand.
Taye Diggs
Man, you're a very, very, very. He knows it, too.
Stephen A. Smith
That was my order. I get it right there.
Taye Diggs
I get it.
Stephen A. Smith
You understand?
Taye Diggs
I get it.
Stephen A. Smith
It could fluctuate.
Taye Diggs
Islam, it's fluid, of course, because they are. I'm fluid, too.
Stephen A. Smith
Y'all, there we go. I feel you.
Taye Diggs
I feel you.
Stephen A. Smith
I hear you.
Taye Diggs
I understand that with them.
Stephen A. Smith
I understand. I understand. What's next for you?
Taye Diggs
Oh, man. Hopefully a second season for. For this second second chance stage. And Sable. Getting Sable out there, and we're producing. Producing a bunch of stuff, so.
Stephen A. Smith
So producing has become important to you as well?
Taye Diggs
Yes, 100%. Like creating ownership, Right? Yeah. I gotta get on that bus.
Stephen A. Smith
Do you feel like Hollywood has sort of opened the doors for those opportunities for African Americans in this country?
Taye Diggs
Right. I think we are kicking it down. You know what I mean? And slowly, you know, it's changing. It's changing. It's not gonna be pretty, though.
Stephen A. Smith
What could be done by those outside of Hollywood to assist in helping to.
Taye Diggs
Kick those doors, in getting on the same side, getting on the same team, putting your money back, you know, back into ourselves. You know what I mean? Ownership, like you said, making it so we don't have to ask permission. We can just show up, Oh, I bought this. This is mine.
Stephen A. Smith
Here we go.
Taye Diggs
We got it. You know what I'm saying? Billy Baker, my man.
Stephen A. Smith
You understand what I'm saying? Amongst other things, the one and only Tay Biggs in the house right here with Stephen, honor and the privilege talk to you. Proud of you. Proud of all the work that you've doing. You've been an incredible role model to so many, so many cats out there with the wonderful work that you've been doing throughout your illustrious career. And the thing about it for me is, as long as you've been around, I think you just getting started, man. I think big things are coming.
Taye Diggs
I hope so. There you go. I like to hear that.
Stephen A. Smith
There we go. Walk.
Taye Diggs
I like to hear that.
Stephen A. Smith
Work on your game, bro. Work on your game. Your pops, regardless of what you want to say, your pops already doing his thing. You got to do your thing, okay? Which I know you will, my man. All the best to you, one and only Taye Diggs in the house right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Geico's motorcycle expertise means I'm covered by.
Taye Diggs
People who know bikes like I do. I'm happy as a clam. Disclaimer. No conclusive scientific research has shown clams can experience happiness. It just meant that I feel really good about my coverage. I mean, even if you took the clam out for the best day ever, visiting the zoo, taking a scenic ride, knowing you're insured by Specialized, and sharing a strawberry ice cream cone together, the Clam would not feel happy, and your strawberry cone would taste. Sort of clammy. Geico's motorcycle specialists who know bikes like you do, assume no liability for clammy ice cream cones. Geico expertise for your motorcycle.
Greg Rosenthal
What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL Draft season season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you, with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
Episode Title: Interview Only: Actor Taye Diggs ready to show his body "Full Monty" style
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Guest: Taye Diggs
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
Stephen A. Smith enthusiastically welcomes Taye Diggs to the show, highlighting Diggs' impressive career spanning Broadway, television, and film. Smith references notable works such as "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "All American," and "The Best Man," emphasizing Diggs' versatility and impact in the entertainment industry.
Notable Quote:
Stephen A. Smith [01:02]: "The one and only Taye Diggs in the house. My brother. What an honor."
Taye Diggs discusses his new project, "Second Chance Stage," a talent competition series designed to give individuals another opportunity to pursue their dreams after life’s obstacles have set them back. The show features Diggs alongside two other judges who offer guidance and support to contestants with inspiring backstories.
Notable Quote:
Taye Diggs [01:57]: "We give them another chance. And the stories are amazing. You know, we get to judge them, we get to give them suggestions."
Smith inquires about Diggs' judging style, contrasting it with the more critical approach of judges like Simon Cowell from "American Idol." Diggs reveals his empathetic nature, attributing it to his life experiences and fatherhood, which allow him to connect deeply with contestants' stories.
Notable Quote:
Taye Diggs [03:20]: "I won't lie. I wanted to be that kind of judge, but I'm too emotional. I can't help but be affected by what these people have been through."
When prompted to share his own second chance, Diggs speaks poignantly about his son, Daniel, viewing him as the embodiment of a fresh start and a source of inspiration to live a better life.
Notable Quote:
Taye Diggs [04:57]: "My son is that second chance. He represents to me all of the good."
Diggs reflects on his career, discussing the challenges of navigating both black and mainstream Hollywood. He expresses pride in his contributions and the positive impact his work has on younger generations aspiring to enter the industry. Diggs emphasizes the importance of ownership and creating opportunities within the African American community.
Notable Quotes:
Taye Diggs [06:36]: "Everything now is starting to make sense. And I can, you know, relay this to my son, and he gets it."
Stephen A. Smith [08:11]: "What advice would you give to actors based on your experiences?"
Taye Diggs [08:45]: "Keep your head down, keep moving. Listen to your inner voice and keep moving forward."
Diggs reminisces about his roles in "The Best Man" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," highlighting memorable scenes and interactions with co-stars like Morris Chestnut and Nia Long. He shares an anecdote about an unscripted on-set moment where Nia Long physically slapped him, underscoring the authenticity of their performances.
Notable Quotes:
Stephen A. Smith [16:33]: "Is it true that Nia Long slapped the living hell out of you for real in that scene?"
Taye Diggs [17:12]: "Sometimes you just gotta improvise and go with what you feel."
Diggs discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, mentioning the launch of "Sable," a bourbon brand he co-owns with Morris Chestnut and Malcolm D. Lee. He emphasizes the importance of ownership and creating products that resonate with the community.
Notable Quotes:
Taye Diggs [21:07]: "We're trying to explore, you know, stretch out. Expand. So that's been fun."
Stephen A. Smith [27:00]: "What's next for you?"
Taye Diggs [27:20]: "Creating ownership, Right? I gotta get on that bus."
Comparing his experiences on "All American" and "The Best Man," Diggs highlights the diversity and real-life issues portrayed in "All American," such as race and identity, contrasting it with the camaraderie and humor of "The Best Man." He appreciates the different challenges and growth each project offers.
Notable Quote:
Taye Diggs [18:41]: "All American was great just because it was so diverse. It was so diverse."
Diggs talks about his 15-year-old son, Daniel, an aspiring point guard, and how his son's athletic pursuits inspire him. He shares insights into balancing discipline and allowing Daniel to express his athleticism fully, drawing parallels between coaching and parenting.
Notable Quote:
Taye Diggs [19:43]: "He's got a mind and he's hungry, right? So I gotta let that animal out."
The conversation shifts to the topic of being perceived as a sex symbol. Diggs reflects on his journey from insecurity to self-confidence, attributing his growth to his upbringing in the church and his commitment to humility. He acknowledges the benefits of this image in Hollywood while maintaining his grounded nature.
Notable Quotes:
Taye Diggs [23:20]: "I'm somebody. I deserve to be here."
Stephen A. Smith [24:09]: "Does it inspire you to be in the best physical condition possible?"
Taye Diggs [24:09]: "It's that, my son inspires me."
Looking ahead, Diggs expresses excitement for the potential second season of "Second Chance Stage," the expansion of "Sable" Bourbon, and his ongoing production endeavors. He speaks passionately about the importance of African Americans owning their projects to foster independence and representation in Hollywood.
Notable Quote:
Taye Diggs [27:40]: "We got it. You know what I'm saying? Billy Baker, my man."
Stephen A. Smith [27:56]: "What’s next for you?"
Taye Diggs [27:56]: "Producing a bunch of stuff, so."
Stephen A. Smith wraps up the interview by commending Diggs for his impactful career and role as a mentor to aspiring actors. He expresses confidence in Diggs’ continued success and contributions to the industry, offering words of encouragement and appreciation.
Notable Quotes:
Stephen A. Smith [27:56]: "You've been an incredible role model to so many cats out there with the wonderful work that you've been doing throughout your illustrious career."
Stephen A. Smith [28:19]: "All the best to you, one and only Taye Diggs in the house right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show."
Note: Timestamps correspond to the participants' dialogue within the transcript and provide context for the quoted sections.