The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Conversation with Laurence Fishburne on "Sneaks," Career Insights, and Personal Discoveries

Release Date: April 17, 2025

In this captivating episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, renowned sports commentator and host Stephen A. Smith engages in a profound conversation with the illustrious actor and producer Laurence Fishburne. The discussion spans a range of topics, including Fishburne's latest animated venture, reflections on his illustrious career, personal revelations from a recent PBS appearance, and insights into his role in the spy thriller "The Amateur." This summary delves into the key points, noteworthy discussions, and insightful conclusions drawn from their interaction.

1. Introduction to Laurence Fishburne and "Sneaks"

Stephen A. Smith opens the conversation by lauding Fishburne's exceptional acting prowess, referencing his memorable roles in classics like "What's Love Got to Do with It," "The Matrix," and his recent work on ABC's "Blackish." He expresses genuine admiration, stating:

"He's one of the greatest actors in American history as far as I'm concerned. And it is an honor and a privilege to have him back." ([00:55])

Transitioning to Fishburne’s latest project, Smith inquires about "Sneaks," an animated sports comedy that Fishburne is producing.

2. Deep Dive into "Sneaks"

Laurence Fishburne provides an engaging overview of "Sneaks," describing it as an animated adventure centered around a pair of sneakers that come to life. The narrative follows 24s, a brother and sister sneaker duo who become separated after being raffled off at a gala in the Guggenheim Museum, New York. Fishburne elaborates:

"It's a really funny buddy movie about these two sneakers, an old head, an old school sneaker and a brand new sneaker who's like the hotness that everybody wants. And an odyssey of them trying to get back to each other throughout New York City." ([02:07])

He highlights the star-studded voice cast, including Martin Lawrence, Anthony Mackie, Macy Gray, Chloe Bailey, Ella May, Quavo, Rico Rodriguez, and Chris Paul (CP3), underscoring the film's dynamic appeal.

Smith marvels at the ensemble, remarking:

"You just gave a couple of Martin Lawrence, you know, Anthony Mackey. Macy Gray's in there, Chloe Bailey's there, Ella May is there, Quavo, Rico Rodriguez, even the one and only CP3. That was a great pickup, no question." ([02:56])

Fishburne discusses his role as a producer, crediting Helen Suland of Cinema Gypsy for bringing the project to him:

"My partner and I, Helen Suland at Cinema Gypsy, she brought the piece to me and, and, and she really believed in it." ([03:19])

3. Laurence Fishburne's Passion for Animation

When probed about his love for animation, Fishburne reflects on his inspirations and the allure of voice acting:

"There's one actor in particular who is probably one of the greatest voice actors of all time, and that was the late, great Mel Blanc. ... Just as an actor, he had a kind of skill and versatility that I always aspired to." ([04:53])

He emphasizes the joy of creating characters through voice and collaborating with talented artists, highlighting the unique creative process that animation offers.

4. Reflecting on a Remarkable Career

Stephen A. Smith shifts the conversation to Fishburne's extensive career, posing a thoughtful question about unfulfilled aspirations:

"If you had to really, really sit down and think about anything that you wish you would have done, something that might be on your bucket list, something that you missed out on, I can't imagine that you haven't done, because it seems like you've done every damn thing." ([05:46])

Fishburne responds with humility, expressing a forward-looking mindset:

"I try not to dwell on things that I haven't done. ... It's much healthier to look forward and try to, you know, get to do some of those things or do a version of those things, you know, perhaps you missed." ([06:14])

He acknowledges the importance of continued growth and pursuing new endeavors without being anchored by past regrets.

5. Personal Revelations from "Finding Your Roots"

The conversation takes a personal turn as Smith brings up Fishburne's recent appearance on PBS's "Finding Your Roots." He inquires about the experience and its impact on Fishburne's understanding of his heritage:

"I understand it was very, very revealing as it pertained to you. You like talking about that for a second? Tell me." ([07:26])

Fishburne opens up about discovering his biological father, William Siegel Bohannon, who passed away in 2017, and the newfound extended family members he connected with:

"It's a huge gift because I have a whole new family. I have siblings I did not know I had and other people in my lineage that I did not know about." ([07:52])

He reflects on the broader cultural context, noting the complexities of family histories, especially within communities of color:

"The history of our families and our family history is as complicated [as] this country." ([09:14])

This revelation has provided Fishburne with a profound sense of connection and belonging, enriching his personal narrative.

6. Insight into "The Amateur"

Shifting back to professional pursuits, Smith discusses Fishburne's role in the spy thriller "The Amateur," co-starring Rami Malek. Fishburne outlines the film's premise:

"Rami Malek plays a CIA analyst whose wife gets killed in a hostage type situation. He wants to seek vengeance. ... So they have me as a colonel who comes in to train him." ([10:32])

He praises Malek's talent and their collaborative dynamic:

"Rami Malek... he's so talented. He's... he's so interesting and so smart, and he's one of the producers." ([10:32])

Fishburne expresses confidence in the film's reception, highlighting its strong narrative and character development.

7. Closing Remarks and Promotion

As the interview concludes, Stephen A. Smith extends his gratitude, emphasizing Fishburne's contributions to cinema and culture:

"I'm a huge fan, as I have been for decades with your wonderful work, man. It's an honor and a privilege to talk to you." ([11:19])

He promotes both "Sneaks" and "The Amateur," encouraging listeners to support Fishburne's projects:

"Sneaks is in theaters nationwide April 18, and the amateur is out now, as we just heard us say. So be sure to check out both of them, please." ([11:39])

Smith concludes with heartfelt appreciation:

"Why wouldn't you? Why wouldn't you? I ain't even bring up Mission Impossible 3 cuz that brother was good in that movie. Great in that movie. You know, I always watch Lawrence Fishburne movies. I'm just letting y'all know I ain't faking the funk. That brother's real. He's something special." ([11:41])

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers an intimate glimpse into Laurence Fishburne's multifaceted career and personal journey. From the creative intricacies of producing an animated film like "Sneaks," to profound personal discoveries featured on "Finding Your Roots," Fishburne shares candid reflections that resonate with both fans and aspiring artists. His insights into animation, dedication to storytelling, and unwavering commitment to his craft underscore why he remains a revered figure in the entertainment industry. Listeners are left inspired by Fishburne's blend of professionalism and personal authenticity, eagerly anticipating his forthcoming projects.