The Stephen A. Smith Show: Interview with Terry Crews – From NFL to Hollywood Stardom

Release Date: October 27, 2024

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith, alongside Greg Rosenthal, engages in an in-depth conversation with the multi-talented Terry Crews. Spanning Terry's journey from a formidable NFL player to a beloved Hollywood star and comedic icon, the interview delves into his personal transformations, career choices, and insights into the current landscape of comedy and sports.

1. Physical Transformation and Health Journey

[02:13] Greg Rosenthal opens the discussion by highlighting Terry Crews' notable physical changes, observing his slimmer appearance compared to previous years. Terry confirms this transformation, revealing, “Yeah. You know, I'm 56, man. And you know, it's dangerous trying to stay big and old at the same time” (02:29). He elaborates on his commitment to maintaining a healthy weight, stating, “Oh, probably about 15. 15. I mean, at my best, like, at my Friday after next days, I was like, 260” (02:40). Terry emphasizes the importance of health and fitness, sharing his current weight range of 235 to 238 pounds and discussing the challenges of staying fit as he ages.

2. Transition from NFL to Acting and Comedy

Terry reflects on his career shift from the NFL to Hollywood, explaining his initial desire to become a movie star. However, his wife advised him on the stability of television over film: “If you get on TV, you can come into people's homes and you guaranteed a career” (06:34). This advice led Terry to embrace his natural comedic side, a trait he honed during his seven years in the NFL locker room. He shares, “I was a clown in school. I had so much fun making people laugh” (03:33), highlighting how comedy became his pathway to distinguishing himself in the entertainment industry.

3. "Everybody Hates Chris" and Its Animated Revival

Terry discusses his pivotal role in the acclaimed series "Everybody Hates Chris", portraying Chris Rock's father, Julius. He expresses immense pride in the show, stating, “Believe me, man, it was a mission that I felt like it's one of the greatest things I've ever been given” (06:34). The conversation shifts to the new animated iteration, "Everybody Still Hates Chris", where Terry voices the character instead of appearing on screen. He shares his enthusiasm for animation, mentioning past projects like "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and his love for the medium: “I love animation” (08:05). Terry anticipates the show's success, hoping it brings laughter and resonates with audiences similarly to its live-action predecessor.

4. Memoir: "Tough My Journey to True Power"

Greg Rosenthal inquires about Terry's 2022 memoir, prompting Terry to reveal the motivations behind sharing his personal story. He recounts his childhood struggles and the absence of male role models addressing manhood: “Nobody was telling us what's going on” (09:52). Terry emphasizes his aim to guide young individuals through his experiences, stating, “This is my viewpoint. And if it helps you, because I told it, thank God, because no one was telling me” (11:24). He discusses the vulnerability and discomfort that came with dismantling his public image to reveal his true self: “It was about becoming one person. It was about becoming whole” (12:11). Terry underscores the importance of authenticity and transparency in overcoming personal and societal challenges.

5. Perspectives on Modern Comedy

The interview delves into Terry's observations on the current state of comedy. He expresses concern over the increasing sensitivity and fear of backlash, noting, “It's very, very, it's, it's, it's on its last leg in a lot of ways because people are scared to do comedy” (15:59). Terry laments how easily comedians can be "canceled" and how this climate has led some to abandon the craft: “A lot of comedians have actually quit the business” (15:59). He praises the new animated project for its ability to push comedic boundaries without the same level of scrutiny faced in live-action formats: “We can do things that we couldn't do in live action, that we can do in animation” (16:32). Terry remains optimistic, believing that projects like "Everybody Still Hates Chris" can rejuvenate the comedic landscape by embracing edgier humor.

6. Insights into the NFL and Favorite Players

Transitioning to sports, Terry shares his views on the NFL, clarifying his stance as a fan of individual players rather than teams: “I'm not a team fan. I'm a fan of players” (18:10). He highlights standout players like Miles Garrett and Tyreek Hill, praising their talents and impact on the game: “Miles Garrett is my favorite player in the league. He's a beast” (18:17). Terry also addresses concerns regarding player health, specifically discussing Tua Tagovailoa's potential return to the field: “I don't think he should come back, because right now, just a love tap, he's. It could put him out” (19:54). He emphasizes the importance of preserving players' well-being over their careers, advocating for life beyond football: “There's much more to life than this” (20:53).

7. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

In the latter part of the interview, Terry touches on his latest project, "Killer's Game", an action-comedy alongside Dave Bautista. He describes the character "Love Doll" and the film’s homage to 70s black exploitation movies: “Love Doll is living in the 70s, all right? He's like a black exploitation movie come to life” (21:09). Terry conveys his excitement about blending action with comedy, highlighting the creative freedom animation provides: “I have all my favorite players that been doing their thing” (17:18). The discussion underscores Terry's continuous drive to explore diverse roles and mediums, ensuring his work remains fresh and impactful.

8. Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks

As the interview concludes, Greg and Terry exchange heartfelt messages. Greg commends Terry for his authenticity and dedication, while Terry expresses gratitude and encouragement: “Thank you, Stephen. You're the best, man” (22:11). The conversation wraps up with a mutual appreciation for each other’s endeavors, reinforcing the strong bonds within the entertainment and sports communities.

Conclusion

Terry Crews' interview on The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a profound look into his multifaceted career and personal growth. From his disciplined approach to fitness and his strategic transition from the NFL to Hollywood, to his heartfelt revelations in his memoir and his unwavering commitment to comedy, Terry exemplifies resilience and authenticity. His insights into the challenges facing modern comedy and his thoughtful perspectives on player welfare in the NFL further enrich the conversation. This episode not only celebrates Terry Crews' achievements but also inspires listeners to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.

Notable Quotes:

• “If me being this big dude who can make people laugh is gonna set me apart from everybody else, then that's the route I'm going to take.” – Terry Crews [03:33]

• “No, I'm not. What?” – Terry Crews [01:22] (Demonstrates Terry's humorous interaction)

• “This is my mission that I have in my life is to make people laugh and enjoy themselves.” – Terry Crews [06:12]

• “I have to tear that image down. Because this is the thing, the image, as long as it keeps going, I inside. This is why you see football player, you know, athletes, entertainers, they turn around and all of a sudden their lives are a mess.” – Terry Crews [12:11]

• “Laughter is the thing. You have to laugh to keep from crying.” – Terry Crews [04:57]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Terry Crews' candid and inspiring dialogue on The Stephen A. Smith Show, offering listeners a meaningful exploration of his life's journey and professional ethos.