·3 min read

10 THINGS with Omar Miller

RM: For some reason, people think you’re from Detroit but you were raised in California. Was acting the natural progression, being that you were already close to Hollywood?

OM: I’m not actually from Detroit, but I take it as a compliment whenever people think that, because it means they fully believed my character in “8 Mile.” Acting was never in the plans, so I wouldn’t call it a natural progression but instead, an absolute blessing that I stumbled upon it.

RM: Your resume accounts for a variety of roles, including Get Rich or Die Trying’, American Pie, Transformers and most notably 8 Mile. How much did you appreciate the diversity with your roles back in those days?

OM: I made my career on those diverse roles. I was very conscious of being typecast early on so I did everything I could to mix it up.

RM: With those various roles, you had the chance to play alongside some talented actors. Which actors are on your short list to work with today and why?

OM: Penelope Cruz, Gad Emaleh, Omar Sy, Michael Fassbender, Vincent Cassel, Gael Garcia Bernal, Will Smith, Cate Blanchett. I admire their films as well as the intensity and diversity of their collective body of work.

RM: In recent years, you were a series regular on CSI: Miami. We loved watching you in this role as an art theft specialist. What did you like about your character, Walter Simmons?

OM: I loved that Walter was a transfer from the night shift which allowed him to have his own approach and pace that was different from the rest of the crew. That job was a TREMENDOUS boost to my career. Shout out to Jerry Bruckheimer!

RM: You’ve been in this business for quite some time and the longevity in itself isn’t an east task to continue. What challenges have you had to face as actor over the years?

OM: Finding ways to fill all of the free time yet maintain the mindset necessary to succeed as an actor is incredibly difficult. You really have to be open-minded and interested in personal growth.

RM: Have you had the chance to work on any projects that you were passionate about, whether independent or otherwise?

OM: Yes, “Miracle At St. Anna” was my passion project. Loved it then and still do now. Spike (Lee) really let me get loose on that one.

RM: If you weren’t an actor, what career path would you take?

OM: I would be an international import/export expert of some sort. I love to travel and explore the word so I’d be on the move doing something interesting I’m sure.

RM: When you’re not on set, what do you enjoy doing for relaxation?

OM: Traveling and watching sports.