Actor Terry Crews has been in the game for years. Turning up screens big and small with starring roles in long running shows like Everybody Hates Chris and other epicly hilarious roles in movies like Friday After Next, White Chicks and Norbit. His muscular style of comic relief sets him apart and has also landed him commercial work as “The Old Spice Guy.” It was an honor to be able to talk to actor Terry Crews about his recent voice work in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. He is the voice of a wonderful animated character named Earl Devereaux.
BMWK: Mr Crews, we really just loved you as Earl Devereaux in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. I think that you did an awesome job of picking up the role where Mr. T left off. Was that a hard thing to do and how were you able to make Earl Devereaux your own?
Terry Crews: I really enjoyed playing Earl Devereaux. I am also a big fan of Mr. T. I mean I used to eat the Mr. T cereal and everything! I really wanted to pay homage to him but I gave it a Terry Crews spin. When I took on the role, the directors let me know up front to take the character and really make him my own. What I love most about “Earl” is that he is a Black animated character who has a strong relationship with his son. It made me feel good to be able to play this character who loves his son so much. Everything you see from Earl Devereaux is Terry Crews.
BMWK: At Black And Married with Kids we cover topics that relate to Marriage and the Black Family, do you mind if I ask you some questions that relate to your marriage and family life?
Terry Crews: Please do!
BMWK: Do you feel that being married has enhanced your acting career and if so how?
Terry Crews: Yes being married has definitely enhanced my career. I give all homage to my wife, Rebecca. Without her there is no Terry Crews. I would not be here if it weren’t for my wife and I am nothing without her. She always knew that it was my dream to become an actor. When I got tired of playing football she was the one who encouraged me to move out to LA to follow my dreams. She is my partner and my greatest asset.
BMWK: You have been married for 20+ years?
Terry Crews: Yes my wife and I celebrated 24 years in July.
BMWK: Congratulations, its awesome to see examples of strong Black marriages.This is a rare occurrence in the entertainment industry. As a celebrity how do you stay strong and keep it all together?
Terry Crews: I am not a celebrity at home. At home I am daddy and husband. Acting is my job. I leave work at work and when I am home I am all about my family. My kids don’t care about my celebrity.
BMWK: As an actor, how do you also balance being a father and husband?
Terry Crews: With acting I really have lots of free time and I spend all of that time with my family. when you see me, if I am not working then I’m with my family. They are my entourage. This is how I balance.
BMWK: That’s cool. A lot of times when a man wants to relax he hangs with the fellas.
Terry Crews: I am not interested in hanging out with the fellas, the way I relax is at home. I’d rather relax with my kids and especially with my wife when the kids leave.
(laughs)
It was very apparent from this brief interview that Mr. Crews places a very large value on his marriage and his family. He credits his wife and kids with getting him to where he needs to be in life. I don’t think that there is any better testimony than that. Kudos to Mr. Crews on his successful marriage and career. Check him out as the voice of Officer Earl Devereaux in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.
BMWK – We’ve always loved Terry Crews, but after talking to him about his life and marriage, we love him even more. What’s your favorite Terry Crews role or movie?