Michael Jai White is one of those actors who can always find work. In one of his latest films, Tactical Force, due out on DVD on Aug. 9, he joins the Los Angeles SWAT team. White chats with rolling out and dishes on his latest film projects, family and friendships with Steve Austin and Tyler Perry. –yvette caslin
Tell us about Tactical Force.
In it, I play the role of Officer Hunt, who’s second in command. It was a really fun role. There is a certain element that I know about people in law enforcement — a lot of them are big kids. We wanted to expound on that and explore the dry humor and playfulness that exist among officers.
What was it like working with Steve Austin who plays Officer Tate?
My character judgment has always served me well. From the moment I met Steve, well even before I met him, I liked him. I saw him on an episode of “Punk’d.” We met backstage at a bodybuilding contest. He presents himself like such a man’s man. Nowadays, there are not a lot of men left, Steve Austin is a man. He exhibits so much patience and class. It wasn’t surprising that we had so many friends in common. For some people it doesn’t take you long to see who they are and from that moment, I had a sense that I really wanted to work with this guy. He’s the biggest reason that I opted to do Tactical Force. I would like to do a western with him in the future. He has a sense of humor that people haven’t seen yet.
You showcased your martial arts skills in the film. When did you start practicing?
Yes, I am a lifelong martial artist. It’s a part of who I am. I got into it when I was 8 years old and since then I have done several styles. I went from achieving a black belt in one style and a white belt in another.
Have you introduced it to your kids?
Yes. It’s a little rough on my sons. They don’t want to compete with me [laughs]. My daughter has been kicking since she was a 1-year-old.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am headed to Detroit to film Elmore Leonard’s Freaky Deaky. We’ve recently finished taping 10 episodes for Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse” pilot.
How is it working with Tyler Perry?
It is great when you work with your friends and I consider him a friend. He has enhanced the lives of a lot of people, with so many millions of dollars that people don’t understand. It goes beyond entertainment.
When you go on location, what are three items that you must pack?
I always take my boxing gloves with me because I always find boxing gyms when I travel. You can’t trust the community gloves, for reasons like staph infection. I definitely have to take my computer because I have to Skype with my 2-year-old daughter every day. I take a 12-foot extension cord and power strip with me because there are never enough outlets in hotel rooms. Otherwise, your computer and phone, when charging, never reach the bed.
What is the last song that you downloaded on your playlist?
Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star.“ It’s a single that I reconnected with. Sometimes a record resonates in your adulthood more than when you first heard it because it’s more poignant and it means more. I have been playing it back-to-back.
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