Entertainment
10 Reasons 'Fruitvale's Michael B. Jordan Should Be Your New Favorite Actor
It's safe to say Michael B. Jordan is having the year of his life. The Fruitvale Station actor is winning raves for his role in the film, with critics hailing him as the breakout star of 2013. Chances are, if you don't know who he is, you will soon enough. Here are 10 reasons why he's one to watch.
Why You Should Remember Michael B. Jordan's Name
It's safe to say Michael B. Jordan is having the year of his life. The Fruitvale Station actor is winning raves for his role in the film, with critics hailing him as the breakout star of 2013. Chances are, if you don't know who he is, you will soon enough. Here are 10 reasons why he's one to watch.
1. He's riveting in 'Fruitvale Station'
As Oscar Grant, the real-life Bay Area man whose untimely death ignited enormous controversy in 2008, Jordan is astonishing. He inhabits Grant's character so fully that it's impossible not to feel heartbreak and outrage when the inevitable murder occurs at the end of the film. It's a stand-out performance, and hopefully, it will allow Jordan to gain notice from Hollywood. [Image: The Weinstein Company]
2. He was Wallace on 'The Wire'
Jordan's character on HBO's acclaimed series The Wire may only have (spoiler alert) appeared in one season, but the actor's portrayal of Wallace, a teenage drug dealer, left a hugely memorable impression on viewers and critics. [Image: HBO]
3. And Vince on 'Friday Night Lights'
In the fourth season of Friday Night Lights, Coach Taylor found himself without his beloved Dillon Panthers, and instead struggled to lead the lesser East Dillon Lions. Jordan starred as Vince Howard, a delinquent student who joined the team in order to evade jail. Over the show's final two seasons, Vince became one of the series' most beloved stars, thanks in large part to Jordan's portrayal. [Image: NBC]
4. He made 'Parenthood' a truly great series
In season 2 of Parenthood, the naive, spoiled Haddie met Alex (Jordan), a recovering alcoholic estranged from his family. Much to the chagrin of Haddie's parents, they began a relationship. This storyline could easily have delved into cliche, but because of Jordan's nuanced performance, Alex and Haddie's romance contained a maturity not often seen in TV's teen relationships. [Image: NBC]
5. He spent three years on 'All My Children'
From 2003 to 2006, Jordan starred as Reggie Porter, a troubled teen who appeared in 52 episodes of the long-lived series. However, due to lack of airtime, he was released from his contract. It looks like that worked out for the best. [Image: ABC]
6. He helped make 'Chronicle' a surprise blockbuster
Jordan played Steve, one of the leads in Chronicle, a 2012 sci-fi film that surpassed all expectations and made $126 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and has a sequel in the works. [Image: 20th Century Fox]
7. He was a child model
When Jordan was a kid, he booked jobs modeling for CVS, Modell's Sporting Goods, and Toys 'R' Us. Unfortunately, we can't find any pictures floating around the web, but we bet they're adorable. Now, it seems Jordan's more focused on acting, but if he ever wants to revive his modeling career, he can count on us for support.
8. His next two movies look really, really good
In 2014, we'll be treated to two movies featuring Jordan, and happily, they both look promising. The first, Are We Officially Dating? co-stars Zac Efron and Miles Teller, and seems like a young-guy Hangover. The second, Pretenders, has less information available, but seeing as it also stars Anton Yelchin and David Schwimmer, we're excited.
9. He's tired of playing the 'troubled black kid'
In a recent interview with New York Magazine, Jordan talked about how he's frequently typecast, saying, "unfortunately, you’ve got to play the game and play the roles that are written for, they say, the black guy. But I had to go through those necessary steps to get to where I am, to get to do things that are more unconventional.” Well said. [Image: 20th Century Fox]
10. And he's ready to change things up
While nothing's been confirmed, it's been rumored that Jordan is set to play the Human Torch in Ryan Coogler's Fantastic Four reboot. This would be a huge step for black actors in Hollywood, as the superhero is described as white and blue-eyed in the comic books. When asked about the film by New York, Jordan said, “If the opportunity came up, why would I say no? Why would I be like, ‘No, I’m black, guys. I can’t play that’?" [20th Century Fox]
