Former pro football player Terry Crews
shines on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’

By Sandra Varner

Inspired by the childhood experiences of comedian/ actor Chris Rock, the popular and successful weekly television sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” airs on the CW Network on Sundays at 8 p.m. Terry Crews plays the role of “Julius,” Chris’ father. The character is a rugged, costconscious father who works multiple jobs to support the family.
   A former pro football player for the L.A. Rams, San Diego Chargers and the Washington Redskins, Crews has an active television and film career. He appeared alongside Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and Burt Reynolds in The Longest Yard, and he had roles in Norbit, in which he starred opposite Eddie Murphy, Idiocracy, White Chicks, Baadasssss!, Malibu’s Most Wanted and Friday After Next.
    On television, Crews gueststarred in “Platinum,” as well as “CSI: Miami” and “The District.”
    On an art scholarship, Crews attended the Interlochen Art Academy and Western Michigan University, with plans to become a special effects artist in Hollywood. However, during his freshman year, he walked onto the football team. He went on to play All Mid-American Conference defensive end, highlighted by winning the Mid-American Conference championship in 1988.
    Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Crews lives in Los Angeles with his wife of 17 years and their five children.
    Recently, Crews sat down for an exclusive Q&A:
Varner: What’s most rewarding about working on “Everybody Hates Chris”?
Crews: “The positive impact of being one of the few African American fathers on television; it is a small circle that includes such great talent as Bill Cosby, John Amos and Damon Wayans.”
Varner: Please share a comedic memory that has occurred while shooting the show.
Crews: “We laugh all the time. One of the biggest jokes is the fact that Julius can sleep through anything. For a scene, they put me in a bed, pretended the house was on fire and turned a water hose on me full blast while I slept. The cast and crew shared the biggest laugh I can remember when we shot that scene.”
Varner: How do you define your faith and where does it come from?
Crews: “I am a born-again Christian who realized a long time ago that all my blessings come from above. When you see the affects of sin your whole life, my faith in Jesus lets me know these consequences no longer apply. I can live free.”
Varner: You had a pro football career. How and why did you make the career transition to acting?
Crews: “I was an art major in college and always thought I’d be a special effects artist. I tried my hand at producing an independent film when I was playing football, and I was hit with the Hollywood bug. I moved to L.A. and starved. I was doing security on the movie set when a friend of mine invited me to my first audition. I got the role and haven’t looked back.”
Varner: Describe the challenges of fatherhood and balancing your career and parenting.
Crews: “There is never enough time in the day. I try my best to make sure my time with my kids is of high quality. The key word is balance. Too much work and you can lose your kids. Too much free time with the kids and you can lose your house. Kids need to see you go to work, but they also need to see you come home.”