In 'The Hate U Give,' I play Big Mav', who was incarcerated for a number of years and is raising three children. He was a gang member but reformed himself, and he's trying to empower his children, help them understand the best way to keep out of trouble.

Russell Hornsby

Some people build fences to keep people out; some people build fences to keep people in.

Russell Hornsby

My philosophy is to live below your means.

Russell Hornsby

In 'The Hate U Give,' I play Big Mav', who was incarcerated for a number of years and is raising three children. He was a gang member but reformed himself, and he's trying to empower his children, help them understand the best way to keep out of trouble.

Russell Hornsby

The thing is, about a character, it's not about being right, it's about the truth. The truth comes from within, so you have to search as an artist for the truth.

Russell Hornsby

Kids - black kids - are forced to grow up too soon.

Russell Hornsby

I wanted to represent the brothas I have seen when I go to the rhythm section of Oakland, hearing brothas speak and tell me about their journeys. Men who have been to prison and found themselves, brothas who have made mistakes but are loving their wives and children, trying to protect them and educate them. These men do exist.

Russell Hornsby

We are not apathetic in this country.

Russell Hornsby

What's fun about doing a series is you get to take some time to create the character.

Russell Hornsby

I subscribe to the slow nickel theory. You take a little bit at a time. You always make better of what you have when you don't have best.

Russell Hornsby

I mean, of course, I love sci-fi and stuff like that, but I'm not, like, a comic book crazy guy.

Russell Hornsby

In a lot of work places, you work at a lot of jobs and people work more with their colleagues than with their family.

Russell Hornsby

As an actor, we spend so much putting the mask on and trying to be someone you're not.

Russell Hornsby

At the end of the day, you have to find the humanity in you in each character.

Russell Hornsby

There is so much stimuli coming at young people, you don't even have time to grieve before something new happens. We are desensitized to the issues.

Russell Hornsby

As a black man, so often you grow up suppressing your emotions and sensitivity.

Russell Hornsby

These are human issues. These are human stories. I think that's why 'Fences' has been able to resonate and been able to hit so many people over the years because it is just that. You can't run away from the racial specifics of it, but that's just a part of it.

Russell Hornsby

It is a distinct and an honor to work with the august Regina King. I would call her Queen King. This woman is one of our treasures. She's an actor's actor. She has craft to burn. She's a craftsman who knows what she is doing, and she's got soul.

Russell Hornsby

Acting is a privilege, and I'm exceedingly blessed to be able to do what I do. At the end of the day, it's all entertainment.

Russell Hornsby

I'm an actor of the theater.

Russell Hornsby

I want authenticity. And rarely do actors - more specifically, black actors - get a chance to be authentic on film and television.

Russell Hornsby