Interview: Mykelti Williamson Says 'It's An Honor' to Star in New FENCES Film

The inspiration behind the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company says he's never actually eaten there.

Mykelti Williamson, the actor who played Forrest Gump's best friend Bubba in the 1994 Academy Award-winning film, admits he's never been to the restaurant featuring his character's name, despite performing only a few blocks away from its Times Square location.

"I tend to go away from the crowds when I get a chance to be around my family," the 59-year-old explained. "I am either at work or at home, and that's how I live my life."

For right now, Williamson's life is focused on his latest film, "Fences," opening Christmas Day. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama from legendary playwright August Wilson, which takes place in Pittsburgh during the 1950s, originally premiered on Broadway in 1987.

"Fences" is written as part of Wilson's 10-part "Pittsburgh Cycle" and was directed by Denzel Washington, who also stars in the film. "[Wilson] is a grandmaster," Williamson said. "I use a martial arts term because that's what I am familiar with. I see Denzel on his way to grandmaster."

Williamson plays Gabriel, brother of Troy (Washington), who suffers from brain damage and is reduced to a childlike demeanor. The San Francisco Chronicle called his performance, "simply and specifically, and it's beautiful." Williamson wouldn't know

because he doesn't read the reviews.

"My family collects [the clippings] but they don't discuss it with me. For me, I just hope I haven't been dishonorable to legacy of August Wilson."

Williamson has had nearly six years to hone his performance for a part he said is "an honor" to play. He and "Fences" cast, which also includes Viola Davis, revisited their

roles for the silver screen after starring in the the 2010 Broadway revival that ran for 13 previews and 88 performances at the Cort Theater. Williamson said he thought his stage audition for Washington and Kenny Leon, who directed 'Hairspray Live!,' went terribly.

"For some reason, I was distracted a couple of times and was pulled out of the scene. That bothered me."

But after sulking all weekend, the phone rang with good news.

"I was in bed Friday afternoon, Friday night, Saturday afternoon. I was told Saturday night by my agent it wasn't as bad as I thought. They wanted to do the deal."

Once rehearsals started, Williamson learned the production was headed for Hollywood. "Out of respect for August [Wilson] and the piece, you can't just go to camera. You have to live this thing from the inside out. And the best way to do that is to take it back home to Broadway. So [Washington] took it to Broadway [and] the biggest stage on the earth."

After appearing in 300 movies and TV shows, the veteran actor said he may soon call it quits. Williamson's part of the ensemble nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for "Fences," but for him, that's not enough.

He says he has other offers on the table where he can make a difference in people's lives.

"I felt like I helped people make good projects, but I don't know how much I've helped the public at large," he said. "For me, that's what I wanted to do with my art -- benefit someone else, not just make a dollar."

Williamson said he hopes his role as Gabriel will resonate with audiences as much as Bubba did. "I hope we can touch as many people as we touched with 'Forrest Gump,'" he said.

Photo credit: Denise Cubbins