I don't believe in typecasting. Just because all my characters may come from the other side of the tracks doesn't mean they are all the same. You don't stereotype people and generalize people, everyone's different.

You have to put your character to rest after x amount of years.

Ending a television character that you've been, especially someone like Omar Little, it hurts. For me, it's a huge thing. You feel like a part of you is gone.

Writers will see your work and want to try you in different things but I think you have to stay true to your vehicle. We all have a vehicle. Whether it's a thug, or a school child or the babyface or the sex siren or the video vin, whatever it is ride that until the wheels fall off and eventually, if you build your foundation then you can branch off.

My thing is to gain the respect as an actor, as a professional, and the friendship and everything else will happen from there.

You know, my childhood was pretty colorful; I like to use the word turbulent.

My job is to bring to life the character, not to put the words on the paper.