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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 12 > Entry
Film’s seeking recruit to play Heisman barrier-breaker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Possibly working off of the mojo generated by the filming of “We Are Marshall” here last year, casting directors are coming to Atlanta on Monday, seeking a young football-playing actor to portray Ernest Davis, the first African-American football player to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
“It’s a bit of a narrow field,” casting director Mark Fincannon conceded Thursday. “He’s got to excel both as an athlete and as an actor. This kid went through the deepest levels of emotion any of us could ever go through. Because of that, we’re probably leaning more to the acting side for this role.”
The rugged, 6-foot-3, 212-pound Syracuse University running back was awarded the Heisman in 1961. Signed by the Cleveland Browns, Davis had a bright future but was diagnosed with leukemia before his first pro game.
The Universal film “The Express,” starring Dennis Quaid and to be directed by Gary Fleder (who did “Runaway Jury” and “Kiss the Girls”), is scheduled to shoot this spring. Casting folks are looking for a 19- to 24-year-old for the role.
As he roams the Southeast looking for someone to portray Davis, Fincannon found himself checking out Monday night’s BCS title game. Florida junior Brandon Siler, in particular, caught his eye, he says.
“We’re trying to reach out to him,” says Fincannon. “In terms of physical appearance, [former Georgia star] Herschel Walker reminds me of Ernie Davis.”
Because of college football rules, a graduated college senior or someone who does not plan to play pro is being sought.
Fincannon and company will be auditioning Monday at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Buckhead.
To schedule an appointment, call 910-251-1500 or e-mail photos and specs to mark@fincannoncasting.com.
Whittemore’s woes
Soon-to-be-former Libby’s Cabaret owner Libby Whittemore first got clued in about a potential problem involving her club’s credit card machines’ maladies when a grateful customer e-mailed her this week.
The message read: “We had a really great evening on Dec. 30, but I think that you picking up the tab was going a little far!”
Because of a technological glitch, 30 credit card transactions input on the supper club’s next-to-last night of business resulted in a bookkeeping nightmare for Whittemore.
This week, she sent out an e-mail plea to customers who used plastic on that evening to check their credit card statements to see if their accounts have been properly billed.
Some folks, you see, actually received a credit to their account instead of a debit.
Sighed Whittemore: “This is the [stuff] I won’t miss!” If you have any questions regarding your Dec. 30 bill, Whittemore asks that you phone her at 404-869-4748.
Flash on the phone
Considering the wizardry he applies to two turntables, you would think Grandmaster Flash would have no problem with one simple phone.
The thing is, the DJ tells Buzz, it’s been ringing constantly since Monday. That’s when the news hit that he and his hip-hop groupmates the Furious Five, Athens rockers R.E.M., Van Halen, Patti Smith and the Ronettes would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. “Ever since then it’s been like ‘Hey, you’ve got to talk to this person!’ ‘Hey, this person has a question for you! Hey! Hey! Hey! Ring! Ring! Ring!’ ” he said from his New York home.
“This is like the final frontier of acceptance for hip-hop,” Flash continued. “It’s a big day for graphic artists. A big day for breakers. A big day for MCs. A big day for DJs. It’s waaaayyyy bigger than just my group. … And I’m the oddball in there, for real. Everybody else got in holding that microphone, or they played their form of instrument. I’m the only one in it that plays turntables. I don’t mind being that oddball at all though!”
Coupling
“According to Jim” actress Courtney Thorne-Smith married her boyfriend, agent Roger Fishman, on New Year’s Day, her spokesman confirmed this week.
Thorne-Smith, 39, and Fishman wed “at her home in a small, private ceremony,” publicist Jim Broutman said. He declined to give further details.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Kirstie Alley is 56. Political commentator Rush Limbaugh is 56. Country singer Ricky Van Shelton is 55. Radio personality Howard Stern (left) is 53. News correspondent Christiane Amanpour is 49. Actor Oliver Platt is 47. Singer Rob Zombie is 41. Singer Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine) is 37. Singer Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay is 34.
Quote of the Day
“We truly have lost a pioneer. Now it’s our turn to keep the funk alive.”
— Former Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake (in Entertainment Weekly) on the passing of James Brown, inadvertently strengthening speculation that the ex-‘N Sync-er has never actually used the playback function while in the studio.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Tom Sabulis and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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