Michael Ealy is opening up about one of his most difficult roles over the course of his career. Despite being one of Hollywood’s most handsome actors, the “Reasonable Doubt” star recently told “Bel-Air” star Jabari Banks in an interview for Springhill that some of his uglier characters have caused him to deal with longstanding hesitancy with fans over time.
Specifically citing his role in the Tyler Perry’s controversial film “For Colored Girls” — in which he played an abusive alcoholic who infamously dropped his two children out of an apartment window to their deaths — Ealy described the role as “difficult.”
“It still sticks with me today. People still hold it against me personally which is not something you expect as an actor when you first start out. You feel like people can distinguish you versus your character. You know, people see pictures of me and my kids and they’re like ‘girl, get them kids away from him,’” he said.
As unfortunate as that may sound, if we’re being completely honest, it’s not like the beloved star has strayed away from playing more problematic roles. And why would he when he plays them so well? So it’s in that vein that we thought we’d take a look at some of his most villainous characters. But we promise: we won’t hold it against you, Michael!
“Reasonable Doubt”- 2022
In season one of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt,” Ealy stars as convict Damon Cooke who is recently released from prison after 16 years. Though he went to prison for a crime he didn’t commit, it’s the choices he makes once he regains his freedom—falling in love with his old public defender boo and subsequently turning her life upside down—that makes him just as bad.
“Power Book II: Ghost,”- 2024
In season four of “Power Book II: Ghost,” Ealy stars as a corrupt NYPD detective Don Carter who was on track to become the police commissioner until his wife was killed in the crossfire between rival gangs. Now, he and his corrupt drug task force are out to get rid of the drug dealers in the city by any means necessary.
“The Perfect Guy”- 2015
Starring alongside Sanaa Lathan and Morris Chestnut, Ealy plays the obsessive, stalker IT expert Carter Duncan who doesn’t take his break up with Lathan’s character very well. And by “very well,” we mean not at all and violently.
Honorable Mention: “Being Mary Jane”-2017
OK, OK, just hear us out on this one! While Ealy’s character “Justin Talbot” isn’t necessarily evil, he previously got Gabrielle Union’s character fired from their last job at CNN and pops up again at her new one as a producer being just as difficult as he was all those years ago. Thankfully, in their new season of seeing each other, they turn from enemies to lovers with an ending that’s satisfying.
Honorable Mention: “Their Eyes Were Watching God”-2005
Much like “Being Mary Jane,” Ealy’s role in this movie adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s famous book wasn’t necessarily evil to the core. But in the third act, his character “Tea Cake” makes a turn for the worst and ultimately meets a sad, tragic ending.