June 28, 2018
BET Genius Talks: Secrets to Success from Yvonne Orji, T.I., Charles King, and More
BET recently wrapped up their 18th annual award show over the weekend and presented a series of Genius Talks that were knowledgeable, insightful, and some, downright funny. Peep the highlights below.
Charles King and Terry Crews
During the 60 seconds with a Genius segment sponsored by AT&T, Crews asks King, what advice do you have for a young actor who wants to get put on? “Hone your craft, whether you’re doing local theater, whether you’re studying at school with an acting coach, whether you’re shooting videos with your friends, practice, practice, practice, practice.”
Yvonne Orji and Jemele Hill
We tweeted this, and the numbers jumped so we know the folks at home were feelin’ it. Between Orji’s extreme comic relief, that woman is beyond funny, she said something that completely stood out and led to gasps from the audience, “Never let your talent or your gifts take you to a place that your character can’t keep you.”
Let that sink in.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 23: Yvonne Orji and Jemele Hill speak onstage at the Genius Talks sponsored by AT&T during the 2018 BET Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for BET)
Mona Scott-Young and Jemele Hill
Scott-Young’s major keys:
- “The first step is visualizing what you want to accomplish and the next step is actually taking the step.”
- “If you’re focused, diligent, committed and consistent and the talent is there, then (your success) is inevitable.”
Omari Hardwick and Jemele Hill
Sometimes the no, will get you to the yes.
Hill asked Hardwick, ‘During your lowest point, what was your big break?’ “It was either a backup of firefighting, then the day that I said no to the fire department, which I had passed all the tests to be admitted on, hours later after saying no to LA city fire department … I got a call that Spike Lee was gone be my first boss in life.”
T.I. and Jemele Hill
Stand your ground.
When Hill asked Tip about the Super Bowl coming to Atlanta, T.I.’s response was one for the records. “I have made a conscious decision not to support the NFL this year. I think there’s a violation of constitutional rights that’s being implemented to minority players who choose to have a peaceful silent protest.”
Enough said.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 23: T.I. speaks onstage at the Genius Talks sponsored by AT&T during the 2018 BET Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 23, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for BET)