I was looking for a leading position, not just as a lead actor, he says.
I also wanted to be a partner.
I told him, Ive been in this industry far too long as just an actor.
Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross.Keri Anderson/Prime Video
That is no longer satisfying professionally for me.
I know that Im supposed to do more.
Can you teach me?
Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross as Isaiah Mustafa as his partner John Sampson.Keri Anderson/Prime Video
WhenCrosscame across the desk, it was like, Nows the time to definitely say yes, he says.
Hodge lauds Watkins for adding more cultural depth to the franchise by highlighting the community Cross serves.
This is a show thats success hinges on the depiction of culture, says Hodge.
The Black culture in D.C., that is what we get to highlight and celebrate on the show.
Ben brought out the true foundation of that, and thats what makes the show special.
Were not trying to commoditize the issues, says Hodge.
Were just speaking to our audience, and we know the conversation that theyre having.
We want to have that conversation, too, because we live this in our real lives as well.
It really comes down to: Are we going to be brave enough to tell the truth?
I wanted people to understand him as a human being and as a person.
Can you see what this man is going through?
It is in prevailing over persistent roadblocks where art and artist overlap.
Hodge started his career at just three years old, as a regular onSesame Street.
At 22, Dean Devlins heist romp,Leverage,gave him a steady gig as hacker Alec Hardison.
Even so, commercial or critical success has never felt like a guarantee for forward movement, says Hodge.
Its new, and honestly, its an adjustment.
WithCross, Hodge has entered conversations about accolades and opportunities that he feels have previously eluded him.
Someone said to me, Youre doing really good work on this show.
Its the best work that youve done.
Youve gotten a lot better.
With respect, I challenged, and I said, No, its not that Ive gotten better.
My work has always been of this merit.
Its just that the opportunities got better.
In looking back, the professional strife is not for nothing.
I never wouldve had the respect that I have for my co-workers.
Artists are already there, but how can we help support that next generation?
Im trying to crack open doors and leave them open for the right folks, he says.
Im a man on a mission right now.
