In the Loop With... Hosea Chanchez

How the actor is navigating "The Game" of Hollywood

If an actor was ever unsure of his talent or in need of reassurance of his thespian credentials, he'd be lucky to be on "The Game." After all, "back by popular demand" is an understatement when talking about the one time resurrected hit show, and its star, Hosea Chanchez. In 2009, after three seasons on The CW network, the show was cancelled -- this despite the cast launching a viral campaign and enlisting fans to save it -- but then, one year later, finally yielding to the cries and complaints of the show's once-avid followers, BET revived the defunct series and finalized a deal to produce all new episodes.

Safe in its new home, the premiere of season four drew 7.7 million viewers, making it the biggest ad-supported sitcom telecast in the history of cable. Now, on the brink of season six (premiering March 26), Loop21 talks to Chanchez about what "Game" devotees can expect, his fellow Black actors, his dream role, and his foundation WATCHMEWIN, which works to empower youth through mentorship, career development, wealth building programs and more.

How do you differ and how are you similar to your character Malik Wright?
He is a lot more egotistical and self-involved than I could ever be, but we are similar because we were both raised by single moms and are both giving people.

Kerry Washington, Meagan Good and Taraji Henson are some of the few Black actresses on primetime TV. Are you satisfied with the opportunities offered to black actors?
I am very happy with the progression in the entertainment industry, as far as my people are concerned. There have been a lot of great leaps and strides in the past six months, really, and even bigger ones in the past two months. So, I am very satisfied.

What's one movie or television role you've watched that you wish had been yours?
I don’t really have those thoughts. I always know that what I have is mine, and what somebody else has is theirs. I just enjoy being an actor and try not to put other people’s blessings in my pot, because that’s not my job. To me, that’s a sign of ungratefulness, and I am very grateful for where I am.