Eriq La Salle, known for his role in the iconic film Coming to America, recently shared his experience of landing the role that kickstarted his career. La Salle, who was 26 at the time, vividly recalls the moment he auditioned for the part of Darryl Jenks in front of director John Landis. To his surprise, Landis offered him the role on the spot, a rare occurrence in the industry that left La Salle feeling empowered and gratified.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, La Salle expressed his commitment to paying it forward by providing opportunities to aspiring actors. He mentioned that when he transitioned to directing, he made a conscious effort to hire actors on the spot whenever possible, aiming to instill in them the same sense of power and validation he experienced early in his career.
In Coming to America, La Salle portrayed Darryl, the heir to the Soul Glo empire and the boyfriend of Lisa McDowell. Following the success of the film, La Salle gained further recognition for his role in the medical drama ER, although his journey was not without setbacks.
La Salle recounted a challenging moment in the early '90s when he was cast opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in a film, only to be replaced shortly after due to concerns about his appearance. Despite the disappointment, La Salle turned this setback into an opportunity by enrolling in a filmmaking class and delving into directing and writing. This experience ultimately propelled his directing career forward and reignited his passion for storytelling.
Today, La Salle continues to expand his creative horizons, drawing on his diverse experiences in the entertainment industry to craft compelling narratives and uplift emerging talents.
