For his big-screen debut, Rob Brown starred opposite Sean Connery in 2000’s Finding Forrester. Eight years, several supporting parts and one bachelor’s degree in psychology later, the 24-year-old Brooklyn actor enjoys another star turn in The Express, an inspirational biopic about ’60s-era football star Ernie Davis. A Syracuse University running back and the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy, Davis passed away from leukemia before he could his first pro game. Brown, it seems, is playing for keeps.
1. Brown is eager to spread the word about Davis’ achievements.
“Everyone knows who Jim Brown is, but I’m willing to bet there are still people in the NFL who don’t know about Ernie Davis.”
2. He worked hard to dig beneath the surface of the role.
“I wanted to get at what drove [Davis]. You’re not that good at something if you don’t have some kind of fire inside of you.”
3. The costume department helped Brown get into an early ’60s mindset.
“When you put on those clothes, you automatically walk around with better posture.”
4. Brown spent a day at Davis’ alma mater.
“People were moved to tears speaking about Ernie and most of them probably didn’t have direct contact with him. That’s how special he was.”
5. Playing Davis’ coach, Dennis Quaid was Brown’s mentor.
“I would pull him aside and or he’d find me and we’d talk. He’s a walking well of knowledge.”
6. Brown takes time to pick his projects.
“It’s a combination of me being picky and pursuing my degree. Somehow I’ve been rewarded for my stubbornness.”
7. He received a “stay in school” lecture from James Bond.
“During Finding Forrester, Sean Connery told me, ‘Get your degree.’ And I said ‘OK!’”
8. Brown settled on being a psych major through trial and error.
“I wanted to be an engineer. Then I tried computer science, then econ. But psychology gives me the patience to deal with the loonies in Hollywood.”
9. He doesn’t rule out even higher education.
“Grad school is in the back of my mind. After all, I’ve been able to juggle work and school before.”
10. For his next role, Brown is ready to take a walk on the dark side.
“I think it would be cool to play the villain in a summer blockbuster. It’s fresh on my mind because of The Dark Knight.”
