Inside the Actor’s Studio with Big Baby

Posted by Zach Lowe on Mar 8, 2010 660617 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F03%2F08%2Finside-the-actors-studio-with-big-baby%2FInside+the+Actor%27s+Studio+with+Big+Baby2010-03-08+17%3A32%3A32Zach+Lowehttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D6606

Big ups to Jess Camerato at WEEI.com for this fun story on how Glen Davis damn near won the role as Michael Oher in the movie version of “The Blind Side,” starring the divine Sandra Bullock, who competes with Mila Kunis for a special spot in my heart.

Here’s Jess on Baby’s audition process, which began the summer before the ’07-08 season, Baby’s rookie year:

“I’ve always wanted to act,” Davis explained. “I knew about the football player, he played at Ole Miss, and I heard there was a book out about that. So I said, ‘Sure, I’ll try out.’ ”

Davis was sent a three-page script and asked to record a video audition. After hours of practice, he performed the scene in which Oher discusses selecting a college, ultimately deciding on the University of Mississippi.

And:

After submitting his tape, Davis learned he was one of the top three candidates for the role. Because of the NBA schedule, however, he never met with film’s executives. Regardless of the opportunity to act, Davis had priorities.

“I never flew out because I didn’t have time,” he said. “I was playing, it was at the beginning of the season. That would’ve been tough. I would’ve had to shoot during the summer time, and that was a really important time.”

I guess winning an NBA title is better than getting to stand close to Sandy Bullock all day, every day, for weeks. I guess.

So Baby will have to wait for another opportunity to join a prestigious list of Celtics who have won praise for their acting ability. We’ve got Ray Allen, of course, but the youngest readers might not know about Kevin McHale’s hysterical cameos on “Cheers.” Does Larry Legend’s work in the famous H-O-R-S-E ad with MJ count? What about his role in “Blue Chips”? (And, yes, I’m omitting Bill Walton’s performance as himself in the 1996 disaster film “Celtic Pride.”).

PS: For those who haven’t read “Blind Side” and enjoyed the movie: the book is brilliant. Huge recommendation.