A biography for Russell Hornsbyhasn’t been written yet.
“The thing is, about a character, it's not about being right, it's about the truth. The truth comes from within, so you have to search as an artist for the truth.”
“I am not a person who just wants to be an actor. Do you know what I mean? I am an artist who wants to speak to people through his work: through his vessel.”
“Some people build fences to keep people out; some people build fences to keep people in.”
“In 'The Hate U Give,' I play Big Mav', who was incarcerated for a number of years and is raising three children. He was a gang member but reformed himself, and he's trying to empower his children, help them understand the best way to keep out of trouble.”
“We are not apathetic in this country.”
“These are human issues. These are human stories. I think that's why 'Fences' has been able to resonate and been able to hit so many people over the years because it is just that. You can't run away from the racial specifics of it, but that's just a part of it.”
“As an actor, we spend so much putting the mask on and trying to be someone you're not.”
“I'm an actor of the theater.”
“I approach my work still like an athlete. I have to go to the gym and run or ride the bike and work up a sweat. I need to still get my body right, and, in turn, that will make my mind right. That's how I approach acting.”
“Kids - black kids - are forced to grow up too soon.”