Deon Cole Calls for expanded Depiction at the Top of Hollywood
LOS ANGELES, CA - Comedian and actor Deon Cole is advocating for a shift in Hollywood’s power structure, expressing a desire to see multiple leading talents instead of a singular focus on one “number one” star. In a recent interview, Cole discussed the lessons he’s learned throughout his career, from stand-up to sitcoms and film, and shared his perspective on respecting industry predecessors while also outlining his hopes for the future of the entertainment landscape.
Cole credited Eddie Murphy with demonstrating the importance of diverse comedy, explaining, “His diversity was crazy, and he reached everybody.[Eddie] Murphy wasn’t a Black comic or a white comic; he was a comic for everyone,and he mixed it all up. So,I applied being diverse into my comedy.” He further emphasized the therapeutic value of stand-up, contrasting it with acting, which he described as “an escape and becoming someone else.”
The conversation also touched on the importance of acknowledging and honoring those who paved the way, referencing a recent discussion on “Drink Champs” regarding streamer Kai Cenat’s initial unfamiliarity with some Black musical icons. Cole clarified his intent, stating, “Corrective criticism isn’t hate… I’m just telling them what my thoughts are as being an OG.” He acknowledged Cenat’s success, adding, “I love that brother and he’s great… what he’s doing is phenomenal.” However, he maintained the value of recognizing those who came before, saying, “I would love for people to give homage to those who came before them, like we’re doing with [Eddie Murphy]. We’re paying homage to the king.”
Ultimately, Cole expressed a desire for a more inclusive Hollywood, stating, “I would love for it to be more than a number one person. I would want it to be six number ones. I want ten people on screen and they are all considered number one. Everyone is different, and you can’t have one person playing everybody.”
