Friends often arise when you least expect them. The CBS sitcom “United States of Al” chronicles the unlikely friendship between a combat veteran and an interpreter from Afghanistan, who helped the former while he served in the Marines, but now find themselves trying to readjust to normal life in Columbus, Ohio.
Actor Jimmy Walker, Jr. recently appeared in a recurring role as ‘Walt’, a military veteran who hangs out at the local bar, on the new show from executive producer Chuck Lorre and creators David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
This isn’t the first-time audiences have seen Jimmy. His credits include the films "Black Dynamite" with Michael Jai White, "The Hammer" with comedian Adam Corolla, and "The Wedding Year" with Sarah Hyland and Tyler James Williams; and on TV the shows "My Name is Earl," "ER," "Lethal Weapon," and "AJ and The Queen." He also voices ‘Roscoe’ in the animated series "Black Dynamite The Animated Series," and narrates the children’s movie "Labou." Jimmy got his start back home in Cleveland, Ohio, performing at Karamu House, the oldest Black Theater in the nation.
Jimmy Walker Jr. recently answered some questions for FanPop.
Tell us about your role in “United States of Al.”
JIMMY: My role, as Walt, in the "United States Of Al", was a wonderful opportunity to play an old Army Veteran. I am so grateful to get the role.
What would you consider Walt’s best or worst quality?
JIMMY: I consider Walt's best quality is that he loves his Country. He believes the Flag should stand for what he fought for.
Is it different working on a multi-cam comedy versus a single camera show?
JIMMY: It is different working on a multi-cam comedy as opposed to working on a single camera show. The biggest thing is that a multi-cam show is set up like a theatrical play and since I have an extensive background in theater, I felt right at home.
Do they allow for improvisation or is everything totally scripted?
JIMMY: I would say yes to they do allow for improvisation. They enjoyed my delivery of my scripted line and gave me an additional line. Bingo!!! Added dialogue.
Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?
JIMMY: The most interesting thing that I can share is that the whole cast and crew were so gracious and kind. They also had a Covid safety first attitude throughout the set, so I felt very safe.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?
JIMMY: I learned that by being prepared and confident and execute -- you may be asked back.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
JIMMY: My favorite actor is Jeffrey Wright.
What role from the past do you wish you could have played?
JIMMY: I wish I could have played Memphis in August Wilson's “Two Trains Running".
Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.
JIMMY: My favorite movie is “Shane".
Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
JIMMY: One thing that would surprise your readers to know about me is that I was a Cleveland Police Officer in the 1980's. I hold a day job now, yes I have a day job. If you are not Denzel and you are in this business, you better have something else to do to generate income to support this career. I am a construction Journeyman Electrician.
How can fans keep up with you?
JIMMY: Anyone may follow me on Facebook: /jimmy.walkerjr link
Instagram: @jr.jimmywalker link
Twitter: @jimwalker49 link
Actor Jimmy Walker, Jr. recently appeared in a recurring role as ‘Walt’, a military veteran who hangs out at the local bar, on the new show from executive producer Chuck Lorre and creators David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
This isn’t the first-time audiences have seen Jimmy. His credits include the films "Black Dynamite" with Michael Jai White, "The Hammer" with comedian Adam Corolla, and "The Wedding Year" with Sarah Hyland and Tyler James Williams; and on TV the shows "My Name is Earl," "ER," "Lethal Weapon," and "AJ and The Queen." He also voices ‘Roscoe’ in the animated series "Black Dynamite The Animated Series," and narrates the children’s movie "Labou." Jimmy got his start back home in Cleveland, Ohio, performing at Karamu House, the oldest Black Theater in the nation.
Jimmy Walker Jr. recently answered some questions for FanPop.
Tell us about your role in “United States of Al.”
JIMMY: My role, as Walt, in the "United States Of Al", was a wonderful opportunity to play an old Army Veteran. I am so grateful to get the role.
What would you consider Walt’s best or worst quality?
JIMMY: I consider Walt's best quality is that he loves his Country. He believes the Flag should stand for what he fought for.
Is it different working on a multi-cam comedy versus a single camera show?
JIMMY: It is different working on a multi-cam comedy as opposed to working on a single camera show. The biggest thing is that a multi-cam show is set up like a theatrical play and since I have an extensive background in theater, I felt right at home.
Do they allow for improvisation or is everything totally scripted?
JIMMY: I would say yes to they do allow for improvisation. They enjoyed my delivery of my scripted line and gave me an additional line. Bingo!!! Added dialogue.
Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?
JIMMY: The most interesting thing that I can share is that the whole cast and crew were so gracious and kind. They also had a Covid safety first attitude throughout the set, so I felt very safe.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?
JIMMY: I learned that by being prepared and confident and execute -- you may be asked back.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
JIMMY: My favorite actor is Jeffrey Wright.
What role from the past do you wish you could have played?
JIMMY: I wish I could have played Memphis in August Wilson's “Two Trains Running".
Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.
JIMMY: My favorite movie is “Shane".
Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
JIMMY: One thing that would surprise your readers to know about me is that I was a Cleveland Police Officer in the 1980's. I hold a day job now, yes I have a day job. If you are not Denzel and you are in this business, you better have something else to do to generate income to support this career. I am a construction Journeyman Electrician.
How can fans keep up with you?
JIMMY: Anyone may follow me on Facebook: /jimmy.walkerjr link
Instagram: @jr.jimmywalker link
Twitter: @jimwalker49 link