Damson Idris On Trip To South Central With John Singleton & Friendship With Jay-Z, Beyoncé

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90th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: John Singleton (L) and Damson Idris attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Dan MacMedan/WireImage)
Prior to landing "Snowfall," Singleton wanted to see if the British actor had the chops.

The things that go on behind the scenes in the industry make for interesting stories, and Damson Idris shares a tale about John Singleton. The praised filmmaker passed away in 2019, and his creative efforts continue to be imprinted in the minds of millions of fans. He gave us movies like Baby Boy, Boyz n The Hood, Poetic Justice, and more. Singleton was also responsible for giving the world Snowfall, the series that stars Idris. The actor recently visited Drew Barrymore's talk show and shared the story of Singleton dropping him off in South Central, Los Angeles, to work on his accent.

"By audition No. 8, Singleton took me to South Central, opened the car door, and said, 'If you survive, you've got the role," the British actor said with a laugh. "And it really was an experience. I was walking around South Central, I had to stay in character. So, I wasn't allowed to be British. And I said to his mother, 'Oh, how lovely your hair looks today. I'm just gonna go, and you know, put this in a bin.' And she goes, 'John! He ain't from here, huh?!"

Damson Idris Jokes About Friendship With Beyoncé & Jay-Z

Director and Producer John Singleton and actor Damson Idris (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Idris joked that he "nearly lost the part." The actor added, "Hey, six seasons later. Here we are." Barrymore enjoyed the story, but she quickly moved on to rumors that Damson is friends with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. "I've been around them many times," he answered. Drew called Hov almost "paternal" in how he deals with people. Idris responded, "Yeah, I'll be in Miami,m it's late. I'll call them up, and I'll be like, 'Hey, I can't get reservations at Carbone.'" He couldn't help but laugh before giving his best Jay-Z impression.

Idris claims the Roc Nation mogul told him to win a few more Emmys before having that clout. It was all in good fun, and the actor called Bey and Jay "the sweetest." He said, "We connected in many ways, but the Super Bowl was really great because it was kind of the first time I really connected with B. I had just walked for Prada... Such a huge moment for me."

More Laughs During The Interview

Snowfall is coming to an end with its final season, and Damson Idris's fans await more from the actor. Off-screen, his relationship with Lori Harvey is heating up. Check out Damson Idris on The Drew Barrymore Show above.

About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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