An Interview with Actor Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith from ‘Power Book II: Ghost’

It is definitely safe to say, that Method Man played a pivotal part in Hip-Hop’s rise to unfettered fame. For his work with Redman and the Wu-Tang Clan helped to bring the genre to the mainstream and that alone made him an entertainment icon. But just being known as a transformative rapper, and songwriter and producer wasn’t enough for Method Man, which is why he took the time to branch out into acting. In order to truly become a well-rounded entertainer that could simply do it all, and he found great success in the transition to acting as well. Since he has starred in multiple critically acclaimed shows and films, and clearly, he is showing no signs of slowing down.

For in 2020, he joined the cast of Power Book II: Ghost and quickly established himself as a true star, courtesy of his nuanced and layered performance of flawed lawyer, Davis MacLean, and we here at Nerds That Geek had the distinct honor of sitting down with Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith to talk about his acting career and season two of this critically acclaimed and dynamic series.

John Betancourt: Method Man, it is a pleasure, I cannot thank you enough for your time.

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: Fellow geek, I am honored, sir.

John Betancourt: Well, let’s get right into it today. What was it that got you into acting?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: The love, for lack of a better word, the love. I mean, it was a point where I had this epiphany, which was kind of embedded into my head by Tom McCarthy. It was just the way he explained things to me when I did a movie with him with Adam Sandler called The Cobbler. And it was like, “oh, so I've been doing it wrong this whole time.” It’s kind of like cooking a meal a certain way. But there was a faster way to do it all this time that you didn't know about, then all of a sudden you learned and then was like, “Oh, my God, I could have just cut to the—" That kind of deal right there. I haven't looked back since. It’s like, give me more I want more challenges. Send me more, what do you guys got for me? And I was lucky enough to book this show Power Book II, as a lawyer. And I applaud Courtney (Kemp) and 50 (Cent) for even giving me the chance to show my range.

John Betancourt: What was it that attracted you to the role of Davis MacLean?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: Well, I mean, the thing that attracted me off top was the agent said, Power Book II is casting, Ghost, I was a fan of the show. So that's what attracted me… the show, period. So, the first thing that popped in my head was “who I gotta kill?” -laughs- I'm gonna be a gangster, you know, like everybody else. You're gonna be one of these gangsters. It's like, no, it's a lawyer. Ah, just what I was looking for. So, I was super-duper excited. Once I got the sides and did the audition. I was still excited. Even if I didn't get the part, it was the fact that I got a look. But when I heard I got the part. Oooh. Profusely sweating. I was a little intimidated, scared, but I knew I knew they would take care of me. And they did.

John Betancourt: Now you mentioned that you want to be challenged as an actor, how has Davis challenged you as an actor?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: Just his moral code, mostly. Because we're different in that aspect. You know, Davis, kind of, he's a win-win kind of guy. You know, I don't mind losing every now and then if it's for good cause, but Davis? That’s out of the question for him. He's more ambitious than I am. And at the end of the day, he just wants power and a seat at the table.

John Betancourt: You mentioned there that he is dynamically different than you. As an actor, what do you do to prepare to play someone that is okay with operating in that morally gray area?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: You have to listen to very violent music. -laughs- No, honestly, you know, usually my scenes are with Cooper Saxe, and he's the epitome of just sleazebag. So, I just take my cues from Shane Johnson. Sorry Shane. Love you my bro.

John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: Well, I mean, the thing I'm most proud of is the fact that I gelled pretty well with the cast. Um, the other thing I can appreciate is getting that shot again, I have to keep saying that because I feel like this has opened the door to so many different opportunities. So, I'm very grateful to STARZ and Courtney and 50. And, I mean, at the end of the day, I don't think I could add anything else to that.

John Betancourt: Now this is a season where everyone is reeling from the events of season one, and they’re trying to figure out what comes next and what they want. What would you say Davis is searching for in season two?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: I'm not more or less searching but putting together a kind of plan for a future or what his intention is to put together something… and I can't give away too much. But his intention this season, outweighs anything that Tariq puts on his plate and Tariq is a heavy hand to hold, period, you know? But Davis can trust Tariq to be Tariq and in the midst of him dealing with his own dilemma, deal with his also.

John Betancourt: Now, I’m going to back up for just a second here because we have so much to unpack and that’s a good thing. But I also did want to ask you, since you mentioned it is an honor for you to be here; what does it mean to you to be a part of a franchise that has been so well received and beloved by the fans?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: Well, it's hard really, because we came after a show that was beloved with a beloved character who was killed by our leading guy. So that was a challenge in the beginning. And I think our redemption was the fact that people stopped hating Tariq. Which I thought would never happen, and they started hating Davis for trying to lock up the guy they hated. So that says a lot that speaks volumes to the show, the way this show is going.

John Betancourt: Without spoiling anything, what are you most looking forward to fans experiencing this season?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: I think, more of Tariq’s journey into his origin of becoming ‘Ghost’… two.

John Betancourt: Before we go, anything else you’d like to say to the fans?

Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith: I hope you all slept safe at night. Because I fight crime… at night.

This interview was lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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