Anthony Mackie might be best known for his role as Sam Wilson, aka Falcon, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his talent extends far beyond superhero films. With a resume that includes Altered Carbon, The Night Before, and Pain and Gain, Mackie has demonstrated his versatility across genres. Yet, his favorite remains action films.
“I love doing action stuff. I like having stuff blowing up around me. I love shooting guns. I just… I really enjoy doing action movies,” Mackie shared with infectious enthusiasm.
From the “Hood” to Hollywood
Despite his knack for action roles, Mackie didn’t need much preparation for gun-heavy scenes.
“No, no, no. I mean, I grew up shooting. I am from the hood,” he quipped, only to clarify that his “hood” was the quiet suburb of Gentilly in New Orleans.
The city holds a special place in Mackie’s heart.
“New Orleans has a history and depth that you don’t find in most American or European cities,” he said, citing its rich culture and unique blend of influences.
A Loss That Shaped Him
Tragedy struck Mackie’s life early when his mother passed away from terminal cancer when he was just 15 years old. Grieving and struggling, Mackie began to act out. But thanks to the dedication of his schoolteachers, who went as far as visiting him at home, he got back on track.
Years later, Mackie reflected on how this profound loss shaped his career.
“It made me more fearless in my choices,” he revealed.
A Star with a Sense of Humor
Mackie’s charisma and wit are among the reasons he’s become a beloved Hollywood figure. His banter with co-star Rob Corddry offers a glimpse into his playful personality.
“When I walk in, I make sure that every girl in the building has on a bikini,” Mackie joked. “If I can wear a speedo, they can wear a bikini.”
His humor extends to his anecdotes, like the time he tried sneaking into a Prince party by hiding in a car trunk—only to be caught by security.
Life Beyond the Screen
Off-screen, Mackie is a devoted father of four and an avid skydiver. Clearly, playing Falcon wasn’t thrilling enough—he needed to take flight for real!
More importantly, Mackie is passionate about creating a better future for his children.
“We’ve been tainted with the nonsense of our ancestors,” he said. “But we have a whole new generation coming that we don’t have to pass that on to. We don’t have to make our kids racist. We don’t have to make them sexist. We don’t have to make them homophobic.”
The Sky’s the Limit
Anthony Mackie’s story is one of resilience, humor, and hope. From his early days in Gentilly to the heights of Hollywood stardom, Mackie’s journey serves as an inspiration. With his undeniable talent and commitment to leaving the world a better place, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing much more of this charismatic actor in the years to come.
Keep your eyes on the one and only Anthony Mackie—he’s just getting started.
