Pooch Hall made a name for himself as Derwin on the now defunct CW sitcom, 'The Game.'
Despite the show's über-loyal fan base and more than a million viewers campaigning to save the series, the CW canceled the show last May.
Shortly thereafter, the 33-year-old actor landed a recurring role on the CBS series 'Accidentally on Purpose.'
Next up for Hall is a starring role in the sequel to the 2007 blockbuster, 'Stomp the Yard.'
BV Buzz caught up with the Brockton, Mass.-bred actor on the Atlanta set of 'Stomp the Yard 2: The Homecoming.' In addition to discussing his role in the film, Hall addressed whether he believed 'The Game' would go into overtime on BET.
How'd you end up landing the role of Dane in 'Stomp The Yard 2: The Homecoming?'
Like any other project, you go on auditions. As an actor, you're always looking for what's next. After my show 'The Game' I went right to 'Accidentally on Purpose,' which is on CBS now and we just got picked. They had to clear it with Paramount for me to do the film. I went in and auditioned for 'Stomp the Yard: 2' and at that point and time my work allowed me to get a real good look in the audition because my dance steppin' wasn't all that good. The only dancing I ever did was in the boxing right. I'm fluid and being an athlete has allowed me to learn and adapt.
So after you landed the role, what type of preparation did you have for the dancing and steppin' in the film?
They had me doing three weeks of training with Chuck Maldonado and his team. We just got it in puttin' it in on six to eight hour days and I actually got hurt a little bit when I strained my hip.
So dancing is no joke, huh? You got injured like the folks on 'Dancing with the Stars' do!
Let me let the world know that it's not a game. Those people are athletes and you get hurt in dancing. When it's all said and done it's amazing. I know why people go to recitals and that type of stuff. I'm still not as fluid as Columbus Short, but give me another month and I might be able to keep up.
Had you experienced life at a historically Black college prior to your work on this film?
I went to UMass Dartmouth. Spike Lee told me, 'You have to go and get the research when you get an opportunity to play a character. You have to get as much information on that character or the environment of what you're involved in.' I was very fortunate to be a part of Howard University's homecoming. Columbus Short, Ludacris and Taraji Henson were all there and I got to see first hand what the experience was like. I was at Howard's homecoming when I got the news [that I landed this role]. There were about 200 film students and I was talking to a couple of the film students on a panel and they asked me what my next project was and when I told them it was 'Stomp the Yard 2' everyone erupted. To be out on the yard and see the energy, passion and the history, I took that into what we're doing on this movie. Unfortunately that was the only experience I had with a Black college, but I hope that a lot of the choices that we're doing will be spot on, but I have to give props to Rob Hardy because he's making sure that we're not leaving a scene until we get it.
How different was your experience at UMass from what you've learned transpires at Black colleges?
As far as the comparisons, it's two different worlds. It's just like two different flavors. When I was at Howard's homecoming I saw that the students, faculty and people that were visiting were really excited to be there and be a part of history. I felt that way too because this is a historically Black college that I finally made it to. I can see the passion that everybody had putting on an event. I didn't get to get into the curriculum or academics, but I felt like the people who are going here obviously know because they are there, but I didn't know if I was ready to go Atlanta yet. It was really something special though. I think this movie is gonna be something that will solidify its place in film and Black history. It's just a real good film!
You know I have to ask about 'The Game.' I've been covering this show and its cancellation extensively and have to know, do you think there's any possibility that BET will make the deal happen to bring it there?
From what I hear they're close and if they're not close, I haven't heard no. Hosea Chanchez who plays Malik was here yesterday visiting and that's the type of relationship that we have. He came by and hung out with us for a little bit. Every now and then we'll ask each other if we've heard anything about the show. I want to give 'The Game' mad props because sometimes people get mad at the CW for cancelling us, but I give them love because they allowed me to have a home for three years to hone my skills for the industry to be like, 'who is this Pooch kid?' I give props to 'The Game' because what it did for me as an actor was allowing me to go into all of these different emotions and ranges that you go through. Some people can be on a show for ten years and not do what I did in the three years as far as work. I also have to give props to Mara Brock-Akil because she didn't want anybody walking away saying 'The Game' didn't put it down.
*****
For related stories, read 'Terrence J: 106 & Park Host To Make Movie Debut'
'Teyana Taylor: 'Google Me' Girl Joins Stomp The Yard Cast'
& 'Making Moves: Actor Columbus Short Readies First CD.'
Players of The Game'
The cast of 'The Game' include (clockwise from top) Tia Mowry, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez , Pooch Hall, Coby Bell and Brittany Daniel. (Photo: The CW)
As rookie football player Derwin Davis and medical school student Melanie Daniel, Pooch Hall and Tia Mowry have become a favorite couple in prime time television. (Photo: The CW)
Tia Mowry plays medical school student Melanie Barnett on The CW series 'The Game.' (Photo: The CW)
Pooch Hall plays Derwin Davis on the Mara Brock Akil-created series 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Hosea Chanchez plays bad boy quarterback Malik Wright on 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Wendy Raquel Robinson plays Tasha Mack, a fast-talking, no-holds-barred "momager" on 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Coby Bell plays chintzy team captain Jason Pitts on 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Brittany Daniel (center) plays the bubbly athlete's wife Kelly Pitts on 'The Game.' (Photo: The CW)
Wendy Raquel Robinson and former NBA star Rick Fox chum it up on the set of 'The Game' on April 28, 2008. (Photo: RegginRazzi)




Comments: (7)
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By: Pam Williams on 2/11/2010 1:15PM
Great, great article! I loved The Game and hated to see it go but after reading Pooch's take on it I agree. He was my favorite character next to Mel. I am so looking forward to Stomp the Yard 2: The Homecoming. It will be interesting to see the storyline and where it goes after the first one.
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By: RENEE SOVERALL on 2/12/2010 9:41PM
I'M TRULY FED UP WITH THE MAJOR NETWORKS CANCELLING GOOD SHOWS. BET PLEASE DO ALL THAT YOU CAN TO SEE THAT THE GAME RETURNS ASAP WITH THE ORIGINAL CAST.IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RUN FOR A LONG TIME (LIKE GENERAL HOSPITAL) WITH THE RIGHT WRITERS.
BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK !!!!!!!
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By: Christopher Clemons on 3/20/2010 10:06AM
I agree, it seems as though everytime a good show hits the network BAM, it gets cancelled. I Pray this show comes back and runs a very long time. It truly has the potential to do so. I would like to see just how long it will run. Give it a chance to see.
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By: Toya on 2/14/2010 9:23PM
The game was 1 of the best shows out there! Derwin was the reason I watched the show!
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By: Ad on 2/16/2010 8:18PM
I loved the show "The Game". I wish it would come back to TV. I was a fanatic over this show. The cast was great and a lot of fun to watch. Then when I read the bio on the actors I wasn't familiar with, Pooch Hall being one of them. When I discovered that Pooch is from Brockton, MA, although I thought he was from Taunton, MA. But none the less he is a homeboy from a couple of towns over from where I grew up. I was impressed and very happy to see a brother that grew up not so far from me make it in the acting field. And Pooch went to UMass Dartmouth. Go boy. I am very proud of you Pooch. Keep up the great work.
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By: Charles Belk on 2/22/2010 5:24PM
Jawn good article. I think it's awesome the way you give time to the young, up and coming talent that's taking over the scene. The cool thing about this piece is that you can pick up on who Pooch is as a person from this interview. Not only is he a terrific and enticing actor, but from my limited interaction with him, he's genuinely a nice guy.
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By: justmeok on 3/06/2010 9:51PM
I loved Pooch in "The Game". Columbus Short was awesome in "Stomp the Yard"! Hope Pooch can pull of "stomp...part 2!
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