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The buzz surrounding the 2025 racing drama “F1” initially revolved around it marking a significant return for Brad Pitt. However, it was his co-star, Damson Idris, who ended up capturing much of the spotlight. Idris portrays a rising racing star who becomes both a collaborator and a competitor to Pitt’s seasoned driver. While many viewers were introduced to Idris for the first time through this film, others were already familiar with his work, particularly from the FX series “Snowfall.” The show, which aired its six seasons from 2017, is now available on Disney+ for those who missed its original broadcast.
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Idris’s dedication to his craft was evident from the outset, as demonstrated during his audition for “Snowfall.” He was reportedly left in South Central Los Angeles and instructed to navigate the area as part of the audition process, showcasing his commitment to the role. In an exclusive interview with Looper, Idris explained his career philosophy, stating, “As an actor, I like to let the universe bring the roles to me. Whatever speaks to me is what I’ll dedicate my heart and soul to.” This approach certainly paid off with “Snowfall,” where his portrayal of Franklin Saint, a drug dealer, earned him numerous awards and nominations.
The show “Snowfall” was co-created by the pioneering filmmaker John Singleton, who transitioned to television after struggling to replicate the success of his debut film, “Boyz n the Hood.” Singleton’s move to the small screen proved fortuitous for Idris, catapulting him into stardom and paving the way for his role in a major film like “F1.” Although Idris might be one of Singleton’s last major discoveries, Singleton’s legacy in nurturing talent is extensive.
Singleton had a knack for spotting and nurturing young talent throughout his career. His film “Boyz n the Hood” marked the acting debut of Ice Cube, who would go on to achieve even greater fame in Hollywood than in music. The film also launched Regina King’s career and was the first major role for Cuba Gooding Jr., who eventually won an Oscar. In 1993, Singleton’s “Poetic Justice” cast Janet Jackson in her first significant film role, showcasing Tupac Shakur’s range beyond typical “thug” roles.
Like many, Idris got a career boost from the great John Singleton
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Through his films, Singleton introduced or significantly advanced the careers of numerous actors, including Angela Bassett, Morris Chestnut, Omar Epps, Tyra Banks, Tyrese Gibson, Nia Long, and André 3000. Damson Idris appears poised to be the crowning achievement in Singleton’s illustrious career of discovering and nurturing acting talent.
In fact, Singleton helped to elevate the careers of many young actors during his years as a filmmaker. “Boyz n the Hood” would be the debut acting credit for Ice Cube, who would eventually become a bigger movie star than he was a rapper. That movie was also the film debut of Regina King, as well as the first significant movie role for Cuba Gooding Jr, an eventual Oscar winner. Janet Jackson would play her first non-sitcom, non-child acting role in Singleton’s “Poetic Justice” two years later — the movie that also showed that Tupac Shakur could play more than stereotyped “thug” characters.Â
Through just the movies he wrote and directed himself, Singleton would go on to either debut or provide the first major dramatic acting showcase for actors like Angela Bassett, Morris Chestnut, Omar Epps, Tyra Banks, Tyrese Gibson, Nia Long, and André 3000, to name a few. Idris is primed to be Singleton’s grand finale.
