E-mail a friendOctober 26, 2006
Actors Tim Robbins and Derek Luke plus real-life South African hero Patrick Chamusso discuss the new apartheid-era film, Catch a Fire.
Derek Luke
Derek Luke
Derek Luke was a relative unknown in Hollywood until he was picked for his breakthrough role in the film, Antwone Fisher. He won several honors, including an Independent Spirit Award and has since landed roles in several features, including Pieces of April, Biker Boyz, Glory Road and the new release, Catch a Fire. At age 4, the New Jersey native asked his mother to let him become an actor. He headed to California in '95 and was discovered while working in the gift shop on the Sony Pictures lot.
Patrick Chamusso
Patrick Chamusso
Patrick Chamusso tried to avoid political involvement, but after being arrested for a crime he didn't commit, he left his South African home and became a rebel fighter with the African National Congress. As a result of carrying out a strike against the oil refinery where he previously worked as a foreman, Chamusso spent 10 years at Robben Island, before being amnestied in '94. He lives in South Africa and, with his wife, fosters children orphaned by AIDS. His story is told in the new film, Catch a Fire.
Tim Robbins
Tim Robbins
Tim Robbins has a long list of notable acting credits including roles in Bull Durham, The Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River - for which he won an Oscar - and his latest, Catch a Fire. A gifted filmmaker and playwright, he's written, directed and produced several films, including Dead Man Walking. He also wrote and directed Embedded Live, a play about journalists in the Iraq war. Robbins is artistic director for The Actors' Gang and frequently uses his celebrity status to champion his causes.