By Tonisha Johnson

Cannon plays Kennedy’s campaign manager ‘Dwayne Clark’; hoping to use his position and opportunity as a chance to make a stand for the African American community, Clark is desperate to elect Kennedy; almost guaranteeing freedom for his people. Clark believes wholeheartedly in Bobby.

As Cannon takes his acting career one step further, this small but significant 15 minutes of ‘serious’ fame role may lead Nick to other roles that have a greater magnitude than what is usually portrayed by Cannon.

Most of your roles are comedies did you like the serious role?

Nick Cannon: I love the challenge. I don’t like to be pigeon holed and placed into a box. It wasn't all about jokes and really gets out there and flex my acting.

What were the challenges?

Nick Cannon: It was just as challenging as anything else. This was a film that was extremely intense based off the fact that it’s a real event that occurred. Being on set with the phenomenal actors. The energy was high.

Did you study the time period?

Nick Cannon: I studied the year of 1968. Listened to Dr. Martin Luther King speeches. 2 months prior to Robert Kennedy' killing, Dr King was assassinated.

What have you taken from this role?

Nick Cannon: To become more socially aware of what’s going on. Being socially aware; that is what I truly aspire; to get involved.

What was your experience like working with Harry Bellefonte?

Nick Cannon: My experience with Mr. Bellefonte changed my life. I would show up on days I wasn't working just to see him. He would lace me with so much wisdom and knowledge. He’s actually a mentor. Just someone who is looking out for me.

What do you hope people your age will take from this film?

Nick Cannon: We hope that this film sparks something in our youth. If you look at the relevance of 1968 it’s just a mirror of what’s going on today. So many different things. If you look at the speeches that resonant towards the end of the film it stands today. I believe today that we’ve kind of given up on our government system.  Hopefully that idealism can be charged from this film

What made you want to be apart of this film?

Nick Cannon: When I first read the script for Bobby, cause I knew I had to be apart of cause it was something I had never done before.

With this part now complete, do you see yourself doing more serious acting roles as oppose to comedy?

Nick Cannon: Drumline was pretty serious. It’s the same thing. Even though I did this film I don’t really see myself just doing one thing. And at the same time I was still producing doing 'Wilding Out’ or whatever. It’s not about the money anymore. I’ll never probably do another film for the money. It’s not a financial choice anymore. It’s a choice of passion.

What types of roles are you looking for?

Nick Cannon: Stuff that’s resonates. That leaves a long lasting feeling. I want people to love; whether or not its stuff that sits with people and lives with them forever.

Is it true that the stars in this film agree to work for scale?

Nick Cannon: Absolutely. We knew it was a passion for the director Emilio Estevez.

What do we have to look forward to from you?

Nick Cannon: I have a few more films coming out... another film called ‘Weapons’. Its about guns, violence and how it desensitizes our youth. I did ‘Day of the dead’ with Ving Rhames. That will be out next year. We just keep it moving. I have a new clothing line and I just opened a boutique on Melrose Ave.

Was Lindsay Lohan on time to the set of Bobby?

Nick Cannon: I don’t know cause I was probably late too… lol.

You’ve done so many roles. Do you ever see yourself directing?

Nick Cannon: I’ve done directing. I started off behind the scenes. I produced my first show that was on Nickelodeon. I produced 'Wilding' Out'.

Do you have a favorite since you have your hand in anything?

Nick Cannon: Being an entrepreneur, that’s kind of the nucleus of everything. But it allows me to get in an be creative with everything

Who would you work with that you haven’t?

Nick Cannon: Ohh. Some body fine. Halle Berry that works for me. Lol

Really. Why?

Nick Cannon: Naw. I was being light with it. Truly I don’t think about who I want to work with next. I take each opportunity to heart.

What do you learn when doing a movie that an acting class can’t teach?

Nick Cannon: I’ve never taken a class so I couldn’t tell you

I hear your producing a cartoon?

Nick Cannon: I’m producing a live action series with Quincy Jones and create a super group on stage. Teaching the kids the ropes on what it takes to be successful in the industry.

Did you think 'Wilding' Out’ would be great?

Nick Cannon: I didn’t think of it like that. When I created it I just wanted to have fun. But it opened up so many doors. It was a surprise

What was one of the most memorable guests you had on ‘Wildin’ Out’?

Nick Cannon: Tyra Banks. We had a lot of fun. The funniest is Charlie Murphy

Will u help Kat Williams out on the BET Hip Hop Awards?

Nick Cannon: I wish him all the best. That man don’t need no help.

How was it working with Anthony Hopkins on the set? Did you have any interactions with him?

Nick Cannon: Not a lot of interaction but the scene where I'm real emotional and I’m crying in the chair, he was sitting watching me. At first it was intimidating to be staring at you do your thing. He told me I did an outstanding job and it was a phenomenal scene.

What does acting mean to you?

Nick Cannon: Realistically acting is just being. Once you analyze the situation and you take in what surrounds the character its natural. Instead of trying to act sad just be sad.

What is your new album ‘Stages’ about?

Nick Cannon: Pretty much talking about my life thus for... I produced the album. It’s just me being me cause I just love music. Not trying to make great music but because I love it. Just sharing certain aspects of my life

What is it geared towards?

Nick Cannon: Mostly hip hop.

Are there other areas of music your interested in?

Nick Cannon: As a producer I'm looking at getting involved in everything. You never know

Who are your influences?

Nick Cannon: I’ve been doing this since I was five years old. People like Michael Jackson. I remember watching Michael Jackson. Eddie Murphy

Your favorite artist?

Nick Cannon: Musically? Rap artist right now Lil Wayne. Ever... Slick Rick or Common.

What about R&B?

Nick Cannon: The king of R&B, Bobby Brown ... lol

What’s your take on bobby’ situation right now?

Nick Cannon: Bobby is a close associate of mine. It’s like with any family’s situation. All you can do is step back and be supportive.

Is Karen Steffens pregnant with his child?

Nick Cannon: I don’t know.

Why are you so successful? And are you interested in live theatre as well as screen?

Nick Cannon: I’ve dabbled in theatre. It’s a hunger you can’t let go. You have to remain diligent at all times and never get comfortable in this business.

Do you ever get tired?

Nick Cannon: Not really. I keep it moving. I'm constantly on autopilot. You keep moving forward.

What do you like about your character in Bobby?

Nick Cannon: My character Dwayne Clark is a campaign manager. He feels this is his last chance to help his people as well as believing in Robert Kennedy. He was going to try to make a difference and believed Bobby Kennedy was the last hope.