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Part 12: Clifton Powell: I Got My First Car & Bank Account at 46 Years Old
Part 1: Clifton Powell on Losing His Mother to Suicide at Age 4: She Just Walked Into the Night
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Clifton Powell, who portrayed Ray Charles’ manager Jeff Brown in the 2004 biopic *Ray*, shares insight into his experience working alongside Jamie Foxx, whose portrayal of Charles earned him an Academy Award. Contrary to being typecast as an antagonist, Powell revealed Foxx personally advocated for him to secure the role, recognizing his capability to bring humanity to the complex character. Powell praised Foxx’s dedication, noting the actor’s intense preparation, including mastering and singing Charles’ songs, which contributed to a mesmerizing and unforgettable performance. Reflecting on the film’s impact, Powell described attending screenings that brought him to tears, impressed by the authentic and layered depiction of Ray Charles and his flawed world. Powell also emphasized the significance of doing thorough research as an actor and expressed gratitude for the opportunities the film brought. *Ray* remains a landmark musical biopic, celebrated for its powerful storytelling and Jamie Foxx’s transformative acting.
