After deciding that the movie business was a far more interesting career than law school, Sean Patrick Thomas started with small acting roles in "Courage Under Fire" and "Conspiracy Theory". His potential as a leading man was noticed at the end of the 90s, confirmed by appearances in "Cruel Intentions" and "Save the Last Dance". Now he's at the cutting edge with "Barbershop".
Tell us about your character...
I play Jimmy. I'm the college educated, know-it-all barber who instigates a lot of the arguments in the shop.
What drew you to this character?
I'm always playing the nice guy in most of the projects that I do. As an actor, I needed to do something where I didn't have pressure to be likeable. So it was great for me.
How much research did you do?
I grew up going to a barbershop, but there's not a lot of research involved. You just get involved in the film and it's fun. There were actually more laughs off camera than on.
How did you become convincing as a barber?
I did study the art of being a barber because I wanted to figure out what my routine would be. Do you start in the front or back? Top or bottom? Swivel the chair or walk around? What I did discover is there's no such thing as the perfect haircut!
