Originally posted Saturday, January 11, 2020 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
"Like a Boss," shot in Atlanta, is a light, frothy ode to female comedy empowerment featuring two experts in the field: Tiffany Haddish ("Girls Trip") and Rose Byrne ("Bridesmaids"). Their foil? Salma Hayek, who plays a mean boss type trying to take over their make-up business.
The most notable male role is played by Billy Porter, a gay make-up creator. But Atlanta actor Jacob Latimore gets a few moments to shine as Haddish's hot, young boy toy. (He's 23; Haddish is 40.)
For him, it was a way to hang with Haddish and take a few days off from his very serious role as Emmett on Showtime’s ‘The Chi.”
“It only took four days,” he said at the Four Seasons Thursday, referencing his time on the “Like a Boss” set. He had to work closely with Haddish and that was a challenge: “It’s what you have to level up to. I didn’t go in memorizing lines. I just kind of let it go.” And since he spent most of his scenes topless, “I flexed a hard as I could without farting.”
Latimore, who lives in Vinings, said “comedic timing is tougher than dramatic timing. For me, it’s tougher than crying on the spot.”
Once he saw the final product, he was happy with the results. “It was dope. You can tell we have a lot of fun.” And being in a bonafide chick flick? “Fine with me! Hello there ladies!”
Latimore, 23, chewing on an apple, said he was already in good shape for “The Chi,” which returns for a third season later this year.
Born in Milwaukee, he has lived in Atlanta since he was 11. He came to the city in part to work on his rapping and singing. He was signed to RCA Records from 13 through 17, then delved into movies. He nabbed a small role in Kevin Hart’s “Ride Along” shot in Atlanta and then received meatier roles in films such as “Maze Runner,” “Collateral Beauty,” and “Detroit.”
In 2018, his first regular TV role on “The Chi” about life on the south side of Chicago enabled him to dig deep into a role that is complex and real.
“It’s beautiful,” Latimore said. “That’s every actor’s dream to have consistent work of this quality. I’ve watched a lot of TV. ‘Martin.’ ‘Fresh Prince.’ I’m pretty sure that’s the same feeling they had. It’s great to be on a show that impacts people in such an incredible way.”
He hasn't stopped making music and plans to rent an Airbnb later this year and pump out his third album. He did release a single last month called "Don't Wanna Leave" with former "Rap Game" winner Miss Mulatto.
He hopes to keep developing his songwriting and producing. “I’m good at performing,” he said. “That’s my strong suit.”
His hangout spots in Atlanta are more hookah lounges than dance clubs. As for Atlanta’s famed strip club scene? “I did that for a month straight once but I realized I was feeding way too many families!” he said, laughing.
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