No need to mourn Bunkie: ‘Empire’ actor had fun making movie here

“My character is a neighbor, and that’s the best I can do!” he said.

McKay and his wife, Rebecca, live in Chicago with their six children. He began his professional acting career at the Second City's Main Stages in Detroit and Chicago. His TV credits include roles in "Detroit 1-8-7," "ER," "Prison Break" and "Sports Action Team."

McKay also has appeared in movies including “The Weather Man” and “Osso Bucco.” His recent work includes Comedy Central’s “Review” and the runaway hit “Empire.”

“I knew it was going to do something, but it kind of made everybody go, ‘oh, wow,’” he said of the Fox series. “It’s a rocket ship. The music is incredible. It keeps you on your A game. You’ve got to bring it.”

He drew on memories of the past to relate to his character.

“I grew up with a lot of guys like Bunkie,” he said. “This guy is like maybe one or two of my family members, but also people in the neighborhood.”

Speaking of neighborhoods, he enjoyed Atlanta’s while he was here filming “Joneses,” which takes place in numerous area communities.

“I have traveled around the world and I have never been to a place where people are so nice and polite,” he said. “It’s been a great time!”

CeeLo turns 4-0

CeeLo Green kicked off another decade Saturday night at a party held at a private Buckhead estate with an exclusive VIP after-party at Establishment in Buckhead. Joining in the fun were fellow artists Andre 3000, Big Boi and Eric Benet, along with Atlanta City Council member Kwanza Hall, local radio personality Ryan Cameron and comedian Jonathan Slocumb. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a portrait by artist Janssen Robinson, who created the piece live, amid the revelry.