Omar J. Dorsey’s Journey from Auditioning Woes to HBO Stardom
So, here’s a juicy Hollywood tale for you! Omar J. Dorsey recently opened up about how Wood Harris nabbed the role he was gunning for in the iconic 2000 flick *Remember the Titans*. Can you believe it’s been 24 years? Dorsey, at the time a college student, auditioned for the part of Julius Campbell but lost out to Harris, who ended up becoming a household name. Fast forward to now, and Dorsey’s got a little bragging rights of his own after scoring a role in HBO’s *Bookie*—and he’s not shying away from the friendly trash talk. “I still talk smack to Wood now because I got Bookie over you, Wood. I’m getting this over you!” he joked during the Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood event—a celebration that shines a light on Black creatives in the industry.
*Remember the Titans*, directed by Boaz Yakin, has become a cult classic. Starring the likes of Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, and Hayden Panettiere, it’s a feel-good film about overcoming racial divides through the power of football. Even after missing out on that pivotal role, Dorsey swiftly pivoted to Hollywood’s fast-paced ecosystem, landing a part in the 2000 comedy *Road Trip*, which kicked off his journey on a high note. However, the actor soon realized that breaking into the industry was far from breezy. “I thought Hollywood was so easy! Wrong, wrong!” he laughed.
Now 49 and still crushing it, Dorsey looks back on the years as a mix of struggle and triumph, noting how surreal it feels to reflect on his evolution from sleeping on couches to co-starring in hit shows. His recent role in *Bookie*, where he navigates the wild world of sports gambling, reflects his growth and determination, and he’s hopeful it will find a new home after HBO’s initial run.
HBO’s *Bookie* has been well-received since its premiere in 2023, and Dorsey’s enthusiasm for the project indicates that there’s still life left in this series. He’s in talks with creator Chuck Lorre and co-star Sebastian Maniscalco about reviving the show. So, fingers crossed for more seasons—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good comeback story?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, HBO, IMDb
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