By Tammy Reese
Damani D. Sease plays the role of ‘U-God’ on Hulu’s Hit Series Wu-Tang: An American Saga and has become a fan favorite. Wu-Tang: An American Saga created by The RZA and Alex Tse tracks Wu-Tang Clan’s formation and rise to become the unlikeliest of American success stories. Damani’s first industry job was a stunt part for the Wu-Tang series, and then in 2019 he auditioned and booked the series regular role of ‘U-God’ for his first acting role.
Damani can also be seen as ‘Jules’ in the award-winning film “Chaaw” which tells the stories of victims of injustice in America and how injustice not only impacts the individuals but also their families and community. In addition to acting, Damani is passionate about fashion and style.
Heart of Hollywood Magazine readers, please enjoy our interview!
Hi Damani, it's a joy to sit down with you today. Congratulations on portraying the role of U-God on Hulu’s hit series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga”. What did you know about U-God already and what did you learn about him from taking on this role?
I didn’t know too much about U-God himself. I knew about Wu-Tang more so from being from New York. I saw people wearing Wu-Tang shirts everywhere because they're global. I have to thank my pops because he really brought the series to my attention. My pops is in the stunt industry. During the first season of the show in 2019, he was a part of that. He was telling me as they were filming that they didn’t have a U-God on the show and that I look just like him, and I needed to get on that.
Ever since he told me that, I’d be on YouTube or social media and I’ll just see U-God. I just kept seeing him. I said that had to be a sign. So I started studying him and as time went on, I got an agent and by the time the audition for U-God came around, I was already prepared.
Have you ever met U-God in person? Has he given you any feedback on how you’re portraying him?
I never met U-God in person, but I did talk to him on the phone and he loves it. I feel like these dudes would have told me straight up if they didn’t.
This year we’re celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop. How has being a part of such an iconic series which highlights one of Hip Hop’s biggest groups of all time been for you?
It’s been an amazing experience. My parents use to listen to Wu-Tang and now their son is playing one of the original members, it's crazy! It was a lot of pressure to fill these iconic shoes because people from New York are going to be on you if you mess it up. I try not to think too much about it though. I just put in the work.
I am the best that I can be. I feel like I have to be that way with any role I do in the future. U-God telling me that he liked it made me more confident and when I talk to Rza on set he’s always giving us gems which is a blessing.
Being a part of this series has changed my life in a big positive way. Not only just being an actor, being at these industry events, and meeting all these new people, but this experience has made me a better man in general.
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You're truly a fan favorite on the show. From your perspective, how do you feel the Wu-Tang Clan represents Hip-Hop?
They’re so inspiring. They changed the Hip-Hop game in a different way by bringing the Kung Fu sounds. The music was something you wanted to check out. They showed people that you can be you, you can be different, and you can take risks.
Did you keep any souvenirs?
Yes, I kept a couple of pairs of Timberlands and buckets hats.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
There are so many, but I’m gonna say, this season episode 305 with Dante, U-God’s son. That whole incident and situation because I believe RZA and Alex gave me an opportunity to really showcase my talent. I had asked U-God for his blessing to even perform that because I felt it was more respectful to do it that way. U-God said, "Yeah, man, just do your thing."
It was one of those situations where it was opportunities and preparation. I prepared myself and it was a moment for me to showcase my talent. This was also something that needed to be told.
Why do you think it's important for audiences to watch the series?
I feel like there’s no show like ours. I’m not just saying that because I’m a part of it. The show is so inspirational, I promise you, whoever is watching this, you’re going to learn something. These dudes have been through a lot in life. A current situation that you might have now, they may have been through and it could give you some insight on how to figure that out. You never know. And it’s the Wu-Tang Clan’s story. Like, who doesn't want to see that?
How has the experience been with the other actors? You all are doing amazing work! What would you like to say to your fellow cast mates?
My castmates are amazing. It’s amazing to have a role like this to get me in the industry and put me in that spotlight. Being able to work with all these young talented men and women like, Erika Alexander I’ve been watching her since I was younger, so that was really dope.
Not only am I working with these young, talented brothers and sisters, but we even have our conversations behind the scenes bettering each other and talking about life. We’re all able to communicate, we all have good chemistry, and everybody’s great. There’s nothing bad I can say about anybody truthfully.
What else can we be on the lookout for from you?
I have a film coming out later this year titled “Chaaw”, which stars Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Bern Nadette Stanis, and Jimmy Walker. I have something else I just worked on that I can’t say too much about it right now, but as soon as I’m able to, everybody will know for sure.
MORE ABOUT DEMANI
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Damani D. Sease had the opportunity to live in numerous states, including Delaware and New Jersey, before his family relocated to Pennsylvania. He attended Pocono Mountain East High School and then went on to attend Lycoming College to play football. While in school, Sease discovered that acting was his true passion and decided to leave college to pursue an acting career. Damani immersed himself in the industry by extensively researching the careers of other actors, taking background roles on numerous shows and films, and enrolling in acting classes to refine his natural talent.
Follow on Instagram @damanidsease
Photo Credits: Photographer: Tyler Patrick Kenny Wardrobe Stylist: Gloria Johnson
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TAMMY REESE
Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. She also directed the weekly live TV show Rough Times Live.
Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater and wrote and produced her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts.
Tammy is an award-winning journalist and is best known for her legendary interviews with Sigourney Weaver, Meagan Good, Jennifer Connelly, Laurence Fishburne, Mona Scott- Young, Geena Davis, Essie Davis, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, Nelly, Ryan Coogler, Carmen Electra, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Giancarlo Esposito, Dedee Pfeiffer, Leon, Patina Miller, La La Anthony, Neyo, Britt Lower, Michael James Shaw, Aleks Paunovic, Courtney Kemp, Janet Hubert, Tom Arnold, Michole Briana White, Matt Cedeño, Raven Goodwin, Amber Riley, Ross Marquand, Merritt Wever and many more.
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