50 Cent Explains His Evolution As An Actor + Video

After plenty of tough-guy roles, 50 Cent says he had to create his own character in "Things Fall Apart" to get outside of his comfort zone. As far back as his days playing an extra in the Onyx music video, “React,” 50 Cent has always essentially portrayed the same character—the cliché, no-nonsense tough guy. Even with the commercial success of Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which grossed over $12 million during its opening weekend, 50 Cent played an exaggerated version of himself. His decision to go by his government name of Curtis Jackson for movie roles hints at a desire to improve his acting chops, and 50 says he’s been learning from some A-list co-stars.

“I had a really blessed situation,” 50 recently told NBC’s Peter Bailey. “I’ve been able to work with the likes of Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in Righteous Kill. I worked with Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Biel in Home of the Brave…it feels like I’m just going up.

The film Things Fall Apart, which 50 co-wrote and stars in, was inspired by one of 50’s childhood friends who died of cancer. He says the story both somewhat mirrors the experience and gives him the opportunity to move to a different genre.

“It’s the first time I’ve been in a family drama,” 50 added. “If you’re going to act, you have to be something that’s outside of what’s comfortable for you.”

As an actor, 50’s newfound diversity may be short-lived. His next role in Blood Out, sees him portraying the character Hardwick, who has to face off with a rogue cop out for revenge.