The story of Percy Bell, a small-town actor from Epps, Louisiana, is one of perseverance, faith, and a little bit of luck. With a self-tape and a small-town work ethic, Bell was able to make it big in Hollywood without ever leaving Nashville.
“I saw a casting call for a twin/body double that matched my specs to a T. I submitted my reel, got an audition, and not long after that, I was flying to L.A. for a chemistry read with Michael.”
Bell’s journey to the big screen began in a town where acting was never considered a realistic career. Epps, Louisiana, where he grew up, was a small town of just 300 people with one store and one stoplight. The arts were not something that was fostered or encouraged. However, Bell’s passion for acting began to take shape during his time at MTSU in Murfreesboro. He enrolled in acting classes and submitted daily self-tape auditions from his Nashville home. It was this persistence that eventually paid off. “I always thought you had to live in L.A. to make it,” Bell said. “But the industry’s changed. And Nashville has this creative energy. Everyone here is always working on something.”
Bell’s journey to becoming a body double for Michael B. Jordan was not an easy one. He had to work hard to perfect every detail, from the way he held a cigarette to the way he moved his arms. The opening scene alone required obsessive attention to detail, with Bell and Jordan choreographing every handoff and movement to maintain the illusion. “Every movement had to be perfect,” Bell said. “There’s no room for error when the whole illusion rests on you and the lead actor hitting the same marks.”
Despite the challenges, Bell’s hard work paid off. He landed the role of body double for Jordan in Sinners, a gritty new drama directed by Ryan Coogler. The film features Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, roles that required an exact double to make the illusion believable.
“There’s a scene where we’re covered in fake blood, it really brought us close,” Bell said with a laugh. “Michael’s not a fan of blood, so we bonded quickly over that one.”
For aspiring actors, Bell has a message: “This career is a marathon. You might audition 100 times and book one role. You’ve got to fall in love with the art, with storytelling, not just the idea of fame.” He hopes to become an in-demand lead actor and is already attracting attention with his recent project, Where the Needle Skips, set to premiere later this year. Bell is proud to call Nashville home, a city that has supported him throughout his career. “This town has a way of supporting its own,” he said. “I’m a product of a lot of people believing in me, now I just want to keep pushing and see how far it can go.”
“Sinners” is now playing in theaters nationwide. Watch Percy Bell’s full interview only on FOX17.com
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
• Percy Bell’s journey to Hollywood began in Nashville, Tennessee. • He became a body double for Michael B. Jordan in the film Sinners. • Bell’s experience working with Coogler has opened doors to new opportunities. • He hopes to become an in-demand lead actor in the future. • Bell’s message to aspiring actors is to fall in love with the art of storytelling. |
“Sinners” is a film that will leave you breathless. With its gritty realism and powerful performances, it’s a must-see for fans of the genre. Percy Bell’s portrayal of a body double is just one of the many highlights of the film. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see it on the big screen.
Aspiring actors, take note!
Perfection on Set
Every movement had to be perfect when Bell and Jordan choreographed every handoff and movement to maintain the illusion. The opening scene required obsessive attention to detail.
- The scene required Bell and Jordan to rehearse complex choreography.
- The duo worked tirelessly to perfect every detail.
- The scene was a pivotal moment in the film.
A Small-Town Work Ethic
Bell’s journey to becoming a body double for Michael B. Jordan was not an easy one. He had to work hard to perfect every detail, from the way he held a cigarette to the way he moved his arms.
- Bell had to work tirelessly to perfect every detail.
- The scene was a pivotal moment in the film.
- Bell’s hard work paid off.
From Small-Town to Big-Screen
Bell’s journey to becoming a body double for Michael B. Jordan was not an easy one. He had to work hard to perfect every detail, from the way he held a cigarette to the way he moved his arms.
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| Becoming a body double for Michael B. Jordan | Bell worked tirelessly to perfect every detail, from the way he held a cigarette to the way he moved his arms. |
| Working with Ryan Coogler | Bell was part of the crew that helped bring the film to life. |
| Rehearsing complex choreography | Bell and Jordan rehearsed every move to perfect the illusion. |
Nashville’s Creative Energy
Nashville has a unique creative energy that has supported Bell throughout his career.
“This town has a way of supporting its own,” Bell said.
Aspiring Actors, Take Note!
Bell’s message to aspiring actors is to fall in love with the art of storytelling, not just the idea of fame.
“You might audition 100 times and book one role. You’ve got to fall in love with the art, with storytelling, not just the idea of fame.”
The Future of Acting
Bell hopes to become an in-demand lead actor in the future.
“I’m a product of a lot of people believing in me, now I just want to keep pushing and see how far it can go.”
Conclusion
Bell’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith.
