‘Number One on the Call Sheet’: 5 Standout Stories that Highlight the Black Hollywood Excellence
“Number One on the Call Sheet” is spotlighting Black actors and actresses who’ve not only led blockbuster films but reshaped what leading looks like in the industry.
Produced by Jamie Foxx and Kevin Hart, Apple TV’s two-part documentary delivered behind-the-scenes gems and emotional revelations, giving us not only nostalgia but perspective. Whether it’s hearing how Whoopi Goldberg landed iconic roles because other women passed or learning that John Boyega broke his NDA and shared his “Star Wars” news with a random cabbie before anyone else, “Number One on the Call Sheet” is packed with stories that’ll make you laugh, reflect, and appreciate these stars even more.
Here are five things we learned from the series that prove why these legends are—and always will be—that somebody.
Laurence Fishburne met John Singleton on the set of a children’s program
Before “Boyz n the Hood” pleasantly disrupted the industry, legendary actor Laurence Fishburne portrayed Cowboy Curtis on “The Pee-Wee Herman Show.” It was there that he met a young production assistant—none other than John Singleton. That early connection would later lead to Fishburne being cast as Furious Styles in Singleton’s debut film.
Whoopi Goldberg’s breakout roles were often hand-me-downs—and she still ate every time
Whoopi didn’t shy away from revealing that many of her now-iconic roles were only offered to her after others passed. Sister Act came her way after Bette Midler declined. “Ghost” almost didn’t happen until Patrick Swayze fought for her, and she even shared that Cher was originally offered “Fatal Beauty.” Still, Whoopi made each role her own—and turned every second choice into a first-class performance.
Daniel Kaluuya’s actor Mount Rushmore is flawless
When asked which legends sit on his personal Mount Rushmore of acting, Daniel Kaluuya didn’t hesitate: Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Sidney Poitier, and Jamie Foxx. No notes. Just four men who redefined Black excellence on screen across generations.
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John Boyega told a cab driver he was in “Star Wars Before” anyone else
Sometimes, the news is too big to keep to yourself. Before the world knew, English-born actor John Boyega shared his biggest career milestone with a taxi driver on the way home.
I got in a taxi and told the driver. That was the first person I told. My mom’s not here, my dad’s not here, we’re sharing in this moment, bro. ‘Bro, I just got Star Wars!’ the actor recalled. He was like, ‘Oh, yeah, congratulations mate. Great, that’ll be 45 pounds, please,’” he continued. “It was that kinda moment. But I had to share. I know the rules were like, ‘Don't share.’ But come on, man, you just offered me the opportunity of a lifetime!”
Michael B. Jordan still carries the loss of Chadwick Boseman
MBJ got honest about how Chadwick Boseman’s passing still hits hard. Their bond during “Black Panther” was deeper than what we saw on screen, and the grief is still heavy.
The actor shared what he felt he could’ve done differently in their friendship. “It's something I think about often, you know,” the 38-year-old revealed. “Not checking up as much as I should. It's something that weighs on me, also. I'm not trying to turn this into a therapy session, but Chadwick is special. I was looking forward to, like, you know…”
August 8 will mark five years since the world lost the extraordinary star to a highly private battle with stage III colon cancer.
Part one and two of “Number One On The Call Sheet” are now streaming on Apple TV.
