7/8
Mitch Haaseth/ABC via Getty Images
On playing Mack:
"Alfonso 'Mack' Mackenzie isn't a superhero and doesn't have any superpowers, which made him even more interesting to play. I love that he's an everyman who takes on seemingly insurmountable circumstances without the assurance of a probable victory. It meant a great deal to me that in the final two seasons the executives of the show chose a Black character to be the head of SHIELD. Black children can see a team of superheroes being led by someone who looks like them. Positive representation is incredibly important."
On his personal heroes:
"That's why I connected so deeply as a child with Black Panther. Black Panther was one of the few heroes that looked like me. He would fight and never quit, and he carried himself with pride. Namor the Submariner also had an impact because he was an outsider, had dignity, and commanded respect.
My hero now is my mother. Her example of selflessness, grace, and unwavering love is a constant inspiration to me. There will never be another equivalent."