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The Grind That Built a Star (Image Credits: Flickr)
Michael B. Jordan recently shared heartfelt reflections on his early days in daytime television, crediting a soap opera role with laying the foundation for his blockbuster career.[1][2]
The Grind That Built a Star
Long before commanding the screen in films like Black Panther and Creed, Jordan honed his skills under the bright lights of All My Children. He stepped into the role of Reggie Porter Montgomery, a troubled teen under the care of Jackson Montgomery, appearing in 59 episodes from 2003 to 2006.[1][3]
The production demanded relentless pace. Crews churned out an episode and a half daily, tackling more than 100 pages of script per day. Jordan described it as a well-oiled machine that tested every young actor’s mettle.[2]
This intensity proved transformative for the then-teenager, who had skipped traditional training paths. Without formal acting classes or drama school, he immersed himself fully in the daily rigors.
Praise from a Soap Legend
Susan Lucci, the iconic Erica Kane from All My Children, recently lavished Jordan with glowing words during her SiriusXM appearance on Radio Andy. She recalled his professionalism vividly.[1]
“He was prepared, he was on time, he was committed, he was sweet, he was respectful to everyone around him – cast, crew, producers, everybody, you name it,” Lucci said. “But not nauseously so, you know, not phony baloney. He was authentically who he was. He was a genuinely terrific young man.”[2]
Jordan found the tribute touching. He called it “sweet” and expressed plans to reconnect with his former co-star, highlighting the enduring bonds from those sets.[1]
Mentors Who Shaped the Craft
Jordan often points to the veterans who surrounded him as key influences. He learned the nuances of performance directly from industry stalwarts like Lucci, Darnell Williams, and Walt Willey.[2]
Other luminaries crossed his path, including Kelly Ripa, Sarah Michelle Gellar, John Duhamel, and Ray MacDonnell. Their guidance filled the gaps left by absent classrooms.
- Susan Lucci: Emmy-winning powerhouse and set leader.
- Darnell Williams: Longtime Jesse Hubbard, embodying depth in soap drama.
- Walt Willey: Jackson Montgomery, Jordan’s on-screen guardian.
- Kelly Ripa and others: Early guest stars adding star power.
“That time I spent on that show did so much for me education-wise,” Jordan reflected in his SiriusXM interview. “I learned from them.”[3]
A Launchpad to Hollywood Heights
The soap stint opened unexpected doors. Casting directors recognized Jordan from daytime TV, sparking opportunities in prime projects. It even helped him navigate away from limiting stereotypes after an early role overlap with Chadwick Boseman.[2]
Today, at 39, Jordan views that chapter without regret. The high-stakes environment equipped him for everything from indie films to superhero epics.
His core takeaway remains simple yet profound: “For a kid that never really went to acting classes and never went to acting school or anything like that, that was my education.”[1]
Key Takeaways
- Intense soap production built Jordan’s discipline and speed.
- Veteran co-stars provided on-set mentorship.
- Early visibility propelled him beyond daytime TV.
Jordan’s story underscores how unconventional paths can forge elite talent. Soap operas, often overlooked, served as his proving ground. What do you think about his journey from All My Children to global fame? Tell us in the comments.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Fritz is the managing director of Europe’s largest manufacturer of mobile stages Kultour and has a lot of experience in the event industry, loves music and likes to go to festivals.
