Anthony Mackie appeared on Variety’s Actors On Actors with Tyler James Williams.
During the episode, both actors spoke about their experiences in television versus film and their long careers in Hollywood.
During their 47-minute sit-down on Variety, Mackie praised the Abbott Elementary star for his long career.
“You’ve done it in a really interesting way that a lot of actors have not been able to. I feel like when looking at your career, there’s a certain form of dignity that came with it. It [says something] when you get a job and that job becomes a career, so kudos to you.”
Mackie then said:
“You was a weird-looking kid, and you grew up to be, like, a good-looking dude.”
But Williams didn’t take offense, firing back:
“I want to say we were all weird-looking kids. Mine was just documented extensively.”
Fans Didn’t Like Anthony Mackie’s Joke About Tyler James Williams
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Despite the joke being light, fans didn’t take it lightly.
They wrote:
“Anthony Mackie has a lot of nerve calling someone ‘weird looking’ when every time we see him he looks like he’s eating skittles and knows a secret.”
And:
“I know his unfinished chin having a** ain’t talking!!!!!”
And:
“A return serve with a side of flex! So smooth you can miss it if you’re not of the petty persuasion.”
Anthony Mackie told Tyler James Williams: "You was a weird-looking kid…"
And then y’all picked Anthony Mackie up by his shield and dragged himmm ???? https://t.co/M9PhJp1dEs pic.twitter.com/RN3mYclbCN
— Elle Murasaki (@itsellemurasaki) June 9, 2024
and
Anthony Mackie to Tyler James Williams: pic.twitter.com/BdWbPke9WH
— ???? Wïłśøñ ???? (@WondahWilson) June 9, 2024
and
Anthony Mackie has a lot of nerve calling someone “weird looking” when everytime we see him he looks like he’s eating skittles and knows a secret
— demotivational speaker. ???? (@hey_sita) June 8, 2024
and
Anthony Mackie is trending. No matter how long I live, I will never forget seeing him at Essence Fest in 2021 and the moment our eyes locked, Anthony said to me, "No." Not a single word was exchanged. He just told me no. LMFAO pic.twitter.com/wqZtPZcH27
— GirlTyler (@sheistyler) July 10, 2023
However, other fans defended Mackie.
“Can y’all get off Anthony Mackie? I swear to god you guys are making this way bigger than it is, he teased Tyler and Tyler teased him back. It’s jokes, calm down”
Can y’all get off Anthony Mackie? I swear to god you guys are making this way bigger than it is, he teased Tyler and Tyler teased him back. It’s jokes, calm down pic.twitter.com/qLoQw6ivLq
— Sunflower’s Cap ⍟ | 3 YEARS OF SAM!CAP (@softyellowpetal) June 8, 2024
More from the interview:
Anthony Mackie discusses Spike Lee's "She Hate Me," in which he starred alongside Kerry Washington: "A lot of people hated that movie." #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/8eG10uwTLb pic.twitter.com/kmTkZA6bbA
— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2024
and
Tyler James Williams and Anthony Mackie debate TV, film and voice acting: "TV money is different." #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/8eG10uwTLb pic.twitter.com/8DftHXopxC
— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2024
and
Anthony Mackie talks filming "Twisted Metal": "It was so freeing. There were so many things in the show that weren't on the page. …If you don't tell me 'no' and just press record, oh, call the police, cause it's going down!" #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/8eG10uwTLb pic.twitter.com/UC5LyfdIRS
— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2024
Watch the entire conversation below:
