Between Broadway, the silver screen, and television,Taye Diggshas graced audiences with a seemingly endless number of delicious roles over the years, and there’s no slowing down for the actor and now judge of an all-new competition show on Max,Second Chance Stage. Back in 2018, an acclaimed rom-com dropped on Netflix calledSet It Up, which saw Diggs playing the hardnosed boss of an overworked assistant, played by none other thanGlen Powell. Since then, thatTop Gun: Maverickactor has further risen to stardom, leading the charge in a number of bigger-budget productions (Twisters) and other beloved Netflix movies (Hit Man). MovieWeb recently caught up with Diggs, who took time to speak about Powell since they shared a number of laugh-out-loud moments on-screen inSet It Up.
“I was just texting him the other day,” Diggs told us. “I was reaching out to him. When we did that movie, he was starting out, and he had something. So I told myself, ‘Keep an eye on this kid.’ And as you’re able to see, he’s doing quite well.”
Another film of Diggs' that gained quite a following, but more so in the years after its release, was his action flick alongside Christian Bale titledEquilibrium, set in a futuristic and dystopian world where feelings and the arts are strictly forbidden. Diggs seemed surprised to know that it had gained a sort of cult status ever since it hit the masses back in 2002. “I had no idea. That’s great to hear,” said Diggs. “I just feel lucky to have been in the projects that I have been in, and it’s a constant reminder for me to keep going and to take advantage of all the opportunities that are given. So it’s nice to be reminded. Thank you.”
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“Relive” Your Dream With Diggs
And now, Diggs' latest gig is one of three judges onSecond Chance StagealongsideSNLstandout Heidi Gardner and country superstar Martina McBride; the series is hosted by Emmanuel Acho. It’s a unique premise among the sea of other shows in the genre, which Diggs detailed to us:
“It’s a different kind of competition where, dare I say, a competition doesn’t have anything to do with it. Once you see these human beings perform, and once you hear what they’ve been through, knowing that they have an opportunity to relive their dream, it doesn’t become about who’s better or who can sing higher or who is funnier, you become a part of their story, and you’re able to’t help but be affected.”
“Yes, we have to choose a winner, and it is a competition show. Yes, we have two other amazing judges and a great host. But for me, I expected to just be able to judge people, and instead, I was moved,” continued Diggs. “So I think people will enjoy it. And it’s a family show. It’s a show that you can watch with your family. So I think it’s important, especially in these days and times.“Second Chance Stageis now streaming on Max.
