Quotes from Mike Colter

The black community wants to buy things and want to see themselves portrayed in a certain way. And if they don't like what they see, then they won't spend their money. Everyone's not gonna always relate to Captain America; everyone is not going to always relate to Thor. A lot of characters just don't speak to them.

I'm pretty relaxed on what people should be able to do as long as they're not hurting anybody else.

I think anyone in New York City could look at Luke Cage and say, 'Hey, this guy could help me out.' I don't want him to just seem like a relevant hero for only black people.

Comic book heroes are an important part of our culture, so I think we're actually utilizing comic book heroes in a much more in-depth way than before. They have such potential, and I think we're maximizing the potential.

I think sometimes we get wrapped up in awards... ultimately, it's just a moment in time, and it passes.

The big budget films have money to do things that are not necessarily essential but sure are comforting. The catering is usually much better. And you have way more of anything you could possibly need. You definitely get a trailer. My shirt and suit for 'Million Dollar Baby' were tailor made.

Never take anything at face value. Dare to question and seek the truth.

Love, for me, is always wanting the best for the other person even if it's not what's best for you.

I always make a joke: 'Don't look into the future; it's too bright.' That's as positive as I can be.

I think all actors, when they're not working, say, 'If I can get to this point where I'm working on a consistent basis, I'll be happy.' Of course, then, if that happens for you, and you're lucky, you find some other reason to complain. There's a joke: 'If you want to hear an actor complain, give him a job.'

What makes Luke Cage unique isn't him being black. Yes, he is black, but he has other things.

I think, in a career, you have several breaks that lead to a big break. Small things here and there all add up to cracking away at the dam. Then the dam breaks.

The work is done; it is what it is. You do the work, and you hope people like it, and if they don't, don't read it. I don't read reviews. I don't have social media, so I'll stay away from that; it's easy.

Not being white has never prevented me from enjoying Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. These are heroes of mine.

Marvel does a fantastic job about bringing human stories - because you're telling big stories with a heart at the centre of it - and that's what connects all of the characters to our audience members.

Acting, really, is a lot of mental fatigue, emotional fatigue, concentration... it's mentally draining.

I've learned over the years, when someone is complaining or wants to vent and has something they want to tell you, they don't necessarily want you to fix it.

I'm always game for creating a new character, and I liked the idea of putting something new into the 'Halo' universe.

I'm a bit bored of going to the gym! I'm like, 'Someone put me out of my misery - I can't do this anymore!'

Some people act like there is so much mystery in getting fit, but the only secret there is to making it happen is time.

You can have all the intentions you want and try and guide the narrative, but the narrative is irrelevant because it's how the public digests it that will be indicative of what the series will ultimately be.

New York City is a big city but a small city when it comes to theater.

I respond to women who have their stuff together, who are in charge, who don't need men to do things for them. I want a woman to have her own thing.

I pretty much spend most of my time in the gym bulking up and staying fit and putting muscle on so I can play the part of Luke Cage, but I've never been a gym rat.