Michael Ealy Deserves More Respect in Hollywood

Written by: Jamie Broadnax

Actor Michael Ealy is one of those Hollywood stars who have a recognizable face and a resume of films you’re familiar with — but his name isn’t indelibly printed in your mind like a Will Smith or an Idris Elba.

However, name recognition is not stopping Ealy from being one of the hardest working actors in the industry. This past year his film The Intruder made over $35 million at the box office on a budget of $8 million. Another Sony Screen Gems film, 2015’s The Perfect Guy, made over $60 million at the box office with a $12 million dollar budget. It’s clear that Ealy as a leading man can bring in an audience. He’s also proven his worth as an ensemble cast member in the successful Think Like a Man franchise.

Many of Ealy’s TV appearances have been short-lived and, in the fickle and flighty world of television, it’s rare to carry on a show for several seasons. Fans were outraged when the Fox drama Almost Human was canceled and campaigned heavily to bring it back. Ealy had a leading role in the series as the character Dorian. The critically acclaimed series The Following (another Fox show) was also canceled after a mere three seasons.