Exclusive Interview
Michael Thornberry
By Victor A . Padilla
Latin Times : Michael , please tell us about your family and where you come from ? Michael Thornberry : I was born in Conroe , Texas to Jonathan and Vickie Thornberry . I have two older sisters , Rachel and Julie and a younger brother David . We grew up in a rural setting on lots of land in East Texas . We had no real neighbors so we spent lots of time with each other , playing , fighting , working etc .
My brother and I had a boxing ring in the top of our barn where we spent a great deal of time fighting each other and any other kids we could get to come train with us .
We also had lots of animals to take care of . Cattle , horses , pigs , sheep , goats , chickens , cats , rabbits , donkeys , you name it , we had it ! We did a lot of hunting and fishing and loved every minute of it . It was the only life we knew . My grandmother and Grandfather lived not far away and on the weekends we would “ work cattle ” together and eat Sunday dinner ( which is Texan for lunch ) together . We had a large extended family and we loved that time together .
Latin Times : Tell us about some of the work you produced and worked in the past ? Michael Thornberry : I began working in theatre in College , although I had some previous experience in the theatre throughout gradeschool . When I was boxing professionally after attending Texas A & M University , my manager got an audition in a movie for me playing the role of Ingomar Johannsen in Ali : King of the World , starring Terrance Howard . I was a bit burned out on boxing , after competing my entire life , so I moved to New York City and began attending Film School and studying acting . I produced and acted in several films there and after a couple of years in NYC , I moved to Los Angeles and continued to pursue acting , writing and producing .
Latin Times : You were a boxer , tell us about that experience Michael Thornberry : Well , my father got me into boxing when I was young . I remember having gloves on from a very early age .. I had my first REAL fight in the ring with judges and referees when I was eight years old . I was a big kid so I had to travel a lot to find kids in my weight division to compete . Most of the time I would compete with older kids that weighed the same as me to get experience . I remember crying after my first fight because my opponent did a lot of grabbing and holding and I was very discouraged but my dad encouraged me to continue and improve . I had over a hundred amateur bouts , competed in the Olympic Trials , many National tournaments , was the Texas State Golden Gloves Champion as a light heavyweight , competed in the Olympic trials and after graduating from Texas A & M University , I began competing professionally . When I retired from boxing I was undefeated , 10 wins , No Losses , 8 KO ’ s ( knockouts ).
Latin Times : Are there any new projects you are involved in currently tell us about them ? Michael Thornberry : Absolutely , I am currently producing and writing a feature film that is in pre-production and I am have seven films on a slate with our new Film Company Catori Film . Life is good and I have been very busy putting these projects together .
Latin Times : What is your favorite Latin Food and how do you like Cuban Sandwiches ? Michael Thornberry : My favorite Latin food is Enchildas Verdes and Cuban Black Beans and Rice .. I do like Cuban Sandwiches but rarely have an opportunity to enjoy them . I need to learn to make them !
Latin Times : What advice can you give up and coming actors ? Michael Thornberry : I would encourage up and coming actors to treat their craft as they would any other skilled profession . I think it is important to stay in an acting class and be around other actors who are working and / or seeking work and creating their own opportunities . Being around positive / proactive people is essential in anything you do , especially as an actor . It is your job to make your dream a reality . Seek advice only from people you admire because there are plenty of people who will be quick to give you negative advice if you let them . Stay positive , Stay focused .
Visit : www . LatinTimesMedia . com to read more !
18 Latin Times Magazine www . latintimesmedia . com Abraza el calor de tu cultura !