Introduction to Channing Tatum
Channing Tatum is a man of many talents, described by Esquire as “the first honest film star of his generation” and by Vanity Fair as "the biggest male star since Pitt or Clooney." He has been selected as People’s Sexiest Man Alive and one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world. Despite his many accomplishments, Tatum has revealed that he felt "imposter syndrome" throughout his career, until he completed his latest film, Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman.
Channing Tatum’s Path to Hollywood
Tatum’s path to Hollywood is a unique one. His early life experiences as a young man struggling to find his place in the world inspired the blockbuster Magic Mike films, which he produced and starred in. Before becoming an actor, Tatum worked as a stripper, danced in music videos, modeled for top brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Armani, and appeared in national commercials for Pepsi and Mountain Dew.
Career Highlights
Tatum landed his first film roles 20 years ago and has since proven to be a box office draw. Thirteen of his films have topped the domestic box office on their opening weekend, including GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Dear John, 21 Jump Street, and The Lego Movie. He has also worked with top filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, and the Coen brothers. Tatum’s performances in films like A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Magic Mike, and Foxcatcher have showcased his talent and versatility as an actor.
The Film Roofman
In Roofman, Tatum plays Jeffrey Manchester, a military veteran struggling to provide for his family. The film is based on a true story and requires Tatum to bring both emotional vulnerability and physical comedy to the role. The performance is the result of a collaboration with writer/director Derek Cianfrance, who is known for his work on Blue Valentine. Cianfrance had previously pitched Tatum a role in Blue Valentine, but the actor had passed on the opportunity. This time, Tatum was eager to work with Cianfrance and jumped at the chance to star in Roofman.
A Newfound Passion for Acting
Working with Cianfrance on Roofman has reignited Tatum’s passion for acting and given him a sense of belonging in the business. Tatum has spoken about the unique style of Cianfrance and how it brought out the best in him. The experience has been a turning point for Tatum, who had become disillusioned with the business and had begun working less. With Roofman, Tatum has found a new sense of purpose and belonging in the film industry.
