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Westchester Activist Relives History With Role In HBO's 'Show Me A Hero'

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. -- Mount Vernon native Darrell Davis remembers meeting Mayor Nicholas Wasicsko of Yonkers years ago when both men were in their 20s.

Mount Vernon resident Darrell Davis from a theater role in New York City.

Mount Vernon resident Darrell Davis from a theater role in New York City.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Darrell Davis, of Mount Vernon, in the HBO show, "Outliving Emily."

Darrell Davis, of Mount Vernon, in the HBO show, "Outliving Emily."

Photo Credit: Submitted

"I think he was 23 or 24 and I was about the same age," he said. Which is why, when the Peekskill native heard about a chance to play a spectator in a background scene for the HBO miniseries, "Show Me A Hero," he -- pardon the pun -- acted on it.

A longtime Westchester activist involved with housing issues, police brutality and black lives matters said he also long ago met Michael Sussman, the well-known civil rights attorney played by Jon Bernthal on the show, giving the experience a whole other dimension of excitement and realism.

"As someone who is a full-time community activist, being a small part of this show was a thrill," he said.

Davis is also an actor  -- he's been in national commericals for Sony and AT& T along with a host of other films including a dance scene with Phylicia Rashad in the HBO show "Outliving Emily," -- and said he took this background gig because he wanted to be attached to this film.

He filmed one exterior scene: where Mayor Wasicsko holds a press conference announcing the new housing.

"All the neighbors came out to say hello and were really cool," he said. "It was very exciting to be a part of."

The only downside? With his job(s) keeping him busy, he said he's embarrassed to admit he hasn't yet watched the show.

Did you watch the first two episodes? Go here for previous Daily Voice story.

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