Among basketball’s most revered legends, Magic Johnson holds a special place as a celebrated figure. Among immortals like LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, whose jerseys immortalize themselves in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena, Magics’ #32 holds arguably the greatest spot. So, you can imagine, any actor trying to bring Magic to life has their job cut out for them. HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty features a star-studded cast, bringing the Showtime Lakers to life.

One of them is the only man to win the Best Actor award at the Oscars under the age of 30. He revealed his costar’s secret to playing Magic Johnson.

Oscar winner speaks about his cast member’s portrayal of Magic

The Athletic described the Los Angeles Lakers legend as a “magnetic personality” during their interview with Quincy Isaiah. Magic Johnson’s aura drew people towards him. The 26-year-old portraying the famed point guard finds himself imbued with a similar quality.

2002 Oscar Winner Adrien Brody commented on the same. Notably, Brody, who portrays Lakers coach and Miami Heat President Pat Riley, observed, “Quincy brings so much of his own spirit to this and humanity to the character that represents Magic quite well.”

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Adrien Brody also lauded the 26-year-old’s work ethic, “The devotion that he had to the work was really impressive.”

Brody’s sentiments can be seen through the episodes, as Isaiah crafts a portrayal that mirrors Magic’s charisma. In the world of Hollywood, where fame can quickly turn heads, Isaiah’s humility shines.

Also Read: Overwhelmed After Being Gifted an Item That He Stayed Away From, NBA Legend Magic Johnson Subtly Throws $6.05 Billion Worth Reminder

Season 2’s success rests not only on his shoulders but also on the camaraderie of the ensemble cast. Quincy would also thank Adrien Brody for his mentorship during the production, thanking the cast for “helping him grow.”

Oscar-nominated actor John C. Reilly, who plays Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, confesses to closely observing Isaiah’s journey, wondering how the young actor would handle newfound recognition. The verdict? Isaiah navigated it all with grace.

Quincy Isaiah’s path to embodying Magic Johnson

Isaiah, once on the brink of abandoning his acting aspirations, found his destiny rewritten by “Winning Time”.

The reception to his performance has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in Los Angeles, where the stories of Magic resonate with many. Whether as a player, a long-time resident of the city or a part-owner, the point guard left a mark on the city of Angels.

Standing at 6-foot-3, Isaiah transforms through camera angles and theatrical techniques, stepping into the colossal shoes of the 6-foot-9 Johnson. This visual illusion, mastered alongside co-star Solomon Hughes, who portrays Abdul-Jabbar, showcases Isaiah’s seamless transition from a Division III college football lineman to a gifted actor discovered through Kalamazoo College’s theater arts department.

Telling Magic Johnson’s story, even in a dramatized form, is no small feat. What do you think of Isaiah’s performance in the HBO show?

Also Read: Amid NFL’s $6,050,000,000 Testimony, Teary-Eyed Magic Johnson Reflects on Historic Triumph: “I Don’t Know Why…”