Starting out on the stage and in TV sitcoms, Michael Ealy's movie breaks came with small parts in "Kissing Jessica Stein" and "Bad Company". He now gets a more substantial role in "Barbershop", opposite rapper Ice Cube.

Tell us about your character...

I play Ricky. He's an ex-con who's trying to turn his life around. Cube's character gives him a job and gives him a second chance and he appreciates that.

What did making the film in Chicago add to the film do you think?

I think the city of Chicago plays a character in the film, in a way, and the barbershop is like a character too. And the weather, the cold, the environment, and the community. I think all of that comes across really well in the film.

What was the big attraction of this movie for you?

I think it's a funny comedy that's about something. There's a message in the movie but it's not preachy and it doesn't hit you over the head.

What’s the message?

There's more to life than what's going on in your life. Life is always bigger than you think it is.