Get To Know: Marion “Pooch” Hall
Marion “Pooch” Hall is best known for his role on the recently canceled TV show, The Game.
He played Derwin Davis, a rookie for the fictional San Diego Sabers and boyfriend of Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry).
Pooch Hall and Tia Mowry on set
The Game became the number one comedy on the network in its second season, having three million viewers. It was listed in the Top 10 TV programs among African Americans by Nielson Media Research in 2008.
Cast of The Game
As the network moved its focus to hour-long shows like 90210 and Gossip Girl, The Game was canceled after three seasons to the disappointment of many loyal fans.
Check out our exclusive interview after the jump…
Although Pooch’s popularity peaked with The Game, the 33 year-old actor began his career in New York over 10 years ago with a small role in the feature film, Lift. He has since starred in films like Blind Guy with Jane Seymour and Steve Tobolowsky, Hood of Horror with Snoop Dogg and Jason Alexander and more.
Currently living in L.A., Pooch was born and raised in Massachusetts where he played football, ran track and boxed. He won the Southern New England Golden Gloves in 1994.
We recently asked Pooch how he’s dealing with the cancellation of The Game, and also found out about his style game, including what makes a woman’s style stand out from the rest. Check it out:
DrJays.com: Is your personal style similar to what we’ve seen on Derwin?
Pooch: “Kind of. Derwin started off basic on the show, like jeans, t-shirt and Timbs. I like dressing like that sometimes because it shows that you’re not trying to stand out, you’re not afraid to be plain, which can sometimes come off as sexy. As my character got his endorsement deals and started making money, his style got a little more edgy and advanced. I started to incorporate a lot of the stuff I wore on set in my regular life.”
DrJays.com: Tell us three essential pieces that you have, or plan on having in your closet this summer?
Pooch:
“I’d say a pair of True Religion jeans, pair of retro Jordans and a white Members Only jacket” (see below)
Rainbow Billy Bootcut by True Religion
DrJays.com: You have many female fans; can you give them a couple of tips on how they can stand out from the rest?
Pooch: “Don’t try too hard. If something is meant to be, it will happen. Girls should wear classy clothes that compliment their body type and complexion. Pay attention to colors, certain ones can make your complexion pop. With that being said, when you look in the mirror and like what you see, it gives you confidence to go out and own whoever and whatever!”
DrJays.com: You’ve described working on The Game as going ‘to the playground every day’, referring to the comfortable relationships you had with your costars. Is it scary to get out of that zone now that the show is canceled, and are you afraid you may not find that chemistry again with costars?
Pooch: “It is scary. I’m not going to bullsh*t you; we had a beautiful thing on The Game, it was family. But that’s life. I love life and to be able to do something you love and get paid for it? That’s a dream come true. I’m a positive person, I believe in putting out good energy and treating people with respect. And love is an important key to life and success. You get what you give. I take that with me in life and to the next project as well.”
DrJays.com: Were you surprised about the show coming to an end? How are you handling it?
Pooch: I was surprised at first but my agent said ‘that’s showbiz’. During the three seasons we did on The Game, I made a name for myself where people in and out of the industry know me. I recently did a movie for Spike TV, played Chrisette Michele‘s love interest in her new video and have met with three major producers. The next move is important, I’m looking over movie scripts now and weighing my options.”
DrJays.com: There was a post on ConcreteLoop.com where the writer was obviously angry about the fact that The Game was canceled, stating “I guess picking up Tyra’s show (America’s Next Top Model) meets [CW's] black quota for the season”. What are your thoughts on this?
Pooch: “It is what it is…I support The CW. They allowed me to have a network home for three years. I mean some shows don’t make it past 12, sometimes six episodes. We did three strong seasons – that’s huge. You can’t concern yourself with what the higher ups think or do. You as an actor still have a job to do for the network and the fans. Every day was a blast. No complaints whatsoever. Thanks again to everyone there!”
DrJays.com: What are some of your future goals and plans when it comes to your acting career, both short and long term?
Pooch: “I’m chasing a career similar to Will Smith and Heath Ledger (R.I.P.). I see myself doing the things they do and did. That’s my long term goal. As for short term? I want to get better every day at life and continue meeting beautiful people. I love learning because I know its going to help me be a better person as well as an actor.”
DrJays.com: You’ve mentioned your personality is very similar to Derwin’s. Do you feel more comfortable playing roles similar to your own character or do you prefer challenges that take you completely out of your character?
Pooch: “ Great question. Derwin and I are similar in a lot of ways. We’re both athletes and both good guys trying to the right thing, but we mess up occasionally. We aren’t perfect, we as people mess up all the time. It’s about learning from your mistakes.
“I’m building as an actor, so I love being challenged. I welcome all sizes, shapes and colors because I want to learn. Everyone has a different story or experience that can be beneficial to others. I’m a non-judgmental sponge. These experiences all help in creating a character.
DrJays.com: If you had to give one piece of advice to young aspiring actors what would it be?
Pooch: “Don’t take it to serious, allow yourself to enjoy the journey. And if you’re looking for validation and assurance that you matter in life don’t become an actor. You matter in life regardless.”
Exclusive interview by: Kiki
Popularity: 10%
He is fine as s*it – bring back The Game!!!!
I hear what he’s sayin’ but The Game was such a great show – it wasn’t like the other stereotypical shows on TV (and don’t even get me started on Tyler Perry’s ridiculousness).
I hope to see him on TV again soon!
Yeah it was a good show. Then it got a little too serious at times. At some points I didn’t know if it was a soap opera or what.
Foxy I like most of tyler perry’s shows and movies. I think it’s cool he recycles the cast supports domestic auto makers in the movies and that it’s a comedy while having a good story and moral values. Sometimes it is kind of ridiculous though.
Pooch sounds like a really positive person, I’m sure he will have a successful career going forward!
[...] to Boss Lady and Kiki over at Dr. Jay’s! To check out the rest of this interview CLICK HERE Posted by THEflyGIRL on June 11, [...]
He is a good actor and i’m upset that the game got cancelled it was a good show I loved all the cast on there I hope he finds another good role in something soon I will be lookin gput for that! Good luck Pooch and yes I do agree ladies he is a very good looking guy!
Great interview, I really loved that show and was very disappointed to see it end. I think they had a really good ending though we aren’t left wondering well what else happened. Still very sad that the show is over, but I am glad that Pooch is staying positive about it. Also, I totally co-sign how sexy he is
I love Pooch Hall. It seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and stays positive through all of life’s many obstacles. … Oh and not to mention the way he dresses… SO ATTRACTIVE!
I LOVE U MARION HALL, YOU ARE ONE FINE ASS MAN
Mann the game wasz my show and I totally think they fu#*$ed up when they cancelled it , oh well guess some people don’t know a good show when they see one. And Pooch is one fine a$$ man babi and I hope to see him soon.
That was my show along with
The Game
America’s Next Top Model
Everybody hates chris
I love the first two the most and I miss Girlfriends
but alot of shows get too ridiculous
I love
Marion and Omarion
they are two fine ass men
Im so sorry about the show i came to watch in last and we watch reruns at the college i work at we have a crowd arond the bar when ever it comes on. I would like to say to Pooch keep your head up man and that things are goin to happen for you man thats for sure we have a flim school at my college and it’s just a matter of time before you get more work.
He is real cute and really they need to bring “the game” back because i love that show
why did they cancel the game that was the show i watch every rerun of the show even though i seen them all i wanted to see wat was going to happen after the last season
Well let me get this out first he is tooo fine!!! I though he was younger but it dont matter cuz he still sexy!!
Ok i think they shouldnt have cancelled the show because they could have taken it to another level on season 4 but watever i watch the reruns on BET everyday and BET should pick the show up themselves I love the Game even though i started watching it like a few months ago but i fell in love with derwin and the whole cast and show on the first episode and i couldnt get enough
Marion “pooch” Hall is sooooooo fine
HE FiiNE I LiiKED DAT SHOW
MANNN ii WUDA RiPT DAT TOWEL RiiTE OFF HAHAHA N HE WORKiN DEM RELiGiON JEANS MHH
Yea it was a good @$$ show……if I was that girl Melanie ooooooohh things I do to him……lol
omg what can i say i absolutely love pooch hall he is so gorgeous and cute words cant decribe how much i love this man!!!!! i havent seen much of the new episodes buts they need to give him and melony more parts… but pooch if you read this i love ur acting, body and face…. OMG keep being sexy!!!
Bring back The Game!!!!!!!! Show what happens after Derwins kid is born!!
DERWIN SUPER FINE. BRING BACK THE GAME………. I LOVE WATCHIN IT GIRL MELANIE DIDNT KNO WHAT TO DO WIT ALL THAT IN FRONT OF HER. UMMM……HE IS FINE IN THOSE RELIGION JEANS HE CAN MODEL THOSE FA ME ANYDAY WIT NO SHIRT ON AND SOME BLACK SOCKS UMMMM…………..
Pooch looks extremely sexy in those Religion Jean but he’d look sexy in anything!!! YUM I loved watching The Game and I want it back!!! PLEEEEEEEEESE, IF ANYONE IS LISTENING, BRING IT BACK!!!!!!
pooch i live in randolph which is right next door to brockton!!!!!if you ever comeback to visit i am alittlte italian girl who would cook you the best meal you ever had!!!!!then take care of whatever you wanted italian girl’s like to keep there men very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep it in mind peace -out
We need the show back on!!! Derwin is my baby! If Melanie step out of line again i will certainly step in!
hey i love this show!! i watch it over and over again. i hope that you guys continue the show for many more seasons. thats how much i watch. i relly think that tia and pooch should have there own sitcom. i love to watch them together. i hope that they also have a baby in the next season.
omgomgomg i love pooch hall he is soooooo sexy on the game:) <3
Pooch is so hot lyk my babe antonio.dey sud bring back d game cus its a nice show.i love d chemistry btn melanie n derwin.boy,u so fine
This is the only show i’ll never tired watching any time any day believe me i can watch the over and over and over and over again and i’ll never tired of it
i have to say this pooch is sooooooooooooooooooooooo fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love u pooch hall,
I really enjoy watching the game and i really think that you guys should continue doing what your doing cause “I LIKE IT”. Oh and pooch you really have your work cut out for you with Melanie .Anyway i really do have a deep liking 4you . So if it does not work out with you and Melanie i am here 4 you baby .HA HA HA
I enjoy the game and i really love the game !!
you and melanie stay together ,melanie love you and you did good job
today , i was watching the game today so nice you did good job!
pooch you r ssssssssooooooooo fine and ssssssooooooooo sexy!!!!!!!i also enjoy the so with tia and wendy and the rest of the cast.you are a great actor and so are the others.i bet this year is going to be a great year for you and the rest of the cast.stay sexy.have fun on my favorite show in the whole world “The Game”!!!!!!! this is why y’all rock!!!!!!
I love pooch(Derwin)im so glad they brought the game back. He is so sexy
I love the show it is so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love and kisses
POOCH HALL YOU ARE ****EN SEXY DAMN NOW I KNOW WHY YOUR WIFE WONT LET YOU GO NO WORDS JUST HOT DAMN!!!
Fine Ass Hell Pooch I Will Suck Yo Dick !!!