Damson Idris confirms Jay-Z helped him get his green card: “He hooked me up”

Damson Idris got his green card with some help from his idol Jay-Z. In his cover story for Complex, the actor confirmed that Hov was one of the many references for his permanent residence card. 

“Hov didn’t offer that up. I had to ask him. But he’s done many things for me over the years. He’s always supported me. He supports everyone. He supports so many people that you don’t even know,” Damson said. “Like, genuinely I should tell everyone this right now: If you ever run into Jay-Z, just say thank you and keep it moving because he is definitely a pioneer of the culture, but of everything.”

He then thanked Jay, who he called “a huge idol of mine,” noting Rich Paul, Thomas Schlamme and Eric Schryer were also references who believed in him and his journey.

Damson’s acting journey started later than some, as he played soccer until he was about 20 years old and even took a stab at comedy.

“It was horrible. It was so bad,” he recalled of his standup experience. Despite compliments from his brothers, he decided, “I’m never gonna do this ever again. I’m gonna be a serious actor.”

Damson went to drama school and got a degree, then landed his first play. He’s now completing his final season in his breakout role as Franklin Saint on FX’s Snowfall.

Asked whether he’s annoyed by fans referring to him as Franklin, Damson says, “I actually like it … It proves to me that I have a lot of work to do. It proves to me that I have a legacy to build. It proves to me that there’s so much longer on this journey that I need to go. And that’s exciting to me.”

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