Video: A Conversation with Donovan Carter and Troy Garity from HBO’s BALLERS

If you aren’t watching Ballers, you should start. HBO hosted a special advance screening of the first two episodes of Ballers’ second season at Xfinity Live! on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. Along with the myriad of fans were stars Donovan Carter, who plays football player Vernon Littlefield, and Troy Garity, who plays sports agent Jason Antolotti, on the show. Bernard Hopkins, former middleweight and light heavyweight world boxing champion and Philadelphia native also made an appearance.

L-R: Troy Garity, Bernard, Donavan Carter. Photo credit: Jim Harris/HBO

L-R: Troy Garity, Bernard Hopkins, Donavan Carter. Photo credit: Jim Harris/HBO

Ballers revolves around a retired football star, Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), who has found a second career in sports financial management. Along with his business partner Joe (Rob Corddry), they handle football players, their families, and handlers through the ups and downs of their celebrity lives. The show is extremely genuine, showing how some athletes, including Spencer, just can’t handle the weight of success or their celebrity status.

L-R: Troy Garity, Bernard Hopkins, Donovan Carter. Photo credit: Jim Harris/HBO

The evening began with a complimentary reception of very tasty appetizers and drinks courtesy of HBO. While standing in line to fill my plate, I suddenly realized Donovan Carter was standing right next to me. What a gentleman! He apologized for being in my way, which he wasn’t, and we chatted about the food and the event in general. He then graciously agreed to an exclusive interview.

The stars’ table was right in front of the table where my husband and I were sitting. Carter had a few family members with him, including his mother Ella, who is a lovely woman. It is easy to see where Carter got his gift of gab and charm.

Linda Seide with Donovan Carter

During my exclusive one-on-one conversation with Carter, I asked him what it was like to work with “The Rock.” He told me how much he appreciates what Johnson has done for him, how easy it is to work with him, and how easy going and professional Johnson is. Carter then confirmed for me that Ballers is his first acting gig. He told me after going to UCLA and playing for the Bruins, he fully expected to play for the NFL. Such was not to be, but he believes that when one door closes, another opens – which is why he feels so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work on Ballers.

I then asked whether there were a lot of pranks played on set and I was surprised to hear there isn’t. I thought for sure there would be but Donovan told me everyone is so intent on doing a good job, there isn’t much time to fool around. Last, but not least, I asked if he could give me a hint of what fans might expect in Season 2.

Linda Seide with Troy Garity

I also had a chance to take a photo with Troy Garity, who was busy chatting up his fans. He agreed to an exclusive interview with me as well but unfortunately, the screening started just as he finished answering my first question, “How do you like working on the show?” I really wanted to ask him about his famous family but alas, it was not to be. Garity is the son of Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden, grandson of Henry Fonda, and the cousin of Bridget and Justin Fonda. He is also the stepson of actress Barbara Williams. His parents gave him his paternal grandmother’s last name for the sake of anonymity.

Here is a short video containing my brief conversations with both Carter and Garity, during which Carter talks about what to expect for his character next season, and Garity talks about his role on Ballers.

The first two episodes of the new season are everything I and the fans expected. The acting is spot on; the dialogue is realistic; and the humor is the sort that makes you laugh out loud amidst all the drama. This season, Spencer and Joe will be branching out to other sports, which should provide for some funny storylines. First up is tennis, which occurs in the second episode of the new season. Talk about being fish out of water!

If you haven’t seen Ballers, I strongly urge you to binge watch the first season in anticipation of the second season premiere this Sunday, July 17 at 10:00 PM ET/PT, only on HBO.

Thanks to HBO’s Loraine Anderson, who helped set up my interviews, and HBO itself for a wonderful event.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!