George Wallace is a living legend in comedy, but in his latest project, Clean Slate, he’s taking on a role beyond making people laugh—inspiring conversations about love, acceptance, and personal growth.
In Clean Slate, Wallace takes on the role of Harry, a traditional, old-school car wash owner in Alabama whose world is turned upside down when his estranged child returns home after 17 years—not as the son he remembers, but as Desiree (Laverne Cox), a proud trans woman. The series follows their journey as they navigate a second chance at building their relationship.
In an exclusive interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Wallace opened up about the impact of the new Prime Video series, his collaboration with Laverne Cox, and the lessons he’s learned about embracing different perspectives.
For Wallace, Clean Slate has been a long time coming. The project, which premiered on February 6, had been in the works for seven years, facing delays due to COVID-19 and the Hollywood strikes. But despite the wait, Wallace believes the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
“This is a story that’s been in the making for seven years and it has come to fruition,” Wallace said. “We went through COVID, we went through the writer’s strike, and so we’re a little late on the release, but at the same time, we’re right on time with today’s climate with the new administration talking crazy stuff.”
Under the Trump administration, fear and hostility toward the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities have escalated due to policy rollbacks and executive orders that target their rights. From banning transgender people from serving in the military to restricting gender-affirming care, the administration has fueled anxiety and uncertainty for many in the community. However, despite the growing climate of intolerance, Wallace has found overwhelming support following the premiere of Clean Slate.
“We’re getting so much response and happiness and people texting us. And I’m crying… a big old dummy like me crying but it’s just great to bring happiness,” Wallace shares.
Wallace admits that while he has always prided himself on being open-minded, working on Clean Slate helped him deepen his understanding of the trans experience. He acknowledges that many people, especially in the Black community, may not fully grasp the nuances of gender identity, but he believes the key to progress is simple: listening and learning.
Some people are just like me—the character Harry,” Wallace said, sharing that many may not understand the dynamics. “But guess what? I’m learning. I’m willing to listen, and I’m willing to learn.
His approach to the role—and to life—is rooted in empathy and understanding, recalling the famous words of Rodney King: Can’t we all just get along?
“I grew up Black in Georgia. I rode the back of the bus,” he said. “No discriminatory practices in my life. I don’t want it; it ain’t gonna be that way.”I’ve seen discrimination. I don’t want it, and it ain’t gonna be that way,” he said.”
Given the sensitive nature of the show’s themes, Wallace and Cox knew they had to be intentional in how they portrayed the father-daughter dynamic. Before filming even began, they met for dinner to discuss their approach.
“I didn’t even know her; I had heard a lot about her,” Wallace said. “We got together and talked about it. She came on as a co-executive producer, and we just made it happen.”
What made their collaboration even more special was their shared Southern roots. Both Wallace and Cox grew up in the South, which gave them a deeper understanding of the cultural attitudes toward gender identity.
“We knew we had to deliver this message in a way that people could receive it,” Wallace said. “And guess what? It’s here! Not just here, but in 240 countries and territories. It’s worldwide, translated into every language.”
Check out the full interview.
