Apple TV+ recently premiered its two-part documentary, Number One on the Call Sheet, on March 28. This series takes an in-depth look at the Black actors who have reshaped Hollywood, both on and off-screen, celebrating their contributions while shedding light on the obstacles they have overcome.
The documentary explores the journeys of Black leading men and women who have not only fought for their rightful place in Hollywood but have also redefined what it means to be a leading star in the entertainment industry.
The first part of the documentary, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood, directed by Reginald Hudlin, focuses on the rise of Black male actors to the top of the entertainment world. Featuring interviews with legendary stars like Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Don Cheadle, Idris Elba, Morgan Freeman, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the documentary offers a rare and candid look at their careers.
The second part, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood, directed by Shola Lynch, shifts focus to the unique struggles and successes of Black women in the industry. Through interviews with Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Octavia Spencer, and more, this segment delves into the challenges Black actresses have faced in securing lead roles and sustaining long-term careers.
As seasoned directors with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Hudlin and Lynch had already navigated Hollywood’s complexities before starting this project. However, the process of creating Number One on the Call Sheet revealed new insights about the industry.
For Lynch, the documentary reaffirmed a crucial truth: the road to stardom is anything but easy. She states in an exclusive interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, “I learned that it’s not easy for anyone. Like if you’re looking for an easy ride, this is not the business for you.”
“The thing that really struck me was how many different paths there are to success,” Hudlin shared. The documentary features a range of actors, each with a distinct journey to fame. While Denzel started in theater, Kevin Hart, a standup comedian, had to constantly reinvent himself. Will Smith, with a background in music, set his sights on becoming the most famous actor in the world—and succeeded. “…that’s three really different paths, but boy, they all succeeded. And there’s lessons to be learned from that range,” Hudlin added.
The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of what it takes to succeed in Hollywood, emphasizing that becoming a leading actor or actress requires more than talent—it requires resilience.
Lynch adds another layer, explaining that the documentary was designed to reveal the often unseen work behind the glamour. “…what we did in these pieces is to make transparent the work and the genius and the craft and the perseverance that it takes to get to that part of looking beautiful on a red carpet in beautiful light,” she says.
More than a celebration of success, Number One on the Call Sheet serves as a vital acknowledgment of the barriers Black actors and actresses have had to overcome in an industry historically resistant to diversity.
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The documentary also serves as a historical moment. Lynch describes it as a “historical capsule,” where they are capturing the current moment in Hollywood. She states, “In five years from now, it’ll be a different…list. And so I really wanted to think of it in that way, that we were capturing this incredible moment in time.”
When asked who they wished they could have interviewed for the documentary, Lynch shared, “I wish we hadn’t missed Cicely Tyson, but I would have loved to interview Hattie McDaniel. She really held it down during a certain period.”
Hudlin added that he wished he could have spoken with Chadwick Boseman. “There are so many, but I really miss my friend, Chadwick Boseman. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what the pretext is—if I could have just five more minutes with him, I’d be incredibly grateful.”
Check out the full interview. Number One on the Call Sheet is now streaming on Apple TV+.
