At 72 years old, Delroy Lindo has built a remarkable career in Hollywood, but what sets him apart is his unique habit of knocking on wood. This superstitious gesture is not just a casual flick; Lindo often incorporates it into his daily interactions, including recent podcast appearances and interviews promoting his work. In a March 31 episode of Marc Maron's WTF podcast, listeners can hear the distinctive sound of Lindo knocking on wood, a ritual he performed multiple times during an hour-long discussion with Entertainment Weekly over lunch at La Pecora Bianca, an Italian restaurant in New York City’s Nomad district.
Lindo enters the restaurant dressed stylishly in aviator shades, a grey beanie, and a colorful summer scarf that showcases hues of orange, pink, and yellow. Underneath his brown leather jacket, he sports a white T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Learning As I Go,” representing a clothing line co-launched by his son, Damiri. Lindo reflects on how the phrase resonates with him, stating, “It’s very apt that I’m wearing it… it is an ethos that I subscribe to.” This mantra has become increasingly significant for Lindo, especially following his critically acclaimed role in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, where he portrayed a Vietnam War veteran grappling with PTSD.
Despite his powerful performance, Lindo was notably snubbed during the 2021 Oscars, a situation that Lee himself highlighted on social media. Following this, Lindo was involved in projects that faced their own challenges, such as the Marvel film featuring Mahershala Ali and the Amazon series Anansi Boys, both of which have been delayed due to various controversies. Nevertheless, Lindo expresses gratitude for the opportunities he continues to receive in the industry, especially with his role in Sinners, a vampire horror film directed by Ryan Coogler.
Coogler’s admiration for Lindo stems from his iconic role in Lee’s 1992 film Malcolm X, where Lindo’s portrayal of West Indian Archie captivated audiences. Coogler recalls, “To work with him and see what he brought every day, it’s an incredible performance.” Interestingly, Lindo has not auditioned for a role in decades, with his last audition being for Malcolm X. He humorously recounts how he was approached by directors in the late 90s for auditions, but he politely declined, recognizing his extensive experience and range as an actor.
In his tenure on CBS's The Good Fight, Lindo didn’t have to audition; instead, he engaged in relaxed conversations with the producers, which allowed for a more organic connection. He emphasizes that traditional auditions can feel unnatural, especially in today’s digital landscape. “Auditions conducted over Zoom… it’s a funnel. It’s human,” he explains. This philosophy underscores why Lindo remains an offer-only actor, valuing the personal relationships he builds over impersonal auditions.
During the casting process for Sinners, Coogler reached out to Lindo with an unexpected question: “You play piano?” Although Lindo had taken music lessons for his role in Crooklyn, he admitted he didn’t technically play. Their conversation transitioned into a Zoom meeting, ultimately leading to Lindo joining the cast without a formal audition. Music plays a pivotal role in Sinners, with scenes that transcend time through its power. Lindo reflects on the spiritual connection music brings, recalling a transformative experience with Prince in 1993, which shaped his understanding of music’s impact.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of his career, Lindo acknowledges the disappointment of missing out on major awards. Following the buzz surrounding Da 5 Bloods, the lack of nominations was disheartening, but Lindo understands the complexities of the industry. “I was profoundly disappointed, frankly,” he admits, but he remains committed to his craft. Even as projects like Anansi Boys faced setbacks due to controversies surrounding its creator, Lindo remains hopeful for future opportunities.
As Lindo continues to reflect on his career, he is also in the process of writing a memoir that delves into his experiences and the significance of his film roles. This book, which he describes as "memoir-ish," aims to explore a narrative rooted in his work, particularly with Spike Lee. Lindo’s commitment to embracing life lessons learned throughout his career exemplifies his desire to inspire others in the industry.
With a career that spans decades, Delroy Lindo exemplifies resilience, talent, and a deep appreciation for the art of acting. His journey is a testament to the power of perspective and the importance of embracing every opportunity, all while keeping a light-hearted approach to life—symbolized by his habitual knocking on wood.
