Michael B. Jordan Reveals Childhood Desire to Change Name, Opens Up About Therapy
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A candid conversation with actor Michael B. Jordan revealed a surprising childhood aspiration – to adopt a Swahili name – and a commitment to mental health following his impactful role in the Black Panther franchise. The actor shared deeply personal experiences during a recent interview with CBS Morning, detailing the challenges of growing up with a name synonymous with basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Growing up, Jordan faced relentless teasing due to his shared name with the NBA icon. “Big time. I got teased so much, to the point where I almost changed my name,” he admitted. He even had a name picked out: “I was gonna be Bakari…Bakari Jordan.” The constant ridicule, he explained, ultimately fueled his ambition.
From Teasing to Triumph: Finding Identity Through Competition
The actor acknowledged that the teasing sparked a fierce competitive drive within him. “It definitely made me want to be competitive. I wanted to be great at something,” Jordan stated. “If not for nothing else at that time, just to feel like I had my own identity, you know, in a world that was so…MJ was Mike, you know?” This desire to forge his own path, separate from the legacy of the basketball star, became a defining force in his life.
Jordan’s middle name, Bakari, reportedly carries a powerful meaning: “noble promise” or “promising.” He reflected on this connection, stating, “That was a part of the alchemy that made me who I am today. I’m walking in that [noble promise] and will continue to do so. We have a lot more things to do. We’re just getting started.” This suggests a conscious embrace of his full name and the potential it represents.
The Aftermath of Black Panther: Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing
Beyond his childhood experiences, Jordan also discussed the emotional toll of portraying Erik Killmonger in both Black Panther films. He revealed that he sought therapy in the wake of filming. “I went to therapy and talked about it. Found a way to kind of just decompress, I think at that point I was still learning that I needed to decompress from a character,” he explained.
The process of unpacking the complexities of Killmonger, a character defined by trauma and rage, proved to be profoundly impactful. Jordan noted that his therapy “spiraled into a bigger conversation and self-discovery.” He emphasized the importance of mental health care, particularly for men.
“Especially men. I think it’s good for them to go and talk. That’s something I’m not ashamed of at all, and very proud of,” Jordan said. He credited his therapist with helping him become “a good communicator and a well-rounded person, inside and out.”
Tapping into Darkness: Understanding Killmonger’s Pain
Jordan further elaborated on his approach to embodying the character of Erik Killmonger, highlighting the importance of understanding the roots of his anger. “Erik didn’t really know a lot of love. I think Erik didn’t experience that,” Jordan explained. “He had a lot of betrayal, a lot of failed systems around him that shaped him and his anger and his frustration.” This insight underscores the actor’s dedication to portraying complex characters with nuance and empathy.
Jordan’s openness about his personal struggles and his commitment to mental wellbeing serve as a powerful example, demonstrating the importance of self-care and vulnerability in navigating the challenges of life and career.
