Mykelti Williamson Promotes The Last Rodeo on First Take
Actor makes stop at ESPN debate show in OKC, sparking film chat around his newest project.
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Mykelti Williamson Steals The Spotlight On First Take
Veteran actor Mykelti Williamson dropped by ESPN’s First Take studio in Oklahoma City this week, joining hosts Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins, Kip Konweiser and Bill Horn. He was in town to promote The Last Rodeo, his latest feature from Angel Studios, and he used the platform to tease what audiences can expect from the modern Western.
The candid appearance came during the show’s early-morning segment, where Williamson—best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Bubba Blue in Forrest Gump—blended Hollywood flair with genuine sports banter. He quipped about training for cowboy stunts, joked with Stephen A. about the Thunder’s recent performances and even teased a surprise cameo from a familiar face in the film.
In an Instagram post from his official handle (@mykeltiwmson), Williamson shared behind-the-scenes snapshots from the studio, including a selfie with the First Take panel and a clip of the on-air discussion. Viewers caught a glimpse of his crisp suit, easy rapport with the hosts and a genuine enthusiasm for both sports and cinema.
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From Bubba Gump To The Last Rodeo
With a career spanning four decades, Williamson has built an impressive résumé that includes Die Hard with a Vengeance, the USA Network series Boomtown and recurring roles on 24 and Sons of Anarchy. According to his filmography, he’s alternated blockbuster fare with character-driven indies, always seeking roles that challenge him.
The Last Rodeo marks his first major Western in years. Produced by Angel Studios—known for faith-and-family titles and crowd-funded releases—this film follows a former champion rider who returns to the circuit for one final showdown. Williamson plays the sage mentor to the younger protagonist, a part that taps into his signature warmth and intensity.
On First Take, he explained that Angel Studios offered creative freedom, allowing him to shape his character’s backstory. “They really wanted authenticity,” he told Kendrick Perkins, “so we spent weeks on a ranch in New Mexico training horses, learning the cowboy code.” His anecdotes about early-morning rides and dusty trails had the hosts leaning in, proving that Williamson’s charm extends beyond the screen.
Oklahoma City: A Fitting Host
Oklahoma City, home to the Thunder and a city with deep rodeo roots, proved the perfect backdrop for this crossover of sports and cinema. Bill Horn noted the state’s rodeo heritage, and Williamson thanked the city for its warm welcome, adding that local fans have been some of the most vocal supporters of Westerns in recent memory.
The First Take segment also touched on broader trends: the resurgence of Westerns among young audiences, the impact of streaming platforms on film distribution and the marriage of sports and storytelling. Williamson suggested that his film’s themes—perseverance, teamwork and legacy—resonate with any sports fan.
What’s Next For Williamson?
While The Last Rodeo hits theaters nationwide next month, Williamson already has another project lined up. He teased a new Apple TV+ drama titled Government Cheese, which he described in an earlier Instagram post as “a unique project” set to explore social dynamics in rural America. Fans can also look forward to his appearance at the USA Film Festival in May, where he’ll accept a lifetime achievement nod for his contributions to film and television.
As the segment wrapped, Stephen A. Smith asked Williamson what legacy he hopes to leave. The actor smiled, paused for a beat, then said, “I want people to remember the heart behind the performance, whether it’s in a courtroom, a battlefield or a rodeo arena.” With that, Williamson raised his coffee cup, signed off and promised to return—maybe next time with a few personal saddles in tow.
In a media landscape where athletes, influencers and celebrities often cross promotional beats, Williamson’s First Take visit stands out for its seamless blend of sports talk and film promotion. He arrived as a guest and left as a co-host, proving that some actors can speak the language of basketball as fluently as they can the lingo of the Old West.
Williamson’s stop in OKC isn’t just a checkbox on a press tour—it’s a reminder that storytelling, whether on the big screen or on live television, unites audiences around universal themes of passion, grit and redemption. His journey from Bubba Gump to The Last Rodeo continues to captivate, and this Oklahoma City detour may be one of his most memorable cameos yet.
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