Reno Wilson to President Obama: “Don’t sweat the haters”

Reno Wilson, who plays Officer Carl McMillan on the hit CBS series, “Mike and Molly,” made his television debut on the legendary television series, “The Cosby Show.”

He has since starred and guest-starred in dozens of television series, including “Heist,” “Blind Justice” and the critically acclaimed series, “The Hoop Life.” He can be seen in the feature film “Bolden,” in which he plays legendary jazz icon Louis Armstrong. Wilson’s other movie credits include “Mighty Joe Young,” “Rough Draft,” “Fallen,” and “White Hype.” He is also an accomplished voiceover artist who, most notably, gave voice to characters in the films “Transformers,” “Transformers 2,” and will be featured in the upcoming “Transformers 3.”  A native New Yorker, Reno is a graduate of the renown High School for the Performing Arts.

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him?   What issue would you like him to know about?

RENO WILSON: I would like to discuss funding for the arts in the public schools, and the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers being blocked.  Just sayin…

RB: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would that be?

RW: Why do you move your hands like you’re shakin off frostbite when you come down the stairs of Air Force One?  No really, I’d ask how many hours does he sleep at night, and does he worry about paying his property taxes and phone bill.

RB: What piece of advice would you give President Obama as he begins his second term in office?

RW: Don’t sweat the haters.

RB: If you were going to send the President to one of your favorite places in the United States for one day, where would that be?  Why?

RW: I would send him to East Flatbush, Brooklyn for some good West Indian food and neighborhood love! Alternatively, I’d have him come to my house so when people call to ask if I want to do something I can say, “Sorry. Can’t. Chillin’ with the President.”

RB: What CD would you recommend that President Obama add to his collection?  Why?

RW: A little bit of Jay- Z for that edge.

RB: Would you ever consider a political career?

RW: Yes, on stage with a powdered wig.

Robin Bronk is CEO of The Creative Coalition — the leading national, nonprofit, nonpartisan public advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. Bronk is a frequent speaker on the role of the entertainment industry in public advocacy campaigns and represents The Creative Coalition and its legislative agenda before members of Congress and the White House. She produced the feature film “Poliwood,” airing on Showtime, and edited the recently published book Art & Soul. Bronk pens this weekly column with assistance from Risa Kotek.