Clifton Powell Interview: ‘Return of the Mack’ Star Talks Legacy, Real-World Impact, and Why Hollywood Needs to Catch Up

Veteran actor Clifton Powell doesn’t do small talk, he does truth, passion, and the kind of storytelling that reminds you why he’s been a fixture in film and television for decades. In a recent conversation with The TV Cave, Powell opened up about his latest project Return of the Mack, the evolving entertainment industry, and why this particular role hits harder than most.And yes, fans still shout “Pinky!” thanks to his unforgettable role in Next Friday. Some things never change.

Powell stars as Detective Calhoun in Return of the Mack, a gritty drama tackling the very real and very urgent issue of human trafficking. The film follows a father’s desperate mission to rescue his daughter after she becomes a victim of sex trafficking, a storyline Powell says reflects a crisis happening “right now” across the country. His message is clear: this isn’t just entertainment, it’s awareness.

He doesn’t sugarcoat it either. Powell emphasized that trafficking impacts all communities, pointing to high-profile cases like Jeffrey Epstein as evidence that the issue transcends race and class. Still, he noted the lack of attention given to missing Black and Brown children, making the film’s perspective especially relevant.

The project also highlights Powell’s loyalty to collaborators. He reunited with director Kamal Smith, someone who gave him work years ago when opportunities were scarce. That kind of full-circle moment matters to Powell, who’s been candid about the industry’s ups and downs and how today’s streaming-heavy landscape has changed the game for working actors.

“There’s so much content now,” he explained, noting that actors who aren’t attached to major studio projects often rely on independent films to stay active. Translation: the hustle never stops, even after 40+ years.

Beyond the film, Powell dropped some hard-earned wisdom for aspiring actors. His advice? Faith, training, and resilience. He recalled sharing early career struggles alongside now-iconic names like Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett, proving that even legends start somewhere, usually broke and grinding.

At 70, Powell shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s playing a detective, pastor, or the occasional scene-stealing wild card, he’s still putting in the work and expecting audiences to meet him halfway by supporting meaningful projects like Return of the Mack.

The takeaway? Powell isn’t just promoting a film, he’s pushing a conversation. And if Hollywood isn’t paying attention yet, it probably should be.

Check out our full conversation below.