Power’s Omari Hardwick Reveals He Was Denied The Opportunity To Become A Producer Or Direct On The Show [Watch]
Omari Hardwick is a well-known American actor who is best known for his role as James “Ghost” St. Patrick in the hit series “Power.” The show, which first premiered in 2014, has since become one of the most popular and widely watched shows on cable television.
Hardwick’s portrayal of Ghost has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike. Ghost is a complex and multifaceted character, who is equal parts charismatic and dangerous. He is a drug kingpin who wants to leave the criminal life behind and start a legitimate business, but he finds himself constantly pulled back into the dangerous world of drugs and violence.
Hardwick’s portrayal of Ghost is intense, emotional, and convincing. He brings depth and nuance to the character, making him both relatable and unpredictable. The actor’s talent and commitment to the role have helped to make “Power” one of the most successful shows on television today.
In addition to his work on “Power,” Hardwick has also appeared in a number of other television shows and movies. He has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, and Oprah Winfrey. Despite his success, Hardwick remains humble and dedicated to his craft.
Hardwick’s performance as Ghost has earned him numerous accolades and awards, including a BET Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
In conclusion, Omari Hardwick’s performance as Ghost in “Power” has been nothing short of iconic. He has brought life and depth to the character, making him one of the most captivating and memorable characters on television today. In addition, Hardwick’s talent and dedication to his craft are a testament to his commitment to his art and fans.
In a recent interview with Jon Bernthal, the host of ‘REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal. Hardwick revealed that he was never offered the opportunity to direct or to become a producer on the show. despite him being the lead actor, and this was something some of his peers, including Scandals’ Kerry Washington, were surprised of.
“I believe the day that I came off like I knew how gifted I was everything changed [and] not always for the better.
No longer was I in control of the faculty of that which they put me in control of when they asked me to play quarterback. So if you ask me to play quarterback, then you have to allow me to sometimes call the plays,” said Hardwick.
“If you ask me to play quarterback, not producer just quarterback, I don’t think I was a producer. I tried to get that credit I wasn’t allowed it. Even that blew the mind of many of me’s. On a show not far over, you have people playing Olivia Pope, who are dear friends of mine on Scandal, Kerry Washington’s, to be specific—blown away that I was never offered an opportunity to direct. I realized, Bernthal that our industry includes so many people, if not the majority, you’re going to smile. They are insecure.”
He added, “So they don’t really love themselves prior, I missed that memo. You might say, brother, how the naivete are you, an idiot? I was an idiot! So I did the best that I could in an environment oftentimes burned that as much as I’m flawed and f***ed up and insane and got some weird idiosyncrasies. I might be the most flawed and most odd person on set! Hello you hired me to play the most odd complex person, but I’m so secure.”
This is not the first time Hardwick has revealed things that happened behind the scenes involving the Power series and Starz. When he sat down with The Pivot Podcast hosted by Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder, he revealed that he only made $150k an episode and how 50 Cent floated him cash to keep the lights on during the transition from season one to two of the series.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
