“It’s difficult, but you have to put in the work.
You have to really work hard.
Step up to the plate and do your thing.
The work will pay off,” he said.
His first son, Omikaye, whom he shares with ex-wife Malinda Williams, arrived in 1999.
He welcomed another son, Mekhi Thira, in 2007 with his then-partner Oni Souratha.
Phifer then dated NBC creative director Reshelet Barnes for several years before they tied the knot in 2013.
“It does make you a little bit more focused,” he said.
Phifer’s only continued to embrace fatherhood.
“What I wanted to give my kids that I never had was a father.
I never met my father.
They have a father that they can identify with.
I give them me.
I get to do a little movie.'
In speaking withThe San Diego Tribunein January 2012, Phifer noted how much he enjoyed acting on stage.
The “8 Mile” actor’s debts included lawyer fees, child support, and back taxes.
However, despite this setback, it seems the actor has managed to get himself back in good standing.
(The “Divergent” films are, of course, the notable exceptions.)
Silver screen or not, he’s enjoyed making the movies.
In February 2024, Phifer’s direct-to-streaming feature “Lights Out” was released.
“It’s an entertaining film.
You don’t have to think too hard.
All premiered between 2017 and 2019.
Phifer was part of the first installment, which premiered in 2014.
He reprised his role in “Insurgent” and “Allegiant” in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
In a March 2014 interview with Blackfilm.com, Phifer expressed how thrilled he was to be in the franchise.
“It’s great.
I’ve always wanted to be part of something like this throughout my career.
“But with this film, I’m part of the unknown.
I don’t know what to expect and where the character goes.
It’s definitely an interesting process.”
The fourth and final installment, “Ascendent,” was slated to come out in 2017.
However, Lionsgate ultimately pulled the plug.
“I don’t care about the bills; I just say ‘no,’ and that’s it.
As of this writing, his character has not been announced.
While Phifer may like playing different characters, he doesn’t like playing along with the politics of Hollywood.
I’m not trying to play the whole game.”
The fantasy drama series ran for just one season, with Phifer playing lieutenant Satch Reyna.
“That’s what I love about acting and doing a multitude of different projects.
The Hollywood veteran has demonstrated his giving nature many times throughout his career.
During the pandemic, Mekhi Phifer decided to give back to K-12 teachers.
“The company is giving away a million bars.
That is incredible because teachers are the real superheroes” the actor added.
“I want to see my family prosper, see my kids grow old,” he said.
“I would love to keep having a really solid, strong career and just being happy.
