Aldis Hodge knows that an actor\u2019s work extends far beyond their physical form. While audiences might look at him and simply see the 38-year-old playing homicide detective Alex Cross, legendary rapper MC Ren, or football players Jim Brown and Brian Banks, they may not know that behind the scenes, Hodge has endured multiple back surgeries and intense mobility exercises that \u201cwhoop his butt.\u201d But, thanks in part to his background\u2014Hodge grew up in a military household and still believes that a disciplined mind is the key to finishing a grueling workout\u2014there\u2019s no physical challenge too daunting for him.<\/p>\n
The second season of Cross is in the can but does not have a release date yet. Before it drops, we caught up with Hodge about embracing painful workouts, how he makes room in his diet for his favorite Japanese candy, and gaining 30 pounds for a movie role.<\/p>\n
GQ: Are you pretty diligent about staying in shape?<\/strong><\/p>\n Aldis Hodge:<\/strong> It depends, man. Sometimes I\u2019m diligent, other times\u2014my health, I think like many people\u2019s health\u2014is often tied to their emotional state and mood<\/a>. So, if I\u2019m in a good progressive state, happy, flowing, everything\u2019s good, it\u2019s easier to keep a schedule. When emotions are down, or when you\u2019re distracted, or dealing with some weight, or some stress, then it runs away a little bit. I think that\u2019s an interesting thing to discuss, because your emotional state has a high effect on your habits<\/a>, which then affects your physicality.<\/p>\n For you, what does that look like? Are you a depressive eater?<\/strong><\/p>\n