Carl Lumbly brings deep commitment to ‘Supergirl’ role
Carl Lumbly's parents didn't allow him to read comic books while growing up in Minneapolis. The son of Jamaican immigrants was most definitely encouraged to read, but his family wanted him to concentrate on more serious writing. That was fine with Lumbly, as he fell in love with the all types of books, especially works of science fiction.
“My father's notion was that we made a sacrifice to leave our home to come to a place to give you greater opportunities, and that opportunity is going to be found by pursing education and fitting yourself for proper work,” Lumbly says.
Lumbly didn't read comic books, but the comic book world found him. His long list of TV and film credits include voice work for the animated “Superman,” “Batman Beyond,” “Justice League,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and “Black Panther.” Although the character was not based on a comic book, Lumbly broke new ground in the superhero world long before “Black Panther” or “Black Lightning” came around, starring in the 1994 TV series “M.A.N.T.I.S.”
His latest foray into the comic book world has Lumbly playing M'yrnn J'onzz, who along with his adult son, J'onn J'onzz (David Harewood), are the last Martians. Like his son, M'yrnn has telekinetic and mind-reading abilities and can also shape-shift to change his form. At the same time, this stranger in a strange land must deal with some very human issues.
“I think he is such a textured character because he has so much going on inside him,” Lumbly says. “The fact is that he is a being who has managed to continue to survive by holding on to his spirit and utilizing his mind. He's had to rely on faith and faith provided a miracle returning his son to him.
“Now he is in this wholly alien environment which has been really fun for me. It goes way beyond being a fish out of water.”
The character of M'yrnn J'onzz was introduced earlier this season on “Supergirl.” The CW Network series about Superman's cousin (played by Melissa Benoist) was on a hiatus but returned with new episodes April 16 and will continue through the season finale on June 18. It airs at 8 p.m. Mondays.
Working on so many projects built on the foundation of a comic book character has been a combination of Lumbly being attracted to the genre and how the job offers have landed.
“I always loved science fiction and read all of the great science fiction writers — and some not so great,” Lumbly says with a laugh. “I've always found them fascinating. As far as the work I have done, it has been a combination of desire and luck.
“What I like is that people sometimes don't expect me in places. They remember me from one thing and then are surprised when they remember me from something else that is so very different. That aspect pleases me because I have always believed the job of an actor is to be versatile.”