Interview: Taye Diggs and Emmanuel Acho

Taye Diggs is a judge, and Emmanuel Acho is the host of the reality competition series, “Second Chance Stage,” now streaming on the Magnolia Network on Max.

Taye Diggs and Emmanuel Acho (2024)

SIDEWALKS host Lori Rosales welcomes actor Taye Diggs and former NFL player-turned sports analyst Emmanuel Acho about working on the Magnolia Network on Max reality competition series, “Second Chance Stage.” Additionally, Diggs talks about his acting career, and Acho tells us about his “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” web series.

Please note: This online version of the interview is slightly different than how it appeared on the TV episode.

Taye Diggs and Emmanuel Acho and host Lori Rosales in a two-box.

Mini-Biographies:

Born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Rochester, New York. Taye Diggs began his career on the stage, making his Broadway debut in the ensemble cast of the 1994 revival of “Carousel.” He gained widespread recognition for his role as Benny in the original production of “Rent” in 1996. His performance in “Rent” led to several other Broadway roles, including Billy Flynn in “Chicago” and Hedwig Robinson in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” In 1998, Diggs transitioned to film with his role in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” This breakthrough performance launched his Hollywood career, leading to roles in films such as “The Best Man” (1999), “Brown Sugar” (2002), and “Chicago” (2002). Diggs has also had a successful television career, starring in series like “Kevin Hill (2024-2005), “Private Practice” (2007-2013), “Murder in the First” (2014-2016), and “All American” (2018-2024). He has received numerous award nominations throughout his career, including NAACP Image Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Beyond acting, Diggs is an author of children’s books and has been involved in various charitable causes.

Emmanuel Acho is a former NFL linebacker turned sports analyst, author, and television host. Born in Dallas, Texas, Acho played college football at the University of Texas before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft. He later played for the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring from professional football in 2015. Following his NFL career, Acho transitioned into media and broadcasting. He joined Fox Sports in 2020 as a co-host of the show “Speak for Yourself.” In June 2020, amid racial tensions in the United States, Acho launched a web series called “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” which aimed to foster open dialogue about race and racism. Acho’s series gained significant attention and led to a book of the same name, published in November 2020. The book became a New York Times bestseller. He has since authored additional books, including “Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits” (2022). In 2021, Acho hosted “After the Final Rose” special episode of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” He has received numerous accolades for his work in sports broadcasting and social commentary, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality/Studio Analyst in 2021. Acho is a co-host of FS1’s “The Facility.”