Actor Omar Benson Miller, known for roles on “Ballers” and “CSI: Miami”, has worked with both Eminem and 50 Cent and has first-hand insight into what each brings to the screen.
In a recent episode of the Run It Back podcast, Miller was asked a tricky question: who is a better actor, Eminem or 50 Cent? After thinking it through, he gave Eminem a slight edge, citing the strength of “8 Mile” as a standout performance:
That’s tough. Marshall has got an edge because he only gave you one film sample size. And it was 10 out of 10 acting.
Miller described Eminem as reserved at first but warm once familiar, while Fifty brings a more open, celebratory energy:
When you are around Eminem, Em is really introverted until he gets to know you, and then he can’t stop talking. When you’re around Fifty, it’s like being around your best friend who hit the lotto. It’s a situation where it’s all love, it’s all happening, and he wants you to be part of it. Which is really, really cool.
Still, when it comes to the films themselves, Miller admitted he is favouring Eminem’s semi-autobiographical “8 Mile”:
I personally prefer “8 Mile” to “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”. But that’s just me.
With someone who has had a front-row seat to both projects, it is a telling endorsement of Eminem’s impact — not just as a rapper, but as an actor who left a lasting impression with a single role.
