Heralded as one of the best young and upcoming actors in the business, New York native Tristan Wilds caught the acting bug early in life and at an open casting call later began making his mark in television and in theater. He is well known for his portrayal of Micheal, a polite schoolboy turned thug on the hit HBO TV series, The Wire. You may have also seen Tristan playing Jay-Z’s nephew in the "Roc Boys" video taken from the American Gangster album.

Having just finished up school as well as wrapping up the final season of The Wire, we can plan to see Tristan not only in television shows and movies but taking a stab at the music business as well. Sixshot.com caught up with Tristan to discuss The Wire, his career, and what we can expect from the young actor. 

So how did you get into acting?

I got into acting because my older brother was doing it and I was like ma I want to do it to.  So she took me to an open call for a talent manager and here I am.

You did some theater right? Which do you prefer, theater or TV?

As far as acting in the theater or TV, I can't decide, one is live on the spot, and if you mess up your screwed, the other, you mess up and you can do it over, I love them both.

Sixshot.Com: Is it hard for you being on TV and going to school?

I was in the same school for twelve years, so when I started acting, they helped me along the way.  Even though I was tutored on the set the work came from my school, and with one on one teaching I was way ahead of the game, which made it easier than being in a regular classroom.

How did you get the role on The Wire?

I originally auditioned for the role of Randy, I auditioned for it for four months. When they finally casted the role for Randy I thought that was it, but the next thing I know my moms gets a call saying that they want me to try out for another role, Michael Lee, and the rest is history

Sixshot.Com: Do you learn a lot from the veteran actors on the set?

Ah man the cast and crew on the set was like one big happy family, I'm still mad that it's over, whenever I needed help running lines or anything everyone was there to help.

It must be fun shooting, what is a typical day like shooting the Wire?

You would have to see the gag reel on us, it's so much fun, to watch it on TV is one thing, it’s another thing to be there, its just alot of fun and laughter

Besides Michael, do you have a favorite character?

My favorite character, there are too many to decide.  I can't pick just one.

Speaking of Michael, he started out as a good kid staying out of the game. What do you think is drawing the character into that lifestyle?

Michael's character is doing what he has to do to make sure his baby brother doesn't have to grow up the same way he did.  He will do anything for his brother to be safe. Which is why I believe he... oh can't tell you that, your going to have to wait to see what happens [this] season.

I know you can't say too much, but what can we expect this season?

I really can't say what's going to happen with the new season, but what I can say is if you thought season four was good, five is going to blow you away.

Whats  Michael Lee 's character gonna be like this season? Is he going to suprise us?

Michael Lee, what's his character like this season? All I can say is raw.

You were recently in Jay-Z's video, what was that like?

Doing the Jay-Z video was the s--t, it was like a real party going on, but the highlight for me was meeting the man himself. I mean he was so down to earth. I was like wow, I'm really hanging out with Jay-Z, and he's a fan of the show, it doesn't get any better.

Any projects you have coming up that we should check for?

What's coming up for me, well I'm still working on the music thing, look for me on Law and Order and I'm in pre production of a movie called The Secret Life Of Bees starring Queen Latifah.

Anything you'd like to say to your fans at Sixshot.com?

 To the readers and fans of Sixshot.com, thank you for your support, without you I'd be nothing. Keep watching out for me cause I'm trying to do my thing.  All Blessings.