Actor Morris Chestnut Surprises Gym-Goers at Downtown Mobile YMCA

A Friday morning workout at the Moorer YMCA in downtown Mobile turned into an unexpected celebrity encounter when actor Morris Chestnut showed up to lift weights between scenes of a movie being filmed in the city.

Chestnut is in Mobile shooting a film alongside Robert De Niro and Kate Bosworth, and word of his presence at the gym spread quickly among members and staff. Evan Wilkins, an associate producer for a local television station who also teaches an 11 a.m. Zumba class at the YMCA, said one of his regular students told him she had just had her photo taken with Chestnut in the weight room.

Already a fan of Chestnut’s work, Wilkins said he worked up the nerve to approach the actor directly. “I said, ‘Do you mind if I get a picture of you?’” Wilkins recalled. “He was really cool about it. He said, ‘Sure, no problem.’” Chestnut went on to pose for photos with several other gym members who recognized him that morning.

Wilkins invited Chestnut to join his Zumba class, an offer the actor politely turned down. Still, as the class continued with music playing, Chestnut passed by the room on his way out of the weight room and gave a wave to the group. Wilkins said the room fell almost completely silent for a moment as students paused to watch him walk past.

It wasn’t until Wilkins arrived at his television job later that day that he learned more about why Chestnut was in town. Footage shot that afternoon included interviews with several cast members involved in the same production, which is filming scenes on location in the Mobile area.

In the film, Chestnut plays a character described as the protege of De Niro’s character, a casino owner. The production has drawn attention around Mobile in recent days as cast and crew members have been spotted at local businesses and public spaces while filming continues.

Wilkins described Chestnut as approachable and easygoing during their brief interaction. “He had to be one of the coolest, most down-to-earth, genuine people,” Wilkins said, adding that the encounter made for a memorable start to an otherwise ordinary Friday at the gym.

About the film

The production was the casino heist thriller released in November 2015 as “Heist,” which starred Jeffrey Dean Morgan alongside De Niro, Bosworth, Chestnut, Dave Bautista and Gina Carano. Filming moved to Mobile from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and began in October 2014, with the Battle House Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom dressed as the film’s casino. Chestnut is widely known for roles in “Boyz n the Hood” and “The Best Man.”