According to CBS, Black is so proud of his accent and Southern heritage that "he once turned down a role because the director wanted him to drop his accent." Understandably, Black did not specify what the role was or the director. He has spoken at length, though, about his pride for the South. "Well, I grew up outdoors...Hunting and fishing and camping," he once told CBS 42 in 2016 while promoting "NCIS: New Orleans," which he appeared on from 2014 to 2019.
"I been blessed, especially on this role," Black said, referring to his portrayal of Christopher LaSalle, who was eventually killed off. "I feel like my character, I get to portray a Southern gentleman and the Southern hospitality that we in Alabama try to live up to," Black added. The "F9" star has been repeatedly asked about his accent in interviews and whether people are surprised to hear it in person.
"That's me," he told NOLA.com in 2014. "I've worked on this for 31 years and I feel like I've finally gotten it down pat."
