TRAY CHANEY

*Editor’s Note* We know Tray, and we’re sure you will too, from his role as Malik ‘Poot’ Carr, on The Wire — one of our favorite shows, and a series we consider to be one of the best written, acted and directed shows on television. He’s also a musician, and was kind enough to share his new video, “Fatherhood,” with our readers.

AGE   30

HOMETOWN   Washington, DC

@TWITTER   @TrayChaney

ON THE WEB   TrayChaneyBlogTumblr.com

NUMBER OF CHILDREN   One

DAY JOB   Entertainer

RELATIONSHIP STATUS   Married

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK   A book called My Dad is Great; it’s designed by Andrea Newton and the language consultant is Betty Root. It’s written by Gaby Goldsack and illustrated by Sara Walker. It’s great because it really gives you the background of a great dad. My son, Malachi, loves the book.

HOW DO YOU COMBINE WORK AND FAMILY? How have you, or you and your partner, arranged your life/schedule to provide the daily care for your kid(s)?

Well, being in the entertainment business can be tough because you’re constantly on the road. So, I make sure my son knows that I’m in his life. I make sure to call throughout the days I’m gone, until I get home. Me and my wife have a strong balance. Most of the time, if I know I’m gonna be gone for long periods at a time, I make sure flights are booked so the family can be with me.

HOW HAS PARENTING CHANGED YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL?

I’m very hands-on with my child, at all times. If he looks a certain way, like he’s uncomfortable about something, I try to nip it in the bud — so it will be perfect for him.

HOW HAS PARENTING AFFECTED YOUR RELATIONSHIP? How often do you have sex? Is it enough? How do you communicate differently (if at all)?

Well, sex is not a problem. Me and my wife are very affectionate towards each other, constantly. Everything is the same as when we first met seven years ago.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, problems come up but we know how to communicate. We both realize that we have to be there for our child.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AS A PARENT AND WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Strength: providing everything I can for my child. Weakness: is spoiling him.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPOUSE’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES?

Same as mine.

WHO ELSE PROVIDES CHILDCARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

My child is in school (kindergarten) so it’s aftercare at the school.

WHAT IS YOUR WORST PARENTING MOMENT?

When my son was one we were riding in the car and out of nowhere he got sick. I had to clean the whole back seat of my car, then, he pooped himself, so I had to turn back around, go home and get him cleaned up.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST PARENTING MOMENT?

Watching my son grow. He looks up to me. He walks, talks and acts exactly like me. My wife says he’s a “daddy’s boy”.