Blair Underwood Reflects on Almost Passing on Set It Off Ahead of 30th Anniversary

The actor played Keith Weston in the 1996 heist film that became a critical and box office hit.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an interview, Blair Underwood revealed that he almost didn't take the role of Keith Weston in the 1996 film Set It Off, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Underwood explained that at the time, there were larger conversations happening in Hollywood about the types of roles available to Black actors, with films like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society sparking debates. However, Underwood is glad he ultimately decided to be a part of Set It Off, which followed a group of friends who rob a bank to improve their financial situations.

Why it matters

Set It Off was a groundbreaking film that provided complex, multidimensional roles for its four lead Black actresses - Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. Underwood's hesitation to take the role highlights the limited opportunities Black actors faced at the time, but the film's success and lasting impact proved the demand for diverse storytelling.

The details

Underwood shared that the script for Set It Off was being dismissed by some as "Girlz in the Hood," but he found the film to be "so much deeper and so much better than that." Co-star Vivica A. Fox also reflected on the film, praising director F. Gary Gray for his commitment to making the storyline believable and noting that audiences were deeply moved, with some returning to see the film multiple times.

  • Set It Off was first released in November 1996.
  • The film is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Blair Underwood

An American actor who played the role of Keith Weston in the 1996 film Set It Off.

Jada Pinkett

One of the four lead actresses in Set It Off, which centered on a group of friends who decide to rob a bank.

Queen Latifah

One of the four lead actresses in Set It Off, which centered on a group of friends who decide to rob a bank.

Vivica A. Fox

One of the four lead actresses in Set It Off, which centered on a group of friends who decide to rob a bank.

Kimberly Elise

One of the four lead actresses in Set It Off, which centered on a group of friends who decide to rob a bank.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Man, I just remember that film blew up. I almost didn't do it, but I'm glad I did.”

— Blair Underwood (The Jennifer Hudson Show)

“At the time, Boyz in the Hood was out, Menace II Society. There was a lot of conversation in Hollywood about, 'Why does Hollywood allow us to do only gang-banging and hurting each other and shooting each other?'”

— Blair Underwood (The Jennifer Hudson Show)

“People literally walked out of the theater from Set It Off in tears and moved and went back to see it again.”

— Vivica A. Fox (Entertainment Tonight)

The takeaway

Set It Off's success and lasting impact proved the demand for diverse, multidimensional storytelling featuring Black characters, even as Underwood's initial hesitation highlighted the limited opportunities available to Black actors at the time. The film's 30th anniversary serves as a reminder of how far Hollywood has come, while also underscoring the continued need for more inclusive and representative narratives.