“Top Gun: Maverick” Star, Greg Tarzan Davis, Talks Working With Tom Cruise, Staying Fit and Being Strikingly Different

There are an immense number of actors and actresses out there in the world. Fans pick their favorites based on many things. Sometimes it’s looks and sometimes it can even be an awesome personality. If luck is on your side your favorite is both gorgeous and has an epic personality. Contrast would like to introduce you to someone who fits the bill and then some.

Well, who is Greg Tarzan Davis? He can’t be summed up in one word or even ten words. The first video on his Instagram just makes you smile. He seems like he’s full of life and zest. He’s just the type of guy you can’t help but smile over. He’s funny and has a shining personality. Not only is he an eleven in the personality department, but he’s also absolutely stunning in the looks category. You couldn’t frown when this man is in a room.

Stating that “this is something I have been dreaming about since I was a kid” about his acting career, he has followed his dreams and become a shining star. Some may know him from “Grey’s Anatomy,” but you will be remembering him from many more movies to come. In 2018, he landed the role of Coyote in the “Top Gun: Maverick film.”

Jokingly responding to being asked “what’s your pitch to getting Grey’s Anatomy fans to watch this movie,” Greg replies “there’s a shirtless beach volleyball scene.”

It wouldn’t be the only reason to see this movie, but it can’t be said it isn’t a good one! Not only is he an amazing actor, but he’s also dedicated. The flight training alone to perform his role as “Coyote” is highly impressive. Did you think they could make a flight movie with no actual flying? Check out Greg’s Instagram for a short video on just what amazing things he had to learn and do to portray this adventurous role!

If you aren’t convinced yet, that this actor is the bee’s knees, dive into his background and personal life and gain a broader understanding of why his personality and talent are a force to be reckoned with. Born in New Orleans, LA to a Boxer Father and a Telecommunications Mother, Greg seemingly had no interest in acting. He was a running back for his High School and went on to graduate from college with a teaching degree. He even tried his hand at a dental degree but decided that wasn’t for him.

It wasn’t until 2018 that Greg decided to try his hand at an acting career. In May of 2021, he signed a contract with ICM Partners and in November, it was announced that he joined the cast of ABC’s medical drama series “Grey’s Anatomy.” His first major role was as Dr. Jordan Wright. In his spare time, Greg enjoys cooking and baking. Now you’re sold, aren’t you? Is there anything he can’t do? I don’t think he’s crossed that bridge yet.

Continue reading for an in-depth look at what Tarzan is up to and what you can expect in the future!

Tell us how it was working with Tom Cruise in the new ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ which is out now in theaters! Imagine going to an intense, immersive master class every day where you learn every facet of this industry and the craft of acting as well as learning different skills you would never think ARE possible. That is the best description I have for you. 

Being a part of the ‘Top Gun’ universe, how does it feel to contribute to the legacy of a such an iconic, cult classic film franchise? HAHAHA, the TGU, I like the sound of that. It is an honor to be a part of this moment in film history. I honestly don’t know how to feel though. There is a lot of anticipation behind Top Gun: Maverick because the first one was such a hit. I don’t think I will completely feel my contribution until the world sees the work that has been put into the film on the big screen. I am super excited for their feedback.  

Aside from killing it as an actor, you also are somewhat of an athlete yourself. You play football, basketball, and baseball, and you’ve also earned yourself a 2nd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Tell us how you keep yourself so active! Because sports is something I’ve been doing since I was a child it still plays a huge part in my life now. When I’m not working, I’m playing in different flag football leagues, or pick up games of basketball and train in martial arts. At this point in my life, I look at staying active as part of my job description, so during a workday, an hour is dedicated to making sure I get active.

. What’s your philosophy in life? My philosophy in life is not to get tired. To elaborate on what that means, it’s always being present, in everything you do which could be talking to family, working out, being there for people, with your job. The message is no matter what you are doing, give it your all.  

You’re on the current cover of The Contrast Man. What do you think truly defines a man? I’ve had both good and bad examples that have contributed to what I believe my definition of a man is. The number one idea is being a man of my word. Your word is the only thing a person has, so I do my very best to honor that.  

You have a strong work ethic. You once said, “I don’t get tired because I can’t get tired.” What is this a piece of advice about working hard do you wish you had when you were younger? My mom is the person who taught me the necessity of hard work. To make a long story short, I remember a time when I was doing well in school and I was bragging about it to my mother asking if she could pay me for my good grades, my mother quickly humbled my ass when she said, “You don’t applaud a fish for swimming.” It took some time for me to understand that the result of my hard work is my reward.

What’s next for you? Well as you know, Top Gun: Maverick is coming out, so I am excited to be on this press tour traveling the world with my castmates. After the Top Gun: Maverick press tour wraps, I begin a new project which is an epic adventure that I can not wait to share with you at some point. When the sworn oath of secrecy has expired I will reveal more. And, I recently wrapped on Mission: Impossible 7, working again with Mr. Tom Cruise. MI: 7 will be in theaters on July 14, 2023.  

The definition of Contrast is ‘to be strikingly different.’ What makes you strikingly different? At the end of my life’s journey, I hope other people will be able to answer this question for me.