The Untold Struggles of Jamal Woolard in Portraying Biggie Smalls

Jamal Woolard’s portrayal of Biggie Smalls in the 2009 film *Notorious* was a transformative performance that captivated audiences, but few understand the immense physical, emotional, and spiritual toll it took on him.

Stepping into the role of Christopher Wallace, the man behind the hip-hop legend, Woolard faced challenges that nearly broke him, revealing just how hard it was to embody one of rap’s greatest icons.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Woolard shared a cultural connection with Biggie, understanding the streets and struggles that shaped him. Before *Notorious*, Woolard was an aspiring MC, making waves in New York’s hip-hop scene until a 2006 shooting outside Hot 97 derailed his career. Banned from the station due to their strict policy on altercations, his rap dreams faded.

However, this setback opened an unexpected door when casting directors for *Notorious* saw his authentic Brooklyn roots and raw talent in his audition. Yet, embodying Biggie was far more than just acting—it was stepping into a sacred legacy with crushing pressure.

The physical transformation was grueling. Weighing 270 pounds, Woolard had to gain weight to match Biggie’s 340-pound frame at his heaviest. He abandoned exercise and consumed massive amounts of pasta, risking his health as a diabetic with fluctuating blood sugar levels. This wasn’t just about appearance; it was about understanding how Biggie’s size influenced his presence and movement.

Woolard studied Biggie’s distinctive waddle, breathing patterns affected by asthma, and even used cotton balls in his mouth to mimic facial structure, making speech a constant struggle. Hours in the studio practicing rap delivery with restricted airflow left his throat raw and body aching, pushing his physical limits to the brink.

Emotionally, Woolard had to uncover the man behind the myth. He delved into Christopher Wallace’s private life through conversations with Faith Evans, Biggie’s widow, and Voletta Wallace, his mother, who provided intimate insights into his vulnerabilities and dreams. Lil Cease, Biggie’s cousin, offered raw accounts of his hustling days, revealing the desperation that fueled his rise.

Woolard realized he wasn’t playing one person but three: Christopher, the vulnerable son and father; Biggie, the confident artist; and Notorious, the commanding street legend. Seamlessly transitioning between these personas in single scenes demanded exhaustive preparation with acting coaches and method acting techniques, draining him emotionally with each take.

Filming on Brooklyn’s actual streets added a spiritual weight. Walking through Fulton and St. James Avenues, Woolard felt Biggie’s history, channeling both triumph and tragedy. Voletta Wallace’s blessing after witnessing his audition—“That was my son”—cemented his responsibility to honor her child’s memory.

The relentless shooting schedule, emotional scenes, and technical demands of rap performances intensified the strain. Post-filming, Woolard struggled to reclaim his identity, his body suffered lasting health effects, and typecasting limited future roles. Yet, his performance bridged generations, keeping Biggie’s legacy alive.

Reflecting later, Woolard called it the hardest, yet most rewarding, experience of his life, underscoring the profound sacrifices made to honor a legend.