Snipes As Mythical Avenger

Wesley Snipes recently had a very good weekend. He got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his new film, Blade, opened No. 1 at the box office, reports CBS 'This Morning' Co-Anchor Mark McEwen.

Snipes calls Blade a solution for the moviegoers who are unimpressed with the early summer blockbusters.

"If they've...been disappointed with the other big action movies of this summer, this one may bring back their faith in the American cinema," says the actor.

Snipes plays a vampire hunter out to save the world. Not only does he star in the film, but he's also one of the producers.

"As a producer, they have to listen. The moment you take on that title, then it is incumbent upon them to listen to you. You have influence beyond being an actor for hire," says Snipes.

Snipes previously served as a producer for Down in the Delta, to be released around Christmas. The film also marks the directorial debut of poet and author Maya Angelou.

Born in 1963 in the Bronx, N.Y., Snipes was studying at the High School for the Performing Arts when his family moved to Florida. He later completed his studies at the State University of New York at Purchase.

Snipes began acting in films in 1986, and his credits include U.S. Marshals (1998), Murder at 1600 (1997), To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), Demolition Man (1993), Passenger 57 (1992), White Men Can't Jump (1992), Jungle Fever (1991), and New Jack City (1991).