Hollywood heartthrob Channing Tatum is opening up about his unconventional past as a stripper, revealing he’s prepared to have a candid conversation with his 9-year-old daughter, Everly.
In a recent interview with ET (via Today.com), the 42-year-old actor acknowledged the inspiration behind the hit “Magic Mike” films: his own real-life experiences. “There’s no version of me not having the conversation of ‘Dad didn’t just do (it) in movies; I was an actual stripper,'” he said. “I’m not gonna lie to her.”
Channing Tatum, known for his charming good looks and impressive dance moves, dove into exotic dancing at a young age (19) while navigating challenges like ADHD and dyslexia. “I fell into exotic dancing after hearing an ad on the radio,” he shared.
While the “Magic Mike” franchise portrays a glamorous world of male stripping, Tatum paints a different picture. “The cash wasn’t as flashy as you’d think,” he revealed, making mention of nights earning just $50. He admitted the lifestyle of “partying, drinking, and risk” held a stronger appeal than the money itself.
Interestingly, Tatum’s experiences even influenced scenes in “Magic Mike XXL.” He reminisced about attending a chaotic stripper convention in the late 1990s, with a hilarious encounter involving an enthusiastic fan mistaking him for her nephew!
So, the next time you watch “Magic Mike” and marvel at Tatum’s captivating dance routines, remember – they stem from a surprisingly real chapter in his life story.