The Express, in theaters October 10th, tells the story of Ernie Davis, who played on the infamous 1959 Syracuse University football team and was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Appropriately, Syracuse rolled out the Orange Carpet for the stars of The Express at the film’s world premiere on Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Landmark Theater. The movie stars Dennis Quaid as coach Ben Schwartzwalder and Rob Brown as Ernie Davis who were both on hand for the premiere along with co-stars Charles S. Dutton and Omar Benson Miller. The stars mingled with current SU sports figures like Coach Jim Boeheim as well as players form the 1959 SU team. Unfortunately, Ernie Davis died of Leukemia at the age of 23 but his family was on hand to enjoy the night.
There were about 400 fans waiting to greet the stars and soak up Syracuse’s moment in the sun. Each of the stars greeted the crowd and signed autographs. Dennis Quaid stood in the rain and said hello to everyone, when asked by fans how the twins were, he replied “they’re great”. The premiere was followed by a benefit gala. At Saturday’s SU football game (against Penn State) Dennis Quaid participated in the halftime festivities along with SU alumnus Bob Costas. Here are our pictures from the Orange Carpet arrivals and videos of the stars greeting fans!
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