Black Panther co-star Winston Duke gives a 'shout out' to his Brighton High School foreign language teacher

A Brighton High School graduate is smashing box office records with his lead role in "Black Panther", which brought in more than $200 million in its opening weekend.

But amidst the much anticipated success, the rising star took the time to give a shout-out to a teacher who he said influenced his acting pursuits.

Winston Duke, who graduated in 2004 from Brighton High School and plays M'Baku in the Marvel film, took to Twitter to write, "shout out to my high school teacher who suggested I started acting in plays," and shared a link to an interview with coveteur.com.

That teacher, Christine Speer, is a foreign language teacher at BHS, where she's been teaching since 1999.

Speer had Duke in her spanish class when he was in 10th grade, and said that his ability was evident early on.

"Winston's charisma and talent were apparent when I knew him as a teenager. The first time he spoke Spanish in a skit in front of the class, his classmates and I became very quiet and applauded loudly at the end because of his magnetic stage presence. Afterwards, I encouraged him to become involved with Brighton's theater program, and was glad I had done so when I saw him perform on a real stage during the 24 Hour Plays event," said Speer. "He was mesmerizing and completely at ease in front of an audience."

In the interview with Coveteur, Duke recounted that moment.

"And that was it — I’ve been acting ever since," he said.

Speer said that she's thrilled to watch Duke succeed in his professional career.

"I can't wait to see him onscreen in Black Panther," said Speer. "His interview with a radio talk show host was tremendously impressive when I watched it online. He is a true star who speaks eloquently about the benefits of seeing actors of color in non-stereotypical roles. Bravo, Winston! I will always follow your career with more than a passing interest."

LPeace@Gannett.com