Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Terry Crews on how macho culture has led to the deaths of 'millions' and why he's a feminist

The actor and bodybuilding expert said that men need to re-examine the way they view women and their own pride

Terry Crews (Startraks Photo/REX)

Bodybuilding comedy actor Terry Crews has spoken out the danger of hyper-masculinity and said that men need to connect with their feminine side.

The actor, who stars alongside Andy Samberg in comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has urged men to "kill pride" in a thought-provoking interview with feminist publication Dame Magazine.

"My message to all men is that you have to kill pride," he told the website. "You’ve been taught that pride is a manly thing, that pride is a good thing. But the problem with pride is that it stops you from growth. When you’re so proud that you won’t change, you’ve got problems."

Blaming machismo for global conflict, the former NFL player has decribed an inability to back down as "dangerous".

"Male pride causes wars," Crews said. "Millions of people have died because of male pride, because one man would not back down. Male pride will say: 'I’d rather blow up my whole family than have everyone look at me as though I’ve lost.' That is so dangerous."

Crews is proud of the fact he's a feminist, and said that having a wife and daughters had made him aware of the need for female equality. "I’ve been married for 25 years, and I have four daughters and one son," he said.

Crews is married to Rebecca King-Crews, a gospel singer and former beauty queen.

Crews with his wife Rebecca (REX)

"I did some serious thinking about the world that they’re coming up in," he added. "I want my girls to have every opportunity to do whatever they want. When I see the world and the way people are treated, I see so many domination and control issues.

"And some people have just bought into them - they see it as: 'I’m on the bottom, and you’re on the top, and that’s just the way it is.' The truth is, everyone is equal and valuable, and everyone is necessary, but there tends to be a dismissal of certain groups."

Crews added that it was not necessary for men to patronise women - or each other. "I’m not here to tell guys that it’s their responsibility to come to a woman’s rescue. Women are more than capable of handling themselves, and have been doing so wonderfully for years. What I am saying is, as one man to another man, examine your own mind-set."

Crews in TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine (c.FoxSearch/Everett/REX)

Jerry Seinfeld and Frank Lampard are among the male celebrities who have recently urged men to reconsider their roles within the family, and not leave all "domestic" chores to women.

The idea that the pressure of masculinity can be dangerous for men and women alike was put forward by Emma Watson. The actress and campaigner said that men should feel like they can be emotional during a talk on International Women's Day.

"I get disturbed by this idea that men can't cry," she said. "They can't express themselves and I think that's the saddest thing in the world. Being able to express yourself is what makes you human - it's not what makes you a girl."