Cerina Vincent [Interview]

Today we are showcasing an actress that really hits home to us here at TWS. Cerina Vincent may be most recognizable these days for her starring role in The Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle. But, for us old guys here at TWS, we are most excited to talk to the star of the brilliant horror flick Cabin Fever, and a true blue (er, yellow) Power Ranger! Yes, Cerina was a vital role everyone will remember from the hit Rider Strong fronted Cabin Fever, as well as the humanoid version of the Yellow Ranger in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy.

And if you stop for just a moment and really think about that last paragraph, you may realize how insane this truly is. I mentioned three very distinct roles, all of which are portrayed by one amazing actress. Cerina Vincent may very well be one of the most versatile people working in the business today. And with that, we are so happy that she decided to take some time out of her busy career (Seriously, she literally did this interview between takes of Stuck in the Middle) to share some insight on acting, her progression through the lifestyle, and what it is like to forever be a Power Ranger. So please indulge and enjoy some amazing words from the great Cerina Vincent. Here we go!

While you have an exceptionally large body of varied works, we are here to talk a horror films. And you have done some good ones. So how do you enjoy about working on horror films? What have been some of your favorite experiences thus far?

I honestly feel honored to be a part of the horror genre. It’s a wonderful community of creative, imaginative, spirited misfits that I’m so grateful to be a part of. No matter if you’re an actor, writer, director, or a fan… we are all in the genre together. I LOVE working on horror films. It’s where I began. And every year that goes by, I just seem to have a deeper love and more of an appreciation for the genre. Some of my favorite experiences? Well, Cabin Fever may be an obvious answer, but it’s truly what put me on the map in this genre. Every moment of that film was an extraordinary experience. You don’t get many of those in life… It was a perfect storm of wonderful people who put genuine heart into the art, a really rad script, and the world loved it.

Do you ever find yourself just getting creeped out all to hell when you are involved in a horror film set? Or have you sort of been desensitized to blood and guts?

No actually! Horror sets aren’t really creepy at all! The creep factor comes together in post-production… The editors and the sound designers bring SO much to a horror film. Shooting it isn’t really scary at all. Our right mind knows that monsters aren’t real… so there’s a certain falseness and fun to the acting that’s different than just drama or comedy. At least for me. I’ll tell you what was really creepy, though… My film MoniKa. We shot a couple of scenes in the well-known haunted Linda Vista hospital. THAT was creepy. I’ve never felt such a dark presence anywhere in my life. It was haunting.

If you could be murdered on-screen by any legendary horror killer, who would it be?

OMG! Freddy! Or Jason? Maybe both together…

While we are indeed here to talk about horror films, I would kick myself so hard if I didn’t throw a Power Rangers question out there….So, can you tell us about your time as the Yellow Ranger in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy? Also, what was it like inside that suit? Comfortable?

Power Rangers was my first series regular job and I learned SO much. We worked our butts off. 16 hour days, 5/6 days a week, but it was great. I made life long friends with my other fellow rangers, and the producers and crew, too! The Power Ranger world is also like a little family. Rangers, crew, fans… we are all one. Re: the costumes: I always joke that no one looks great in yellow spandex, but the suits were absolutely fun to wear. My character was from a jungle planet so I wore a little leather shirt and half top every single day and then “morphed” into the yellow ranger suit. But little secret; Any time the helmets are on… that’s not us actors. That’s a really badass stuntman under that helmet!! We couldn’t make that show without those guys. They are some of the best martial artists in the business.

What does the future hold for you? Any cool projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I’m currently on Disney’s Stuck in the Middle! It’s a brilliant single camera ½ hour show where I pay Suzy Diaz the mother of 7 of the cutest TV kids EVER. I am beyond grateful for this role. It’s a side of me that the genre fans don’t really know… the overly sensitive, nurturing maternal side of myself that I get to put into Suzy. I love it. 2nd season airs this February… I hope you all will check it out!

Do you have any big plans for this coming Halloween? Any traditions? (Note: outdated question obviously, but a lovely answer, so we kept it. We appreciate every word from this amazing person!)

I don’t have any specific Halloween traditions, other than making a point to eat some candy, carve some pumpkins and get together with friends. I do LOVE Halloween. I love ALL holidays, actually. I’m a big sap for celebrating and making the most of every holiday. YOLO, right? (My TV kids tell me I’m not allowed to say that anymore) Last year I was Lady Gaga/The Countess from American Horror Story: Hotel, and I have to say I was pretty proud of my costume that cost me nothing. Thrown together from randomness in my closet… and old gloves, hats and jewelry that were my grandmothers.

What is your favorite scary movie?

The Shining & Jaws are tied for first place.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Well, this question surely made me smile!! I appreciate questions like this. I love the rain, and it was pouring here in LA this morning, so I woke up with a smile! My TV kids’ adorable personalities and the coffee I’m currently drinking are also making me smile. I’m on my lunch break on the set of Stuck in The Middle. Everything makes me smile here…

Alexandra Paul [Interview]

We have a real special interview for you fine folks today! To continue on with our celebration of females on camera, we are showcasing a LEGEND in the world of film and television. Alexandra Paul is the type of person that several generations have had the pleasure of seeing perform in so many different capacities. Some have even grown up with Alexandra, considering the fact that she started out in the business at a very young age. She has been in so many great films, notably for me was the 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s book of the same title, Christine.

But, what surprised me most about Alexandra was obviously not her stellar career, as that is well documented. No, I was more surprised to realize that she is a real deal, hard core activist. For everything. She is what I would refer to as a “power vegan”, and goes far beyond simply being an advocate for human rights. This woman has literally been jailed for participating in her right to protest. Fucking, jailed! If that doesn’t prove that she is a woman who is willing to go the extra mile, I don’t know what could.

So, we were very happy to get some words from the great Alexandra Paul for today’s interview. We talk Christine, Bay Watch, the Jason Stuart directed short The Mentor that I absolutely recommend, and so much more. So please enjoy our conversation with the wonderfully talented actress, activist, and recently acclaimed health coach, Alexandra Paul!

What made you decide to join the world of acting? Was it something you were always passionate about?

I was modeling in New York when I was a teenager, and my agency, Wilhelmina, asked me to take acting lessons so they could send me up on commercials too. My first teacher was David Mann and his classes opened up a whole new world for me. I was taking a year off before going to Stanford University, so I did not think of it as a career until I was cast in the lead of the ABC TV movie Paper Dolls. We shot it in Los Angeles and I decided 3 weeks before I was supposed to show up at Stanford that I would forego college and see if I could make it in Hollywood. The Dean of students wrote me a letter saying I was throwing my life away. About 5 years later he told my twin (who had transferred to Stanford) that he regretted sending me that letter, but I was actually touched that he took the time to write to me. Anyway, I have been acting every since.

One of your very first appearances in film was in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s Christine. How was this experience for you, being in a such a terrifying film so early in your career? Was it a fun shoot?

I was terrified, but not because of the script – it was my second acting job and I was very insecure about how I could possibly have been cast – surely they made a mistake and wanted a beautiful curvaceous blonde instead! I had a wonderful time nonetheless. I fell in love with one of the other actors (Bill Ostrander, who played the bad guy) and that was a very important relationship in my life. It has also been so neat to see how the film has endured and become a cult classic! I never imagined that when we were filming.

Of course, we have to mention Bay Watch. It was a massive success in its time, and for good reasons. So real quick, how was your experience on this project? Was it a fun set to work on, as far as co-stars, crew, etc.?

My favorite job out of my 100 jobs in a 35 year career! It was just so wonderful to go to the beach every day, put on a comfortable bathing suit (no high heels and hair spray!) and be heroic. I loved doing all the swimming sequences and I loved my co-stars. David Hasselhoff was hilarious and such a good role model for the rest of the actors: he knew his lines, came to the set on time, never complained and was kind to everyone. The lead actor sets the tone on the set, so you can see ours was a very happy place to work. I am still close with so many of my Baywatch co-stars – we bonded over a very special time in our lives, starring on the most watched show in the world.

Can you tell us a bit about your role in the brilliant Jason Stuart directed short Mentor? How did you become involved and interested in such a sweet little project like this?

Jason is one of my oldest and closest friends so getting the chance to act with him is always wonderful. We play best friends in the series so he and Paul (the cowriters on the series) included little things about our real life relationship. I hope we shoot a second season.

We all also MUST mention your recent appearance in Sharknado 4: The Fourth Awakens. We have managed to get some words from several cast members from this amazing SyFy series, so I have to ask….. How was your experience filming a crazy television movie such as this?

It was fun. Being with David Hasselhoff and Gena was what made it special. It was very fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants… they gave us a totally new scene when we walked on set that morning. I like shooting quick and dirty like that, though. Much more creative!

In the world of activism and philanthropy, you are one of those few celebrities you truly puts your money where your mouth is as the saying goes. You’ve been arrested several times for protesting, marched in the Great Peace March For Nuclear Disarmament, and SO much more. So, I have to ask you a very important question: For those out there in the world who may be very concerned with the future of U.S., specifically for the next 4 years to come, what advice would you give young activists who might finally decide to leave their keyboards, and maybe go out and try to make a real difference?

Believe me, I am very concerned about the next 4 years too! First, to be an activist, you need to figure out what issues interest you. Then decide what kind of activist you want to be – not everyone feels comfortable sign waving and rabble rousing like I do. Not everyone wants to join a group. We need all types of activists: check writers, social media pros, video editors, letter/ op ed writers, office helpers, organizers, phone callers, committee members and yes, those willing to hold signs up on street corners or do civil disobedience. And all of us need to live our activism, meaning to practice what we preach in our day to day life (so as a peace activist it is incumbent upon me to treat every person I meet in my own life with dignity, love and peacefulness). Once you know what you can bring to an issue, then find a local group and check it out. It takes time to get involved, so keep coming back and you will eventually find your place. Remember to be proactive, because so many organizations don’t have the time to handhold volunteers – the ones that are the most helpful are the ones who don’t wait to be told what to do every step of the way.  Being an activist is a lifelong thing, not a one time march down Main Street. So continue to give back in.

I understand you have started your own health & wellness business recently. What inspired you to start this company? And how has the experience been for you thus far?

My life has been so improved by having an active, healthy lifestyle that I wanted to help others feel as good! In my teens and twenties I struggled with bulimia, so I understand the pain people go through when they feel out of control with their health. I overcame that 25 years ago, so now I know how great it is to eat well, exercise regularly and feel confident in one’s body. Being healthy is in our control, but it is not easy to acquire those habits. A lot of us need help. That is what I do, I help people get healthy when they cannot do it on their own – lose weight, lower their cholesterol, sleep better, eat healthier… whatever they need.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Every morning, my husband, Ian, and I spoon and for 5 minutes we talk about how much we love each other and why. Sometimes our cat jumps on the bed to join us. In any case, it is a lovely way to start each day.

Kevin Fonteyne [Interview]

Do you ever have that feeling that you have simply caught a rising star, especially one on the cusp of exploding. I’m speaking figuratively of course, because if you tried to touch and actual star you would probably burn off all of your flesh in milliseconds, and also what are you doing all the way up there? So, yes, figuratively, catching a rising star is a pretty cool thing. Especially in this business. We’ve done it here at TWS a few times (3…that’s a few, right?), and today is no exception. The young man we would like to showcase with you all today is bound to be one of the biggest stars in the acting world in the next decade. His name is Kevin Fonteyne. Many a teenager may recognize from his recurring role as Marco on the hit television show Melissa & Joey, and many a sad housewife may recognize him from a nice run on Masters of Sex.

But, what intrigued me most about Kevin was the promise of an upcoming role that is truly fascinating. Next month, February 23rd to be exact, Kevin can be seen portraying the legendary Johnny Cash in the television adaptation of the Tony Award winning play Million Dollar Quartet that has been aptly re-titled, Sun Records. For music fans out there, this is a really big fucking deal, seriously. For hardcore, and even avid, country, folk, and/or blues fans, the premise of the show has already seeped into your brain, and you are probably pretty damn excited about this if you are hearing it for the first time. Then again, you probably already knew about this months ago, didn’t you? Anyway, for the rest of us out there, this is still an amazing series that is guaranteed to blow your mind. It is the tale of one of the most legendary jam sessions of all time that happened at the now legendary, you guessed it, Sun Records circa 1956 in which Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Jimmy Swaggart teamed up to become the official super powers of country music and rock & roll. And our man Kevin will be there as the legendary Man in Black through the whole thing, so we are obviously very excited about it.

Sun Records will premiere on CMT, February 23rd. And we here at TWS are truly hoping they can do this thing right. There are so many details that will most likely be glossed over due to cable television’s bullshit standards, but with an AMAZING cast on board, especially our new friend Kevin, and the direction of Roland Joffe, it’s hard to imagine this project not being at least “good”. So ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy a few words with one of the stars of Sun Records and a man you are destined to see more of in the near future, Kevin Fonteyne.

When did you first realize that you wanted to become an actor? And what keeps you in the business?

I think the first time I knew I wanted to be an actor was when I was in the first grade. Every kid was required to participate in the school play and I was given a role as an ensemble member and not a main part. But everyday during rehearsal there was a particular role that I loved to sing along with and say its lines in the background. On the night of the performance, due to reasons unknown, the young man who had the part didn’t show up. People were freaking out and needed someone who knew it. I said I did and ended up stealing the show! After that I knew performing was what I wanted to do! My love for this craft continues to inspire me to get better and every new character is a challenge which is why I can’t seem to stop doing this.

You had a semi-reoccurring role on the hit television show Melissa & Joey, portraying Joey’s nephew Marco, and a love interest to Lennox as well. How was this experience for you? Was there plenty of fun to be had on a set like this? What are some fond memories you might be able to share with us?

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with everyone on that set. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew to share it with. I fortunately was already friends with Taylor Spreitler (Lennox) before booking the role so it was great working with a friend.

In your career thus far, what would you consider to be the biggest challenges you have had to face to date?

I’d say the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far are also a blessing; they are my roles. I have been fortunate enough throughout my fairly young career to always play a wide variety of characters; from a military cadet, to a patient with epilepsy, and now to portraying the legendary “Man in Black” himself. It’s a challenge to stretch my imagination and body for these roles but I’m eternally grateful to not be typecast.

Have you had any aspirations to work in other aspects of film and television? Are you interested in writing or directing?

If I were to make any sort of venture into another avenue of the entertainment industry, I’d say it would have to be directing/producing. Though very time consuming I can imagine it’d be rewarded tenfold. Seeing your ideas and project take shape from the first infantile stages. As an actor you sometimes have to direct yourself or come up with motivation for a scene. An actor is known for their choices and the same for a director. So I’d say that would be the most logical next step.

Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming gig as Johnny Cash in the series Sun Records that we should be seeing soon in? What sort of preparation did you have to do to take on this role?

The show starts off before any of the music legends have even started their careers. It’s a great almost behind the scenes look at some things that the public wouldn’t know about Johnny; his relationship with his father, dealing with his brother’s untimely death, and joining the Air Force. I didn’t want to just play the idea of Johnny, especially since he is so iconic, so I read his autobiography, another biography, listened to nothing but Johnny Cash records, and practiced playing his songs and getting his voice right. I did anything and everything I could to try and embody this man and do him justice.

There are some real heavy hitters on Sun Records, including the renowned director Roland Joffe? And, of course, our old friend Joe Chrest is in there as well. But, how has it been to work under the direction of such a legend like Mr. Joffe? Do you feel as though your acting chops have been improved? 

Working under someone like Roland was an absolute delight. The man is a visionary. He paints a story and literally every shot looks like a painting. He and I worked really well together. He gives actors a lot of freedom in scenes to do what they feel is right and genuine in the moment. I learned so much under his direction.

Aside from portraying The Man In Black, what else can where can we look forward to seeing you soon?

My team and I are currently getting a few projects lined up that I’m not currently at liberty to discuss.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I just recently rescued a dog and it has been the most rewarding experience thus far. He makes me smile everyday.

Barbara Nedeljakova [Interview]

We have showcased some amazing actress in the last month or so, and today is definitely no exception. Today we have the pleasure of sharing a great conversation with the wonderful and beautiful Czech born actress, Barbara Nedeljakova. The casual viewer may recognize Barbara from her frightening performance in Eli Roth’s Hostel, as well as this film’s sequel, as Natalya, the seductress who is one of the obvious highlights of these gore-centric horror films.

And as we tend to to, we soon learn that Miss Nedeljakova has had a very interesting introduction into the world of film, and has also managed to stack up a varied and impressive list of credits which include even more frightening thrillers and horror films that will leave your spines tingling. Personally, I appreciated Barbara’s work in a great chapter of one of my favorite film series of all time, Children of the Corn: Genesis. So, please enjoy a wonderful conversation with the amazing actress, Barbara Nedeljakova.

I have come to learn that you studied acting in Prague. What led you to these studies? When did you first realize you wanted to play pretend for a living?

I have been drawn to acting since I was little. I always loved to entertain and tell stories. When I was 14 years old I wanted to study acting but my family convinced me to take a bit more serious approach towards life. I ended up studying jewelry design which I loved and I still enjoy to do oil paintings sometimes. But my main passion for acting hasn’t changed ever since I finished school and started studying the art.

What was the first stage role you can remember having? Where you nervous at all to perform in front of a full audience?

I was about 10 years old portraying Geppeto in Pinocchio. It’s a male role I know but I looked like a boy so I guess it worked. We played in front of full theater, also my parents were in the audience. I remember being nervous at first but after a little while it all went away, but my best friend was also in the play as well so that helped a lot.

And speaking of nerves…when you first received the chance to audition for Eli Roth’s Hostel, where you hesitant at all? Did the gore, nudity, and overall bloodiness make you nervous in anyway to take the role?

I came from a pretty conservative family so I was definitely hesitant when it came to nudity. I didn’t want to resurrect my mother, like we say here, after she saw the movie. But we made a few compromises to my character, cut out some scenes, and I finally agreed to join the Hostel project.

Hostel obviously didn’t break you much, because you have gone on to perform brilliantly in even more edgy and brilliantly done work in the world of horror and thrillers, pretty much one of the best in the business. So with that, what keeps you in the world of suspense? What is it that you love about it?

Thriller is my favorite genre, plus I find it exciting to play a villain and getting inside of character’s head to see what makes her tick. Passion for the genre runs in family. I remember my parents would be swapping murder mystery novels, saying things like, “you’re gonna love this one” or “it was too weak and ending was predictable”. I’m big fan of the old classics. What I love about the thriller is the combinations of anxiety, tension with excitement, and mystery.

You also managed to jump into one of my favorite horror series of all time….Children of the Corn. How was it joining the CoC world in Nemesis? Where you aware of the theme of the films? 

I secretly watched Children of Corn with my older brother when our parents weren’t home. We were both scared to death and still laugh about that today. Who would have thought that I would end up in sequel 20 years later. Yes I was excited to be part of CoC world and of course working with director, Joel Soison and Billy Drago who played my husband.

In your obviously knowledgable opinion, how does the world of acting compare in the U.S. to Slovakia? Is there a different sensibility and reaction to certain elements between the two?

Of course the film industry is so much bigger in U.S. and acting opportunities are endless. Actors in U.S. have whole teams working for them: agents, managers , publicists and lawyers. Having a good agent is the key because they are the ones who open the for you and get you seen. In Slovakia or Czech Republic, actors can register in an agency or work with casting director directly. And once you establish your relationship with them they will call you in every time you fit the part.

So, what is next for you? Any projects you can tell us about?

This year I am really excited to be behind the camera working on my own short film. I am taking courses at the Film School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague which takes me through all the phases of development of a film. From writing a screenplay, to the actual directing and making of a film. As far as acting, I have a few movie projects set to be filmed this coming year, and most recently have had the pleasure to be a lead in the Sci Fi movie called Sky Sharks. For more updates and info, I’d love to invite everyone to visit my website at http://www.barbara-nedeljakova.com .

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Tonight my husband and I went to see our three year old boy in a Christmas show. Seeing these adorable kids singing Christmas songs was pretty sweet and definitely made me smile.

Belinda Gavin [Interview]

Long time readers of TWS will know, we like to explore all aspects of art in cinema, literature, music, etc. And we appreciate ALL aspects of such things, in any way shape or form. We do not discriminate when it comes to positive artistic expression, even if some of the material is not for the faint of heart. I feel like I can make the honest assessment that there are very few of you out there who would even come close to being classified as the “faint of heart”. And this is why I am so excited to share with you this lovely interview with a woman I consider to be the sort of modern day feminist we need in this world. The wonderfully talented actress, producer, and so much more, Belinda Gavin.

Gavin has spent the last two decades showing the world that it is perfectly acceptable to be an attractive woman who is not afraid to show off her sexuality as an exceptional addition to her craft as an actress. Her work spawns from the goriest of horror films (which we all know we here at TWS love), to dramatic roles, and to films of the more classy erotic genres. Hell, she has done it all, she’s even been a competitor on American Gladiators. This is a woman who has the skill set to do whatever she damn well pleases, and you better believe she is going to do just that. And there really can be no more admiral trait than that in any human person. Belinda does Belinda, and she plays her roles as if she does not give a damn what you think, she just wants to enjoy yourself with her work in the variety of aspects she has been so kind to share with the world.

So with that, please enjoy some very nice words from our new friend here at Trainwreck’d Society, the very talented Belinda Gavin!

So, horror films may not be your entire mainstay in the film world, but you have done a LOT of work in them. So, if I could, I would like to know what draws you to the world of horror?

I love horror, any type of horror. Gore scream suspense old new si fi zombie creature ghosts satan all of it! I especially like it when I DONT die but I am OK with dying if it is a cool way.

When you hear about, or get pitched, a horror film, what are you generally looking for?

When I look through castings I generally look for anything that suits me and looks like fun. It is so important to work with people you like and keep it fun.

And how do you enjoy this line of work?

I love acting and I have not been able to do much since being back in Australia for the past few years but I have done some really fun things including producing and it is always great to be a part of a production.

You are widely known for roles in films of a more erotic nature, as well as horror films. Which brings me to my next question about a relationship that is as old as time: sex and horror. In your personal experience and expertise, what do you believe it is that makes the two work so well together?

Sex sells and horror generically sells itself. I love seeing a beautiful woman or man get killed by anything! LOL a giant ant, a giant man, a small woman LOL I love blood and gore!!

It has been said that during sex and dying, you are at your most honest. Do you believe this to be true? What are your thoughts on the matter?

When I am shooting a movie I am acting so it is always a different character that is having sex then getting killed. I am honest to my character and then to my boundaries as a actor. As a person I am brutally honest, all the time 🙂

How did you find yourself in the line of work that you are in now?

I am many things other than an actor. Personal Trainer, Champion Rodeo competitor, American Gladiator competitor, Aunt, sister, event manager, stunt driver, bartender etc. But I will always be a performer. I love becoming a character and convincing people that the experience is real enough to move them to wards some feeling, whatever that may be. anger, sorrow, horror, fear.

Did you always want to be an actress, or did you sort of stumble into it?

I always wanted to be an actress and still want to continue acting. I like comedy too. I love all aspects of production. What is your story dear Belinda? LOL maybe check out this page to get details about that…

I simply cannot pass up the chance to ask about the film Reservoir Cats. Can you tell us a bit about this film, and what your experience was like working on this one?

This was an amazing film to work on. Great idea and great scene for me 🙂 I really loved that experience and look at doing more like this in 2017.

After a bit of research, I noticed you have some crazy damned hobbies! Would you care to tell our readers about some of the crazy shit you are into (rodeos, racing, etc.) and how you got into these things?

I have ridden horses all my life since I was 5 years old. I love having horses in my life and when I was living in LA acting and working hard I realized I needed a grounding outlet-horses. My BFF at the time had a ranch and competed in the Gay Rodeo Association he talked me into competing with him and I did so for 10 years. These were amazing times. All over the states riding and at times flying back to LA to shoot movies, it was a dream come true.

So, what does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to promote here?

LOL, I was due to come back to LA in 2016 but that changed and I am now an event manager for a good friend of mine. It is a larger scale of production and I love it. There are many things I still want to achieve and acting is always in that list.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Waking up this morning 🙂

T’Keyah Crystal Keymah [Interview]

When I was a child growing up in the 90’s, I can remember watching television and thinking that women were all powerful. They were the leaders of the domestic and independent livelihood. I cherished and enjoyed their presence. As a kid, I enjoyed Roseanne Barr, Jo Marie Payton, Brett Butler, & Patricia Richardson in their amazing motherly roles. But, as an adolescent who knew there was more to a woman than just being a great mother, I looked to three very different women…. Kim Wayans, Kelly Cofflied Park, and T’Keyah Crystal Keymah. They were the main female players of a show that changed my life for the better, known as In Living Color.

I never really (and still don’t honestly) understand the world of sketch comedy, but I always knew it had to be difficult, yet hopefully rewarding. And for a young kid in the 90’s, there was no better showcase of this amazing talent as In Living Color. SNL may have had a good heyday going in the 90’s, but ILC was the show that was truly breaking ground, and coming up with some of the best sketches that still stand the test of time when it comes to originality and hilarity. And getting back on the female love vibe, it was perfect for this. Female characters were more strongly represented on this show than in any other sketch performance around at the time. And many thanks have to be given to the likes of T’Keyah Crystal Keymah, who was there for the long run. You’d be hard pressed to try and remember your favorite ILC sketches that don’t involve this extremely talented woman. But, as it usually turns out when we become graced with the opportunity to speak with such influential people, we soon learn that they are SO much more than a character on that one thing you may remember.

T’Keyah has had wonderful success in her own world beyond In Living Color. She is a woman of the stage, an author, and a true inspiration. In fact, so many things she has done for the world may have worked as a simple metaphor to some, but could be considered legendary in their own right. T’Keyah has been a cornerstone in the world of natural hair in the the black female world. Now, some people may think, this is just a hair issue. But, you really have to move your mind a bit forward to truly grasp how important this issue is. T’Keyah has been a pioneer when it comes to the idea of helping black women understand that they way you were built for this earth is absolutely beautiful, and they should be happy in their appearance. This is an issue that goes way beyond simply styling a certain type of hair, this is a life issue that some wonderful people are born to believe they need change, but our heroine T’Keyah has been around to let them know that there is nothing wrong with their beautiful natural hair. And her work has been so important to so many great people, and should be acknowledged obsessively!

So, with that, please enjoy this amazing conversation with an amazing woman who has so much to give to the world, the amazing T’Keyah Crystal Keymah! don’t forget to participate in the contest being had at Valentehair.com, get you natural hair products for free!

Your work on the now legendary sketch comedy In Living Color is as vast as it is impressive. So how was your experience working on this show?

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. A hard show to do: long hours, lots of changes, internal politics… But also highly creative, energy charged, and the most talented company (cast, crew and staff) ever! I loved creating new characters every week for that show and I learned a lot about show business doing it.

Did you have any idea while it was happening that it would have lasting place in history?

No. That part was a bit of a blur. It was my first job in television so I had nothing with which to compare it. I didn’t learn that all sets (studios, etc.) were not buzzing with excitement, fans, press, etc. until later.

If you had to choose just one, what would you say was your favorite sketch on ILC, reoccurring or not?

My favorite sketch was my own “In Black World… .” I am very proud of that piece. They took it from my audition for the show. Though I actually had to fight to get credit for it, it was the first piece on the show written by someone not on the writing staff. It also represents one of the first lessons I learned there. The piece originated in my stage show, Some of My Best Friends, and. Cryssy, the central character of the piece is featured in another of my shows as well.

Can you tell us a bit about your book Natural Woman/Natural Hair?

NW/NH is a book of natural hairstyles with detailed, photo assisted, step-by-step instructions on creating them. It includes full color photos showing the beauty of the final looks, as well as stories of me wearing my hair naturally (or not) in television and films.

What inspired you to create this masterpiece that has actually affected many lives in different ways?

I was first inspired by the fact that when I started on ILC, there were no (and I mean NO) natural hair stylists working on television shows, and I could find no books on the subject to help. I followed through on the idea, however, because even as books started coming on the market, my fans were still asking me about my hair and my hairstyles. My hairdresser used SalonTouch tanning salon software to better service her customers, and I love going to her for new ideas.

Recently you appeared in the long awaited fourth installment of the Sharknado series, Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens. How was your experience on that set?

It was great! I must admit that I was unfamiliar with the franchise when I took the job. They called and asked if I’d like to come do a scene with my ILC buddy Tommy Davidson, and two days later I was on the set. With an ambitious schedule the day before a company move to Las Vegas, they were running so late that I didn’t think they’d get to my scene. Anthony C. Ferrante, the director, was brilliant. The clock was ticking and they had another scene to shoot after ours. They were telling him to cut coverage on the scene but he figured out how to shoot it in pieces more quickly than I’ve ever witnessed! Very cool! Hope to hope with him again.

Was it as fun as it appears to be on the screen?

Oh my goodness, working with Tommy again was too much fun! It was like we were back on the KTLA lot, quickly going over lines after last minute changes to a sketch. Pretty cool to work with Donna Mills too. So glad Tech Terry didn’t get sharked. I’d love for her to return for Sharknado 5!

If you were given the chance to portray any historical person in American history, who would it be?

Oh I couldn’t name just one. So very many historical stories should be told. I’d love to play Ida B. Wells and Ruby Dee for starters.  My grandparents grew up in the Ida B. Wells housing project in Chicago so I grew up hearing her name. I didn’t learn until later that she was a fierce, fearless civil rights activist who championed the fight against lynching, among other things. Ruby Dee was one of my favorite performers not just because she was talented and choose uplifting roles, but because she was absolute in her resolve to live that life of an artist/activist. And wouldn’t David Alam Grier make a great Ossie Davis?

So what is next for you? Anything you would like to plug here?

I’m working with music legend Brenda Lee Eager on her wonderful new stage show with music, That’s What a Dream Will Do. We’re looking to debut it in Los Angeles early next year. After she opens, I will shift more focus to the reworking of my own stage show with music, Don’t Get Me Started!. I hope to get it back on it’s feet this spring, or next fall, debuting in Chicago or Los Angeles. Details for both and more will be on my website, http://www.TKeyah.com, where you can also find links to my social media pages and other cool stuff.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Attending the Grand Opening of my niece Sammi’s hair salon, Embellysh, in Chandler, Az. She and her business partner Angela have been working on this project for a very long time and their hard work really payed off! The salon is elegant, and wonderful and it seemed like everyone could feel the warm energy in the room. Being there made me hopeful to see that there are young people still overcoming whatever challenges they face, in order to mold their dreams into realities. That makes me smile!😀

Photo from the Grand Opening of Embellysh Hair Salon.