Filed under: Interviews
Before Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Mike Epps and Tracy Morgan became successful comedians and household names, they worked the comedy circuit, touring from city to city, building up a fanbase.
Eventually, their success led them to the film industry with smaller roles until they were given a bigger spotlight over time.
Hoping to follow in their footsteps is comedian Kevin Hart, who has a role opposite Ben Stiller in the upcoming film, 'Little Fockers,' the sequel to both 'Meet the Parents' and 'Meet the Fockers.'
Starring Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Jessica Alba, Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, the comedy deals with Gaylord 'Greg' Focker (played by Stiller) and his retired CIA agent father-in-law (played by De Niro) in competition with each other as to how to raise Greg's 5 year-old twins.
While Hart has appeared in numerous films such as 'Soul Plane,'' Scary Movie 3,' 'Along Came Polly,' 'Scary Movie 4,' and 'Death at a Funeral,' this is by far his biggest mainstream film to date.
Blackvoices.com spoke to the Philadelphia native about his role in the film and his upcoming projects.
Is it a great thing to be in this movie with all these great actors?
Kevin Hart: Well, for me it's definitely a big deal. It's actually beyond that. When you start to do things and you look up and you realize, "Wow. Look at the company that I'm in." I mean, I'm in the company Robert De Niro, Barbra Streisand, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Jessica Alba. I mean it's kind of surreal, especially seeing where I came from. It makes me think to myself where things could possibly be headed if I stay focused and I keep my grind up to an all time high. The sky could be the limit. So it's motivation. It's motivating.
Did you have to audition for a part?
KH: Yes, of course. My agency got me a meeting with the director and the producers. I read for them and they fell in love with me and cast me from there.
What role do you play?
KH: I play a guy called Louis. I work in the hospital with Ben Stiller's character. I'm basically a nurse, a low level nurse. So I'm like what he used to be when he first started.
When you're working with Ben Stiller, who's from a family of comedians and is also a writer, did he give you any advice about the business at all?
KH: Yeah. He's got several stories. He's knowledgeable. He knows what he's done and he knows the roles that he took to get there, and even more importantly, he knows what not to do. So when people like him are sharing knowledge of the business you just be quiet and listen. That's what's I've done.
Having appeared with Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and Tracy Morgan earlier this year in 'Death at a Funeral,' would you say that this is the biggest year you've had in your film career?
KH: This is definitely a great year. The movies have definitely started to grow. From 'Fools Gold' to 'Not Easily Broken' to 'Death at a Funeral' and now this, regardless what the roles are, the company that you're keeping in these films has definitely gotten bigger. It makes me think, "What's next? What am I going to do next? How far can I go? Can I keep pushing and pushing, because if this movie here gets me to the next one I'm supposed to get what's going to happen with the next one?"
How do you keep your comedic skills up to date?
KH: I just try to stay relevant. I try to keep myself in the public eye. The best way to do that is to tour. My standup definitely has a lot to do with that. I was selling out everywhere in five thousand feet arenas. So I'm in a happy place with that. So right now, it's just making sure that I stay focused, and like I said, stay on my comedy grind and the sky is going to be the limit.
Are you ready to do something outside of comedy Are you at that level yet or do you still want to keep making people laugh?
KH: Right now I'm patient. It's not a race. It's a marathon. So, I plan on being around for a while. I'm quite sure that there will be opportunities for me to do drama. I'm quite sure that there will be opportunities for me to do even more things in the entertainment business. It's just being patient and waiting to find those things and right now that's what I'm doing.
You've got another film that you've shot that's touring festivals called '35 and Ticking'. What's your role in that movie?
KH: '35 and Ticking' is actually a good film. Russ Parr wrote, produced, and directed the film. It's me, Keith David, Nicole Ari Parker, Meagan Good, Clifton Powell. and Tamala Jones. There are tons of people in it, but it's definitely a good look. I can't wait for it to come out. It's funny. It's a real funny movie that shows a different side of me as well.
What do you have coming up next?
KH: I'm shooting 'Laugh at My Pain' the tour. I filmed that special as a TV show for Comedy Central. I also have a movie called 'Let Go.' We got the Air Jordan campaign. It's moving right now. Things are definitely going on upwards.
With the touring, movies, and raising a family, what keeps you grounded?
KH: You just said it. My family. You're here working for something else. No matter how good it gets you have to stay focused, stay humble because the sky can be the limit as long as you understand what's real. And right now my kids and my family, that's the most important. So I'm working for a different cause.
What are your plans for the holidays?
KH: On New Years I have a show in Chicago. On Christmas I'll be home with the baby, and I'm going to the Lakers/Miami Heat game.