So much comes to mind when thinking of different ways to describe this New Age mother of one—smart, intelligent, strong and enormously sexy. But these are all just small parts to a multi-talented actress who has the “it” factor.
More than anything else King embodies the normalness of celebrity that is easily ignored but dutifully needed in an overly enthused vocation.
A maximalist, Ms. King approaches each opportunity well prepared and in her new TV drama “Southland” she plays a detective (Lydia Adams) with a fearless attitude. Yet she’s able to add an element that is usually overlooked by police.
EBM: In “Jerry Maguire” your character received a lot of praise and massive amounts of appreciation for being the backbone of your family. Was it easy to embrace that character and did you expect that sort of response from various audiences?
Regina King: I didn’t, but I enjoyed doing the film and I appreciated what people got out of the film. It’s a love story on many different levels; the agent-client, athlete-wife and agent-girlfriend. It covered the complexities of different relationships and I think that served the audience well. In that, I think my character was able to convey that message.
EBM: Hollywood seems to be changing somewhat. There’s a wider selection of films and television shows with people of color in them. Do you notice a change?
Regina King: I do, slowly; but there’s definitely a change in the way studios and casting directors are choosing characters; however, on the other end you still see a type of actress or what they view as pretty being the definition of Hollywood.
EBM: Tell us a little bit about your new TV drama, “Southland”?
Regina King: It’s a terrific, suspenseful drama. I’m playing a detective that’s compassionate and has the ability to relate too many of the offenders on a human level. And I think that’s something that cops don’t automatically get credit for. But at the same time I’m hard-nosed and prepared for any encounter.
EBM: This seems to be consistent with many of the roles you chose. You get these strong roles that allow you to be aggressive. Is that done intentionally?
Regina King: No, not necessarily! But in many instances I think my true personality comes through. My mother is a very strong woman and she raised my sister and me that way. She’s always instructed us to be mindful of how we act and to always protect our character. I guess I’m protecting my character.
EBM: It’s obvious you workout. Would you accept a role that required nudity?
Regina King: I never want to be the one who says, “I’ll never do this.” I’ve never done nudity, but I couldn’t say for certainty, “I’ll never do nudity.” Right now, there hasn’t been a project that’s come up that I feel it’s necessary for nudity. And I do think that there are some projects where nudity is necessary. But personally I have more of an obligation to my son, to art, when it comes to nudity. And I’ve seen other actresses have to deal with it or I’ve seen their children actually have to deal with someone saying, “I saw your momma’s titties. “ It’s hard enough being a child than to have some extra, added stuff that your mom threw in it. It’s hard enough. I don’t feel like I should have to expose him to that. But like I said, I would never say never.
EBM: What advice do you have for aspiring actresses?
Regina King: I’m not the type of person that offers advice, but if asked I guess the main advice is to simply stay true to yourself, because if you don’t you’ll regret it.
EBM: Thank you for your time.
Regina King: Thank you.
