1 00:00:00,266 --> 00:00:05,838 >> whitley: The best advice a comic ever gave me was, "don't go out and write jokes. 2 00:00:05,840 --> 00:00:07,906 Comic ever gave me was, "don't go out and write jokes. Write your experiences. 3 00:00:07,908 --> 00:00:09,675 Go out and write jokes. Write your experiences. Write what you see. 4 00:00:09,677 --> 00:00:10,943 Write your experiences. Write what you see. Write what you know, and that's 5 00:00:10,945 --> 00:00:11,577 write what you see. Write what you know, and that's what's funny. 6 00:00:11,579 --> 00:00:12,678 Write what you know, and that's what's funny. If it's funny to you, it's gonna 7 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:14,113 what's funny. If it's funny to you, it's gonna be funny to someone else." 8 00:00:14,115 --> 00:00:17,383 if it's funny to you, it's gonna be funny to someone else." a lot of stand-up comics don't 9 00:00:17,385 --> 00:00:19,551 be funny to someone else." a lot of stand-up comics don't respect me as a stand-up comic. 10 00:00:19,553 --> 00:00:20,719 A lot of stand-up comics don't respect me as a stand-up comic. They say -- 11 00:00:20,721 --> 00:00:21,804 respect me as a stand-up comic. They say -- and they've said it behind my 12 00:00:21,806 --> 00:00:22,855 they say -- and they've said it behind my back, they've said it to my 13 00:00:22,857 --> 00:00:26,058 and they've said it behind my back, they've said it to my face, "you came in the back door 14 00:00:26,060 --> 00:00:27,526 back, they've said it to my face, "you came in the back door of comedy." 15 00:00:27,528 --> 00:00:29,995 face, "you came in the back door of comedy." I said, "what is that?" 16 00:00:29,997 --> 00:00:31,930 of comedy." I said, "what is that?" and the reason they said that 17 00:00:31,932 --> 00:00:35,000 I said, "what is that?" and the reason they said that is because I did not starve and 18 00:00:35,002 --> 00:00:37,319 and the reason they said that is because I did not starve and live in my car and go to the 19 00:00:37,321 --> 00:00:38,821 is because I did not starve and live in my car and go to the clubs every night. 20 00:00:38,823 --> 00:00:41,407 Live in my car and go to the clubs every night. I became an actress first and 21 00:00:41,409 --> 00:00:43,042 clubs every night. I became an actress first and then a stand-up. 22 00:00:43,044 --> 00:00:43,609 I became an actress first and then a stand-up. You know? 23 00:00:43,611 --> 00:00:46,145 Then a stand-up. You know? But I love stand-up, and I feel 24 00:00:46,147 --> 00:00:48,380 you know? But I love stand-up, and I feel like there shouldn't be any 25 00:00:48,382 --> 00:00:48,981 but I love stand-up, and I feel like there shouldn't be any rules. 26 00:00:48,983 --> 00:00:50,816 Like there shouldn't be any rules. There should not be a rule to 27 00:00:50,818 --> 00:00:52,317 rules. There should not be a rule to being a stand-up comic. 28 00:00:52,319 --> 00:00:53,902 There should not be a rule to being a stand-up comic. I feel like you can do it at the 29 00:00:53,904 --> 00:00:55,087 being a stand-up comic. I feel like you can do it at the same time. 30 00:00:55,089 --> 00:01:05,097 I feel like you can do it at the same time. ♪ 31 00:01:05,099 --> 00:01:14,773 same time. ♪ ♪ 32 00:01:14,775 --> 00:01:14,840 -- captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com 33 00:01:26,719 --> 00:01:30,389 well, here we go, honey. Buckle up. Enjoy the ride. 34 00:01:30,391 --> 00:01:32,274 Buckle up. Enjoy the ride. So, okay. 35 00:01:32,276 --> 00:01:33,976 Enjoy the ride. So, okay. So, gerald levert and I grew up 36 00:01:33,978 --> 00:01:34,943 so, okay. So, gerald levert and I grew up in cleveland together. 37 00:01:34,945 --> 00:01:36,145 So, gerald levert and I grew up in cleveland together. He lived down the street from 38 00:01:36,147 --> 00:01:37,296 in cleveland together. He lived down the street from me, so I've known him for a 39 00:01:37,298 --> 00:01:38,831 he lived down the street from me, so I've known him for a very, very long time. 40 00:01:38,833 --> 00:01:42,151 Me, so I've known him for a very, very long time. And, you know, he had his little 41 00:01:42,153 --> 00:01:43,168 very, very long time. And, you know, he had his little group. 42 00:01:43,170 --> 00:01:44,169 And, you know, he had his little group. And I'm gonna say his "little 43 00:01:44,171 --> 00:01:44,570 group. And I'm gonna say his "little group." 44 00:01:44,572 --> 00:01:45,537 and I'm gonna say his "little group." he was just starting off. 45 00:01:45,539 --> 00:01:46,705 Group." he was just starting off. I was like, "ooh, that's cute. 46 00:01:46,707 --> 00:01:47,706 He was just starting off. I was like, "ooh, that's cute. Little levert, y'all cute. 47 00:01:47,708 --> 00:01:48,707 I was like, "ooh, that's cute. Little levert, y'all cute. Little group. 48 00:01:48,709 --> 00:01:49,842 Little levert, y'all cute. Little group. And then, all of a sudden, he 49 00:01:49,844 --> 00:01:51,577 little group. And then, all of a sudden, he had to go to "soul train," 50 00:01:51,579 --> 00:01:53,612 and then, all of a sudden, he had to go to "soul train," and I remember asking gerald, 51 00:01:53,614 --> 00:01:55,097 had to go to "soul train," and I remember asking gerald, I was like, "oh, my god. 52 00:01:55,099 --> 00:01:55,881 And I remember asking gerald, I was like, "oh, my god. I want to go to l.A. 53 00:01:55,883 --> 00:01:56,799 I was like, "oh, my god. I want to go to l.A. I want to be an actress. 54 00:01:56,801 --> 00:01:57,850 I want to go to l.A. I want to be an actress. You know, I'd love to go out 55 00:01:57,852 --> 00:01:58,717 I want to be an actress. You know, I'd love to go out there. 56 00:01:58,719 --> 00:02:00,552 You know, I'd love to go out there. And gerald said, "well, come on 57 00:02:00,554 --> 00:02:01,804 there. And gerald said, "well, come on out to los angeles. 58 00:02:01,806 --> 00:02:03,222 And gerald said, "well, come on out to los angeles. I'll pay your way." 59 00:02:03,224 --> 00:02:05,124 out to los angeles. I'll pay your way." and -- but it gave me the 60 00:02:05,126 --> 00:02:06,742 I'll pay your way." and -- but it gave me the opportunity to come out to 61 00:02:06,744 --> 00:02:09,795 and -- but it gave me the opportunity to come out to los angeles because I don't know 62 00:02:09,797 --> 00:02:12,047 opportunity to come out to los angeles because I don't know if I would have done that on my 63 00:02:12,049 --> 00:02:12,581 los angeles because I don't know if I would have done that on my own. 64 00:02:12,583 --> 00:02:14,049 If I would have done that on my own. I probably would have. 65 00:02:14,051 --> 00:02:16,001 Own. I probably would have. But it was nice that I came out 66 00:02:16,003 --> 00:02:17,536 I probably would have. But it was nice that I came out with someone. 67 00:02:17,538 --> 00:02:21,240 But it was nice that I came out with someone. ♪ 68 00:02:21,242 --> 00:02:23,142 with someone. ♪ the thing is, my mother wanted 69 00:02:23,144 --> 00:02:25,611 ♪ the thing is, my mother wanted me to go to hollywood. 70 00:02:25,613 --> 00:02:26,979 The thing is, my mother wanted me to go to hollywood. But she heard vice is -- 71 00:02:26,981 --> 00:02:28,564 me to go to hollywood. But she heard vice is -- [ laughs ] 72 00:02:28,566 --> 00:02:29,031 but she heard vice is -- [ laughs ] oh, gosh. 73 00:02:29,033 --> 00:02:30,115 [ laughs ] oh, gosh. I don't know if it helped me or 74 00:02:30,117 --> 00:02:30,616 oh, gosh. I don't know if it helped me or hurt me. 75 00:02:30,618 --> 00:02:32,367 I don't know if it helped me or hurt me. My mother said, "now, when you 76 00:02:32,369 --> 00:02:34,153 hurt me. My mother said, "now, when you go to hollywood, you got to be 77 00:02:34,155 --> 00:02:35,070 my mother said, "now, when you go to hollywood, you got to be afraid. 78 00:02:35,072 --> 00:02:37,322 Go to hollywood, you got to be afraid. There's nothing there but sex, 79 00:02:37,324 --> 00:02:39,708 afraid. There's nothing there but sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." 80 00:02:39,710 --> 00:02:41,627 there's nothing there but sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." and all I remember is, "sex, 81 00:02:41,629 --> 00:02:42,794 drugs, and rock 'n' roll." and all I remember is, "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." 82 00:02:42,796 --> 00:02:43,879 and all I remember is, "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." everywhere I turned, I was like, 83 00:02:43,881 --> 00:02:44,947 drugs, and rock 'n' roll." everywhere I turned, I was like, "that's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' 84 00:02:44,949 --> 00:02:45,397 everywhere I turned, I was like, "that's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. 85 00:02:45,399 --> 00:02:46,565 "that's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. That's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' 86 00:02:46,567 --> 00:02:47,115 roll. That's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. 87 00:02:47,117 --> 00:02:48,650 That's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. Oh, you are definitely sex, 88 00:02:48,652 --> 00:02:50,219 roll. Oh, you are definitely sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. 89 00:02:50,221 --> 00:02:53,338 Oh, you are definitely sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. So, I think a lot of that helped 90 00:02:53,340 --> 00:02:56,175 drugs, and rock 'n' roll. So, I think a lot of that helped me, because I was fearful, but 91 00:02:56,177 --> 00:02:57,843 so, I think a lot of that helped me, because I was fearful, but it also stopped me from doing a 92 00:02:57,845 --> 00:02:59,344 me, because I was fearful, but it also stopped me from doing a lot of things that I probably 93 00:02:59,346 --> 00:03:01,396 it also stopped me from doing a lot of things that I probably could've done. 94 00:03:01,398 --> 00:03:05,217 Lot of things that I probably could've done. But my family wasn't that 95 00:03:05,219 --> 00:03:07,186 could've done. But my family wasn't that pleased that I wanted to go into 96 00:03:07,188 --> 00:03:08,854 but my family wasn't that pleased that I wanted to go into entertainment instead of 97 00:03:08,856 --> 00:03:10,189 pleased that I wanted to go into entertainment instead of architecture. 98 00:03:10,191 --> 00:03:13,525 Entertainment instead of architecture. So, my dad was not happy. 99 00:03:13,527 --> 00:03:14,693 Architecture. So, my dad was not happy. He was like, "ain't no black 100 00:03:14,695 --> 00:03:15,327 so, my dad was not happy. He was like, "ain't no black folks on tv. 101 00:03:15,329 --> 00:03:16,895 He was like, "ain't no black folks on tv. How you gonna be on tv?" 102 00:03:16,897 --> 00:03:18,730 folks on tv. How you gonna be on tv?" and I said, "I really want to do 103 00:03:18,732 --> 00:03:19,431 how you gonna be on tv?" and I said, "I really want to do this. 104 00:03:19,433 --> 00:03:20,566 And I said, "I really want to do this. I have it in me. 105 00:03:20,568 --> 00:03:21,767 This. I have it in me. It's a passion." 106 00:03:21,769 --> 00:03:25,137 I have it in me. It's a passion." and my father had -- well, has 107 00:03:25,139 --> 00:03:26,872 it's a passion." and my father had -- well, has an architectural firm called 108 00:03:26,874 --> 00:03:28,891 and my father had -- well, has an architectural firm called whitley/whitley in ohio, and my 109 00:03:28,893 --> 00:03:31,326 an architectural firm called whitley/whitley in ohio, and my brothers worked there, and, 110 00:03:31,328 --> 00:03:32,711 whitley/whitley in ohio, and my brothers worked there, and, you know, had a big staff. 111 00:03:32,713 --> 00:03:35,330 Brothers worked there, and, you know, had a big staff. And I remember walking in. 112 00:03:35,332 --> 00:03:37,049 You know, had a big staff. And I remember walking in. The day I said I'm going to 113 00:03:37,051 --> 00:03:39,017 and I remember walking in. The day I said I'm going to hollywood, I walked in my dad's 114 00:03:39,019 --> 00:03:40,752 the day I said I'm going to hollywood, I walked in my dad's office, and I looked in the 115 00:03:40,754 --> 00:03:41,853 hollywood, I walked in my dad's office, and I looked in the conference room, and they were 116 00:03:41,855 --> 00:03:43,021 office, and I looked in the conference room, and they were all in the conference room, and 117 00:03:43,023 --> 00:03:44,189 conference room, and they were all in the conference room, and they had money on the table, and 118 00:03:44,191 --> 00:03:45,290 all in the conference room, and they had money on the table, and I walked in, and I said, "what 119 00:03:45,292 --> 00:03:45,974 they had money on the table, and I walked in, and I said, "what are y'all doing?" 120 00:03:45,976 --> 00:03:47,059 I walked in, and I said, "what are y'all doing?" and they, you know -- 121 00:03:47,061 --> 00:03:48,026 are y'all doing?" and they, you know -- you know how the cat looks 122 00:03:48,028 --> 00:03:48,360 and they, you know -- you know how the cat looks caught? 123 00:03:48,362 --> 00:03:49,394 You know how the cat looks caught? And I was like, "wait a minute. 124 00:03:49,396 --> 00:03:50,612 Caught? And I was like, "wait a minute. Wait. What's going on?" 125 00:03:50,614 --> 00:03:53,148 and I was like, "wait a minute. Wait. What's going on?" they were all taking a dollar 126 00:03:53,150 --> 00:03:55,834 wait. What's going on?" they were all taking a dollar bet that I would come back from 127 00:03:55,836 --> 00:03:56,952 they were all taking a dollar bet that I would come back from hollywood. 128 00:03:56,954 --> 00:03:57,619 Bet that I would come back from hollywood. I said -- 129 00:03:57,621 --> 00:03:58,704 hollywood. I said -- first of all, I was mad it was 130 00:03:58,706 --> 00:03:59,371 I said -- first of all, I was mad it was just a dollar. 131 00:03:59,373 --> 00:04:00,706 First of all, I was mad it was just a dollar. But then, when I saw dorothy the 132 00:04:00,708 --> 00:04:02,007 just a dollar. But then, when I saw dorothy the secretary come in there with her 133 00:04:02,009 --> 00:04:03,342 but then, when I saw dorothy the secretary come in there with her dollar, she's like, "kym, you'll 134 00:04:03,344 --> 00:04:04,126 secretary come in there with her dollar, she's like, "kym, you'll be back." 135 00:04:04,128 --> 00:04:05,928 dollar, she's like, "kym, you'll be back." and she threw in her dollar. 136 00:04:05,930 --> 00:04:07,713 Be back." and she threw in her dollar. That was the fuel that said, 137 00:04:07,715 --> 00:04:08,847 and she threw in her dollar. That was the fuel that said, "you know what? 138 00:04:08,849 --> 00:04:13,585 That was the fuel that said, "you know what? I gotta make it." 139 00:04:13,587 --> 00:04:14,853 "you know what? I gotta make it." the one thing that really made 140 00:04:14,855 --> 00:04:16,154 I gotta make it." the one thing that really made me successful, I think, is my 141 00:04:16,156 --> 00:04:17,356 the one thing that really made me successful, I think, is my parents said, "you can always 142 00:04:17,358 --> 00:04:19,057 me successful, I think, is my parents said, "you can always come home." 143 00:04:19,059 --> 00:04:20,525 parents said, "you can always come home." and when you have that, you're 144 00:04:20,527 --> 00:04:21,226 come home." and when you have that, you're comfortable. 145 00:04:21,228 --> 00:04:22,094 And when you have that, you're comfortable. You can make it. 146 00:04:22,096 --> 00:04:23,312 Comfortable. You can make it. You're like, "oh, okay. 147 00:04:23,314 --> 00:04:24,563 You can make it. You're like, "oh, okay. I can always come home. 148 00:04:24,565 --> 00:04:25,931 You're like, "oh, okay. I can always come home. I'mma go out there, I'm gonna be 149 00:04:25,933 --> 00:04:27,182 I can always come home. I'mma go out there, I'm gonna be a stripper, and I'll be back." 150 00:04:27,184 --> 00:04:29,468 I'mma go out there, I'm gonna be a stripper, and I'll be back." but, you know, it was fun. 151 00:04:29,470 --> 00:04:31,937 A stripper, and I'll be back." but, you know, it was fun. My dad flew with me and made 152 00:04:31,939 --> 00:04:35,807 but, you know, it was fun. My dad flew with me and made sure I was, uh...Ready and moved 153 00:04:35,809 --> 00:04:36,642 my dad flew with me and made sure I was, uh...Ready and moved in. 154 00:04:36,644 --> 00:04:38,477 Sure I was, uh...Ready and moved in. I moved in with a friend from 155 00:04:38,479 --> 00:04:40,362 in. I moved in with a friend from college, carla robinson, and I 156 00:04:40,364 --> 00:04:42,114 I moved in with a friend from college, carla robinson, and I lived in her back room like 157 00:04:42,116 --> 00:04:45,150 college, carla robinson, and I lived in her back room like cinderella out at her mom's 158 00:04:45,152 --> 00:04:48,287 lived in her back room like cinderella out at her mom's house out in carson, california, 159 00:04:48,289 --> 00:04:50,205 cinderella out at her mom's house out in carson, california, and worked as a schoolteacher in 160 00:04:50,207 --> 00:04:54,593 house out in carson, california, and worked as a schoolteacher in compton. 161 00:04:54,595 --> 00:04:55,627 And worked as a schoolteacher in compton. But, you know, gerald was 162 00:04:55,629 --> 00:04:56,128 compton. But, you know, gerald was excited. 163 00:04:56,130 --> 00:04:57,396 But, you know, gerald was excited. He was on his journey. 164 00:04:57,398 --> 00:05:00,165 Excited. He was on his journey. And while I was here, I, uh -- 165 00:05:00,167 --> 00:05:01,216 he was on his journey. And while I was here, I, uh -- while gerald was doing his 166 00:05:01,218 --> 00:05:03,669 and while I was here, I, uh -- while gerald was doing his thing, I went over to the set of 167 00:05:03,671 --> 00:05:06,571 while gerald was doing his thing, I went over to the set of this show called "227." 168 00:05:06,573 --> 00:05:07,939 thing, I went over to the set of this show called "227." and I was sitting in the 169 00:05:07,941 --> 00:05:11,243 this show called "227." and I was sitting in the audience, and I remember a lady 170 00:05:11,245 --> 00:05:13,612 and I was sitting in the audience, and I remember a lady named simone sheffield. 171 00:05:13,614 --> 00:05:14,680 Audience, and I remember a lady named simone sheffield. At the time, she was 172 00:05:14,682 --> 00:05:15,981 named simone sheffield. At the time, she was stevie wonder's manager. 173 00:05:15,983 --> 00:05:16,848 At the time, she was stevie wonder's manager. I love simone. 174 00:05:16,850 --> 00:05:18,417 Stevie wonder's manager. I love simone. Simone's stood up and said, "I 175 00:05:18,419 --> 00:05:19,785 I love simone. Simone's stood up and said, "I got a question. 176 00:05:19,787 --> 00:05:22,321 Simone's stood up and said, "I got a question. Is this jackée's sister?" 177 00:05:22,323 --> 00:05:23,822 got a question. Is this jackée's sister?" and I was like, "what? 178 00:05:23,824 --> 00:05:24,690 Is this jackée's sister?" and I was like, "what? What is she talking about?" 179 00:05:24,692 --> 00:05:25,557 and I was like, "what? What is she talking about?" the whole audience is like, 180 00:05:25,559 --> 00:05:26,425 what is she talking about?" the whole audience is like, "yeah, we were wondering, we 181 00:05:26,427 --> 00:05:27,059 the whole audience is like, "yeah, we were wondering, we were wondering." 182 00:05:27,061 --> 00:05:30,462 "yeah, we were wondering, we were wondering." and marla gibbs sent a note up 183 00:05:30,464 --> 00:05:32,297 were wondering." and marla gibbs sent a note up and said, "have her come to the 184 00:05:32,299 --> 00:05:34,833 and marla gibbs sent a note up and said, "have her come to the back after the show." 185 00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:37,903 and said, "have her come to the back after the show." and I, uh, went to the back, and 186 00:05:37,905 --> 00:05:39,071 back after the show." and I, uh, went to the back, and marla gibbs, they took my 187 00:05:39,073 --> 00:05:40,906 and I, uh, went to the back, and marla gibbs, they took my information down. 188 00:05:40,908 --> 00:05:44,559 Marla gibbs, they took my information down. And two, three weeks later, they 189 00:05:44,561 --> 00:05:48,113 information down. And two, three weeks later, they called me to come out to be 190 00:05:48,115 --> 00:05:51,650 and two, three weeks later, they called me to come out to be jackée's stand-in. 191 00:05:51,652 --> 00:05:53,652 Called me to come out to be jackée's stand-in. Her double. 192 00:05:53,654 --> 00:05:54,786 Jackée's stand-in. Her double. >> [ laughs ] 193 00:05:54,788 --> 00:05:56,455 her double. >> [ laughs ] I can't believe this. 194 00:05:56,457 --> 00:05:57,622 >> [ laughs ] I can't believe this. It's incredible. 195 00:05:57,624 --> 00:05:58,924 I can't believe this. It's incredible. >> jackée did not like it. 196 00:05:58,926 --> 00:06:00,158 It's incredible. >> jackée did not like it. Let's just go ahead and be 197 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:01,159 >> jackée did not like it. Let's just go ahead and be honest. 198 00:06:01,161 --> 00:06:03,428 Let's just go ahead and be honest. Jackée did not like me looking 199 00:06:03,430 --> 00:06:04,479 honest. Jackée did not like me looking like her. 200 00:06:04,481 --> 00:06:05,514 Jackée did not like me looking like her. But I can't change my face, 201 00:06:05,516 --> 00:06:06,598 like her. But I can't change my face, jackée! 202 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:07,933 But I can't change my face, jackée! This is what I got is my face. 203 00:06:07,935 --> 00:06:09,234 Jackée! This is what I got is my face. I look like you, okay? 204 00:06:09,236 --> 00:06:10,602 This is what I got is my face. I look like you, okay? You look like me. 205 00:06:10,604 --> 00:06:13,939 I look like you, okay? You look like me. So, jackée -- I don't know. 206 00:06:13,941 --> 00:06:15,107 You look like me. So, jackée -- I don't know. Back then -- 207 00:06:15,109 --> 00:06:17,776 so, jackée -- I don't know. Back then -- she's explained it now, but 208 00:06:17,778 --> 00:06:19,277 back then -- she's explained it now, but we -- we were having some 209 00:06:19,279 --> 00:06:21,997 she's explained it now, but we -- we were having some problems, and jackée's sister 210 00:06:21,999 --> 00:06:23,415 we -- we were having some problems, and jackée's sister was threatening me, and she was 211 00:06:23,417 --> 00:06:24,783 problems, and jackée's sister was threatening me, and she was gonna kick my butt and all kind 212 00:06:24,785 --> 00:06:25,700 was threatening me, and she was gonna kick my butt and all kind of stuff. 213 00:06:25,702 --> 00:06:27,953 Gonna kick my butt and all kind of stuff. And I was afraid. 214 00:06:27,955 --> 00:06:30,972 Of stuff. And I was afraid. But during the filming of the 215 00:06:30,974 --> 00:06:35,193 and I was afraid. But during the filming of the show, marla gibbs pulled me into 216 00:06:35,195 --> 00:06:37,562 but during the filming of the show, marla gibbs pulled me into a closet on the set. 217 00:06:37,564 --> 00:06:39,264 Show, marla gibbs pulled me into a closet on the set. She said, "you stop taking all 218 00:06:39,266 --> 00:06:40,949 a closet on the set. She said, "you stop taking all this abuse, and you stand up for 219 00:06:40,951 --> 00:06:41,666 she said, "you stop taking all this abuse, and you stand up for yourself." 220 00:06:41,668 --> 00:06:42,701 this abuse, and you stand up for yourself." she said, "I want you to 221 00:06:42,703 --> 00:06:43,502 yourself." she said, "I want you to remember one thing. 222 00:06:43,504 --> 00:06:44,536 She said, "I want you to remember one thing. They cannot finish this show 223 00:06:44,538 --> 00:06:46,421 remember one thing. They cannot finish this show without you." 224 00:06:46,423 --> 00:06:47,622 they cannot finish this show without you." I was afraid, I was new. 225 00:06:47,624 --> 00:06:49,091 Without you." I was afraid, I was new. It was the first thing I'd ever 226 00:06:49,093 --> 00:06:50,625 I was afraid, I was new. It was the first thing I'd ever done, and I probably should have 227 00:06:50,627 --> 00:06:52,010 it was the first thing I'd ever done, and I probably should have listened to marla gibbs, but 228 00:06:52,012 --> 00:06:53,145 done, and I probably should have listened to marla gibbs, but that's why we are friends today. 229 00:06:53,147 --> 00:06:54,646 Listened to marla gibbs, but that's why we are friends today. I love marla gibbs. 230 00:06:54,648 --> 00:06:58,450 That's why we are friends today. I love marla gibbs. ♪ 231 00:06:58,452 --> 00:07:01,987 I love marla gibbs. ♪ well, you know, when you're in 232 00:07:01,989 --> 00:07:04,272 ♪ well, you know, when you're in hollywood, you do a lot of 233 00:07:04,274 --> 00:07:06,024 well, you know, when you're in hollywood, you do a lot of things, you know, before you 234 00:07:06,026 --> 00:07:08,276 hollywood, you do a lot of things, you know, before you make it. 235 00:07:08,278 --> 00:07:10,362 Things, you know, before you make it. I was in an acting class, and I 236 00:07:10,364 --> 00:07:12,431 make it. I was in an acting class, and I became really good friends with 237 00:07:12,433 --> 00:07:13,932 I was in an acting class, and I became really good friends with desi arnez. 238 00:07:13,934 --> 00:07:14,399 Became really good friends with desi arnez. And -- 239 00:07:14,401 --> 00:07:16,067 desi arnez. And -- not -- not lucy's desi arnez but 240 00:07:16,069 --> 00:07:17,402 and -- not -- not lucy's desi arnez but another friend of mine who's 241 00:07:17,404 --> 00:07:18,487 not -- not lucy's desi arnez but another friend of mine who's named after him. 242 00:07:18,489 --> 00:07:19,488 Another friend of mine who's named after him. He's black. 243 00:07:19,490 --> 00:07:21,406 Named after him. He's black. And he had a little boy, 244 00:07:21,408 --> 00:07:23,575 he's black. And he had a little boy, desi arnez jr. 245 00:07:23,577 --> 00:07:25,243 And he had a little boy, desi arnez jr. And he got a role in 246 00:07:25,245 --> 00:07:26,711 desi arnez jr. And he got a role in "harlem nights." 247 00:07:26,713 --> 00:07:28,680 and he got a role in "harlem nights." so, desi, his daddy, couldn't go 248 00:07:28,682 --> 00:07:30,549 "harlem nights." so, desi, his daddy, couldn't go and be the guardian on the set 249 00:07:30,551 --> 00:07:32,451 so, desi, his daddy, couldn't go and be the guardian on the set one day, and he said, "kym, can 250 00:07:32,453 --> 00:07:34,352 and be the guardian on the set one day, and he said, "kym, can you go to the set and watch 251 00:07:34,354 --> 00:07:35,120 one day, and he said, "kym, can you go to the set and watch desi?" 252 00:07:35,122 --> 00:07:36,521 you go to the set and watch desi?" I said, "sure." 253 00:07:36,523 --> 00:07:37,622 desi?" I said, "sure." and I took desi to the set. 254 00:07:37,624 --> 00:07:38,657 I said, "sure." and I took desi to the set. I don't know if you know 255 00:07:38,659 --> 00:07:39,741 and I took desi to the set. I don't know if you know anything about sets, but on 256 00:07:39,743 --> 00:07:40,992 I don't know if you know anything about sets, but on sets, they have all these walls 257 00:07:40,994 --> 00:07:43,328 anything about sets, but on sets, they have all these walls and different things, and I was 258 00:07:43,330 --> 00:07:45,347 sets, they have all these walls and different things, and I was going around the corner, and 259 00:07:45,349 --> 00:07:48,166 and different things, and I was going around the corner, and there was richard pryor, 260 00:07:48,168 --> 00:07:52,304 going around the corner, and there was richard pryor, redd foxx, eddie murphy, and 261 00:07:52,306 --> 00:07:53,305 there was richard pryor, redd foxx, eddie murphy, and reynaldo rey. 262 00:07:53,307 --> 00:07:54,506 Redd foxx, eddie murphy, and reynaldo rey. I come around the corner, I was 263 00:07:54,508 --> 00:07:55,340 reynaldo rey. I come around the corner, I was like, "oh, I'm sorry. 264 00:07:55,342 --> 00:07:56,391 I come around the corner, I was like, "oh, I'm sorry. I was just looking for a place 265 00:07:56,393 --> 00:07:56,892 like, "oh, I'm sorry. I was just looking for a place to sit." 266 00:07:56,894 --> 00:07:59,344 I was just looking for a place to sit." and reynaldo rey says, "heh heh 267 00:07:59,346 --> 00:08:00,095 to sit." and reynaldo rey says, "heh heh heh. 268 00:08:00,097 --> 00:08:02,764 And reynaldo rey says, "heh heh heh. As long as I got a face, you've 269 00:08:02,766 --> 00:08:05,650 heh. As long as I got a face, you've got somewhere to sit." 270 00:08:05,652 --> 00:08:06,935 as long as I got a face, you've got somewhere to sit." I looked at him, and I said, 271 00:08:06,937 --> 00:08:08,403 got somewhere to sit." I looked at him, and I said, "well, as long as you got a face 272 00:08:08,405 --> 00:08:09,654 I looked at him, and I said, "well, as long as you got a face like that, I guess I'll be 273 00:08:09,656 --> 00:08:10,856 "well, as long as you got a face like that, I guess I'll be standin'." 274 00:08:10,858 --> 00:08:12,073 like that, I guess I'll be standin'." oh, my god. 275 00:08:12,075 --> 00:08:13,692 Standin'." oh, my god. Why'd I say that?" 276 00:08:13,694 --> 00:08:15,243 oh, my god. Why'd I say that?" honey, richard pryor, he spit 277 00:08:15,245 --> 00:08:16,361 why'd I say that?" honey, richard pryor, he spit his coffee. 278 00:08:16,363 --> 00:08:17,696 Honey, richard pryor, he spit his coffee. Redd foxx got up, and 279 00:08:17,698 --> 00:08:19,364 his coffee. Redd foxx got up, and eddie murphy was laughing, and I 280 00:08:19,366 --> 00:08:20,916 redd foxx got up, and eddie murphy was laughing, and I was horrified. 281 00:08:20,918 --> 00:08:22,117 Eddie murphy was laughing, and I was horrified. I was like, "oh, my god. 282 00:08:22,119 --> 00:08:24,219 Was horrified. I was like, "oh, my god. What have I done?" 283 00:08:24,221 --> 00:08:26,087 I was like, "oh, my god. What have I done?" I'm like -- 'cause you can see 284 00:08:26,089 --> 00:08:28,056 what have I done?" I'm like -- 'cause you can see reynaldo rey was red, and he was 285 00:08:28,058 --> 00:08:29,508 I'm like -- 'cause you can see reynaldo rey was red, and he was trying to get me back. 286 00:08:29,510 --> 00:08:30,592 Reynaldo rey was red, and he was trying to get me back. And then, richard pryor and all 287 00:08:30,594 --> 00:08:31,676 trying to get me back. And then, richard pryor and all them was laughing and cracking 288 00:08:31,678 --> 00:08:32,561 and then, richard pryor and all them was laughing and cracking on him and going back -- 289 00:08:32,563 --> 00:08:33,562 them was laughing and cracking on him and going back -- and I was like, "oh, my god, 290 00:08:33,564 --> 00:08:34,396 on him and going back -- and I was like, "oh, my god, oh, my god." 291 00:08:34,398 --> 00:08:36,515 and I was like, "oh, my god, oh, my god." and later on that day, redd foxx 292 00:08:36,517 --> 00:08:38,099 oh, my god." and later on that day, redd foxx came up to me, and he said, "are 293 00:08:38,101 --> 00:08:40,185 and later on that day, redd foxx came up to me, and he said, "are you a stand-up comic?" 294 00:08:40,187 --> 00:08:41,603 came up to me, and he said, "are you a stand-up comic?" and I said, "no, I'm not. 295 00:08:41,605 --> 00:08:43,021 You a stand-up comic?" and I said, "no, I'm not. But I've been writing some stuff 296 00:08:43,023 --> 00:08:43,905 and I said, "no, I'm not. But I've been writing some stuff down." 297 00:08:43,907 --> 00:08:45,357 but I've been writing some stuff down." and he said, "get 10 minutes of 298 00:08:45,359 --> 00:08:46,825 down." and he said, "get 10 minutes of material together, and I'll help 299 00:08:46,827 --> 00:08:47,792 and he said, "get 10 minutes of material together, and I'll help you out." 300 00:08:47,794 --> 00:08:48,977 material together, and I'll help you out." let me tell you something about 301 00:08:48,979 --> 00:08:49,928 you out." let me tell you something about stand-up comedy. 302 00:08:49,930 --> 00:08:51,429 Let me tell you something about stand-up comedy. You don't ask someone for 303 00:08:51,431 --> 00:08:53,348 stand-up comedy. You don't ask someone for 10 minutes of material. 304 00:08:53,350 --> 00:08:54,599 You don't ask someone for 10 minutes of material. That's like a lifetime. 305 00:08:54,601 --> 00:08:56,101 10 minutes of material. That's like a lifetime. That's like an hour to someone 306 00:08:56,103 --> 00:08:57,152 that's like a lifetime. That's like an hour to someone who's never done it. 307 00:08:57,154 --> 00:08:58,153 That's like an hour to someone who's never done it. I was like, "oh, my god, I'm 308 00:08:58,155 --> 00:08:59,187 who's never done it. I was like, "oh, my god, I'm never gonna be able to do this." 309 00:08:59,189 --> 00:09:01,022 I was like, "oh, my god, I'm never gonna be able to do this." but the one thing I kept hearing 310 00:09:01,024 --> 00:09:02,824 never gonna be able to do this." but the one thing I kept hearing in my mind over and over was my 311 00:09:02,826 --> 00:09:04,609 but the one thing I kept hearing in my mind over and over was my mother saying, "sex, drugs, and 312 00:09:04,611 --> 00:09:05,327 in my mind over and over was my mother saying, "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." 313 00:09:05,329 --> 00:09:06,578 mother saying, "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." and I was looking at redd foxx 314 00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:07,779 rock 'n' roll." and I was looking at redd foxx and I was like, "ooh, that sex, 315 00:09:07,781 --> 00:09:08,997 and I was looking at redd foxx and I was like, "ooh, that sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, for 316 00:09:08,999 --> 00:09:10,615 and I was like, "ooh, that sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, for sure." 317 00:09:10,617 --> 00:09:12,384 drugs, and rock 'n' roll, for sure." and then, when redd foxx died, I 318 00:09:12,386 --> 00:09:13,652 sure." and then, when redd foxx died, I felt like I missed an 319 00:09:13,654 --> 00:09:15,153 and then, when redd foxx died, I felt like I missed an opportunity. 320 00:09:15,155 --> 00:09:15,820 Felt like I missed an opportunity. And I did. 321 00:09:15,822 --> 00:09:17,188 Opportunity. And I did. So the lesson here is, if 322 00:09:17,190 --> 00:09:18,390 and I did. So the lesson here is, if somebody gives you an 323 00:09:18,392 --> 00:09:20,275 so the lesson here is, if somebody gives you an opportunity, take it. 324 00:09:20,277 --> 00:09:22,060 Somebody gives you an opportunity, take it. Don't let fear stand in your 325 00:09:22,062 --> 00:09:23,728 opportunity, take it. Don't let fear stand in your way or sex, drugs, and 326 00:09:23,730 --> 00:09:24,095 don't let fear stand in your way or sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. 327 00:09:28,034 --> 00:09:30,802 >> whitley: Right. So it was crazy. Jackée's sister was threatening 328 00:09:30,804 --> 00:09:31,670 so it was crazy. Jackée's sister was threatening me. 329 00:09:31,672 --> 00:09:32,971 Jackée's sister was threatening me. You know, she gonna run me out 330 00:09:32,973 --> 00:09:34,339 me. You know, she gonna run me out of town, whatever, whatever, all 331 00:09:34,341 --> 00:09:34,889 you know, she gonna run me out of town, whatever, whatever, all this stuff. 332 00:09:34,891 --> 00:09:38,393 Of town, whatever, whatever, all this stuff. And, you know, you knew, and I 333 00:09:38,395 --> 00:09:39,678 this stuff. And, you know, you knew, and I was nervous. 334 00:09:39,680 --> 00:09:42,430 And, you know, you knew, and I was nervous. And I happened to go over -- 335 00:09:42,432 --> 00:09:43,815 was nervous. And I happened to go over -- a guy, it was a cookout or 336 00:09:43,817 --> 00:09:44,399 and I happened to go over -- a guy, it was a cookout or something. 337 00:09:44,401 --> 00:09:45,734 A guy, it was a cookout or something. And it was marsha warfield's 338 00:09:45,736 --> 00:09:47,018 something. And it was marsha warfield's sister's house. 339 00:09:47,020 --> 00:09:48,503 And it was marsha warfield's sister's house. And I was telling the story, and 340 00:09:48,505 --> 00:09:49,888 sister's house. And I was telling the story, and I was like, "I don't know what 341 00:09:49,890 --> 00:09:51,006 and I was telling the story, and I was like, "I don't know what to do." 342 00:09:51,008 --> 00:09:55,727 I was like, "I don't know what to do." and all I remember is... 343 00:09:55,729 --> 00:09:59,097 To do." and all I remember is... This angel...Coming out and 344 00:09:59,099 --> 00:10:02,317 and all I remember is... This angel...Coming out and coming up to me and saying, 345 00:10:02,319 --> 00:10:03,602 this angel...Coming out and coming up to me and saying, "no one's gonna hurt you here in 346 00:10:03,604 --> 00:10:04,152 coming up to me and saying, "no one's gonna hurt you here in this town. 347 00:10:04,154 --> 00:10:05,437 "no one's gonna hurt you here in this town. I got you." 348 00:10:05,439 --> 00:10:08,323 this town. I got you." and it was marsha warfield. 349 00:10:08,325 --> 00:10:10,191 I got you." and it was marsha warfield. I stayed in los angeles and 350 00:10:10,193 --> 00:10:12,344 and it was marsha warfield. I stayed in los angeles and pursued my career because of the 351 00:10:12,346 --> 00:10:14,346 I stayed in los angeles and pursued my career because of the words of marsha warfield. 352 00:10:14,348 --> 00:10:15,780 Pursued my career because of the words of marsha warfield. Sometimes you just need to hear 353 00:10:15,782 --> 00:10:18,283 words of marsha warfield. Sometimes you just need to hear somebody say, "I got you." 354 00:10:18,285 --> 00:10:19,584 sometimes you just need to hear somebody say, "I got you." and that's what marsha warfield 355 00:10:19,586 --> 00:10:20,085 somebody say, "I got you." and that's what marsha warfield did. 356 00:10:20,087 --> 00:10:20,669 And that's what marsha warfield did. She was like, "I got you." 357 00:10:23,122 --> 00:10:29,227 ♪ >> whitley: My father's an architect, and they had to build 358 00:10:29,229 --> 00:10:30,845 >> whitley: My father's an architect, and they had to build some schools over in sudan, 359 00:10:30,847 --> 00:10:31,429 architect, and they had to build some schools over in sudan, africa. 360 00:10:31,431 --> 00:10:33,398 Some schools over in sudan, africa. So, we left cleveland, and we 361 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:34,899 africa. So, we left cleveland, and we went over to sudan. 362 00:10:34,901 --> 00:10:37,669 So, we left cleveland, and we went over to sudan. And I was kind of sudanese. 363 00:10:37,671 --> 00:10:38,903 Went over to sudan. And I was kind of sudanese. What can I say? 364 00:10:38,905 --> 00:10:41,439 And I was kind of sudanese. What can I say? A great experience living in 365 00:10:41,441 --> 00:10:43,375 what can I say? A great experience living in africa at such a young age and 366 00:10:43,377 --> 00:10:45,343 a great experience living in africa at such a young age and then living in europe and then 367 00:10:45,345 --> 00:10:46,611 africa at such a young age and then living in europe and then coming back to the 368 00:10:46,613 --> 00:10:47,796 then living in europe and then coming back to the united states. 369 00:10:47,798 --> 00:10:49,547 Coming back to the united states. It was so funny, because in 370 00:10:49,549 --> 00:10:51,583 united states. It was so funny, because in sudan, it was a british colony, 371 00:10:51,585 --> 00:10:53,451 it was so funny, because in sudan, it was a british colony, I guess, you know, and all the 372 00:10:53,453 --> 00:10:55,053 sudan, it was a british colony, I guess, you know, and all the people there spoke with a 373 00:10:55,055 --> 00:10:56,921 I guess, you know, and all the people there spoke with a british accent, which was very 374 00:10:56,923 --> 00:10:57,822 people there spoke with a british accent, which was very interesting. 375 00:10:57,824 --> 00:11:00,308 British accent, which was very interesting. So, I was always, "mummy, mummy, 376 00:11:00,310 --> 00:11:02,394 interesting. So, I was always, "mummy, mummy, scotty's such a naughty boy!" 377 00:11:02,396 --> 00:11:03,445 so, I was always, "mummy, mummy, scotty's such a naughty boy!" and then, my mother said -- 378 00:11:03,447 --> 00:11:04,996 scotty's such a naughty boy!" and then, my mother said -- I came back to cleveland, three 379 00:11:04,998 --> 00:11:06,564 and then, my mother said -- I came back to cleveland, three weeks, I was like, "hey, ma, you 380 00:11:06,566 --> 00:11:07,399 I came back to cleveland, three weeks, I was like, "hey, ma, you better get him! 381 00:11:07,401 --> 00:11:08,733 Weeks, I was like, "hey, ma, you better get him! You better get this fool!" 382 00:11:08,735 --> 00:11:10,735 better get him! You better get this fool!" yeah, it -- it didn't last. 383 00:11:10,737 --> 00:11:14,506 You better get this fool!" yeah, it -- it didn't last. ♪ 384 00:11:14,508 --> 00:11:17,509 yeah, it -- it didn't last. ♪ you know, I wasn't the smartest 385 00:11:17,511 --> 00:11:19,644 ♪ you know, I wasn't the smartest student, but I was very clever. 386 00:11:19,646 --> 00:11:20,645 You know, I wasn't the smartest student, but I was very clever. Like, I wasn't, like, a 387 00:11:20,647 --> 00:11:21,846 student, but I was very clever. Like, I wasn't, like, a straight-a, because I'm 388 00:11:21,848 --> 00:11:24,065 like, I wasn't, like, a straight-a, because I'm artistic, so, you know, I was 389 00:11:24,067 --> 00:11:26,267 straight-a, because I'm artistic, so, you know, I was very creative. 390 00:11:26,269 --> 00:11:27,769 Artistic, so, you know, I was very creative. I hated math. 391 00:11:27,771 --> 00:11:29,354 Very creative. I hated math. And since my dad was an 392 00:11:29,356 --> 00:11:31,439 I hated math. And since my dad was an architect, I knew that I needed 393 00:11:31,441 --> 00:11:33,224 and since my dad was an architect, I knew that I needed math, so I knew that I had 394 00:11:33,226 --> 00:11:35,810 architect, I knew that I needed math, so I knew that I had better go into something else. 395 00:11:35,812 --> 00:11:38,596 Math, so I knew that I had better go into something else. But, you know, I had a fun 396 00:11:38,598 --> 00:11:40,682 better go into something else. But, you know, I had a fun elementary school. 397 00:11:40,684 --> 00:11:42,016 But, you know, I had a fun elementary school. Oh, I did get in a fight. 398 00:11:42,018 --> 00:11:43,268 Elementary school. Oh, I did get in a fight. Yep, I did fight in elementary 399 00:11:43,270 --> 00:11:43,768 oh, I did get in a fight. Yep, I did fight in elementary school. 400 00:11:43,770 --> 00:11:44,436 Yep, I did fight in elementary school. I did. 401 00:11:44,438 --> 00:11:45,904 School. I did. And then in juni-- yep. 402 00:11:45,906 --> 00:11:47,572 I did. And then in juni-- yep. Fought in junior high. 403 00:11:47,574 --> 00:11:48,773 And then in juni-- yep. Fought in junior high. Oh, yeah, high school, I had a 404 00:11:48,775 --> 00:11:49,574 fought in junior high. Oh, yeah, high school, I had a fight, too. 405 00:11:49,576 --> 00:11:51,576 Oh, yeah, high school, I had a fight, too. So, okay, I had a couple fights. 406 00:11:51,578 --> 00:11:52,994 Fight, too. So, okay, I had a couple fights. But I grew up with boys, so I 407 00:11:52,996 --> 00:11:54,195 so, okay, I had a couple fights. But I grew up with boys, so I was a like a tomboy. 408 00:11:54,197 --> 00:11:55,613 But I grew up with boys, so I was a like a tomboy. And then, we moved to shaker. 409 00:11:55,615 --> 00:11:56,614 Was a like a tomboy. And then, we moved to shaker. You know, that was like 410 00:11:56,616 --> 00:11:57,449 and then, we moved to shaker. You know, that was like "the jeffersons." 411 00:11:57,451 --> 00:11:58,750 you know, that was like "the jeffersons." we moved to the other side of 412 00:11:58,752 --> 00:12:01,119 "the jeffersons." we moved to the other side of the tracks, and, uh... 413 00:12:01,121 --> 00:12:02,187 We moved to the other side of the tracks, and, uh... That was interesting, 'cause it 414 00:12:02,189 --> 00:12:04,155 the tracks, and, uh... That was interesting, 'cause it was all white people, so that 415 00:12:04,157 --> 00:12:04,789 that was interesting, 'cause it was all white people, so that was -- 416 00:12:04,791 --> 00:12:06,791 was all white people, so that was -- and we were the black family, 417 00:12:06,793 --> 00:12:08,159 was -- and we were the black family, and, you know, my parents, we 418 00:12:08,161 --> 00:12:09,327 and we were the black family, and, you know, my parents, we got hate mail. 419 00:12:09,329 --> 00:12:10,495 And, you know, my parents, we got hate mail. And then, my mama looked white, 420 00:12:10,497 --> 00:12:11,629 got hate mail. And then, my mama looked white, so that was a whole nother thing 421 00:12:11,631 --> 00:12:12,247 and then, my mama looked white, so that was a whole nother thing of problems. 422 00:12:12,249 --> 00:12:13,548 So that was a whole nother thing of problems. And the police would stop at our 423 00:12:13,550 --> 00:12:14,749 of problems. And the police would stop at our house 'cause they thought my 424 00:12:14,751 --> 00:12:16,000 and the police would stop at our house 'cause they thought my brothers were breaking in, but 425 00:12:16,002 --> 00:12:17,001 house 'cause they thought my brothers were breaking in, but they really lived there. 426 00:12:17,003 --> 00:12:18,636 Brothers were breaking in, but they really lived there. I guess it was a mess, but it 427 00:12:18,638 --> 00:12:23,241 they really lived there. I guess it was a mess, but it was actually fun. 428 00:12:23,243 --> 00:12:25,009 I guess it was a mess, but it was actually fun. I had the opportunity to go to 429 00:12:25,011 --> 00:12:28,313 was actually fun. I had the opportunity to go to fisk university, hbcu, which 430 00:12:28,315 --> 00:12:30,048 I had the opportunity to go to fisk university, hbcu, which actually was a wonderful 431 00:12:30,050 --> 00:12:30,949 fisk university, hbcu, which actually was a wonderful decision. 432 00:12:30,951 --> 00:12:32,083 Actually was a wonderful decision. First, I didn't want to go 433 00:12:32,085 --> 00:12:33,418 decision. First, I didn't want to go because I was like, "ooh, it's a 434 00:12:33,420 --> 00:12:34,085 first, I didn't want to go because I was like, "ooh, it's a black school. 435 00:12:34,087 --> 00:12:35,920 Because I was like, "ooh, it's a black school. I won't go to a black school." 436 00:12:35,922 --> 00:12:37,839 black school. I won't go to a black school." I'm so glad my parents were 437 00:12:37,841 --> 00:12:39,958 I won't go to a black school." I'm so glad my parents were smart, because fisk university 438 00:12:39,960 --> 00:12:43,661 I'm so glad my parents were smart, because fisk university changed my life. 439 00:12:43,663 --> 00:12:45,263 Smart, because fisk university changed my life. While I was at fisk university, 440 00:12:45,265 --> 00:12:48,333 changed my life. While I was at fisk university, I got interested in theater, but 441 00:12:48,335 --> 00:12:49,768 while I was at fisk university, I got interested in theater, but I wasn't a great reader. 442 00:12:49,770 --> 00:12:51,269 I got interested in theater, but I wasn't a great reader. That was kind of crazy. 443 00:12:51,271 --> 00:12:52,937 I wasn't a great reader. That was kind of crazy. And I remember dr. Ford, I 444 00:12:52,939 --> 00:12:54,839 that was kind of crazy. And I remember dr. Ford, I auditioned for a play, and she 445 00:12:54,841 --> 00:12:57,142 and I remember dr. Ford, I auditioned for a play, and she was like, "baby, you gonna have 446 00:12:57,144 --> 00:12:59,010 auditioned for a play, and she was like, "baby, you gonna have to get those reading skills up." 447 00:12:59,012 --> 00:13:00,078 was like, "baby, you gonna have to get those reading skills up." and I was like, "oh, is that 448 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:01,079 to get those reading skills up." and I was like, "oh, is that important?" 449 00:13:01,081 --> 00:13:02,981 and I was like, "oh, is that important?" and, um... 450 00:13:02,983 --> 00:13:05,750 Important?" and, um... I did a one-woman show, 451 00:13:05,752 --> 00:13:08,486 and, um... I did a one-woman show, and that was my first and last 452 00:13:08,488 --> 00:13:10,772 I did a one-woman show, and that was my first and last experience with stage fright. 453 00:13:10,774 --> 00:13:12,407 And that was my first and last experience with stage fright. I thought that you could learn a 454 00:13:12,409 --> 00:13:13,992 experience with stage fright. I thought that you could learn a play in, like, one night, so I 455 00:13:13,994 --> 00:13:15,827 I thought that you could learn a play in, like, one night, so I started to memorize this play, 456 00:13:15,829 --> 00:13:17,445 play in, like, one night, so I started to memorize this play, and I went in front of the 457 00:13:17,447 --> 00:13:19,397 started to memorize this play, and I went in front of the student body, I was like, "I got 458 00:13:19,399 --> 00:13:19,998 and I went in front of the student body, I was like, "I got this." 459 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:21,699 student body, I was like, "I got this." but I hadn't realized, usually 460 00:13:21,701 --> 00:13:23,368 this." but I hadn't realized, usually when you perform, all the lights 461 00:13:23,370 --> 00:13:25,036 but I hadn't realized, usually when you perform, all the lights are off in the theater. 462 00:13:25,038 --> 00:13:26,070 When you perform, all the lights are off in the theater. The only light that's on is on 463 00:13:26,072 --> 00:13:26,838 are off in the theater. The only light that's on is on the stage. 464 00:13:26,840 --> 00:13:28,239 The only light that's on is on the stage. Well, the lights were up in the 465 00:13:28,241 --> 00:13:29,057 the stage. Well, the lights were up in the whole place. 466 00:13:29,059 --> 00:13:30,809 Well, the lights were up in the whole place. Well, that's not good, 'cause I 467 00:13:30,811 --> 00:13:32,544 whole place. Well, that's not good, 'cause I can see to the back of the room. 468 00:13:32,546 --> 00:13:34,279 Well, that's not good, 'cause I can see to the back of the room. I saw my friends in the front, 469 00:13:34,281 --> 00:13:35,980 can see to the back of the room. I saw my friends in the front, my boyfriend, and I was like, 470 00:13:35,982 --> 00:13:36,815 I saw my friends in the front, my boyfriend, and I was like, "okay." 471 00:13:36,817 --> 00:13:38,483 my boyfriend, and I was like, "okay." I got ready to say my little 472 00:13:38,485 --> 00:13:39,984 "okay." I got ready to say my little lines, my knees buckled, 473 00:13:39,986 --> 00:13:41,486 I got ready to say my little lines, my knees buckled, I passed out. 474 00:13:41,488 --> 00:13:43,204 Lines, my knees buckled, I passed out. But I had to finish the show. 475 00:13:43,206 --> 00:13:45,623 I passed out. But I had to finish the show. So I remember asking tweety -- 476 00:13:45,625 --> 00:13:46,791 but I had to finish the show. So I remember asking tweety -- I was like, "tweety, you gonna 477 00:13:46,793 --> 00:13:48,860 so I remember asking tweety -- I was like, "tweety, you gonna have to get under the table and 478 00:13:48,862 --> 00:13:51,262 I was like, "tweety, you gonna have to get under the table and take the play with you and throw 479 00:13:51,264 --> 00:13:52,130 have to get under the table and take the play with you and throw me my lines. 480 00:13:52,132 --> 00:13:53,348 Take the play with you and throw me my lines. I'm too scared." 481 00:13:53,350 --> 00:13:55,133 me my lines. I'm too scared." so, we brought the table out, 482 00:13:55,135 --> 00:13:56,851 I'm too scared." so, we brought the table out, and, tweety was under it, and 483 00:13:56,853 --> 00:13:57,969 so, we brought the table out, and, tweety was under it, and she was crawling. 484 00:13:57,971 --> 00:13:59,470 And, tweety was under it, and she was crawling. She crawled under the table with 485 00:13:59,472 --> 00:14:00,605 she was crawling. She crawled under the table with it as we brought it out. 486 00:14:00,607 --> 00:14:01,606 She crawled under the table with it as we brought it out. So I was like, "okay. 487 00:14:01,608 --> 00:14:02,223 It as we brought it out. So I was like, "okay. You there?" 488 00:14:02,225 --> 00:14:03,558 so I was like, "okay. You there?" and I finished the show, but she 489 00:14:03,560 --> 00:14:04,776 you there?" and I finished the show, but she was under there, yelling the 490 00:14:04,778 --> 00:14:06,644 and I finished the show, but she was under there, yelling the lines, the wrong lines. 491 00:14:06,646 --> 00:14:07,529 Was under there, yelling the lines, the wrong lines. Oh, my god. 492 00:14:07,531 --> 00:14:09,981 Lines, the wrong lines. Oh, my god. It took me years to get over 493 00:14:09,983 --> 00:14:10,732 oh, my god. It took me years to get over that. 494 00:14:10,734 --> 00:14:12,800 It took me years to get over that. But I really fell in love at 495 00:14:12,802 --> 00:14:14,385 that. But I really fell in love at fisk university. 496 00:14:14,387 --> 00:14:19,123 But I really fell in love at fisk university. ♪ 497 00:14:19,125 --> 00:14:20,358 fisk university. ♪ well, okay, okay. 498 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:22,093 ♪ well, okay, okay. After I was a schoolteacher, you 499 00:14:22,095 --> 00:14:23,828 well, okay, okay. After I was a schoolteacher, you know, I would look for jobs here 500 00:14:23,830 --> 00:14:25,496 after I was a schoolteacher, you know, I would look for jobs here and there, and I really wanted 501 00:14:25,498 --> 00:14:26,998 know, I would look for jobs here and there, and I really wanted to get in the business, and 502 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:29,100 and there, and I really wanted to get in the business, and arsenio hall was looking for an 503 00:14:29,102 --> 00:14:29,968 to get in the business, and arsenio hall was looking for an assistant. 504 00:14:29,970 --> 00:14:32,570 Arsenio hall was looking for an assistant. And I got a chance to be 505 00:14:32,572 --> 00:14:34,806 assistant. And I got a chance to be arsenio hall's assistant. 506 00:14:34,808 --> 00:14:36,808 And I got a chance to be arsenio hall's assistant. And it was great for a little 507 00:14:36,810 --> 00:14:37,609 arsenio hall's assistant. And it was great for a little while. 508 00:14:37,611 --> 00:14:40,078 And it was great for a little while. And arsenio did the 509 00:14:40,080 --> 00:14:41,279 while. And arsenio did the mtv music awards, or one of 510 00:14:41,281 --> 00:14:43,831 and arsenio did the mtv music awards, or one of those award shows, and I dropped 511 00:14:43,833 --> 00:14:45,567 mtv music awards, or one of those award shows, and I dropped him off at the after party in 512 00:14:45,569 --> 00:14:46,534 those award shows, and I dropped him off at the after party in the limo. 513 00:14:46,536 --> 00:14:47,919 Him off at the after party in the limo. And I said, "you know what I 514 00:14:47,921 --> 00:14:48,920 the limo. And I said, "you know what I always do, arsenio. 515 00:14:48,922 --> 00:14:50,255 And I said, "you know what I always do, arsenio. I'mma go back and check on your 516 00:14:50,257 --> 00:14:51,789 always do, arsenio. I'mma go back and check on your dressing room, make sure you 517 00:14:51,791 --> 00:14:53,324 I'mma go back and check on your dressing room, make sure you didn't leave anything." 518 00:14:53,326 --> 00:14:55,376 dressing room, make sure you didn't leave anything." well... 519 00:14:55,378 --> 00:14:56,828 Didn't leave anything." well... I said, "I'm gonna just take a 520 00:14:56,830 --> 00:14:58,379 well... I said, "I'm gonna just take a little ride in the limo," 'cause 521 00:14:58,381 --> 00:15:00,331 I said, "I'm gonna just take a little ride in the limo," 'cause I hadn't been in limos. 522 00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:01,716 Little ride in the limo," 'cause I hadn't been in limos. So I was riding around in the 523 00:15:01,718 --> 00:15:03,134 I hadn't been in limos. So I was riding around in the limo, waving out the window to 524 00:15:03,136 --> 00:15:03,635 so I was riding around in the limo, waving out the window to people. 525 00:15:03,637 --> 00:15:04,852 Limo, waving out the window to people. And the limo driver was letting 526 00:15:04,854 --> 00:15:05,670 people. And the limo driver was letting me do it. 527 00:15:05,672 --> 00:15:06,671 And the limo driver was letting me do it. I was like, "let's go back. 528 00:15:06,673 --> 00:15:07,672 Me do it. I was like, "let's go back. We'll check the dressing room." 529 00:15:07,674 --> 00:15:09,057 I was like, "let's go back. We'll check the dressing room." it was fine. 530 00:15:09,059 --> 00:15:10,341 We'll check the dressing room." it was fine. Let me tell you something. 531 00:15:10,343 --> 00:15:11,843 It was fine. Let me tell you something. Arsenio was sitting at the after 532 00:15:11,845 --> 00:15:14,896 let me tell you something. Arsenio was sitting at the after party, outside, steaming. 533 00:15:14,898 --> 00:15:16,064 Arsenio was sitting at the after party, outside, steaming. What happened was, he had gone 534 00:15:16,066 --> 00:15:17,231 party, outside, steaming. What happened was, he had gone to the after party, you know, 535 00:15:17,233 --> 00:15:18,316 what happened was, he had gone to the after party, you know, said his hellos, and then he 536 00:15:18,318 --> 00:15:19,400 to the after party, you know, said his hellos, and then he left. 537 00:15:19,402 --> 00:15:20,568 Said his hellos, and then he left. He was outside waiting on that 538 00:15:20,570 --> 00:15:20,902 left. He was outside waiting on that limo. 539 00:15:20,904 --> 00:15:21,986 He was outside waiting on that limo. Let me tell you something, I 540 00:15:21,988 --> 00:15:22,870 limo. Let me tell you something, I came up with a story. 541 00:15:22,872 --> 00:15:24,689 Let me tell you something, I came up with a story. I told him our car was stolen, I 542 00:15:24,691 --> 00:15:25,490 came up with a story. I told him our car was stolen, I got beat up. 543 00:15:25,492 --> 00:15:27,208 I told him our car was stolen, I got beat up. I told him all kind of things. 544 00:15:27,210 --> 00:15:28,326 Got beat up. I told him all kind of things. Then he pulled me in the office, 545 00:15:28,328 --> 00:15:29,744 I told him all kind of things. Then he pulled me in the office, and then he fired me. 546 00:15:29,746 --> 00:15:31,613 Then he pulled me in the office, and then he fired me. But I wasn't out here to be 547 00:15:31,615 --> 00:15:33,364 and then he fired me. But I wasn't out here to be arsenio hall's assistant. 548 00:15:33,366 --> 00:15:35,450 But I wasn't out here to be arsenio hall's assistant. I was out here to be a comedian 549 00:15:35,452 --> 00:15:36,534 arsenio hall's assistant. I was out here to be a comedian and an actress. 550 00:15:36,536 --> 00:15:38,620 I was out here to be a comedian and an actress. And I did that, so it was always 551 00:15:38,622 --> 00:15:40,622 and an actress. And I did that, so it was always good to go back and say, "ha ha, 552 00:15:40,624 --> 00:15:41,372 and I did that, so it was always good to go back and say, "ha ha, ha ha! 553 00:15:41,374 --> 00:15:42,573 Good to go back and say, "ha ha, ha ha! You fired me!" 554 00:15:42,575 --> 00:15:44,826 ha ha! You fired me!" it made me a better person. 555 00:15:44,828 --> 00:15:47,946 You fired me!" it made me a better person. ♪ 556 00:15:47,948 --> 00:15:49,514 it made me a better person. ♪ oh, my gosh. 557 00:15:49,516 --> 00:15:51,449 ♪ oh, my gosh. I finally got a job in 558 00:15:51,451 --> 00:15:53,785 oh, my gosh. I finally got a job in hollywood, a paying job, and 559 00:15:53,787 --> 00:15:55,903 I finally got a job in hollywood, a paying job, and that first gig was 560 00:15:55,905 --> 00:15:57,872 hollywood, a paying job, and that first gig was "angels of the city," a movie 561 00:15:57,874 --> 00:15:59,574 that first gig was "angels of the city," a movie produced and directed by 562 00:15:59,576 --> 00:16:01,159 "angels of the city," a movie produced and directed by lawrence hilton-jacobs. 563 00:16:01,161 --> 00:16:02,327 Produced and directed by lawrence hilton-jacobs. Y'all remember him from 564 00:16:02,329 --> 00:16:03,077 lawrence hilton-jacobs. Y'all remember him from "cooley high"? 565 00:16:03,079 --> 00:16:04,245 Y'all remember him from "cooley high"? He still look the same. 566 00:16:04,247 --> 00:16:07,465 "cooley high"? He still look the same. And I got to play a prostitute. 567 00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:09,050 He still look the same. And I got to play a prostitute. So, that was my humble 568 00:16:09,052 --> 00:16:10,001 and I got to play a prostitute. So, that was my humble beginnings. 569 00:16:10,003 --> 00:16:11,569 So, that was my humble beginnings. And so now I'm starting to get 570 00:16:11,571 --> 00:16:12,937 beginnings. And so now I'm starting to get television roles like -- y'all 571 00:16:12,939 --> 00:16:14,238 and so now I'm starting to get television roles like -- y'all probably don't even remember. 572 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:15,306 Television roles like -- y'all probably don't even remember. I was on a show called 573 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:16,274 probably don't even remember. I was on a show called "vinnie & bobby." 574 00:16:16,276 --> 00:16:17,742 I was on a show called "vinnie & bobby." matt leblanc was on this show, 575 00:16:17,744 --> 00:16:19,310 "vinnie & bobby." matt leblanc was on this show, so I still feel like I'm friends 576 00:16:19,312 --> 00:16:20,912 matt leblanc was on this show, so I still feel like I'm friends with him for some weird reason. 577 00:16:20,914 --> 00:16:23,231 So I still feel like I'm friends with him for some weird reason. But my cousin, calvin brown, was 578 00:16:23,233 --> 00:16:25,316 with him for some weird reason. But my cousin, calvin brown, was a writer on that show, and if 579 00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:27,402 but my cousin, calvin brown, was a writer on that show, and if you think about nepotism and how 580 00:16:27,404 --> 00:16:29,153 a writer on that show, and if you think about nepotism and how my career really started, you 581 00:16:29,155 --> 00:16:30,888 you think about nepotism and how my career really started, you know, once you get one, you'll 582 00:16:30,890 --> 00:16:31,773 my career really started, you know, once you get one, you'll get another. 583 00:16:31,775 --> 00:16:33,524 Know, once you get one, you'll get another. And I remember going over to 584 00:16:33,526 --> 00:16:35,226 get another. And I remember going over to "martin." 585 00:16:35,228 --> 00:16:36,611 and I remember going over to "martin." martin lawrence had a show, and 586 00:16:36,613 --> 00:16:38,029 "martin." martin lawrence had a show, and I had a friend, jacque edmonds, 587 00:16:38,031 --> 00:16:38,646 martin lawrence had a show, and I had a friend, jacque edmonds, at the time. 588 00:16:38,648 --> 00:16:39,464 I had a friend, jacque edmonds, at the time. She was a writer. 589 00:16:39,466 --> 00:16:40,665 At the time. She was a writer. You know, my daddy was like, 590 00:16:40,667 --> 00:16:42,166 she was a writer. You know, my daddy was like, "make sure you see, you know, 591 00:16:42,168 --> 00:16:43,835 you know, my daddy was like, "make sure you see, you know, the edmonds girl when you get to 592 00:16:43,837 --> 00:16:45,403 "make sure you see, you know, the edmonds girl when you get to l.A. And look her up." 593 00:16:45,405 --> 00:16:46,437 the edmonds girl when you get to l.A. And look her up." and I looked her up, she was 594 00:16:46,439 --> 00:16:47,305 l.A. And look her up." and I looked her up, she was like, "come over. 595 00:16:47,307 --> 00:16:48,306 And I looked her up, she was like, "come over. You can audition," and I 596 00:16:48,308 --> 00:16:49,307 like, "come over. You can audition," and I auditioned for a part. 597 00:16:49,309 --> 00:16:51,743 You can audition," and I auditioned for a part. And I guess they wanted me to 598 00:16:51,745 --> 00:16:52,610 auditioned for a part. And I guess they wanted me to win. 599 00:16:52,612 --> 00:16:53,945 And I guess they wanted me to win. And I remember bentley evans, in 600 00:16:53,947 --> 00:16:55,196 win. And I remember bentley evans, in the middle of the audition, he 601 00:16:55,198 --> 00:16:56,280 and I remember bentley evans, in the middle of the audition, he was like, "cut! Cut! 602 00:16:56,282 --> 00:16:57,198 The middle of the audition, he was like, "cut! Cut! Hold up." 603 00:16:57,200 --> 00:16:59,851 was like, "cut! Cut! Hold up." he takes me outside, and bentley 604 00:16:59,853 --> 00:17:01,152 hold up." he takes me outside, and bentley gets in my face. 605 00:17:01,154 --> 00:17:02,186 He takes me outside, and bentley gets in my face. He was like, "what's wrong with 606 00:17:02,188 --> 00:17:02,653 gets in my face. He was like, "what's wrong with you? 607 00:17:02,655 --> 00:17:03,938 He was like, "what's wrong with you? What are you in there doing?" 608 00:17:03,940 --> 00:17:05,206 you? What are you in there doing?" he said, "you come back in 609 00:17:05,208 --> 00:17:06,591 what are you in there doing?" he said, "you come back in there, and you give me what I 610 00:17:06,593 --> 00:17:08,626 he said, "you come back in there, and you give me what I know you got!" 611 00:17:08,628 --> 00:17:10,044 there, and you give me what I know you got!" now, I'm wanting to really, 612 00:17:10,046 --> 00:17:11,512 know you got!" now, I'm wanting to really, literally use the bathroom on 613 00:17:11,514 --> 00:17:12,346 now, I'm wanting to really, literally use the bathroom on myself. 614 00:17:12,348 --> 00:17:16,050 Literally use the bathroom on myself. And I go back in, and I do it, 615 00:17:16,052 --> 00:17:17,885 myself. And I go back in, and I do it, and I get the part -- boom -- 616 00:17:17,887 --> 00:17:18,936 and I go back in, and I do it, and I get the part -- boom -- on the "martin" show. 617 00:17:18,938 --> 00:17:19,937 And I get the part -- boom -- on the "martin" show. Then I went and did 618 00:17:19,939 --> 00:17:20,955 on the "martin" show. Then I went and did "my brother and me." 619 00:17:20,957 --> 00:17:21,989 then I went and did "my brother and me." that was the first 620 00:17:21,991 --> 00:17:23,408 "my brother and me." that was the first african-american sitcom on 621 00:17:23,410 --> 00:17:24,375 that was the first african-american sitcom on nickelodeon. 622 00:17:24,377 --> 00:17:25,710 African-american sitcom on nickelodeon. And, of course, my cousin, 623 00:17:25,712 --> 00:17:27,245 nickelodeon. And, of course, my cousin, calvin brown, was the writer on 624 00:17:27,247 --> 00:17:27,678 and, of course, my cousin, calvin brown, was the writer on that. 625 00:17:27,680 --> 00:17:29,680 Calvin brown, was the writer on that. Like, I -- I have talent. 626 00:17:29,682 --> 00:17:30,715 That. Like, I -- I have talent. So, those were my humble 627 00:17:30,717 --> 00:17:31,282 like, I -- I have talent. So, those were my humble beginnings. 628 00:17:31,284 --> 00:17:32,450 So, those were my humble beginnings. But I always felt like I was 629 00:17:32,452 --> 00:17:33,718 beginnings. But I always felt like I was already there and I was already 630 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:34,969 but I always felt like I was already there and I was already a star. 631 00:17:34,971 --> 00:17:35,353 Already there and I was already a star. But I wasn't. 632 00:17:40,759 --> 00:17:43,594 >> whitley: I didn't have an agent. You know, getting an agent in 633 00:17:43,596 --> 00:17:45,046 agent. You know, getting an agent in this town is difficult. 634 00:17:45,048 --> 00:17:47,014 You know, getting an agent in this town is difficult. But one thing I was good at was 635 00:17:47,016 --> 00:17:48,850 this town is difficult. But one thing I was good at was networking, and I would go to 636 00:17:48,852 --> 00:17:51,219 but one thing I was good at was networking, and I would go to parties, and I would talk to all 637 00:17:51,221 --> 00:17:52,353 networking, and I would go to parties, and I would talk to all the casting directors. 638 00:17:52,355 --> 00:17:55,239 Parties, and I would talk to all the casting directors. And I remember going up to a 639 00:17:55,241 --> 00:17:57,442 the casting directors. And I remember going up to a party with robi reed, and she 640 00:17:57,444 --> 00:17:59,577 and I remember going up to a party with robi reed, and she said she was casting this new 641 00:17:59,579 --> 00:18:01,412 party with robi reed, and she said she was casting this new show called "sparks." 642 00:18:01,414 --> 00:18:03,047 said she was casting this new show called "sparks." and I said, "you know, I don't 643 00:18:03,049 --> 00:18:04,949 show called "sparks." and I said, "you know, I don't have an agent, robi, but, you 644 00:18:04,951 --> 00:18:06,367 and I said, "you know, I don't have an agent, robi, but, you know, I'm really funny. 645 00:18:06,369 --> 00:18:07,168 Have an agent, robi, but, you know, I'm really funny. Give me a chance." 646 00:18:07,170 --> 00:18:08,286 know, I'm really funny. Give me a chance." and she had seen me a couple 647 00:18:08,288 --> 00:18:09,370 give me a chance." and she had seen me a couple times at parties, and she's 648 00:18:09,372 --> 00:18:11,122 and she had seen me a couple times at parties, and she's like, "okay. Come on in." 649 00:18:11,124 --> 00:18:15,059 times at parties, and she's like, "okay. Come on in." I went in for robi reed, and I 650 00:18:15,061 --> 00:18:16,160 like, "okay. Come on in." I went in for robi reed, and I obviously did well. 651 00:18:16,162 --> 00:18:19,297 I went in for robi reed, and I obviously did well. And I'll be honest with you -- 652 00:18:19,299 --> 00:18:20,465 obviously did well. And I'll be honest with you -- I got to the end, and I did not 653 00:18:20,467 --> 00:18:22,266 and I'll be honest with you -- I got to the end, and I did not get the part. 654 00:18:22,268 --> 00:18:23,785 I got to the end, and I did not get the part. But ed weinberger, who did 655 00:18:23,787 --> 00:18:25,536 get the part. But ed weinberger, who did "taxi," et cetera, "amen," all 656 00:18:25,538 --> 00:18:27,038 but ed weinberger, who did "taxi," et cetera, "amen," all these shows, he was executive 657 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:28,706 "taxi," et cetera, "amen," all these shows, he was executive producer, and he told me to come 658 00:18:28,708 --> 00:18:29,574 these shows, he was executive producer, and he told me to come back. 659 00:18:29,576 --> 00:18:31,292 Producer, and he told me to come back. Well, at that time, I had worn, 660 00:18:31,294 --> 00:18:32,960 back. Well, at that time, I had worn, like, a bunch of clothes and a 661 00:18:32,962 --> 00:18:35,296 well, at that time, I had worn, like, a bunch of clothes and a fat suit, and I went in regular. 662 00:18:35,298 --> 00:18:36,330 Like, a bunch of clothes and a fat suit, and I went in regular. I had a little tube top on and 663 00:18:36,332 --> 00:18:37,248 fat suit, and I went in regular. I had a little tube top on and some overalls, and he was 664 00:18:37,250 --> 00:18:38,132 I had a little tube top on and some overalls, and he was like... [ gasps ] 665 00:18:38,134 --> 00:18:39,484 some overalls, and he was like... [ gasps ] he was like, "what -- 666 00:18:39,486 --> 00:18:40,751 like... [ gasps ] he was like, "what -- you're not the girl. 667 00:18:40,753 --> 00:18:41,803 He was like, "what -- you're not the girl. W-who are you?" 668 00:18:41,805 --> 00:18:43,688 you're not the girl. W-who are you?" I told him, I said, "oh, I, you 669 00:18:43,690 --> 00:18:45,573 w-who are you?" I told him, I said, "oh, I, you know, wore some padding for the 670 00:18:45,575 --> 00:18:46,607 I told him, I said, "oh, I, you know, wore some padding for the part," and he was like, "well, 671 00:18:46,609 --> 00:18:47,992 know, wore some padding for the part," and he was like, "well, you were very good. 672 00:18:47,994 --> 00:18:49,193 Part," and he was like, "well, you were very good. Come back in." 673 00:18:49,195 --> 00:18:50,945 you were very good. Come back in." and, "you got the part." 674 00:18:50,947 --> 00:18:52,964 come back in." and, "you got the part." I had a parking spot with my 675 00:18:52,966 --> 00:18:53,931 and, "you got the part." I had a parking spot with my name on it. 676 00:18:53,933 --> 00:18:55,032 I had a parking spot with my name on it. Ha ha! 677 00:18:55,034 --> 00:18:57,718 Name on it. Ha ha! It said, "kym whitley," boom. 678 00:18:57,720 --> 00:18:59,470 Ha ha! It said, "kym whitley," boom. Rode in every day to work. 679 00:18:59,472 --> 00:19:02,874 It said, "kym whitley," boom. Rode in every day to work. ♪ 680 00:19:02,876 --> 00:19:05,576 rode in every day to work. ♪ back then, there was upn and wb, 681 00:19:05,578 --> 00:19:07,278 ♪ back then, there was upn and wb, which was fantastic. 682 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:08,646 Back then, there was upn and wb, which was fantastic. This is when the black people 683 00:19:08,648 --> 00:19:09,814 which was fantastic. This is when the black people were hitting the scene. 684 00:19:09,816 --> 00:19:11,666 This is when the black people were hitting the scene. You got to see yourself on tv. 685 00:19:11,668 --> 00:19:13,668 Were hitting the scene. You got to see yourself on tv. This was when we were exploding, 686 00:19:13,670 --> 00:19:17,405 you got to see yourself on tv. This was when we were exploding, and without upn, I mean, we had 687 00:19:17,407 --> 00:19:20,024 this was when we were exploding, and without upn, I mean, we had "good news," we had "sparks." 688 00:19:20,026 --> 00:19:21,909 and without upn, I mean, we had "good news," we had "sparks." you know, some good shows back 689 00:19:21,911 --> 00:19:23,778 "good news," we had "sparks." you know, some good shows back in the day, and I'm definitely 690 00:19:23,780 --> 00:19:25,329 you know, some good shows back in the day, and I'm definitely thankful for those networks. 691 00:19:25,331 --> 00:19:27,615 In the day, and I'm definitely thankful for those networks. They -- they went away, but they 692 00:19:27,617 --> 00:19:29,867 thankful for those networks. They -- they went away, but they were definitely instrumental. 693 00:19:29,869 --> 00:19:32,620 They -- they went away, but they were definitely instrumental. ♪ 694 00:19:32,622 --> 00:19:33,704 were definitely instrumental. ♪ ha! 695 00:19:33,706 --> 00:19:35,506 ♪ ha! I love the wayans family! 696 00:19:35,508 --> 00:19:37,542 Ha! I love the wayans family! And when I got a chance to do 697 00:19:37,544 --> 00:19:38,543 I love the wayans family! And when I got a chance to do "the wayans bros." -- 698 00:19:38,545 --> 00:19:39,877 and when I got a chance to do "the wayans bros." -- well, first of all -- 699 00:19:39,879 --> 00:19:41,295 "the wayans bros." -- well, first of all -- hoo! I'm telling y'all all my 700 00:19:41,297 --> 00:19:41,996 well, first of all -- hoo! I'm telling y'all all my business. 701 00:19:41,998 --> 00:19:42,747 Hoo! I'm telling y'all all my business. First of all, doing 702 00:19:42,749 --> 00:19:43,881 business. First of all, doing "the wayans bros.", let me tell 703 00:19:43,883 --> 00:19:44,999 first of all, doing "the wayans bros.", let me tell you, they wouldn't give me that 704 00:19:45,001 --> 00:19:45,917 "the wayans bros.", let me tell you, they wouldn't give me that part. 705 00:19:45,919 --> 00:19:47,084 You, they wouldn't give me that part. Leah daniels -- I love her. 706 00:19:47,086 --> 00:19:47,802 Part. Leah daniels -- I love her. She's a friend. 707 00:19:47,804 --> 00:19:49,053 Leah daniels -- I love her. She's a friend. But leah was casting, and she 708 00:19:49,055 --> 00:19:50,221 she's a friend. But leah was casting, and she was like, "kym, you can't come 709 00:19:50,223 --> 00:19:50,621 but leah was casting, and she was like, "kym, you can't come in. 710 00:19:50,623 --> 00:19:51,923 Was like, "kym, you can't come in. You not coming in." 711 00:19:51,925 --> 00:19:52,840 in. You not coming in." and that was the thing. 712 00:19:52,842 --> 00:19:53,925 You not coming in." and that was the thing. When you don't have an agent, 713 00:19:53,927 --> 00:19:55,059 and that was the thing. When you don't have an agent, you're just struggling, you're 714 00:19:55,061 --> 00:19:56,060 when you don't have an agent, you're just struggling, you're trying to -- I was hungry. 715 00:19:56,062 --> 00:19:56,761 You're just struggling, you're trying to -- I was hungry. I was send faxes. 716 00:19:56,763 --> 00:19:57,929 Trying to -- I was hungry. I was send faxes. That's back in the day you have 717 00:19:57,931 --> 00:19:59,096 I was send faxes. That's back in the day you have a fax, you just keep sending the 718 00:19:59,098 --> 00:20:00,264 that's back in the day you have a fax, you just keep sending the fax, talking about, "let me in, 719 00:20:00,266 --> 00:20:00,765 a fax, you just keep sending the fax, talking about, "let me in, let me in. 720 00:20:00,767 --> 00:20:01,816 Fax, talking about, "let me in, let me in. Please, girl." 721 00:20:01,818 --> 00:20:02,934 let me in. Please, girl." you know, and calling and, 722 00:20:02,936 --> 00:20:03,568 please, girl." you know, and calling and, "just let me. 723 00:20:03,570 --> 00:20:04,569 You know, and calling and, "just let me. I want to do this role." 724 00:20:04,571 --> 00:20:05,987 "just let me. I want to do this role." she'd say, "kym, you're not -- 725 00:20:05,989 --> 00:20:07,521 I want to do this role." she'd say, "kym, you're not -- you're not right for this role." 726 00:20:07,523 --> 00:20:08,689 she'd say, "kym, you're not -- you're not right for this role." and then, finally, she just got 727 00:20:08,691 --> 00:20:09,190 you're not right for this role." and then, finally, she just got sick of me. 728 00:20:09,192 --> 00:20:10,274 And then, finally, she just got sick of me. She said, "okay, kym, just 729 00:20:10,276 --> 00:20:10,942 sick of me. She said, "okay, kym, just come on in." 730 00:20:10,944 --> 00:20:12,109 she said, "okay, kym, just come on in." well, she didn't know I was 731 00:20:12,111 --> 00:20:13,361 come on in." well, she didn't know I was ready. 732 00:20:13,363 --> 00:20:15,863 Well, she didn't know I was ready. And I went in, and I -- and I 733 00:20:15,865 --> 00:20:18,783 ready. And I went in, and I -- and I did some really crazy, amazing 734 00:20:18,785 --> 00:20:19,951 and I went in, and I -- and I did some really crazy, amazing things in the audition. 735 00:20:19,953 --> 00:20:21,535 Did some really crazy, amazing things in the audition. And she was like, "oh, you're a 736 00:20:21,537 --> 00:20:22,870 things in the audition. And she was like, "oh, you're a fool," and I got the part. 737 00:20:22,872 --> 00:20:25,172 And she was like, "oh, you're a fool," and I got the part. So, I'm on "the wayans bros." 738 00:20:25,174 --> 00:20:26,958 fool," and I got the part. So, I'm on "the wayans bros." and all of a sudden, you know, 739 00:20:26,960 --> 00:20:28,759 so, I'm on "the wayans bros." and all of a sudden, you know, he had on these red sweatpants, 740 00:20:28,761 --> 00:20:30,511 and all of a sudden, you know, he had on these red sweatpants, and I thought he was trying to 741 00:20:30,513 --> 00:20:31,762 he had on these red sweatpants, and I thought he was trying to be funny 'cause he's a fool. 742 00:20:31,764 --> 00:20:33,180 And I thought he was trying to be funny 'cause he's a fool. And I kept looking, I said, 743 00:20:33,182 --> 00:20:34,932 be funny 'cause he's a fool. And I kept looking, I said, "this boy done put a little bat 744 00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:36,601 and I kept looking, I said, "this boy done put a little bat in his shorts, in his red 745 00:20:36,603 --> 00:20:37,435 "this boy done put a little bat in his shorts, in his red sweatpants." 746 00:20:37,437 --> 00:20:38,636 in his shorts, in his red sweatpants." and I was like -- kept looking 747 00:20:38,638 --> 00:20:39,553 sweatpants." and I was like -- kept looking at him, I was laughing. 748 00:20:39,555 --> 00:20:40,771 And I was like -- kept looking at him, I was laughing. I was like, "stop being silly. 749 00:20:40,773 --> 00:20:42,640 At him, I was laughing. I was like, "stop being silly. Boy, you crazy. Stop -- 750 00:20:42,642 --> 00:20:44,308 I was like, "stop being silly. Boy, you crazy. Stop -- y'all -- y'all see this? 751 00:20:44,310 --> 00:20:45,142 Boy, you crazy. Stop -- y'all -- y'all see this? He's so silly." 752 00:20:45,144 --> 00:20:46,193 y'all -- y'all see this? He's so silly." and all of a sudden, wasn't 753 00:20:46,195 --> 00:20:46,777 he's so silly." and all of a sudden, wasn't nobody laughing. 754 00:20:46,779 --> 00:20:48,980 And all of a sudden, wasn't nobody laughing. I was like -- [ stammering ] 755 00:20:48,982 --> 00:20:50,114 nobody laughing. I was like -- [ stammering ] they're like, over the speaker 756 00:20:50,116 --> 00:20:51,249 I was like -- [ stammering ] they're like, over the speaker thing, they're like, "oh, she's 757 00:20:51,251 --> 00:20:52,250 they're like, over the speaker thing, they're like, "oh, she's seen it." 758 00:20:52,252 --> 00:20:53,918 thing, they're like, "oh, she's seen it." I was like, "seen it?" 759 00:20:53,920 --> 00:20:55,453 seen it." I was like, "seen it?" I was like, "that's real?" 760 00:20:55,455 --> 00:20:57,121 I was like, "seen it?" I was like, "that's real?" first of all, you need to put a 761 00:20:57,123 --> 00:20:58,723 I was like, "that's real?" first of all, you need to put a rope on that thing and tie it 762 00:20:58,725 --> 00:21:01,459 first of all, you need to put a rope on that thing and tie it up, whatever that is." 763 00:21:01,461 --> 00:21:03,127 rope on that thing and tie it up, whatever that is." and then, for the whole week, I 764 00:21:03,129 --> 00:21:04,729 up, whatever that is." and then, for the whole week, I was distracted, and they were 765 00:21:04,731 --> 00:21:06,264 and then, for the whole week, I was distracted, and they were like, "he has a reputation in 766 00:21:06,266 --> 00:21:06,981 was distracted, and they were like, "he has a reputation in hollywood. 767 00:21:06,983 --> 00:21:08,816 Like, "he has a reputation in hollywood. He just is blessed. 768 00:21:08,818 --> 00:21:09,984 Hollywood. He just is blessed. He's blessed." 769 00:21:09,986 --> 00:21:12,436 he just is blessed. He's blessed." and it's burned into my brain. 770 00:21:12,438 --> 00:21:13,604 He's blessed." and it's burned into my brain. That marlon, he thinks I'm 771 00:21:13,606 --> 00:21:14,272 and it's burned into my brain. That marlon, he thinks I'm stalking him. 772 00:21:14,274 --> 00:21:15,873 That marlon, he thinks I'm stalking him. I don't stalk him. 773 00:21:15,875 --> 00:21:17,041 Stalking him. I don't stalk him. Marlon wayans is blessed. 774 00:21:17,043 --> 00:21:17,742 I don't stalk him. Marlon wayans is blessed. He's blessed. 775 00:21:17,744 --> 00:21:18,826 Marlon wayans is blessed. He's blessed. But if you get a chance, call 776 00:21:18,828 --> 00:21:19,827 he's blessed. But if you get a chance, call me. 777 00:21:19,829 --> 00:21:21,829 But if you get a chance, call me. [ laughs ] 778 00:21:21,831 --> 00:21:25,516 me. [ laughs ] ♪ 779 00:21:25,518 --> 00:21:30,838 [ laughs ] ♪ I ran into mr. Gatson at bet. 780 00:21:30,840 --> 00:21:33,424 ♪ I ran into mr. Gatson at bet. And they were looking for a 781 00:21:33,426 --> 00:21:35,593 I ran into mr. Gatson at bet. And they were looking for a magazine show, and I remember 782 00:21:35,595 --> 00:21:37,428 and they were looking for a magazine show, and I remember talking to him about -- 783 00:21:37,430 --> 00:21:39,263 magazine show, and I remember talking to him about -- I said, "well, why don't we do a 784 00:21:39,265 --> 00:21:40,598 talking to him about -- I said, "well, why don't we do a show with all women?" 785 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:43,334 I said, "well, why don't we do a show with all women?" and they named it "oh drama!", 786 00:21:43,336 --> 00:21:44,201 show with all women?" and they named it "oh drama!", and -- 787 00:21:44,203 --> 00:21:45,236 and they named it "oh drama!", and -- 'cause I wouldn't have named it 788 00:21:45,238 --> 00:21:45,703 and -- 'cause I wouldn't have named it "oh drama!" 789 00:21:45,705 --> 00:21:46,704 'cause I wouldn't have named it "oh drama!" I don't know what I would've 790 00:21:46,706 --> 00:21:48,472 "oh drama!" I don't know what I would've named it, but... 791 00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:49,840 I don't know what I would've named it, but... And, you know, the rest is 792 00:21:49,842 --> 00:21:50,875 named it, but... And, you know, the rest is history. 793 00:21:50,877 --> 00:21:52,710 And, you know, the rest is history. It was me, 794 00:21:52,712 --> 00:21:54,378 history. It was me, vanessa bell calloway, and 795 00:21:54,380 --> 00:21:56,797 it was me, vanessa bell calloway, and mari morrow, the very beginning 796 00:21:56,799 --> 00:21:58,516 vanessa bell calloway, and mari morrow, the very beginning of it, and I said, "I only want 797 00:21:58,518 --> 00:22:00,051 mari morrow, the very beginning of it, and I said, "I only want to do something that I can have 798 00:22:00,053 --> 00:22:02,136 of it, and I said, "I only want to do something that I can have creative control." 799 00:22:02,138 --> 00:22:03,888 to do something that I can have creative control." and I wanted something that 800 00:22:03,890 --> 00:22:05,723 creative control." and I wanted something that would be on television that no 801 00:22:05,725 --> 00:22:07,942 and I wanted something that would be on television that no one had ever done. 802 00:22:07,944 --> 00:22:09,393 Would be on television that no one had ever done. And I said, "if we're gonna do 803 00:22:09,395 --> 00:22:11,278 one had ever done. And I said, "if we're gonna do something, let it be edgy. 804 00:22:11,280 --> 00:22:12,697 And I said, "if we're gonna do something, let it be edgy. You know, let's put things on tv 805 00:22:12,699 --> 00:22:13,798 something, let it be edgy. You know, let's put things on tv that people haven't seen 806 00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:15,333 you know, let's put things on tv that people haven't seen before and give, especially 807 00:22:15,335 --> 00:22:16,934 that people haven't seen before and give, especially black people, a place to talk 808 00:22:16,936 --> 00:22:18,703 before and give, especially black people, a place to talk about whatever they want to talk 809 00:22:18,705 --> 00:22:20,371 black people, a place to talk about whatever they want to talk about." 810 00:22:20,373 --> 00:22:22,440 about whatever they want to talk about." and if I can get people to 811 00:22:22,442 --> 00:22:24,809 about." and if I can get people to laugh, I can get them to learn. 812 00:22:24,811 --> 00:22:26,394 And if I can get people to laugh, I can get them to learn. So that was the biggest thing. 813 00:22:26,396 --> 00:22:27,812 Laugh, I can get them to learn. So that was the biggest thing. If I can catch them, then 814 00:22:27,814 --> 00:22:29,480 so that was the biggest thing. If I can catch them, then they'll watch the show and learn 815 00:22:29,482 --> 00:22:30,815 if I can catch them, then they'll watch the show and learn something. 816 00:22:30,817 --> 00:22:34,952 They'll watch the show and learn something. ♪ 817 00:22:34,954 --> 00:22:35,703 something. ♪ okay. 818 00:22:35,705 --> 00:22:37,855 ♪ okay. So, let me just say this. 819 00:22:37,857 --> 00:22:39,423 Okay. So, let me just say this. Having a talk show, all kind of 820 00:22:39,425 --> 00:22:40,891 so, let me just say this. Having a talk show, all kind of things happen. 821 00:22:40,893 --> 00:22:43,477 Having a talk show, all kind of things happen. You know, I got a tape with a 822 00:22:43,479 --> 00:22:45,646 things happen. You know, I got a tape with a young lady that was with 823 00:22:45,648 --> 00:22:46,864 you know, I got a tape with a young lady that was with r. Kelly at the time. 824 00:22:46,866 --> 00:22:48,366 Young lady that was with r. Kelly at the time. She was of age, but she had 825 00:22:48,368 --> 00:22:50,067 r. Kelly at the time. She was of age, but she had presented herself as a virgin to 826 00:22:50,069 --> 00:22:51,068 she was of age, but she had presented herself as a virgin to her husband. 827 00:22:51,070 --> 00:22:52,219 Presented herself as a virgin to her husband. So I think that was, like, the 828 00:22:52,221 --> 00:22:55,673 her husband. So I think that was, like, the big problem that, um... 829 00:22:55,675 --> 00:22:57,641 So I think that was, like, the big problem that, um... She didn't want him to know that 830 00:22:57,643 --> 00:22:59,510 big problem that, um... She didn't want him to know that she wasn't a virgin, or she was 831 00:22:59,512 --> 00:23:01,345 she didn't want him to know that she wasn't a virgin, or she was about to marry him or something 832 00:23:01,347 --> 00:23:02,229 she wasn't a virgin, or she was about to marry him or something like that. 833 00:23:02,231 --> 00:23:05,066 About to marry him or something like that. So I thought I was doing her a 834 00:23:05,068 --> 00:23:07,985 like that. So I thought I was doing her a favor by letting her know I had 835 00:23:07,987 --> 00:23:09,987 so I thought I was doing her a favor by letting her know I had this so-called tape. 836 00:23:09,989 --> 00:23:11,272 Favor by letting her know I had this so-called tape. You know, "I don't know what you 837 00:23:11,274 --> 00:23:12,740 this so-called tape. You know, "I don't know what you want to do about it." 838 00:23:12,742 --> 00:23:14,024 you know, "I don't know what you want to do about it." well, there was another 839 00:23:14,026 --> 00:23:15,526 want to do about it." well, there was another publicist lady. 840 00:23:15,528 --> 00:23:19,730 Well, there was another publicist lady. She -- [ laughs ] 841 00:23:19,732 --> 00:23:21,148 publicist lady. She -- [ laughs ] she told the girl that, you 842 00:23:21,150 --> 00:23:22,650 she -- [ laughs ] she told the girl that, you know -- 843 00:23:22,652 --> 00:23:23,868 she told the girl that, you know -- she was like, "she probably is 844 00:23:23,870 --> 00:23:25,035 know -- she was like, "she probably is trying to extort money," and 845 00:23:25,037 --> 00:23:26,153 she was like, "she probably is trying to extort money," and blah blah blah, whatever the 846 00:23:26,155 --> 00:23:28,489 trying to extort money," and blah blah blah, whatever the case is, without telling all my 847 00:23:28,491 --> 00:23:29,707 blah blah blah, whatever the case is, without telling all my business and what have you. 848 00:23:29,709 --> 00:23:31,041 Case is, without telling all my business and what have you. Because that was a very hurtful 849 00:23:31,043 --> 00:23:34,078 business and what have you. Because that was a very hurtful time in my life... 850 00:23:34,080 --> 00:23:36,630 Because that was a very hurtful time in my life... That the fbi started following 851 00:23:36,632 --> 00:23:40,084 time in my life... That the fbi started following me, because, uh, this person 852 00:23:40,086 --> 00:23:42,920 that the fbi started following me, because, uh, this person felt like I was trying to extort 853 00:23:42,922 --> 00:23:44,088 me, because, uh, this person felt like I was trying to extort her. 854 00:23:44,090 --> 00:23:46,323 Felt like I was trying to extort her. I -- that word is way too big, 855 00:23:46,325 --> 00:23:47,575 her. I -- that word is way too big, and if you know kym whitley, you 856 00:23:47,577 --> 00:23:48,993 I -- that word is way too big, and if you know kym whitley, you know kym whitley ain't extorting 857 00:23:48,995 --> 00:23:50,194 and if you know kym whitley, you know kym whitley ain't extorting anybody, okay? 858 00:23:50,196 --> 00:23:51,745 Know kym whitley ain't extorting anybody, okay? I know the lord, and the lord 859 00:23:51,747 --> 00:23:53,364 anybody, okay? I know the lord, and the lord knows me. 860 00:23:53,366 --> 00:23:56,100 I know the lord, and the lord knows me. But it -- it turned into bad. 861 00:23:56,102 --> 00:23:57,902 Knows me. But it -- it turned into bad. The fbi was following me. 862 00:23:57,904 --> 00:24:00,638 But it -- it turned into bad. The fbi was following me. I was up for a big job, and I 863 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:01,972 the fbi was following me. I was up for a big job, and I was out for the audition for 864 00:24:01,974 --> 00:24:03,557 I was up for a big job, and I was out for the audition for like the fourth audition, 865 00:24:03,559 --> 00:24:05,392 was out for the audition for like the fourth audition, and, um, they called me when I 866 00:24:05,394 --> 00:24:07,278 like the fourth audition, and, um, they called me when I was on the way to the audition 867 00:24:07,280 --> 00:24:09,113 and, um, they called me when I was on the way to the audition and, you know, said, "this can 868 00:24:09,115 --> 00:24:10,948 was on the way to the audition and, you know, said, "this can happen, and that can happen if 869 00:24:10,950 --> 00:24:12,533 and, you know, said, "this can happen, and that can happen if you have this tape in your 870 00:24:12,535 --> 00:24:13,651 happen, and that can happen if you have this tape in your possession." 871 00:24:13,653 --> 00:24:15,986 you have this tape in your possession." and I got to the audition, and I 872 00:24:15,988 --> 00:24:17,488 possession." and I got to the audition, and I fell out on the floor. 873 00:24:17,490 --> 00:24:19,790 And I got to the audition, and I fell out on the floor. And I cried, and I lost that 874 00:24:19,792 --> 00:24:20,791 fell out on the floor. And I cried, and I lost that gig. 875 00:24:20,793 --> 00:24:26,230 And I cried, and I lost that gig. So, um...You know... 876 00:24:26,232 --> 00:24:27,298 Gig. So, um...You know... You know, it hurt my -- it 877 00:24:27,300 --> 00:24:29,333 so, um...You know... You know, it hurt my -- it really hurt me, trying to help 878 00:24:29,335 --> 00:24:29,717 you know, it hurt my -- it really hurt me, trying to help somebody out. 879 00:24:35,507 --> 00:24:39,793 >> whitley: Why are youse asking me about gerald levert being my first true love? 880 00:24:39,795 --> 00:24:40,961 Me about gerald levert being my first true love? I was so young, I didn't know 881 00:24:40,963 --> 00:24:42,213 first true love? I was so young, I didn't know what love -- 882 00:24:42,215 --> 00:24:44,548 I was so young, I didn't know what love -- well, okay. 883 00:24:44,550 --> 00:24:46,217 What love -- well, okay. Yes. Okay, I said it. 884 00:24:46,219 --> 00:24:47,017 Well, okay. Yes. Okay, I said it. I've said it out loud -- 885 00:24:47,019 --> 00:24:49,119 yes. Okay, I said it. I've said it out loud -- "gerald levert was my first true 886 00:24:49,121 --> 00:24:49,954 I've said it out loud -- "gerald levert was my first true love." 887 00:24:49,956 --> 00:24:51,088 "gerald levert was my first true love." it was that casanova. 888 00:24:51,090 --> 00:24:52,289 Love." it was that casanova. He got me with that... 889 00:24:52,291 --> 00:24:53,741 It was that casanova. He got me with that... ♪ casanova ♪ 890 00:24:53,743 --> 00:24:57,895 he got me with that... ♪ casanova ♪ okay. 891 00:24:57,897 --> 00:24:59,230 ♪ casanova ♪ okay. I don't remember how gerald and 892 00:24:59,232 --> 00:25:00,564 okay. I don't remember how gerald and I met because we'd been knowing 893 00:25:00,566 --> 00:25:02,700 I don't remember how gerald and I met because we'd been knowing each other since we was kids. 894 00:25:02,702 --> 00:25:04,068 I met because we'd been knowing each other since we was kids. So, living in the same 895 00:25:04,070 --> 00:25:05,703 each other since we was kids. So, living in the same neighborhood, we went to the 896 00:25:05,705 --> 00:25:07,338 so, living in the same neighborhood, we went to the same high school, so did my 897 00:25:07,340 --> 00:25:08,939 neighborhood, we went to the same high school, so did my parents like it when we got 898 00:25:08,941 --> 00:25:09,523 same high school, so did my parents like it when we got closer? 899 00:25:09,525 --> 00:25:11,475 Parents like it when we got closer? Nope. 900 00:25:11,477 --> 00:25:13,861 Closer? Nope. My mom and dad were like, "ugh. 901 00:25:13,863 --> 00:25:15,729 Nope. My mom and dad were like, "ugh. You can't go out with a 902 00:25:15,731 --> 00:25:17,648 my mom and dad were like, "ugh. You can't go out with a musician," you know? 903 00:25:17,650 --> 00:25:19,650 You can't go out with a musician," you know? You know, they just weren't into 904 00:25:19,652 --> 00:25:23,370 musician," you know? You know, they just weren't into the music situation. 905 00:25:23,372 --> 00:25:25,706 You know, they just weren't into the music situation. His family was all into music, 906 00:25:25,708 --> 00:25:27,558 the music situation. His family was all into music, and, um... 907 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:30,094 His family was all into music, and, um... But we remained friends and hung 908 00:25:30,096 --> 00:25:32,463 and, um... But we remained friends and hung out for many, many, many, many 909 00:25:32,465 --> 00:25:33,497 but we remained friends and hung out for many, many, many, many years. 910 00:25:33,499 --> 00:25:34,982 Out for many, many, many, many years. I say we'd have gotten married 911 00:25:34,984 --> 00:25:36,567 years. I say we'd have gotten married as we got older, because when we 912 00:25:36,569 --> 00:25:38,118 I say we'd have gotten married as we got older, because when we were younger, gerald told me one 913 00:25:38,120 --> 00:25:39,119 as we got older, because when we were younger, gerald told me one thing. 914 00:25:39,121 --> 00:25:40,321 Were younger, gerald told me one thing. He said, "you can go out to 915 00:25:40,323 --> 00:25:41,572 thing. He said, "you can go out to hollywood, and you can pursue 916 00:25:41,574 --> 00:25:43,874 he said, "you can go out to hollywood, and you can pursue your career, but if you want to 917 00:25:43,876 --> 00:25:47,161 hollywood, and you can pursue your career, but if you want to be with me, I'mma let you know 918 00:25:47,163 --> 00:25:48,679 your career, but if you want to be with me, I'mma let you know there can only be one star in 919 00:25:48,681 --> 00:25:50,180 be with me, I'mma let you know there can only be one star in this family." 920 00:25:50,182 --> 00:25:53,050 there can only be one star in this family." ♪ 921 00:25:53,052 --> 00:25:55,252 this family." ♪ the reason gerald levert and I 922 00:25:55,254 --> 00:25:57,555 ♪ the reason gerald levert and I never got married is because he 923 00:25:57,557 --> 00:25:58,772 the reason gerald levert and I never got married is because he died. 924 00:25:58,774 --> 00:26:01,475 Never got married is because he died. He died, and that's what he did. 925 00:26:01,477 --> 00:26:03,060 Died. He died, and that's what he did. He left me here to fend for 926 00:26:03,062 --> 00:26:05,195 he died, and that's what he did. He left me here to fend for myself and deal with this life 927 00:26:05,197 --> 00:26:06,063 he left me here to fend for myself and deal with this life alone. 928 00:26:06,065 --> 00:26:07,364 Myself and deal with this life alone. But had gerald lived, we 929 00:26:07,366 --> 00:26:08,732 alone. But had gerald lived, we definitely would've gotten 930 00:26:08,734 --> 00:26:09,283 but had gerald lived, we definitely would've gotten married. 931 00:26:09,285 --> 00:26:11,235 Definitely would've gotten married. Absolutely. 932 00:26:11,237 --> 00:26:12,286 Married. Absolutely. Because we were friends. 933 00:26:12,288 --> 00:26:13,537 Absolutely. Because we were friends. Like, we were friends, and we 934 00:26:13,539 --> 00:26:14,822 because we were friends. Like, we were friends, and we always talked about we're gonna 935 00:26:14,824 --> 00:26:16,874 like, we were friends, and we always talked about we're gonna get married, and we set an age. 936 00:26:16,876 --> 00:26:17,992 Always talked about we're gonna get married, and we set an age. I think our age was when we 937 00:26:17,994 --> 00:26:18,492 get married, and we set an age. I think our age was when we 50 -- 938 00:26:18,494 --> 00:26:19,627 I think our age was when we 50 -- "when we turn 50," I said, "you 939 00:26:19,629 --> 00:26:20,494 50 -- "when we turn 50," I said, "you not married and I'm not 940 00:26:20,496 --> 00:26:21,579 "when we turn 50," I said, "you not married and I'm not married," he was like, "we gonna 941 00:26:21,581 --> 00:26:22,246 not married and I'm not married," he was like, "we gonna get married." 942 00:26:22,248 --> 00:26:22,630 married," he was like, "we gonna get married." yep. 943 00:26:22,632 --> 00:26:24,081 Get married." yep. We made a little solid bet on 944 00:26:24,083 --> 00:26:28,052 yep. We made a little solid bet on it, and we was like -- boom. 945 00:26:28,054 --> 00:26:30,087 We made a little solid bet on it, and we was like -- boom. He dated a lot of people. 946 00:26:30,089 --> 00:26:31,155 It, and we was like -- boom. He dated a lot of people. Gerald liked women. 947 00:26:31,157 --> 00:26:33,023 He dated a lot of people. Gerald liked women. [ chuckles ] 948 00:26:33,025 --> 00:26:34,291 gerald liked women. [ chuckles ] and, you know, I was doing my 949 00:26:34,293 --> 00:26:35,659 [ chuckles ] and, you know, I was doing my thing, and I couldn't -- "oh, I 950 00:26:35,661 --> 00:26:36,944 and, you know, I was doing my thing, and I couldn't -- "oh, I can't believe you dating her." 951 00:26:36,946 --> 00:26:38,862 thing, and I couldn't -- "oh, I can't believe you dating her." and, of course, I was young and 952 00:26:38,864 --> 00:26:40,364 can't believe you dating her." and, of course, I was young and probably jealous. 953 00:26:40,366 --> 00:26:42,700 And, of course, I was young and probably jealous. I was, but what you gonna do? 954 00:26:42,702 --> 00:26:44,234 Probably jealous. I was, but what you gonna do? I would say -- 955 00:26:44,236 --> 00:26:46,737 I was, but what you gonna do? I would say -- when you say "cause problems," 956 00:26:46,739 --> 00:26:48,906 I would say -- when you say "cause problems," you mean between me and him or 957 00:26:48,908 --> 00:26:50,741 when you say "cause problems," you mean between me and him or me and the women? 958 00:26:50,743 --> 00:26:53,494 You mean between me and him or me and the women? Let's just say this. 959 00:26:53,496 --> 00:26:55,579 Me and the women? Let's just say this. I remember when mo'nique wanted 960 00:26:55,581 --> 00:26:56,747 let's just say this. I remember when mo'nique wanted to date gerald. 961 00:26:56,749 --> 00:26:58,299 I remember when mo'nique wanted to date gerald. See, that's one thing people 962 00:26:58,301 --> 00:26:59,083 to date gerald. See, that's one thing people don't know. 963 00:26:59,085 --> 00:27:01,251 See, that's one thing people don't know. Mo'nique is a very mature woman 964 00:27:01,253 --> 00:27:02,753 don't know. Mo'nique is a very mature woman even when she was young. 965 00:27:02,755 --> 00:27:04,121 Mo'nique is a very mature woman even when she was young. She came up to me -- we were 966 00:27:04,123 --> 00:27:05,522 even when she was young. She came up to me -- we were somewhere -- and she was like, 967 00:27:05,524 --> 00:27:07,591 she came up to me -- we were somewhere -- and she was like, "look, I want to date 968 00:27:07,593 --> 00:27:09,093 somewhere -- and she was like, "look, I want to date gerald levert. 969 00:27:09,095 --> 00:27:10,511 "look, I want to date gerald levert. I know y'all used to date or 970 00:27:10,513 --> 00:27:11,929 gerald levert. I know y'all used to date or whatever, but I'm, you know, 971 00:27:11,931 --> 00:27:13,480 I know y'all used to date or whatever, but I'm, you know, coming to you as a woman to let 972 00:27:13,482 --> 00:27:14,848 whatever, but I'm, you know, coming to you as a woman to let you know I'm interested." 973 00:27:14,850 --> 00:27:16,850 coming to you as a woman to let you know I'm interested." I've never had a woman do that. 974 00:27:16,852 --> 00:27:18,569 You know I'm interested." I've never had a woman do that. So I was like, "wow. 975 00:27:18,571 --> 00:27:19,937 I've never had a woman do that. So I was like, "wow. That's like some grown-woman 976 00:27:19,939 --> 00:27:20,988 so I was like, "wow. That's like some grown-woman stuff right there. 977 00:27:20,990 --> 00:27:22,740 That's like some grown-woman stuff right there. Mo'nique a grown woman." 978 00:27:22,742 --> 00:27:26,010 stuff right there. Mo'nique a grown woman." and, uh, I gave her my blessing 979 00:27:26,012 --> 00:27:27,544 mo'nique a grown woman." and, uh, I gave her my blessing even though, secretly, I was 980 00:27:27,546 --> 00:27:28,946 and, uh, I gave her my blessing even though, secretly, I was like, "did I do the right 981 00:27:28,948 --> 00:27:29,697 even though, secretly, I was like, "did I do the right thing?" 982 00:27:29,699 --> 00:27:32,349 like, "did I do the right thing?" but I believed, in the end, when 983 00:27:32,351 --> 00:27:34,902 thing?" but I believed, in the end, when it's all said and done, gerald 984 00:27:34,904 --> 00:27:36,904 but I believed, in the end, when it's all said and done, gerald would've come back to me. 985 00:27:36,906 --> 00:27:40,357 It's all said and done, gerald would've come back to me. And I say that because there was 986 00:27:40,359 --> 00:27:43,243 would've come back to me. And I say that because there was a sister 2 sister article. 987 00:27:43,245 --> 00:27:44,912 And I say that because there was a sister 2 sister article. I didn't know anything about it. 988 00:27:44,914 --> 00:27:46,363 A sister 2 sister article. I didn't know anything about it. I'm telling you, I did not. 989 00:27:46,365 --> 00:27:48,699 I didn't know anything about it. I'm telling you, I did not. I could pull up the article. 990 00:27:48,701 --> 00:27:50,367 I'm telling you, I did not. I could pull up the article. And it actually broke up the 991 00:27:50,369 --> 00:27:52,086 I could pull up the article. And it actually broke up the relationship I was in at the 992 00:27:52,088 --> 00:27:53,087 and it actually broke up the relationship I was in at the time. 993 00:27:53,089 --> 00:27:55,839 Relationship I was in at the time. And gerald said, of course, in 994 00:27:55,841 --> 00:28:00,210 time. And gerald said, of course, in the article, "my true love is 995 00:28:00,212 --> 00:28:01,295 and gerald said, of course, in the article, "my true love is kym whitley. 996 00:28:01,297 --> 00:28:02,930 The article, "my true love is kym whitley. My heart will always belong to 997 00:28:02,932 --> 00:28:04,131 kym whitley. My heart will always belong to her." 998 00:28:04,133 --> 00:28:06,550 my heart will always belong to her." now, why he go and say that? 999 00:28:06,552 --> 00:28:09,136 Her." now, why he go and say that? 'cause gerald likes to start 1000 00:28:09,138 --> 00:28:10,137 now, why he go and say that? 'cause gerald likes to start mess. 1001 00:28:10,139 --> 00:28:11,605 'cause gerald likes to start mess. And I was like, "why would you 1002 00:28:11,607 --> 00:28:12,389 mess. And I was like, "why would you do that?" 1003 00:28:12,391 --> 00:28:13,807 and I was like, "why would you do that?" and even if it was true or not 1004 00:28:13,809 --> 00:28:15,275 do that?" and even if it was true or not true or whatever, for you to put 1005 00:28:15,277 --> 00:28:18,696 and even if it was true or not true or whatever, for you to put it in print, it got everybody 1006 00:28:18,698 --> 00:28:19,780 true or whatever, for you to put it in print, it got everybody upset. 1007 00:28:19,782 --> 00:28:21,031 It in print, it got everybody upset. And we laugh about it like that, 1008 00:28:21,033 --> 00:28:22,199 upset. And we laugh about it like that, and he was like, "you know it's 1009 00:28:22,201 --> 00:28:22,649 and we laugh about it like that, and he was like, "you know it's true." 1010 00:28:22,651 --> 00:28:24,234 and he was like, "you know it's true." and that's why I believe that, 1011 00:28:24,236 --> 00:28:25,736 true." and that's why I believe that, eventually, we would've been 1012 00:28:25,738 --> 00:28:26,820 and that's why I believe that, eventually, we would've been together. 1013 00:28:26,822 --> 00:28:28,122 Eventually, we would've been together. Um... 1014 00:28:28,124 --> 00:28:32,609 Together. Um... So, I loved gerald, and gerald 1015 00:28:32,611 --> 00:28:33,977 um... So, I loved gerald, and gerald loved me. 1016 00:28:33,979 --> 00:28:35,979 So, I loved gerald, and gerald loved me. Just wasn't time. 1017 00:28:35,981 --> 00:28:40,751 Loved me. Just wasn't time. ♪ 1018 00:28:40,753 --> 00:28:43,487 just wasn't time. ♪ you know, I think that I have 1019 00:28:43,489 --> 00:28:44,788 ♪ you know, I think that I have really been into my career. 1020 00:28:44,790 --> 00:28:45,622 You know, I think that I have really been into my career. It's unfortunate. 1021 00:28:45,624 --> 00:28:48,342 Really been into my career. It's unfortunate. I, um... 1022 00:28:48,344 --> 00:28:50,377 It's unfortunate. I, um... I come from a solid family. 1023 00:28:50,379 --> 00:28:51,879 I, um... I come from a solid family. My mom and dad were married for 1024 00:28:51,881 --> 00:28:53,680 I come from a solid family. My mom and dad were married for 54 years. 1025 00:28:53,682 --> 00:28:55,132 My mom and dad were married for 54 years. You know, all my cousins. 1026 00:28:55,134 --> 00:28:58,051 54 years. You know, all my cousins. I didn't even know divorce until 1027 00:28:58,053 --> 00:29:00,053 you know, all my cousins. I didn't even know divorce until my friends started getting 1028 00:29:00,055 --> 00:29:01,605 I didn't even know divorce until my friends started getting divorced. 1029 00:29:01,607 --> 00:29:05,476 My friends started getting divorced. But I believe I was focusing on 1030 00:29:05,478 --> 00:29:08,145 divorced. But I believe I was focusing on my career and not focusing on 1031 00:29:08,147 --> 00:29:09,613 but I believe I was focusing on my career and not focusing on getting married. 1032 00:29:09,615 --> 00:29:11,448 My career and not focusing on getting married. I didn't understand it. 1033 00:29:11,450 --> 00:29:15,886 Getting married. I didn't understand it. ♪ 1034 00:29:15,888 --> 00:29:18,188 I didn't understand it. ♪ a young lady had a baby that I 1035 00:29:18,190 --> 00:29:20,524 ♪ a young lady had a baby that I had been knowing, and she left 1036 00:29:20,526 --> 00:29:21,825 a young lady had a baby that I had been knowing, and she left him at the ho-- 1037 00:29:21,827 --> 00:29:22,960 had been knowing, and she left him at the ho-- well, not "left him" at the 1038 00:29:22,962 --> 00:29:24,261 him at the ho-- well, not "left him" at the hospital but for me to pick him 1039 00:29:24,263 --> 00:29:28,265 well, not "left him" at the hospital but for me to pick him up at 4 days old, and I was 1040 00:29:28,267 --> 00:29:30,017 hospital but for me to pick him up at 4 days old, and I was like, "I'm not ready for a 1041 00:29:30,019 --> 00:29:30,968 up at 4 days old, and I was like, "I'm not ready for a baby." 1042 00:29:30,970 --> 00:29:32,136 like, "I'm not ready for a baby." I remember my mother. 1043 00:29:32,138 --> 00:29:33,303 Baby." I remember my mother. They called me and said, "we got 1044 00:29:33,305 --> 00:29:35,672 I remember my mother. They called me and said, "we got a baby for you here at the 1045 00:29:35,674 --> 00:29:37,040 they called me and said, "we got a baby for you here at the hospital. 1046 00:29:37,042 --> 00:29:38,075 A baby for you here at the hospital. And I was like, "ha ha! 1047 00:29:38,077 --> 00:29:39,176 Hospital. And I was like, "ha ha! That's a joke. Whatever." 1048 00:29:39,178 --> 00:29:41,562 and I was like, "ha ha! That's a joke. Whatever." and I remember my mother saying 1049 00:29:41,564 --> 00:29:42,396 that's a joke. Whatever." and I remember my mother saying to me -- 1050 00:29:42,398 --> 00:29:44,481 and I remember my mother saying to me -- and this is how I grew up. 1051 00:29:44,483 --> 00:29:46,150 To me -- and this is how I grew up. My mother said, "what's wrong 1052 00:29:46,152 --> 00:29:47,067 and this is how I grew up. My mother said, "what's wrong with you? 1053 00:29:47,069 --> 00:29:48,869 My mother said, "what's wrong with you? You ain't got no man, 1054 00:29:48,871 --> 00:29:50,788 with you? You ain't got no man, you ain't got no kids, 1055 00:29:50,790 --> 00:29:54,541 you ain't got no man, you ain't got no kids, and you are 97 years old." 1056 00:29:54,543 --> 00:29:55,826 you ain't got no kids, and you are 97 years old." she was like, "what -- what you 1057 00:29:55,828 --> 00:29:56,460 and you are 97 years old." she was like, "what -- what you doing? 1058 00:29:56,462 --> 00:29:58,078 She was like, "what -- what you doing? You ain't got no eggs left, 1059 00:29:58,080 --> 00:29:59,496 doing? You ain't got no eggs left, maybe one or two." 1060 00:29:59,498 --> 00:30:00,497 you ain't got no eggs left, maybe one or two." she's like, "go on and get that 1061 00:30:00,499 --> 00:30:01,165 maybe one or two." she's like, "go on and get that baby." 1062 00:30:01,167 --> 00:30:02,549 she's like, "go on and get that baby." I was like, "damn! 1063 00:30:02,551 --> 00:30:04,635 Baby." I was like, "damn! My mother was like wow, wow!" 1064 00:30:04,637 --> 00:30:05,752 I was like, "damn! My mother was like wow, wow!" she was like, "what you doing in 1065 00:30:05,754 --> 00:30:06,720 my mother was like wow, wow!" she was like, "what you doing in life?" 1066 00:30:06,722 --> 00:30:08,422 she was like, "what you doing in life?" she said, "oh, you want to do 1067 00:30:08,424 --> 00:30:10,340 life?" she said, "oh, you want to do another movie, get another tv 1068 00:30:10,342 --> 00:30:11,842 she said, "oh, you want to do another movie, get another tv show? Ooh!" 1069 00:30:11,844 --> 00:30:15,195 another movie, get another tv show? Ooh!" my mother said, "get something 1070 00:30:15,197 --> 00:30:16,363 show? Ooh!" my mother said, "get something in your life that means 1071 00:30:16,365 --> 00:30:16,697 my mother said, "get something in your life that means something." 1072 00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:29,626 >> whitley: So, I worked on my very first, I would say, really big blockbuster movie was 1073 00:30:29,628 --> 00:30:31,128 very first, I would say, really big blockbuster movie was "next Friday," with ice cube. 1074 00:30:31,130 --> 00:30:32,629 Big blockbuster movie was "next Friday," with ice cube. And I really wanted that part. 1075 00:30:32,631 --> 00:30:34,164 "next Friday," with ice cube. And I really wanted that part. That was another role I really 1076 00:30:34,166 --> 00:30:34,932 and I really wanted that part. That was another role I really wanted. 1077 00:30:34,934 --> 00:30:38,335 That was another role I really wanted. But it was a -- a very important 1078 00:30:38,337 --> 00:30:40,370 wanted. But it was a -- a very important role in my career. 1079 00:30:40,372 --> 00:30:42,606 But it was a -- a very important role in my career. I played suga, and I had to be 1080 00:30:42,608 --> 00:30:46,410 role in my career. I played suga, and I had to be this sexy, uh, girlfriend to 1081 00:30:46,412 --> 00:30:47,544 I played suga, and I had to be this sexy, uh, girlfriend to d.C. Curry. 1082 00:30:47,546 --> 00:30:48,845 This sexy, uh, girlfriend to d.C. Curry. And, you know, ice cube was 1083 00:30:48,847 --> 00:30:49,313 d.C. Curry. And, you know, ice cube was young. 1084 00:30:49,315 --> 00:30:52,516 And, you know, ice cube was young. We had a good time on that set. 1085 00:30:52,518 --> 00:30:53,634 Young. We had a good time on that set. Just craziness. 1086 00:30:53,636 --> 00:30:56,420 We had a good time on that set. Just craziness. I remember that one scene when I 1087 00:30:56,422 --> 00:30:57,554 just craziness. I remember that one scene when I had to go up the steps, and 1088 00:30:57,556 --> 00:30:59,873 I remember that one scene when I had to go up the steps, and d.C. Curry slapped my behind. 1089 00:30:59,875 --> 00:31:01,124 Had to go up the steps, and d.C. Curry slapped my behind. Let me tell you something, 1090 00:31:01,126 --> 00:31:02,459 d.C. Curry slapped my behind. Let me tell you something, d.C. Curry took his hand -- 1091 00:31:02,461 --> 00:31:04,011 let me tell you something, d.C. Curry took his hand -- I think it was in alaska. 1092 00:31:04,013 --> 00:31:05,712 D.C. Curry took his hand -- I think it was in alaska. He swung from alaska to 1093 00:31:05,714 --> 00:31:07,681 I think it was in alaska. He swung from alaska to cleveland -- pow! -- On my 1094 00:31:07,683 --> 00:31:09,266 he swung from alaska to cleveland -- pow! -- On my behind, and it was my first 1095 00:31:09,268 --> 00:31:10,300 cleveland -- pow! -- On my behind, and it was my first movie, and I didn't know to 1096 00:31:10,302 --> 00:31:10,801 behind, and it was my first movie, and I didn't know to say -- 1097 00:31:10,803 --> 00:31:11,802 movie, and I didn't know to say -- you know, I was like, "just take 1098 00:31:11,804 --> 00:31:12,886 say -- you know, I was like, "just take it." 1099 00:31:12,888 --> 00:31:13,971 you know, I was like, "just take it." he did it three times. 1100 00:31:13,973 --> 00:31:15,272 It." he did it three times. And, finally, ice cube, he 1101 00:31:15,274 --> 00:31:15,689 he did it three times. And, finally, ice cube, he knows. 1102 00:31:15,691 --> 00:31:17,140 And, finally, ice cube, he knows. He said, "cut! Stop!" 1103 00:31:17,142 --> 00:31:18,292 knows. He said, "cut! Stop!" he said, "hey, man! 1104 00:31:18,294 --> 00:31:20,477 He said, "cut! Stop!" he said, "hey, man! We gonna add the sound later! 1105 00:31:20,479 --> 00:31:21,545 He said, "hey, man! We gonna add the sound later! You don't have to hit her that 1106 00:31:21,547 --> 00:31:22,462 we gonna add the sound later! You don't have to hit her that hard." 1107 00:31:22,464 --> 00:31:23,297 you don't have to hit her that hard." and it was like -- 1108 00:31:23,299 --> 00:31:24,681 hard." and it was like -- so they had to stop. 1109 00:31:24,683 --> 00:31:26,400 And it was like -- so they had to stop. So, you know, you learn as you 1110 00:31:26,402 --> 00:31:28,185 so they had to stop. So, you know, you learn as you go. 1111 00:31:28,187 --> 00:31:29,353 So, you know, you learn as you go. D.C. Curry, hitting me that 1112 00:31:29,355 --> 00:31:29,853 go. D.C. Curry, hitting me that hard. 1113 00:31:29,855 --> 00:31:32,072 D.C. Curry, hitting me that hard. But it was a lot of fun. 1114 00:31:32,074 --> 00:31:34,057 Hard. But it was a lot of fun. ♪ 1115 00:31:34,059 --> 00:31:35,425 but it was a lot of fun. ♪ okay. There's "Friday," 1116 00:31:35,427 --> 00:31:36,793 ♪ okay. There's "Friday," "next Friday," and then 1117 00:31:36,795 --> 00:31:38,328 okay. There's "Friday," "next Friday," and then "Friday after next," which is 1118 00:31:38,330 --> 00:31:39,246 "next Friday," and then "Friday after next," which is the third movie. 1119 00:31:39,248 --> 00:31:41,081 "Friday after next," which is the third movie. And, of course, I gotta come 1120 00:31:41,083 --> 00:31:42,833 the third movie. And, of course, I gotta come back and reprise my role as 1121 00:31:42,835 --> 00:31:43,884 and, of course, I gotta come back and reprise my role as suga. 1122 00:31:43,886 --> 00:31:46,520 Back and reprise my role as suga. Well, I was already offered a 1123 00:31:46,522 --> 00:31:47,938 suga. Well, I was already offered a movie, called 1124 00:31:47,940 --> 00:31:50,040 well, I was already offered a movie, called "deliver us from eva," and 1125 00:31:50,042 --> 00:31:51,642 movie, called "deliver us from eva," and ice cube said, "no, I need you 1126 00:31:51,644 --> 00:31:53,410 "deliver us from eva," and ice cube said, "no, I need you to do 'Friday after next.'" 1127 00:31:53,412 --> 00:31:55,312 ice cube said, "no, I need you to do 'Friday after next.'" and I said, "well, I already got 1128 00:31:55,314 --> 00:31:56,146 to do 'Friday after next.'" and I said, "well, I already got this movie." 1129 00:31:56,148 --> 00:31:57,230 and I said, "well, I already got this movie." now, I stayed on 1130 00:31:57,232 --> 00:31:58,815 this movie." now, I stayed on "deliver us from eva," and 1131 00:31:58,817 --> 00:31:59,900 now, I stayed on "deliver us from eva," and ice cube was mad at me. 1132 00:31:59,902 --> 00:32:00,884 "deliver us from eva," and ice cube was mad at me. It was just the truth. 1133 00:32:00,886 --> 00:32:01,952 Ice cube was mad at me. It was just the truth. He knows he was. 1134 00:32:01,954 --> 00:32:04,071 It was just the truth. He knows he was. He will say, "yes, I was mad. 1135 00:32:04,073 --> 00:32:06,123 He knows he was. He will say, "yes, I was mad. It was because you should have 1136 00:32:06,125 --> 00:32:08,241 he will say, "yes, I was mad. It was because you should have known, you know, it was time for 1137 00:32:08,243 --> 00:32:09,159 it was because you should have known, you know, it was time for our movie." 1138 00:32:09,161 --> 00:32:10,410 known, you know, it was time for our movie." no one had told me, so I didn't 1139 00:32:10,412 --> 00:32:11,328 our movie." no one had told me, so I didn't know. 1140 00:32:11,330 --> 00:32:12,629 No one had told me, so I didn't know. But it was -- it was -- 1141 00:32:12,631 --> 00:32:13,664 know. But it was -- it was -- it was -- ugh. 1142 00:32:13,666 --> 00:32:14,731 But it was -- it was -- it was -- ugh. It was rough. 1143 00:32:14,733 --> 00:32:16,867 It was -- ugh. It was rough. And I'm glad that we're friends 1144 00:32:16,869 --> 00:32:18,302 it was rough. And I'm glad that we're friends now. 1145 00:32:18,304 --> 00:32:22,873 And I'm glad that we're friends now. ♪ 1146 00:32:22,875 --> 00:32:25,042 now. ♪ I was working at the time, and 1147 00:32:25,044 --> 00:32:27,077 ♪ I was working at the time, and this role came up on this show 1148 00:32:27,079 --> 00:32:29,746 I was working at the time, and this role came up on this show called "curb your enthusiasm." 1149 00:32:29,748 --> 00:32:31,081 this role came up on this show called "curb your enthusiasm." and larry david -- 1150 00:32:31,083 --> 00:32:33,083 called "curb your enthusiasm." and larry david -- I remember watching the show, 1151 00:32:33,085 --> 00:32:34,418 and larry david -- I remember watching the show, and I was like, "oh, that's a 1152 00:32:34,420 --> 00:32:35,502 I remember watching the show, and I was like, "oh, that's a funny little white man. 1153 00:32:35,504 --> 00:32:36,136 And I was like, "oh, that's a funny little white man. He's funny." 1154 00:32:36,138 --> 00:32:37,304 funny little white man. He's funny." I didn't know who he was. 1155 00:32:37,306 --> 00:32:38,088 He's funny." I didn't know who he was. Crazy. 1156 00:32:38,090 --> 00:32:40,424 I didn't know who he was. Crazy. So, the audition came up for me 1157 00:32:40,426 --> 00:32:42,592 crazy. So, the audition came up for me to play the prostitute, and I 1158 00:32:42,594 --> 00:32:43,844 so, the audition came up for me to play the prostitute, and I was working on probably 1159 00:32:43,846 --> 00:32:45,429 to play the prostitute, and I was working on probably "the parkers" or something like 1160 00:32:45,431 --> 00:32:45,979 was working on probably "the parkers" or something like that. 1161 00:32:45,981 --> 00:32:47,514 "the parkers" or something like that. And I had to leave the audition 1162 00:32:47,516 --> 00:32:49,099 that. And I had to leave the audition and run over there and audition. 1163 00:32:49,101 --> 00:32:50,200 And I had to leave the audition and run over there and audition. They were like, "this is the 1164 00:32:50,202 --> 00:32:51,368 and run over there and audition. They were like, "this is the only time kym can audition right 1165 00:32:51,370 --> 00:32:52,419 they were like, "this is the only time kym can audition right now because she's working." 1166 00:32:52,421 --> 00:32:53,870 only time kym can audition right now because she's working." so no one else was there. 1167 00:32:53,872 --> 00:32:54,871 Now because she's working." so no one else was there. It was just me. 1168 00:32:54,873 --> 00:32:57,841 So no one else was there. It was just me. And I got ready for the audition 1169 00:32:57,843 --> 00:32:59,209 it was just me. And I got ready for the audition because I was like, "ooh, ooh, I 1170 00:32:59,211 --> 00:33:00,510 and I got ready for the audition because I was like, "ooh, ooh, I get to play this prostitute," 1171 00:33:00,512 --> 00:33:01,545 because I was like, "ooh, ooh, I get to play this prostitute," and I was friends with 1172 00:33:01,547 --> 00:33:02,646 get to play this prostitute," and I was friends with katt williams. 1173 00:33:02,648 --> 00:33:04,231 And I was friends with katt williams. And I remember going to katt, 1174 00:33:04,233 --> 00:33:05,899 katt williams. And I remember going to katt, and I was like, "katt, you kind 1175 00:33:05,901 --> 00:33:06,983 and I remember going to katt, and I was like, "katt, you kind of pimpish. 1176 00:33:06,985 --> 00:33:10,087 And I was like, "katt, you kind of pimpish. I need some prostitute lines." 1177 00:33:10,089 --> 00:33:11,288 of pimpish. I need some prostitute lines." and I remember katt -- 1178 00:33:11,290 --> 00:33:12,823 I need some prostitute lines." and I remember katt -- I think katt gave me "lollipop 1179 00:33:12,825 --> 00:33:13,323 and I remember katt -- I think katt gave me "lollipop love." 1180 00:33:13,325 --> 00:33:14,858 I think katt gave me "lollipop love." he's like, "just use a bunch of 1181 00:33:14,860 --> 00:33:15,659 love." he's like, "just use a bunch of crazy words. 1182 00:33:15,661 --> 00:33:17,077 He's like, "just use a bunch of crazy words. You know, put 'em together." 1183 00:33:17,079 --> 00:33:18,528 crazy words. You know, put 'em together." [ as katt williams ] and now 1184 00:33:18,530 --> 00:33:19,996 you know, put 'em together." [ as katt williams ] and now katt was talking like, "you 1185 00:33:19,998 --> 00:33:21,531 [ as katt williams ] and now katt was talking like, "you know, kym, you know, you just 1186 00:33:21,533 --> 00:33:23,200 katt was talking like, "you know, kym, you know, you just gotta put these things together. 1187 00:33:23,202 --> 00:33:24,601 Know, kym, you know, you just gotta put these things together. You know what you're doing." 1188 00:33:24,603 --> 00:33:25,635 gotta put these things together. You know what you're doing." [ normal voice ] now, this was 1189 00:33:25,637 --> 00:33:26,436 you know what you're doing." [ normal voice ] now, this was the saving grace. 1190 00:33:26,438 --> 00:33:27,521 [ normal voice ] now, this was the saving grace. I didn't know who larry dad 1191 00:33:27,523 --> 00:33:28,338 the saving grace. I didn't know who larry dad was. 1192 00:33:28,340 --> 00:33:29,740 I didn't know who larry dad was. Had no clue. 1193 00:33:29,742 --> 00:33:30,941 Was. Had no clue. I just knew he was a a funny 1194 00:33:30,943 --> 00:33:32,325 had no clue. I just knew he was a a funny little white man that I liked in 1195 00:33:32,327 --> 00:33:33,610 I just knew he was a a funny little white man that I liked in this tv show. 1196 00:33:33,612 --> 00:33:35,662 Little white man that I liked in this tv show. So I went in to the audition, 1197 00:33:35,664 --> 00:33:37,764 this tv show. So I went in to the audition, and, um, he was there and all 1198 00:33:37,766 --> 00:33:38,932 so I went in to the audition, and, um, he was there and all the producers were there -- 1199 00:33:38,934 --> 00:33:40,350 and, um, he was there and all the producers were there -- cheryl hines, of course. 1200 00:33:40,352 --> 00:33:42,185 The producers were there -- cheryl hines, of course. And larry was sitting there in 1201 00:33:42,187 --> 00:33:44,054 cheryl hines, of course. And larry was sitting there in the chair 'cause I had to get in 1202 00:33:44,056 --> 00:33:44,888 and larry was sitting there in the chair 'cause I had to get in the car. 1203 00:33:44,890 --> 00:33:46,606 The chair 'cause I had to get in the car. And one thing you got to know 1204 00:33:46,608 --> 00:33:48,308 the car. And one thing you got to know about "curb your enthusiasm," 1205 00:33:48,310 --> 00:33:50,227 and one thing you got to know about "curb your enthusiasm," it's all ad-libbed. 1206 00:33:50,229 --> 00:33:51,695 About "curb your enthusiasm," it's all ad-libbed. So they'll give you the 1207 00:33:51,697 --> 00:33:53,397 it's all ad-libbed. So they'll give you the scenario, but you ad your own 1208 00:33:53,399 --> 00:33:54,431 so they'll give you the scenario, but you ad your own lines. 1209 00:33:54,433 --> 00:33:56,450 Scenario, but you ad your own lines. So, I remember in the audition, 1210 00:33:56,452 --> 00:33:58,869 lines. So, I remember in the audition, I just was cutting a fool, and I 1211 00:33:58,871 --> 00:34:00,704 so, I remember in the audition, I just was cutting a fool, and I loved improv, and I got in the 1212 00:34:00,706 --> 00:34:02,372 I just was cutting a fool, and I loved improv, and I got in the pretend car where larry was 1213 00:34:02,374 --> 00:34:04,291 loved improv, and I got in the pretend car where larry was talking crazy to him, and he was 1214 00:34:04,293 --> 00:34:06,209 pretend car where larry was talking crazy to him, and he was laughing, he was like, "do that 1215 00:34:06,211 --> 00:34:07,160 talking crazy to him, and he was laughing, he was like, "do that again." 1216 00:34:07,162 --> 00:34:09,079 laughing, he was like, "do that again." and next thing I know, I got the 1217 00:34:09,081 --> 00:34:10,914 again." and next thing I know, I got the part, and what was great about 1218 00:34:10,916 --> 00:34:13,250 and next thing I know, I got the part, and what was great about it is, all the actresses had 1219 00:34:13,252 --> 00:34:14,418 part, and what was great about it is, all the actresses had gone out for it. 1220 00:34:14,420 --> 00:34:15,836 It is, all the actresses had gone out for it. Every black actress I know was 1221 00:34:15,838 --> 00:34:17,137 gone out for it. Every black actress I know was like, "you know every black 1222 00:34:17,139 --> 00:34:18,505 every black actress I know was like, "you know every black actress in hollywood went out 1223 00:34:18,507 --> 00:34:19,589 like, "you know every black actress in hollywood went out for that role." 1224 00:34:19,591 --> 00:34:21,258 actress in hollywood went out for that role." so I was like, "what?" 1225 00:34:21,260 --> 00:34:24,361 for that role." so I was like, "what?" but it changed my career. 1226 00:34:24,363 --> 00:34:26,363 So I was like, "what?" but it changed my career. And it was a lot of fun. 1227 00:34:26,365 --> 00:34:30,400 But it changed my career. And it was a lot of fun. ♪ 1228 00:34:30,402 --> 00:34:31,802 and it was a lot of fun. ♪ so, we were at 1229 00:34:31,804 --> 00:34:33,870 ♪ so, we were at the house of blues, and 1230 00:34:33,872 --> 00:34:35,272 so, we were at the house of blues, and magic johnson was giving his 1231 00:34:35,274 --> 00:34:36,773 the house of blues, and magic johnson was giving his wife, cookie, a party, which is 1232 00:34:36,775 --> 00:34:37,374 magic johnson was giving his wife, cookie, a party, which is so funny. 1233 00:34:37,376 --> 00:34:38,675 Wife, cookie, a party, which is so funny. Every time I see magic and 1234 00:34:38,677 --> 00:34:40,043 so funny. Every time I see magic and cookie, they remind me of the 1235 00:34:40,045 --> 00:34:41,378 every time I see magic and cookie, they remind me of the story and bust out laughing. 1236 00:34:41,380 --> 00:34:42,779 Cookie, they remind me of the story and bust out laughing. So, bobby had gone up on stage, 1237 00:34:42,781 --> 00:34:44,181 story and bust out laughing. So, bobby had gone up on stage, I think, with whitney, and they 1238 00:34:44,183 --> 00:34:45,382 so, bobby had gone up on stage, I think, with whitney, and they was singing, and they were 1239 00:34:45,384 --> 00:34:46,683 I think, with whitney, and they was singing, and they were trying to get bobby offstage, 1240 00:34:46,685 --> 00:34:48,068 was singing, and they were trying to get bobby offstage, and, you know, this was in the 1241 00:34:48,070 --> 00:34:49,853 trying to get bobby offstage, and, you know, this was in the wild years of bobby. 1242 00:34:49,855 --> 00:34:50,904 And, you know, this was in the wild years of bobby. And bobby came up, and he was a 1243 00:34:50,906 --> 00:34:51,354 wild years of bobby. And bobby came up, and he was a fan. 1244 00:34:51,356 --> 00:34:52,656 And bobby came up, and he was a fan. It was the "oh drama!" days, and 1245 00:34:52,658 --> 00:34:53,907 fan. It was the "oh drama!" days, and he was a fan of "oh drama!", and 1246 00:34:53,909 --> 00:34:54,891 it was the "oh drama!" days, and he was a fan of "oh drama!", and he saw me, he was like, 1247 00:34:54,893 --> 00:34:55,709 he was a fan of "oh drama!", and he saw me, he was like, "kym whitley!" 1248 00:34:55,711 --> 00:34:57,177 he saw me, he was like, "kym whitley!" and I put my arms out, I was 1249 00:34:57,179 --> 00:34:58,295 "kym whitley!" and I put my arms out, I was like, "bobby!" 1250 00:34:58,297 --> 00:34:59,930 and I put my arms out, I was like, "bobby!" and bobby came up to me, and he 1251 00:34:59,932 --> 00:35:01,431 like, "bobby!" and bobby came up to me, and he grabbed me, and he went to my 1252 00:35:01,433 --> 00:35:03,266 and bobby came up to me, and he grabbed me, and he went to my neck, and he bit it. 1253 00:35:03,268 --> 00:35:04,434 Grabbed me, and he went to my neck, and he bit it. Bit it, blood, everything. 1254 00:35:04,436 --> 00:35:05,635 Neck, and he bit it. Bit it, blood, everything. I don't know if he thought he 1255 00:35:05,637 --> 00:35:06,386 bit it, blood, everything. I don't know if he thought he was a vampire. 1256 00:35:06,388 --> 00:35:07,270 I don't know if he thought he was a vampire. I don't -- I don't -- 1257 00:35:07,272 --> 00:35:08,305 was a vampire. I don't -- I don't -- I don't know what happened. 1258 00:35:08,307 --> 00:35:09,356 I don't -- I don't -- I don't know what happened. But, of course, I went down to 1259 00:35:09,358 --> 00:35:09,806 I don't know what happened. But, of course, I went down to the ground. 1260 00:35:09,808 --> 00:35:10,640 But, of course, I went down to the ground. Security whisked me -- 1261 00:35:10,642 --> 00:35:11,641 the ground. Security whisked me -- 'cause they were trying to get 1262 00:35:11,643 --> 00:35:12,309 security whisked me -- 'cause they were trying to get him out of there. 1263 00:35:12,311 --> 00:35:14,945 'cause they were trying to get him out of there. They took him out, and I 1264 00:35:14,947 --> 00:35:16,196 him out of there. They took him out, and I remember -- he's a senator 1265 00:35:16,198 --> 00:35:17,647 they took him out, and I remember -- he's a senator now -- but steven bradford was 1266 00:35:17,649 --> 00:35:19,149 remember -- he's a senator now -- but steven bradford was there, and he was like, "uh, you 1267 00:35:19,151 --> 00:35:20,400 now -- but steven bradford was there, and he was like, "uh, you need a witness? You okay?" 1268 00:35:20,402 --> 00:35:21,401 there, and he was like, "uh, you need a witness? You okay?" they was putting towels, 1269 00:35:21,403 --> 00:35:21,952 need a witness? You okay?" they was putting towels, everything. 1270 00:35:21,954 --> 00:35:23,203 They was putting towels, everything. I went afterwards, and people 1271 00:35:23,205 --> 00:35:24,538 everything. I went afterwards, and people were like, "you gotta sue him, 1272 00:35:24,540 --> 00:35:25,438 I went afterwards, and people were like, "you gotta sue him, you gotta sue him." 1273 00:35:25,440 --> 00:35:28,158 were like, "you gotta sue him, you gotta sue him." but I -- it wasn't like I felt 1274 00:35:28,160 --> 00:35:30,694 you gotta sue him." but I -- it wasn't like I felt like, "ooh, I want whitney's 1275 00:35:30,696 --> 00:35:34,281 but I -- it wasn't like I felt like, "ooh, I want whitney's money," or I wanted any more -- 1276 00:35:34,283 --> 00:35:35,582 like, "ooh, I want whitney's money," or I wanted any more -- you know, it was like, I didn't 1277 00:35:35,584 --> 00:35:36,700 money," or I wanted any more -- you know, it was like, I didn't want anything else bad to 1278 00:35:36,702 --> 00:35:37,367 you know, it was like, I didn't want anything else bad to happen to him. 1279 00:35:37,369 --> 00:35:39,202 Want anything else bad to happen to him. Now, had bobby done that like he 1280 00:35:39,204 --> 00:35:41,104 happen to him. Now, had bobby done that like he was mad and hurt me, of course. 1281 00:35:41,106 --> 00:35:42,772 Now, had bobby done that like he was mad and hurt me, of course. But he was just excited. 1282 00:35:42,774 --> 00:35:43,857 Was mad and hurt me, of course. But he was just excited. And crazy. 1283 00:35:43,859 --> 00:35:46,076 But he was just excited. And crazy. And I've bitten people before. 1284 00:35:46,078 --> 00:35:47,444 And crazy. And I've bitten people before. So, yeah. 1285 00:35:47,446 --> 00:35:48,612 And I've bitten people before. So, yeah. Yeah, there's that. 1286 00:35:48,614 --> 00:35:48,995 So, yeah. Yeah, there's that. [ laughs ] oops. 1287 00:35:54,402 --> 00:35:57,470 >> whitley: So, me and sherri shepherd join the "tom joyner morning show," and 1288 00:35:57,472 --> 00:35:58,738 sherri shepherd join the "tom joyner morning show," and we had to get up at 2:00 in the 1289 00:35:58,740 --> 00:36:01,308 "tom joyner morning show," and we had to get up at 2:00 in the morning and be at the radio 1290 00:36:01,310 --> 00:36:02,342 we had to get up at 2:00 in the morning and be at the radio station. 1291 00:36:02,344 --> 00:36:04,010 Morning and be at the radio station. But working with tom joyner, 1292 00:36:04,012 --> 00:36:05,946 station. But working with tom joyner, I mean, he's a legend. 1293 00:36:05,948 --> 00:36:07,781 But working with tom joyner, I mean, he's a legend. But we developed a friendship. 1294 00:36:07,783 --> 00:36:09,282 I mean, he's a legend. But we developed a friendship. We still hang. 1295 00:36:09,284 --> 00:36:10,500 But we developed a friendship. We still hang. Let me tell y'all something. 1296 00:36:10,502 --> 00:36:12,085 We still hang. Let me tell y'all something. That tom joyner knows how to 1297 00:36:12,087 --> 00:36:13,253 let me tell y'all something. That tom joyner knows how to treat a woman. 1298 00:36:13,255 --> 00:36:14,654 That tom joyner knows how to treat a woman. Or should I say "women"? 1299 00:36:14,656 --> 00:36:16,456 Treat a woman. Or should I say "women"? There was a valentine's day he 1300 00:36:16,458 --> 00:36:18,058 or should I say "women"? There was a valentine's day he flew out to l.A. And said, 1301 00:36:18,060 --> 00:36:19,593 there was a valentine's day he flew out to l.A. And said, "I'mma take y'all out for 1302 00:36:19,595 --> 00:36:20,627 flew out to l.A. And said, "I'mma take y'all out for valentine's day." 1303 00:36:20,629 --> 00:36:21,878 "I'mma take y'all out for valentine's day." now, had we known he was gonna 1304 00:36:21,880 --> 00:36:23,096 valentine's day." now, had we known he was gonna take us out like that, baby, 1305 00:36:23,098 --> 00:36:24,381 now, had we known he was gonna take us out like that, baby, we'd have started at 6:00 in the 1306 00:36:24,383 --> 00:36:24,848 take us out like that, baby, we'd have started at 6:00 in the morning. 1307 00:36:24,850 --> 00:36:26,182 We'd have started at 6:00 in the morning. He said, "you can go anywhere 1308 00:36:26,184 --> 00:36:27,517 morning. He said, "you can go anywhere you want and buy anything you 1309 00:36:27,519 --> 00:36:28,335 he said, "you can go anywhere you want and buy anything you want." 1310 00:36:28,337 --> 00:36:29,636 you want and buy anything you want." so we said, "let's go into the 1311 00:36:29,638 --> 00:36:30,887 want." so we said, "let's go into the louis vuitton store, and we'll 1312 00:36:30,889 --> 00:36:31,972 so we said, "let's go into the louis vuitton store, and we'll start there." 1313 00:36:31,974 --> 00:36:33,240 louis vuitton store, and we'll start there." but we were afraid at first. 1314 00:36:33,242 --> 00:36:34,574 Start there." but we were afraid at first. We was picking up key chains and 1315 00:36:34,576 --> 00:36:35,408 but we were afraid at first. We was picking up key chains and sunglasses. 1316 00:36:35,410 --> 00:36:36,459 We was picking up key chains and sunglasses. Tom was like, "what are y'all 1317 00:36:36,461 --> 00:36:36,793 sunglasses. Tom was like, "what are y'all doing? 1318 00:36:36,795 --> 00:36:37,544 Tom was like, "what are y'all doing? Get what you want." 1319 00:36:37,546 --> 00:36:38,828 doing? Get what you want." I ran up to them, I grabbed some 1320 00:36:38,830 --> 00:36:40,080 get what you want." I ran up to them, I grabbed some shoes, I was like, "oh, my god! 1321 00:36:40,082 --> 00:36:41,214 I ran up to them, I grabbed some shoes, I was like, "oh, my god! This is so exciting!" 1322 00:36:41,216 --> 00:36:42,249 shoes, I was like, "oh, my god! This is so exciting!" and we's like, "is this too 1323 00:36:42,251 --> 00:36:42,666 this is so exciting!" and we's like, "is this too much?" 1324 00:36:42,668 --> 00:36:43,650 and we's like, "is this too much?" and we kept texting tom, "can we 1325 00:36:43,652 --> 00:36:44,167 much?" and we kept texting tom, "can we get some shoes? 1326 00:36:44,169 --> 00:36:44,751 And we kept texting tom, "can we get some shoes? Can we get this?" 1327 00:36:44,753 --> 00:36:45,752 get some shoes? Can we get this?" he was like, "get whatever you 1328 00:36:45,754 --> 00:36:46,653 can we get this?" he was like, "get whatever you want." 1329 00:36:46,655 --> 00:36:50,624 he was like, "get whatever you want." that was really a fun time. 1330 00:36:50,626 --> 00:36:53,159 Want." that was really a fun time. Me and sherri really bonded over 1331 00:36:53,161 --> 00:36:53,927 that was really a fun time. Me and sherri really bonded over that. 1332 00:36:53,929 --> 00:36:55,428 Me and sherri really bonded over that. That was one valentine's day 1333 00:36:55,430 --> 00:36:57,230 that. That was one valentine's day I'll never forget. 1334 00:36:57,232 --> 00:36:57,614 That was one valentine's day I'll never forget. Love you, tom. 1335 00:37:00,351 --> 00:37:06,890 ♪ >> whitley: You know, looking back on it, you'd think -- 1336 00:37:06,892 --> 00:37:08,508 >> whitley: You know, looking back on it, you'd think -- I was thinking joshua was 4 or 5 1337 00:37:08,510 --> 00:37:10,260 back on it, you'd think -- I was thinking joshua was 4 or 5 when my mother passed. 1338 00:37:10,262 --> 00:37:12,262 I was thinking joshua was 4 or 5 when my mother passed. Joshua was 6 months old. 1339 00:37:12,264 --> 00:37:13,430 When my mother passed. Joshua was 6 months old. I was like, "how did that 1340 00:37:13,432 --> 00:37:13,930 joshua was 6 months old. I was like, "how did that happen? 1341 00:37:13,932 --> 00:37:14,898 I was like, "how did that happen? My mother --" 1342 00:37:14,900 --> 00:37:16,199 happen? My mother --" joshua was born, my mother 1343 00:37:16,201 --> 00:37:17,734 my mother --" joshua was born, my mother stayed with me for three months. 1344 00:37:17,736 --> 00:37:19,402 Joshua was born, my mother stayed with me for three months. And that's when we said how god 1345 00:37:19,404 --> 00:37:21,021 stayed with me for three months. And that's when we said how god does things and how things work 1346 00:37:21,023 --> 00:37:23,323 and that's when we said how god does things and how things work in life. 1347 00:37:23,325 --> 00:37:26,159 Does things and how things work in life. Joshua was brought to me because 1348 00:37:26,161 --> 00:37:28,244 in life. Joshua was brought to me because god knew my mother was leaving 1349 00:37:28,246 --> 00:37:29,112 joshua was brought to me because god knew my mother was leaving soon. 1350 00:37:29,114 --> 00:37:30,647 God knew my mother was leaving soon. And joshua and my mother had 1351 00:37:30,649 --> 00:37:32,782 soon. And joshua and my mother had such a bond when I think about 1352 00:37:32,784 --> 00:37:33,617 and joshua and my mother had such a bond when I think about it. 1353 00:37:33,619 --> 00:37:34,834 Such a bond when I think about it. You're not gonna mess up my 1354 00:37:34,836 --> 00:37:36,169 it. You're not gonna mess up my makeup. 1355 00:37:36,171 --> 00:37:39,289 You're not gonna mess up my makeup. But, um... 1356 00:37:39,291 --> 00:37:41,958 Makeup. But, um... He was 6 months old, and I got a 1357 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:43,877 but, um... He was 6 months old, and I got a call, my mother had the stroke. 1358 00:37:43,879 --> 00:37:46,513 He was 6 months old, and I got a call, my mother had the stroke. And I rushed to cleveland. 1359 00:37:46,515 --> 00:37:49,232 Call, my mother had the stroke. And I rushed to cleveland. I remember they said, uh... 1360 00:37:49,234 --> 00:37:51,001 And I rushed to cleveland. I remember they said, uh... "you can't bring a baby into the 1361 00:37:51,003 --> 00:37:52,302 I remember they said, uh... "you can't bring a baby into the icu." 1362 00:37:52,304 --> 00:37:53,336 "you can't bring a baby into the icu." and my mother was laying in her 1363 00:37:53,338 --> 00:37:54,587 icu." and my mother was laying in her bed, and her and joshua had 1364 00:37:54,589 --> 00:37:55,505 and my mother was laying in her bed, and her and joshua had bonded. 1365 00:37:55,507 --> 00:37:57,223 Bed, and her and joshua had bonded. And I finally asked the nurse, I 1366 00:37:57,225 --> 00:37:59,643 bonded. And I finally asked the nurse, I was like, "really, just let me 1367 00:37:59,645 --> 00:38:00,844 and I finally asked the nurse, I was like, "really, just let me take him in there." 1368 00:38:00,846 --> 00:38:02,145 was like, "really, just let me take him in there." she hadn't said anything. 1369 00:38:02,147 --> 00:38:03,346 Take him in there." she hadn't said anything. She hadn't made a sound. 1370 00:38:03,348 --> 00:38:05,115 She hadn't said anything. She hadn't made a sound. And I brought joshua in the 1371 00:38:05,117 --> 00:38:06,983 she hadn't made a sound. And I brought joshua in the room, and my mother raised up 1372 00:38:06,985 --> 00:38:08,935 and I brought joshua in the room, and my mother raised up out of the bed, and she reached 1373 00:38:08,937 --> 00:38:13,256 room, and my mother raised up out of the bed, and she reached her hand out to joshua, and she 1374 00:38:13,258 --> 00:38:15,492 out of the bed, and she reached her hand out to joshua, and she touched his hand, and after 1375 00:38:15,494 --> 00:38:18,828 her hand out to joshua, and she touched his hand, and after that, I heard nothing else. 1376 00:38:18,830 --> 00:38:21,965 Touched his hand, and after that, I heard nothing else. I will always remember that. 1377 00:38:21,967 --> 00:38:23,299 That, I heard nothing else. I will always remember that. Now, I don't know if it was, 1378 00:38:23,301 --> 00:38:26,169 I will always remember that. Now, I don't know if it was, like, a transferring of souls, 1379 00:38:26,171 --> 00:38:31,374 now, I don't know if it was, like, a transferring of souls, but something happened there. 1380 00:38:31,376 --> 00:38:34,294 Like, a transferring of souls, but something happened there. Because I didn't believe in, 1381 00:38:34,296 --> 00:38:36,963 but something happened there. Because I didn't believe in, you know, things that, you know, 1382 00:38:36,965 --> 00:38:38,682 because I didn't believe in, you know, things that, you know, you see later. 1383 00:38:38,684 --> 00:38:40,550 You know, things that, you know, you see later. What happens. 1384 00:38:40,552 --> 00:38:42,352 You see later. What happens. But after my mother passed, I 1385 00:38:42,354 --> 00:38:44,220 what happens. But after my mother passed, I was in cleveland, and my cousin 1386 00:38:44,222 --> 00:38:46,139 but after my mother passed, I was in cleveland, and my cousin called and said, "kym, there's 1387 00:38:46,141 --> 00:38:48,158 was in cleveland, and my cousin called and said, "kym, there's this dove in your yard." 1388 00:38:48,160 --> 00:38:49,526 called and said, "kym, there's this dove in your yard." my mother's favorite bird is a 1389 00:38:49,528 --> 00:38:50,894 this dove in your yard." my mother's favorite bird is a dove. 1390 00:38:50,896 --> 00:38:51,895 My mother's favorite bird is a dove. Came every day. 1391 00:38:51,897 --> 00:38:54,731 Dove. Came every day. We flew back, every day at 3:00, 1392 00:38:54,733 --> 00:38:56,950 came every day. We flew back, every day at 3:00, the dove sat up on a pole. 1393 00:38:56,952 --> 00:38:59,069 We flew back, every day at 3:00, the dove sat up on a pole. One day, I brought joshua out. 1394 00:38:59,071 --> 00:39:01,071 The dove sat up on a pole. One day, I brought joshua out. What do you think the dove did? 1395 00:39:01,073 --> 00:39:04,074 One day, I brought joshua out. What do you think the dove did? The dove flew down to joshua's 1396 00:39:04,076 --> 00:39:05,075 what do you think the dove did? The dove flew down to joshua's feet. 1397 00:39:05,077 --> 00:39:05,709 The dove flew down to joshua's feet. I'm telling y'all. 1398 00:39:05,711 --> 00:39:06,710 Feet. I'm telling y'all. I couldn't tell this if I didn't 1399 00:39:06,712 --> 00:39:09,079 I'm telling y'all. I couldn't tell this if I didn't see it but with my own eyes. 1400 00:39:09,081 --> 00:39:11,664 I couldn't tell this if I didn't see it but with my own eyes. And I knew, I said, "that's my 1401 00:39:11,666 --> 00:39:13,883 see it but with my own eyes. And I knew, I said, "that's my mother right there." 1402 00:39:13,885 --> 00:39:15,752 and I knew, I said, "that's my mother right there." so, you know, you believe in 1403 00:39:15,754 --> 00:39:17,754 mother right there." so, you know, you believe in what you believe in, but when 1404 00:39:17,756 --> 00:39:20,507 so, you know, you believe in what you believe in, but when you see it or you want to feel 1405 00:39:20,509 --> 00:39:23,476 what you believe in, but when you see it or you want to feel it or see it, my mother and 1406 00:39:23,478 --> 00:39:25,395 you see it or you want to feel it or see it, my mother and joshua had a very, very special 1407 00:39:25,397 --> 00:39:27,347 it or see it, my mother and joshua had a very, very special bond. 1408 00:39:27,349 --> 00:39:28,598 Joshua had a very, very special bond. And I'm grateful to her, 1409 00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:31,434 bond. And I'm grateful to her, because, you know, without my 1410 00:39:31,436 --> 00:39:34,070 and I'm grateful to her, because, you know, without my mother, I would not have 1411 00:39:34,072 --> 00:39:37,440 because, you know, without my mother, I would not have accepted this responsibility. 1412 00:39:37,442 --> 00:39:39,209 Mother, I would not have accepted this responsibility. I'd be still in the streets, 1413 00:39:39,211 --> 00:39:41,144 accepted this responsibility. I'd be still in the streets, trying to date everybody, trying 1414 00:39:41,146 --> 00:39:42,712 I'd be still in the streets, trying to date everybody, trying to do my career. 1415 00:39:42,714 --> 00:39:45,615 Trying to date everybody, trying to do my career. But my mother saw a greater 1416 00:39:45,617 --> 00:39:47,917 to do my career. But my mother saw a greater purpose for me in this life. 1417 00:39:47,919 --> 00:39:50,787 But my mother saw a greater purpose for me in this life. >> [ speaking indistinctly ] 1418 00:39:50,789 --> 00:39:53,056 purpose for me in this life. >> [ speaking indistinctly ] [ clacker snaps ] 1419 00:39:53,058 --> 00:39:54,924 >> [ speaking indistinctly ] [ clacker snaps ] >> whitley: [ laughs ] 1420 00:39:54,926 --> 00:39:57,393 [ clacker snaps ] >> whitley: [ laughs ] currently, I am working on a 1421 00:39:57,395 --> 00:40:00,497 >> whitley: [ laughs ] currently, I am working on a work-life balance. 1422 00:40:00,499 --> 00:40:03,249 Currently, I am working on a work-life balance. I've recently lost 30 pounds. 1423 00:40:03,251 --> 00:40:06,035 Work-life balance. I've recently lost 30 pounds. I am an ambassador for ww, which 1424 00:40:06,037 --> 00:40:08,922 I've recently lost 30 pounds. I am an ambassador for ww, which is formerly weight watchers. 1425 00:40:08,924 --> 00:40:10,940 I am an ambassador for ww, which is formerly weight watchers. Very happy about that. 1426 00:40:10,942 --> 00:40:13,276 Is formerly weight watchers. Very happy about that. I have truly been blessed to 1427 00:40:13,278 --> 00:40:15,311 very happy about that. I have truly been blessed to continually work in this 1428 00:40:15,313 --> 00:40:17,180 I have truly been blessed to continually work in this industry. 1429 00:40:17,182 --> 00:40:21,151 Continually work in this industry. ♪ 1430 00:40:21,153 --> 00:40:23,286 industry. ♪ the future for kym whitley is to 1431 00:40:23,288 --> 00:40:25,221 ♪ the future for kym whitley is to be the best mother that I can 1432 00:40:25,223 --> 00:40:26,239 the future for kym whitley is to be the best mother that I can be. 1433 00:40:26,241 --> 00:40:28,374 Be the best mother that I can be. And, um... 1434 00:40:28,376 --> 00:40:30,543 Be. And, um... Get married. 1435 00:40:30,545 --> 00:40:31,661 And, um... Get married. Or should I say fall in love 1436 00:40:31,663 --> 00:40:32,545 get married. Or should I say fall in love then get married? 1437 00:40:32,547 --> 00:40:34,164 Or should I say fall in love then get married? Yeah, something like that. 1438 00:40:34,166 --> 00:40:37,834 Then get married? Yeah, something like that. And directing and write another 1439 00:40:37,836 --> 00:40:39,335 yeah, something like that. And directing and write another book, where you can hear all 1440 00:40:39,337 --> 00:40:41,471 and directing and write another book, where you can hear all this stuff in detail. 1441 00:40:41,473 --> 00:40:44,841 Book, where you can hear all this stuff in detail. And, um, you know, produce. 1442 00:40:44,843 --> 00:40:46,976 This stuff in detail. And, um, you know, produce. I have an animation movie that 1443 00:40:46,978 --> 00:40:49,012 and, um, you know, produce. I have an animation movie that I've been working on for many 1444 00:40:49,014 --> 00:40:51,264 I have an animation movie that I've been working on for many years that I hope to put out 1445 00:40:51,266 --> 00:40:53,016 I've been working on for many years that I hope to put out soon. 1446 00:40:53,018 --> 00:40:54,017 Years that I hope to put out soon. So, that's it. 1447 00:40:54,019 --> 00:40:55,919 Soon. So, that's it. And just to keep making people 1448 00:40:55,921 --> 00:40:57,954 so, that's it. And just to keep making people laugh. 1449 00:40:57,956 --> 00:40:59,923 And just to keep making people laugh. And be a light to this world. 1450 00:40:59,925 --> 00:41:05,228 Laugh. And be a light to this world. ♪ 1451 00:41:05,230 --> 00:41:06,963 and be a light to this world. ♪ you know, the best advice I can 1452 00:41:06,965 --> 00:41:08,031 ♪ you know, the best advice I can give anyone -- 1453 00:41:08,033 --> 00:41:09,365 you know, the best advice I can give anyone -- I always feel like when I'm 1454 00:41:09,367 --> 00:41:11,584 give anyone -- I always feel like when I'm giving advice, I am a legend or 1455 00:41:11,586 --> 00:41:13,169 I always feel like when I'm giving advice, I am a legend or about to die or something. 1456 00:41:13,171 --> 00:41:13,402 Giving advice, I am a legend or about to die or something. Okay. 1457 00:41:14,371 --> 00:41:15,922 But, no, for real, everybody. 1458 00:41:16,040 --> 00:41:19,459 The best advice I can give you, 1459 00:41:19,593 --> 00:41:25,465 to anyone, is do what makes you 1460 00:41:25,599 --> 00:41:26,549 happy. 1461 00:41:26,717 --> 00:41:27,717 That's what you will be 1462 00:41:27,885 --> 00:41:28,768 successful at. 1463 00:41:28,886 --> 00:41:30,553 The things that you will do for 1464 00:41:30,688 --> 00:41:33,890 free every day, that's the thing 1465 00:41:34,024 --> 00:41:35,558 you should do. 1466 00:41:35,726 --> 00:41:37,527 If it's -- you make pies and you 1467 00:41:37,645 --> 00:41:39,395 love making pies, then sell the 1468 00:41:39,530 --> 00:41:40,446 pies, 'cause you're gonna love 1469 00:41:40,564 --> 00:41:41,481 doing that, and you will work 1470 00:41:41,615 --> 00:41:42,532 for free, and that's what you 1471 00:41:42,650 --> 00:41:43,032 will be successful at.