Regine Hunter

Right. With a third party. And even though we were new, you had a newer element as well.

Right. With a third party. And even though we were new, you had a newer element as well.

Yeah, with the guest star. Yeah.

Yeah, with the guest star. Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Like all good content, you have conflict.

Like all good content, you have conflict.

And especially between two characters that their conflict is, you know... Evergreen. It's always there. I think, frankly, Max is right.

And especially between two characters that their conflict is, you know... Evergreen. It's always there. I think, frankly, Max is right.

She asked. She did ask.

She asked. She did ask.

Not only did she ask, but she got, what did I say, lawyer? Asked and answered. Come on.

Not only did she ask, but she got, what did I say, lawyer? Asked and answered. Come on.

And the answer was, go ahead.

And the answer was, go ahead.

Wrong. Oh, so wrong.

Wrong. Oh, so wrong.

The great TC, again. What was that, the church finger?

The great TC, again. What was that, the church finger?

Absolutely. Yeah. And it could have worked if he didn't even have the button at the end about the woman in 3B.

Absolutely. Yeah. And it could have worked if he didn't even have the button at the end about the woman in 3B.

He could have come in, closed the door, closed the window and left. And left. And still gotten that applause.

He could have come in, closed the door, closed the window and left. And left. And still gotten that applause.

I have to say she is wrong. Not only is she trapped in the script, but she... But she's wrong because she told you. She told you. She gave the all clear.

I have to say she is wrong. Not only is she trapped in the script, but she... But she's wrong because she told you. She told you. She gave the all clear.

She gave, exactly. And you were, quote unquote, kind enough or in the code enough to ask.

She gave, exactly. And you were, quote unquote, kind enough or in the code enough to ask.

I think it's the latter. Regine is, I think, French for ego. Yeah. Okay.

I think it's the latter. Regine is, I think, French for ego. Yeah. Okay.

You know, right? I love that. Because her ego was bruised. Her ego got in the way that Charles, you know, found something attractive about her nemesis, first of all. That's true. And, you know, wanted to explore time with her. Mm-hmm. And it's like, well, you didn't see what either Maxine saw or you just were not. You know, again, you initiated this this this non regime Charles moment here.

You know, right? I love that. Because her ego was bruised. Her ego got in the way that Charles, you know, found something attractive about her nemesis, first of all. That's true. And, you know, wanted to explore time with her. Mm-hmm. And it's like, well, you didn't see what either Maxine saw or you just were not. You know, again, you initiated this this this non regime Charles moment here.

So once that became clear.

So once that became clear.

The Charles show.

The Charles show.

I think, but the way that Charles Pendleton wonderfully played the character, he had too much integrity to be messy.

I think, but the way that Charles Pendleton wonderfully played the character, he had too much integrity to be messy.

A cooling off period.

A cooling off period.

And that math, where did you get that? Listen, that was like an algebra pre-calc word problem, wasn't it? That was some new math. For real. Right, right. The men in my life, they never take me that seriously. Maybe it's because I'm a little superficial.

And that math, where did you get that? Listen, that was like an algebra pre-calc word problem, wasn't it? That was some new math. For real. Right, right. The men in my life, they never take me that seriously. Maybe it's because I'm a little superficial.

I think she believes the idea of it. You know, she understands she's flawed. I do like that she said... He took you seriously, you know, and the men that I deal with, they don't really take me that seriously. But again, that's on you, girl.

I think she believes the idea of it. You know, she understands she's flawed. I do like that she said... He took you seriously, you know, and the men that I deal with, they don't really take me that seriously. But again, that's on you, girl.

Oh, well, you know, I'm like a bat in the rafters.

Oh, well, you know, I'm like a bat in the rafters.

But going back to this, what I will say I also liked about the writing was when people can't admit that they're wrong. You know, and I think that Max and Regine in those moments were able to find a way to have a bit of transparency is what it's labeled as now.

But going back to this, what I will say I also liked about the writing was when people can't admit that they're wrong. You know, and I think that Max and Regine in those moments were able to find a way to have a bit of transparency is what it's labeled as now.

But that sense of vulnerability, I think, was was a really and of course, it's a writing tool to give some, you know, to reveal a bit more of new characters coming on to the landscape. Yeah. But it was done so skillfully and acted so well. Very, very, very well done.

But that sense of vulnerability, I think, was was a really and of course, it's a writing tool to give some, you know, to reveal a bit more of new characters coming on to the landscape. Yeah. But it was done so skillfully and acted so well. Very, very, very well done.

But I appreciated that sense of vulnerability with one another because it would have been really easy to say that after they had walked away from one another. You know, Regine could have easily said that to Sinclair. She could have, Max could have easily said that to Khadijah. But they were talking to one another.

But I appreciated that sense of vulnerability with one another because it would have been really easy to say that after they had walked away from one another. You know, Regine could have easily said that to Sinclair. She could have, Max could have easily said that to Khadijah. But they were talking to one another.

I just want you to know that I respect you, girl. And the way you came over here and lied through my teeth. What? Charles dumped me. I'm sorry. Girl, you must be in such pain right now.

I just want you to know that I respect you, girl. And the way you came over here and lied through my teeth. What? Charles dumped me. I'm sorry. Girl, you must be in such pain right now.

No, you're right. Yeah.

No, you're right. Yeah.

When I tell you guys, she loves to reminisce about her time on Living Single. Really?

When I tell you guys, she loves to reminisce about her time on Living Single. Really?

Jennifer Lewis, ladies and gentlemen. And when she couldn't say, Kadija. Kadija. Because she didn't know how to say it. And she was like, is that right? And so that's why she asked it as a question. Right. Because she was really trying to. I didn't know that. Me either. She just told me this like two months ago. Wow. Because she's on the upshows as my therapist.

Jennifer Lewis, ladies and gentlemen. And when she couldn't say, Kadija. Kadija. Because she didn't know how to say it. And she was like, is that right? And so that's why she asked it as a question. Right. Because she was really trying to. I didn't know that. Me either. She just told me this like two months ago. Wow. Because she's on the upshows as my therapist.

And so we were talking about her being on Live and Single, how much fun we'd had. And I was, you know, doing the part when she goes, as the talk show host, cut, DJ. And she said, do you know why I asked it as a question and everyone loved it? And I said, no, I thought it was a choice. She said, I don't know how to say the bitch's name.

And so we were talking about her being on Live and Single, how much fun we'd had. And I was, you know, doing the part when she goes, as the talk show host, cut, DJ. And she said, do you know why I asked it as a question and everyone loved it? And I said, no, I thought it was a choice. She said, I don't know how to say the bitch's name.

And so I asked it as a question, but everyone laughed and so I kept it. Hilarious.

And so I asked it as a question, but everyone laughed and so I kept it. Hilarious.

Yeah. Yeah. Because there were also other things that we had a conflict about. Like, stop coming over on my house and eating all my food. Exactly, eating all my food. Sure, absolutely.

Yeah. Yeah. Because there were also other things that we had a conflict about. Like, stop coming over on my house and eating all my food. Exactly, eating all my food. Sure, absolutely.

The coat.

The coat.

I think she saw that Max had her. No, because she wasn't ever in her apartment. Max had her shit together. That's true. Max was about it. And Max had such a strength of character. Now we'll talk about how Kim and Regine ran parallel to Max and Erica from that standpoint. I admired the hell out of Erica and always looked at her like, man, she is about it. She got her shit together.

I think she saw that Max had her. No, because she wasn't ever in her apartment. Max had her shit together. That's true. Max was about it. And Max had such a strength of character. Now we'll talk about how Kim and Regine ran parallel to Max and Erica from that standpoint. I admired the hell out of Erica and always looked at her like, man, she is about it. She got her shit together.

I wish that I had that kind of foundation. I felt like I was floundering as a person. Yeah, I did. I did. All right. Conspiracy theory done and cut. Yeah. We can't leave that hanging out, though. Sure we can. That's the episode.

I wish that I had that kind of foundation. I felt like I was floundering as a person. Yeah, I did. I did. All right. Conspiracy theory done and cut. Yeah. We can't leave that hanging out, though. Sure we can. That's the episode.

It's a lot a bit true, but, I mean, thank you.

It's a lot a bit true, but, I mean, thank you.

But what's different, though, is what you're talking about is in the professional circle. For sure. You know, that was the professional aspect. I'd already been on TV for a decade and I'd already done this and I'd already done that. But in terms of my personal character, my personal constitution, I was floundering. I didn't know. I was becoming. And I didn't know that there was at.

But what's different, though, is what you're talking about is in the professional circle. For sure. You know, that was the professional aspect. I'd already been on TV for a decade and I'd already done this and I'd already done that. But in terms of my personal character, my personal constitution, I was floundering. I didn't know. I was becoming. And I didn't know that there was at.

value in becoming. So I'm looking at you like you were already there. You had this swag and you had this strength and you was Philly and you was this. And I just felt like, man, I would do anything to be able to have that level of confidence and that level of bout it.

value in becoming. So I'm looking at you like you were already there. You had this swag and you had this strength and you was Philly and you was this. And I just felt like, man, I would do anything to be able to have that level of confidence and that level of bout it.

This is so epic, you guys. Congratulations on this.

This is so epic, you guys. Congratulations on this.

I felt like I didn't know a lot of, quote unquote, Kim Fields. I felt like the world knew Kim Fields. Or what they thought they knew about you. Or what they thought, yeah. Again, we were all in our early 20s. And so you're in that zone of, I don't know, you just came from college and trying and figuring out and not figuring out. And does this fit? Does that fit? Let me try this type of energy.

I felt like I didn't know a lot of, quote unquote, Kim Fields. I felt like the world knew Kim Fields. Or what they thought they knew about you. Or what they thought, yeah. Again, we were all in our early 20s. And so you're in that zone of, I don't know, you just came from college and trying and figuring out and not figuring out. And does this fit? Does that fit? Let me try this type of energy.

I just felt like during that time in particular, that was floundering to me. And to see somebody who seems so self-assured and self-confident, it's like Erica seemed to know who she was. Even then, Erica knew who she was. I mean, that is clear as a bell to me. And it was so invigorating to see that. And then watch this, guys.

I just felt like during that time in particular, that was floundering to me. And to see somebody who seems so self-assured and self-confident, it's like Erica seemed to know who she was. Even then, Erica knew who she was. I mean, that is clear as a bell to me. And it was so invigorating to see that. And then watch this, guys.

You know, we'll talk. No, no.

You know, we'll talk. No, no.

When you go into the professional side of it, Erica Alexander marched to the beat of her own goddamn drum. Even when other people in quote-unquote power would try to dilute that from her, Wasn't going to happen. Wasn't going to happen. Meanwhile, I'm over here knowing sitcom rhythm and sitcom timing and I get what they wrote on the sitcom page.

When you go into the professional side of it, Erica Alexander marched to the beat of her own goddamn drum. Even when other people in quote-unquote power would try to dilute that from her, Wasn't going to happen. Wasn't going to happen. Meanwhile, I'm over here knowing sitcom rhythm and sitcom timing and I get what they wrote on the sitcom page.

And when she gets a hold of her side of it and she hears a completely different rhythm. I mean, totally different. And it's freaking brilliant. Bless you. Yep. Can I just say something?

And when she gets a hold of her side of it and she hears a completely different rhythm. I mean, totally different. And it's freaking brilliant. Bless you. Yep. Can I just say something?

Yeah.

Yeah.

But again, y'all are talking about the professional stuff. Mm-hmm. And when I bring up the flounder, and I'm always talking about the personal. The personal.

But again, y'all are talking about the professional stuff. Mm-hmm. And when I bring up the flounder, and I'm always talking about the personal. The personal.

No, we haven't.

No, we haven't.

What did you think about the show in the beginning at this time? When you're in the weeds of it, you just you honestly don't know. You know, I felt like there was something special there, but I knew enough about the industry to know that. They never know what they want and that you can't ever predict what they're going to keep saying yes to.

What did you think about the show in the beginning at this time? When you're in the weeds of it, you just you honestly don't know. You know, I felt like there was something special there, but I knew enough about the industry to know that. They never know what they want and that you can't ever predict what they're going to keep saying yes to.

So I didn't know if it was, you know, a quote unquote hit or not, but I knew it was special. Okay.

So I didn't know if it was, you know, a quote unquote hit or not, but I knew it was special. Okay.

But again, I mean, there's stuff that was really good. And then after six episodes, it gets yanked. You know, it gets pulled. And by then, second episode, I don't think we, guys, we hadn't even aired when we shot that. Nope. You know, so we didn't even know what the audience response was going to be. That's why I go back to, I knew it was special. Mm-hmm.

But again, I mean, there's stuff that was really good. And then after six episodes, it gets yanked. You know, it gets pulled. And by then, second episode, I don't think we, guys, we hadn't even aired when we shot that. Nope. You know, so we didn't even know what the audience response was going to be. That's why I go back to, I knew it was special. Mm-hmm.

And I didn't know enough about the landscape of the audience to know that there was a thirst and a need for this show and these characters. We were about to find out. Yep.

And I didn't know enough about the landscape of the audience to know that there was a thirst and a need for this show and these characters. We were about to find out. Yep.

Did you enjoy re-watching the show with us? I did. This was a lot of fun. Kudos to you guys. Yeah.

Did you enjoy re-watching the show with us? I did. This was a lot of fun. Kudos to you guys. Yeah.

I had finished doing Facts of Life. I had graduated from college. Pepperdine. I was Pepperdine, yes. And I had been doing, you know, some guest starring work and some plays and things. And I felt like I was ready to do another show, another comedy. And I had put together a pitch to do like a romantic comedy, right? Mad About You had just started. And I was like, well, where's me in that?

I had finished doing Facts of Life. I had graduated from college. Pepperdine. I was Pepperdine, yes. And I had been doing, you know, some guest starring work and some plays and things. And I felt like I was ready to do another show, another comedy. And I had put together a pitch to do like a romantic comedy, right? Mad About You had just started. And I was like, well, where's me in that?

Where's us in that? And so I reached out to Yvette. She had known my mom from working on Hanging with Mr. Cooper. And mom was like, this is who you should talk to about it. And here's the thing. I wanted to do this with Rocky Carroll.

Where's us in that? And so I reached out to Yvette. She had known my mom from working on Hanging with Mr. Cooper. And mom was like, this is who you should talk to about it. And here's the thing. I wanted to do this with Rocky Carroll.

So I reached out to Yvette and she said, I really like this idea for you, but I'm actually committed to do a project with Kim Coles and Dana, Queen Latifah. And so I can't. But then she went on to say that she had a character that she had me in mind when she was writing this character named Regine. And I was like, oh, okay. So she sent it to me. I met with Warner Brothers.

So I reached out to Yvette and she said, I really like this idea for you, but I'm actually committed to do a project with Kim Coles and Dana, Queen Latifah. And so I can't. But then she went on to say that she had a character that she had me in mind when she was writing this character named Regine. And I was like, oh, okay. So she sent it to me. I met with Warner Brothers.

And then here we all are.

And then here we all are.

So I worked with Paul Reiser maybe about a year and a half ago on an indie film. And I said, I've got to thank you because you have a connection to my origin story with living single because I was in the mood or the mindset to do a romantic comedy based on what you were doing with Mad About You. And so he was like, wow, I'll take that. Thank you. So, yeah. I love it. Oh, I have to know this too.

So I worked with Paul Reiser maybe about a year and a half ago on an indie film. And I said, I've got to thank you because you have a connection to my origin story with living single because I was in the mood or the mindset to do a romantic comedy based on what you were doing with Mad About You. And so he was like, wow, I'll take that. Thank you. So, yeah. I love it. Oh, I have to know this too.

So Regine was an incredible departure, obviously from any work I had ever done, but also a departure from me as a human being. And by the grace of God, here's another big moment with my origin story. I had done a guest star role on the show Martin. And that was pre-Living Single because it was Martin's first season, I think. And while I was working on that show, Tommy, God rest his amazing soul.

So Regine was an incredible departure, obviously from any work I had ever done, but also a departure from me as a human being. And by the grace of God, here's another big moment with my origin story. I had done a guest star role on the show Martin. And that was pre-Living Single because it was Martin's first season, I think. And while I was working on that show, Tommy, God rest his amazing soul.

So Tommy was directing a play. And he said, I'm doing this play called South of Where We Live. And Mike Beach is in it. Well, he could have stopped right there.

So Tommy was directing a play. And he said, I'm doing this play called South of Where We Live. And Mike Beach is in it. Well, he could have stopped right there.

Oh, Mike Beach.

Oh, Mike Beach.

Listen, so he said Mike Beach was in it. Wendy Raquel was in it. And I was like, oh my gosh. And so he was directing this show at like this little tiny hole in the wall theater in the hood hood. And I said, yes, sure, of course. But this role that he had for me was something that I was like, how do you even see me doing something like this? She was the precursor to Regine. Okay.

Listen, so he said Mike Beach was in it. Wendy Raquel was in it. And I was like, oh my gosh. And so he was directing this show at like this little tiny hole in the wall theater in the hood hood. And I said, yes, sure, of course. But this role that he had for me was something that I was like, how do you even see me doing something like this? She was the precursor to Regine. Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And I would never... have been able to do Regine if I had not done the work in that show.

And I would never... have been able to do Regine if I had not done the work in that show.

I just got these lash extensions and you're supposed to keep them dry. No, thank you.

I just got these lash extensions and you're supposed to keep them dry. No, thank you.

That was the character that I was doing in that play. That was how I didn't even know because Living Single wasn't my girls. Remember that? Yeah. Regine was not on my radar. It's not like I was in training. Like, you know, I just booked this thing. So let me get ready. Right. Yeah. No, not at all. And so doing that play for I don't know how many weeks we had done the play.

That was the character that I was doing in that play. That was how I didn't even know because Living Single wasn't my girls. Remember that? Yeah. Regine was not on my radar. It's not like I was in training. Like, you know, I just booked this thing. So let me get ready. Right. Yeah. No, not at all. And so doing that play for I don't know how many weeks we had done the play.

And then we did a couple of like spot dates in other cities around LA. And so that's how I started getting into that skin. But it was a work to do that because You know, things like how she was into fashion and makeup and very into her whole being.

And then we did a couple of like spot dates in other cities around LA. And so that's how I started getting into that skin. But it was a work to do that because You know, things like how she was into fashion and makeup and very into her whole being.

Which, you know, as an actor, you love to play an actor with their soul, loves to play against who they are, you know, because that's where the gold is. That's where the work and the process comes in.

Which, you know, as an actor, you love to play an actor with their soul, loves to play against who they are, you know, because that's where the gold is. That's where the work and the process comes in.

Yeah. I love it.

Yeah. I love it.

I mean. My people are coming to see me. We had just met.

I mean. My people are coming to see me. We had just met.

But I knew it was a drive. And I was like, well, let me not. I just met y'all. Let me not impose on y'all. So we didn't have to drive and spend gas. And I appreciate the support. So just here we go.

But I knew it was a drive. And I was like, well, let me not. I just met y'all. Let me not impose on y'all. So we didn't have to drive and spend gas. And I appreciate the support. So just here we go.

And we worked together on Insecure. Oh, my gosh. That just hit me.

And we worked together on Insecure. Oh, my gosh. That just hit me.

When they did the show in a show. And I directed that.

When they did the show in a show. And I directed that.

I wasn't here to get flowers. I was here to watch some clips and talk about the reliving single.

I wasn't here to get flowers. I was here to watch some clips and talk about the reliving single.

It was all of that. It was all of that. So while I was doing Facts of Life, I just absorbed. I was a sponge. If I wasn't in studio school, I really didn't hang out in my trailer or my dressing room. I was always with the crew. I'm a crew baby. Mm-hmm. So I got into this because I saw my mom working with Pearl Bailey and Hello Dolly. What? You didn't know that? Let's have a moment.

It was all of that. It was all of that. So while I was doing Facts of Life, I just absorbed. I was a sponge. If I wasn't in studio school, I really didn't hang out in my trailer or my dressing room. I was always with the crew. I'm a crew baby. Mm-hmm. So I got into this because I saw my mom working with Pearl Bailey and Hello Dolly. What? You didn't know that? Let's have a moment.

No.

No.

So we're at number two.

So we're at number two.

Yes. So when I was about five or six years old, mom was doing that Broadway show and I would go to the theater and or I would go and visit when they were touring. Because you were born in Harlem. Yes, I was born in Harlem. She's a Harlem kid. And I loved going to see the backstage, the process, you know, the BTS of it all.

Yes. So when I was about five or six years old, mom was doing that Broadway show and I would go to the theater and or I would go and visit when they were touring. Because you were born in Harlem. Yes, I was born in Harlem. She's a Harlem kid. And I loved going to see the backstage, the process, you know, the BTS of it all.

I love seeing the costumes and the way they were building the sets and the props and all of that. And when Miss Bailey knew that I was in the audience, she said, little Chips, little girl is here. And she would give me this little bag of cookies and, In this little thing of like cellophane or a little bag. Did you keep them? You ate them? Hopefully she ate them.

I love seeing the costumes and the way they were building the sets and the props and all of that. And when Miss Bailey knew that I was in the audience, she said, little Chips, little girl is here. And she would give me this little bag of cookies and, In this little thing of like cellophane or a little bag. Did you keep them? You ate them? Hopefully she ate them.

But that's what I really loved about the industry. It really just smacks me in my head when you say, this is your home. And I know this because it is like just breathing. So being on the sets, I would sit on the camera pedestals and watch and learn. And so it's really a trip when I work with people that I learned from.

But that's what I really loved about the industry. It really just smacks me in my head when you say, this is your home. And I know this because it is like just breathing. So being on the sets, I would sit on the camera pedestals and watch and learn. And so it's really a trip when I work with people that I learned from.

and camera people and other crew members and things as if I'm a director now, you know, and working with them because I know that they poured into me. And it's a great feeling. It's a great feeling.

and camera people and other crew members and things as if I'm a director now, you know, and working with them because I know that they poured into me. And it's a great feeling. It's a great feeling.

I love being able to speak to the whole vision, storytelling. And so when you are the actor, you're telling that character's story and you're a part of their narrative, or you might be a part of someone else's narratives, but as that character. So when you're directing, you are speaking to the entire vision, the entire narrative. You're the head coach.

I love being able to speak to the whole vision, storytelling. And so when you are the actor, you're telling that character's story and you're a part of their narrative, or you might be a part of someone else's narratives, but as that character. So when you're directing, you are speaking to the entire vision, the entire narrative. You're the head coach.

And you've got all these other coaches and players with you to, you know, get the championship.

And you've got all these other coaches and players with you to, you know, get the championship.

It's fun to watch.

It's fun to watch.

Thank you. Well, part of it for me is you want to inspire your crew to keep getting up and showing up in a really special way and do what they do. And a lot of crew, have been in the game for a long time. And so to feel like there's something new to do, there's something exciting to do.

Thank you. Well, part of it for me is you want to inspire your crew to keep getting up and showing up in a really special way and do what they do. And a lot of crew, have been in the game for a long time. And so to feel like there's something new to do, there's something exciting to do.

And, and you don't want to, at least for me as a director or producer, I never want anybody to feel that, that, that it's, it's my way or the highway, you know, it's not just, I'm able to provide a blueprint because you, You have to be able to have a vision. But then from there, now you come and paint with me and you come and paint with me and you come and paint with me.

And, and you don't want to, at least for me as a director or producer, I never want anybody to feel that, that, that it's, it's my way or the highway, you know, it's not just, I'm able to provide a blueprint because you, You have to be able to have a vision. But then from there, now you come and paint with me and you come and paint with me and you come and paint with me.

And then that way everyone feels like, oh, I'm contributing and I'm a creative too, as opposed to just, well, let me just do what she said. Absolutely not.

And then that way everyone feels like, oh, I'm contributing and I'm a creative too, as opposed to just, well, let me just do what she said. Absolutely not.

Okay. Yeah.

Okay. Yeah.

Did she know that he was married? Not in the beginning.

Did she know that he was married? Not in the beginning.

Well, I don't know about that, but thank you for that.

Well, I don't know about that, but thank you for that.

Well, I have no words. I have no, I'm, you know, at best a working actor, you know, and a craftsman. And that's not like, oh, so much humble pie. No, it's just that's really my perspective on it. That's my take on it. It's a very surreal existence. And there was no real blueprint for me on how to do it on any side of the camera.

Well, I have no words. I have no, I'm, you know, at best a working actor, you know, and a craftsman. And that's not like, oh, so much humble pie. No, it's just that's really my perspective on it. That's my take on it. It's a very surreal existence. And there was no real blueprint for me on how to do it on any side of the camera.

That's a big one. And that's not to say, that's why when I wrote my autobiography, I started it off with an excerpt from the Langston Hughes poem where it says, well, son, I'll tell you, life for me ain't been no crystal stair. That's real. Because people don't think that I've been through anything. People think I've just jumped from show to show and gig to gig.

That's a big one. And that's not to say, that's why when I wrote my autobiography, I started it off with an excerpt from the Langston Hughes poem where it says, well, son, I'll tell you, life for me ain't been no crystal stair. That's real. Because people don't think that I've been through anything. People think I've just jumped from show to show and gig to gig.

And it's like, oh, no, there was floundering. But there's plenty of times of there's no work. You create and you create and you try to keep being that self-starter. And then what gets offered is like, what? And then you have to try desperately not to water seeds of comparison. Well, why they do that? Why they get that? How they get that comparison? And supposed to celebrate them.

And it's like, oh, no, there was floundering. But there's plenty of times of there's no work. You create and you create and you try to keep being that self-starter. And then what gets offered is like, what? And then you have to try desperately not to water seeds of comparison. Well, why they do that? Why they get that? How they get that comparison? And supposed to celebrate them.

Yeah, girl, go with your magic. Fuck you.

Yeah, girl, go with your magic. Fuck you.

It's very real. And it's a lot of mental calisthenics to keep your soul in check. It's a lot to do. And after a while, I just... I knew that early on I didn't want to be a statistic. I did not want to be some former child star. And that was the end of my story. I felt like I owed my village more. I owed my village a hell of a lot. And that was not going to be the testimony.

It's very real. And it's a lot of mental calisthenics to keep your soul in check. It's a lot to do. And after a while, I just... I knew that early on I didn't want to be a statistic. I did not want to be some former child star. And that was the end of my story. I felt like I owed my village more. I owed my village a hell of a lot. And that was not going to be the testimony.

Because there are people like, I'm carrying them on my back. I've got to do this. I didn't think of that because I didn't feel like I was carrying them. I felt like they were lifting me up. So I never felt like my village was a burden.

Because there are people like, I'm carrying them on my back. I've got to do this. I didn't think of that because I didn't feel like I was carrying them. I felt like they were lifting me up. So I never felt like my village was a burden.

I never looked at it that way. When it really hit me, That that there was an aspect to my life, not my career, but my life where there was a swath of people who looked at me like I was their own was when I graduated from Pepperdine and I was the week's best photo in Jet. Right. OK, so Jet Magazine.

I never looked at it that way. When it really hit me, That that there was an aspect to my life, not my career, but my life where there was a swath of people who looked at me like I was their own was when I graduated from Pepperdine and I was the week's best photo in Jet. Right. OK, so Jet Magazine.

Jet Magazine was a weekly publication that was black owned. They also owned Ebony. Fashion Fair Cosmetics. And when you were the week's best photo. Now, they had a few in that every week they had a few photos of moments they captured around town that, you know, that week or whatever. Some beauty in a bathing suit.

Jet Magazine was a weekly publication that was black owned. They also owned Ebony. Fashion Fair Cosmetics. And when you were the week's best photo. Now, they had a few in that every week they had a few photos of moments they captured around town that, you know, that week or whatever. Some beauty in a bathing suit.

But that was the beauty of the week. Never that.

But that was the beauty of the week. Never that.

But when you were the first one and it said on the photo, this week's best photo. And it was me graduating from college.

But when you were the first one and it said on the photo, this week's best photo. And it was me graduating from college.

Living single episode 102, yes? Yeah. Or 1.2. I'll take your man. Regine is dating a man named Charles, but finds him annoying, so she dumps him. Mm-hmm. She gets upset when he starts dating the maverick. Come on. Maxine. What? Meanwhile, Overton places an ad for his handyman services, mistakenly listing it in the single section. God, remember when that was a thing. Right.

Living single episode 102, yes? Yeah. Or 1.2. I'll take your man. Regine is dating a man named Charles, but finds him annoying, so she dumps him. Mm-hmm. She gets upset when he starts dating the maverick. Come on. Maxine. What? Meanwhile, Overton places an ad for his handyman services, mistakenly listing it in the single section. God, remember when that was a thing. Right.

That's one of those signals of, oh, shit just got real in a very different kind of way. So, I mean, I thank you for connecting those dots. I would have never connected them. I've never seen it that way. But I also, for my village, I just, I never took it as pressure or I never took it as I grew up too fast. I mean, just none of that. It was support.

That's one of those signals of, oh, shit just got real in a very different kind of way. So, I mean, I thank you for connecting those dots. I would have never connected them. I've never seen it that way. But I also, for my village, I just, I never took it as pressure or I never took it as I grew up too fast. I mean, just none of that. It was support.

For me, and I can only speak to my journey and what my time has been so far. Stay busy, you know, and nowadays you've got so many ways to get your art out there, your creativity out there, even if it's just writing it down in your phone for no one else to see. But when you do release it, make sure it's quality, guys. Come on with the bullshit. Stop. Stop. Stop having low quality stuff.

For me, and I can only speak to my journey and what my time has been so far. Stay busy, you know, and nowadays you've got so many ways to get your art out there, your creativity out there, even if it's just writing it down in your phone for no one else to see. But when you do release it, make sure it's quality, guys. Come on with the bullshit. Stop. Stop. Stop having low quality stuff.

That's right. There's no excuse.

That's right. There's no excuse.

That's right. But I can't really function with an idle mind. I'm no good. And so that immediately sucks the life out of me. It pulls the wind out of my sails. So that is one of the ways, you know. Now, there's a truckload that I have, you know, created to stay busy and creative and all that. They ain't seen the light of day. Do you know she was directing Kenan and Kel?

That's right. But I can't really function with an idle mind. I'm no good. And so that immediately sucks the life out of me. It pulls the wind out of my sails. So that is one of the ways, you know. Now, there's a truckload that I have, you know, created to stay busy and creative and all that. They ain't seen the light of day. Do you know she was directing Kenan and Kel?

I mean, what do I say? Hey, guys, I'm off to do Kenan and Kel's show on Nickelodeon.

I mean, what do I say? Hey, guys, I'm off to do Kenan and Kel's show on Nickelodeon.

So here's how my perspective is of me, my self-perception in my career. I'm like a running back. I take the ball. I keep my head down and I just keep moving. I just keep moving. I just plow through. I shake some shit off of me if I have to. I depend on my village to block the shit if necessary.

So here's how my perspective is of me, my self-perception in my career. I'm like a running back. I take the ball. I keep my head down and I just keep moving. I just keep moving. I just plow through. I shake some shit off of me if I have to. I depend on my village to block the shit if necessary.

And then but I just I keep going. And then, you know, once I'm innocent and oh, OK. But but that and then, you know, got fresh set of downs and we go and do it again. So I don't really, you know, kiki and hang out and all of that. Yeah. There you go.

And then but I just I keep going. And then, you know, once I'm innocent and oh, OK. But but that and then, you know, got fresh set of downs and we go and do it again. So I don't really, you know, kiki and hang out and all of that. Yeah. There you go.

But I have I have a fire in my belly to do it. I love what the hell I do. I love our industry. And to be alive at this time.

But I have I have a fire in my belly to do it. I love what the hell I do. I love our industry. And to be alive at this time.

Where we, I mean, look what's happening right now.

Where we, I mean, look what's happening right now.

So that's what excites me.

So that's what excites me.

Keeps me going.

Keeps me going.

Well, I mean, thank you for that.

Well, I mean, thank you for that.

Very much so. I got my mind set. I don't take that for granted. And that's a choice, don't you think?

Very much so. I got my mind set. I don't take that for granted. And that's a choice, don't you think?

Absolutely it is. It's a choice. And you have to go through the process to choose. Every day that you wake up to walk in your sanity or whatever version of sanity.

Absolutely it is. It's a choice. And you have to go through the process to choose. Every day that you wake up to walk in your sanity or whatever version of sanity.

And our special guest star for this episode, the one and only Frida Payne. Frida.

And our special guest star for this episode, the one and only Frida Payne. Frida.

Bye. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We've got Jessica from Cleveland, Ohio. Oh, John's hometown. Are y'all going to have a reboot? Okay. Gosh.

Bye. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We've got Jessica from Cleveland, Ohio. Oh, John's hometown. Are y'all going to have a reboot? Okay. Gosh.

Do we need to redo that one? Okay.

Do we need to redo that one? Okay.

Yeah. All right. Kristen from Chicago, Illinois. All right. Are y'all going to have a reboot? Oh, wow. All right. What's the next one? Okay.

Yeah. All right. Kristen from Chicago, Illinois. All right. Are y'all going to have a reboot? Oh, wow. All right. What's the next one? Okay.

Jasmine from Miami. So everybody wants to know. Tasha from Des Moines, Iowa. Y'all know good and goddamn well anybody named Tasha from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jasmine from Miami. So everybody wants to know. Tasha from Des Moines, Iowa. Y'all know good and goddamn well anybody named Tasha from Des Moines, Iowa.

Well, there you go. From Waterloo. That's the question we get asked the most, by the way. Yes, that is. When is the reboot? Let's have a reboot. And I mean, y'all just be out here demanding it in these streets. Demanding it. So, you know that AI thing that was out with the babies of us? Oh, my goodness. There's your reboot, people. It's an origin story. Enjoy it. And let it be. Yes, I love it.

Well, there you go. From Waterloo. That's the question we get asked the most, by the way. Yes, that is. When is the reboot? Let's have a reboot. And I mean, y'all just be out here demanding it in these streets. Demanding it. So, you know that AI thing that was out with the babies of us? Oh, my goodness. There's your reboot, people. It's an origin story. Enjoy it. And let it be. Yes, I love it.

And thank God we've all been busy and not been able to. But, you know, again, reboots can be tricky because you can't just throw us together. Like, where would we be in, you know, 25 years or whatever? It's like surgery, you know? And so you mess it up. If we messed around and didn't get it right, there would be hell to pay.

And thank God we've all been busy and not been able to. But, you know, again, reboots can be tricky because you can't just throw us together. Like, where would we be in, you know, 25 years or whatever? It's like surgery, you know? And so you mess it up. If we messed around and didn't get it right, there would be hell to pay.

Oh, my gosh. John was so excited.

Oh, my gosh. John was so excited.

Ton of love, ton of love and the acknowledgement of what a game changer. Not only that the show was and continues to be, but you guys, we are all game changers. We're beautiful disruptors. And I will gladly, gladly do the dance with you guys.

Ton of love, ton of love and the acknowledgement of what a game changer. Not only that the show was and continues to be, but you guys, we are all game changers. We're beautiful disruptors. And I will gladly, gladly do the dance with you guys.

Yeah, I'm back. I dare y'all to have somebody else up in this chair.

Yeah, I'm back. I dare y'all to have somebody else up in this chair.

Yes, well, Charles, you should be going. You've got a big trial in the morning, remember? The one you couldn't stop talking about. Now go. Smooches. Charles ain't the one. But, Regine, he's got money and status. Technically, you should be in love. I know. But Charles has no je ne sais quoi, no joie de vivre, no oomph.

Yes, well, Charles, you should be going. You've got a big trial in the morning, remember? The one you couldn't stop talking about. Now go. Smooches. Charles ain't the one. But, Regine, he's got money and status. Technically, you should be in love. I know. But Charles has no je ne sais quoi, no joie de vivre, no oomph.

Well, thank you. Profoundly.

Well, thank you. Profoundly.

Not one of my favorite hair moments, though. That wig was, I don't know what happened with that. It looked good on you, though. It did. It was sassy and sophisticated. I think that's what we were going for, sophisticated, because she was dating Charles, who was an attorney and a lawyer.

Not one of my favorite hair moments, though. That wig was, I don't know what happened with that. It looked good on you, though. It did. It was sassy and sophisticated. I think that's what we were going for, sophisticated, because she was dating Charles, who was an attorney and a lawyer.

There's some things money couldn't buy for her. And oomph was something that money couldn't buy. Right.

There's some things money couldn't buy for her. And oomph was something that money couldn't buy. Right.

Yes. That was Yvette's sorority.

Yes. That was Yvette's sorority.

In your defense, there was a lot going on. It was the first season. We were establishing these mega characters. So not so much in Curious as much as it was, you were focused on other things.

In your defense, there was a lot going on. It was the first season. We were establishing these mega characters. So not so much in Curious as much as it was, you were focused on other things.

So, you know, the thing that Living Single was, there was a number of things that we were known for, but the writing.

So, you know, the thing that Living Single was, there was a number of things that we were known for, but the writing.

was just everything, you know? And Yvette really led the charge in terms of the writer's room, but those early episodes when she was writing, you know? And so, and I'm not saying that she wrote this now, you know, very infamous quote from Maxine, but Maxine had all these great lines and these great analogies, you know?

was just everything, you know? And Yvette really led the charge in terms of the writer's room, but those early episodes when she was writing, you know? And so, and I'm not saying that she wrote this now, you know, very infamous quote from Maxine, but Maxine had all these great lines and these great analogies, you know?

The vision. That's good. That's good. Yeah. Regine definitely had a vision for her life and not just the person who would fill that moment. Yeah. Sometimes she looked at it as a placeholder. Mm.

The vision. That's good. That's good. Yeah. Regine definitely had a vision for her life and not just the person who would fill that moment. Yeah. Sometimes she looked at it as a placeholder. Mm.

I get it. And I think that one of the things that in her her her arc of the series was that she really realized that she had to do the work internally. You know, she couldn't just, you know, dress it up on the outside. You had to really do a reno internally. You know, get that interior jumping off as well.

I get it. And I think that one of the things that in her her her arc of the series was that she really realized that she had to do the work internally. You know, she couldn't just, you know, dress it up on the outside. You had to really do a reno internally. You know, get that interior jumping off as well.

Well, the groundedness also is your friends, especially your good girlfriends, the tight like glue. They'll they'll bring you in a positive way. I don't mean they bring you down like a weight. Yeah. Or bring, you know, in a negative.

Well, the groundedness also is your friends, especially your good girlfriends, the tight like glue. They'll they'll bring you in a positive way. I don't mean they bring you down like a weight. Yeah. Or bring, you know, in a negative.

But there we go. We hold you down. There we go. I'm going to hold it down. I hold you down. I hold you back. Bring you down and not bring you back. Hold you down. Yeah. And I think that's a part of why the show has transcended all these generations and all of the decades since that. I mean, how relevant is that show?

But there we go. We hold you down. There we go. I'm going to hold it down. I hold you down. I hold you back. Bring you down and not bring you back. Hold you down. Yeah. And I think that's a part of why the show has transcended all these generations and all of the decades since that. I mean, how relevant is that show?

How relevant are these memes and these quotes and how people are still digging it?

How relevant are these memes and these quotes and how people are still digging it?

It keeps coming back. Oh, I just gave Charles his walking papers. Oh, it is such a dream breaking up with someone delicately. You know the routine. It's me.

It keeps coming back. Oh, I just gave Charles his walking papers. Oh, it is such a dream breaking up with someone delicately. You know the routine. It's me.

And to TC's Testament unscripted. That wasn't how it was scripted. Do you remember how it was?

And to TC's Testament unscripted. That wasn't how it was scripted. Do you remember how it was?

I was standing next to him. And as I was doing it, he started doing it. So then I turned to him and then we started doing it.

I was standing next to him. And as I was doing it, he started doing it. So then I turned to him and then we started doing it.

Like it was, you know, something that we both understood.

Like it was, you know, something that we both understood.

Oh, my God. Or it's their moment. Yeah, it's beautiful. Okay.

Oh, my God. Or it's their moment. Yeah, it's beautiful. Okay.

Yep. There it is. Sorry. There it is.

Yep. There it is. Sorry. There it is.

That was an example. We did that on purpose to show you at home and on your devices what not to do. What not to do.

That was an example. We did that on purpose to show you at home and on your devices what not to do. What not to do.

Yes, I think they learned the lesson, yes.

Yes, I think they learned the lesson, yes.

And he allowed it to be. Let it breathe. Yeah, let it breathe.

And he allowed it to be. Let it breathe. Yeah, let it breathe.

But so did you. I sure did.

But so did you. I sure did.