Kellita Smith – In the Cut

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I did two seasons of “In the Cut.” Thank God we put two of those in the can before the new year started. That’s a show that is on Bounce TV. Right now, it’s premiering its sixth season. Before that, it was just going through certain scripts that I want to do and target certain things that I want to produce. And then this came…[laughs]

Q) We’re seeing you now in Season 6 of “In the Cut.” What does it mean to you to be a part of such a long running series?

A) Well, I am working with friends. I’m working with colleagues and it’s really a gift because I’ve known these people since the 1900’s. With that comes ease, playful moments that we get to discover that aren’t on the page. A certain amount of trust and long days that don’t seem long. [laughs]

Q) How was your character Cheryl originally described to you?

A) She wasn’t. [laughs] I have known Bentley Kyle Evans, who created the show, since before “Jamie Foxx.” He created “The Jamie Foxx Show” and he also created a show for me in 1998. Basically, what he told me was that he wanted me to come on and do my thing. When I read the script…There was a character there before me played by Jackée Harry who was the first original salon owner. I kind of just felt the need to fill in or color in Cheryl in a way that kind of just complemented Dorien’s [Wilson] character and the characters that were already there.

Q) What have you found challenging about portraying Cheryl?

A) When he said do my thing, basically he was saying, “Make my words come to life.” What is challenging is that we have to shoot like thirteen episodes in like nine days. That’s a lot of work and we move really We shoot really quick.

Q) Were you looking forward to working with anyone in particular when you started on the series?

A) All of them! Everybody. The only person I did not have a working relationship with was John Marshall Jones. He was absolutely a treat to be able to mesh with. Laura Hayes is someone I’ve known since Oakland. I grew up in Oakland and I’ve known her since way back then. I think it was just basically being able to work in a comedic genre because that’s a fine line and at the same time I was doing “Z Nation.” For the past four and a half and five seasons it was great to be able to leave the apocalypse and then go somewhere on a sound stage and everything is about a situation comedy instead of a situation drama.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has always been a natural ability for you or is it something you have had to work at?

A) I think I’ve been blessed to be able to be around comedians. Growing up in the inner city I think what you learn to do is laugh more than cry. So, I think it’s just an upbeat survival thing, in my opinion. I do receive the compliments and I appreciate them. If I have to be honest, it’s really something that I’m not thinking about. So, I really believe it is something based on survival. Like right now, it’s all about jokes. It’s gotta be! [laughs]

Q) What are some of your favorite episodes or ones that viewers should look out for in Season 6?

A) I think I got a real interesting chance to show some vulnerability in this season and some insecurities about the marriage. Jay and Cheryl got married in Season 4 or 5, so in this season they give me a storyline where I’m a little insecure about the marriage. It’s very interesting to see it play out in a comedic situation because it can’t be that funny. [laughs]

Q) What do you think it is that makes “In the Cut” such a special series?

A) I think it’s our comradery. It’s the chemistry. It’s the freedom of the writing. he writers and Bentley Kyle Evans trust the hands that they are putting it in. The great thing about Bounce (and I appreciate Bounce) is that they are giving this opportunity to grow and sometimes certain networks don’t do that for certain shows. In this instance, I think that’s what Bounce has the insight or the foresight to be able to do. It’s working and I believe it’s going to go a couple more seasons.

Q) You are a part of social media. Will you be live tweeting the episodes this season?

A) That’s a good idea, especially since we can’t see each other. [laughs]

Q) Since you are on social media, do you enjoy the fan feedback you receive to the series?

A) Listen, I’m always shocked when people watch anything that I do (to be honest with you). It’s interesting that this time has me sitting and being still. I really am one of those people who work all the time, to the point where I don’t really pay attention. And I had someone doing my social media and now I have to do it. Some of the feedback…I get in awe when people celebrate what I do because, to me, it’s a job. Even though I get the gratification of being able to do what I love, sometimes as an actor you don’t realize the effect you are giving until you are able to read Instagram messages or Twitter messages. To be able to hear what a fan is doing…Unless you get to do a Comic Con or you get to meet people face to face when you run into somebody on the street, I think for most actors some of the social media is actually a God send because it allows you to understand that what you are doing really has an imprint on other peoples’ lives. So, I appreciate it. It’s just favorable and positive.

Q) We loved seeing you on “The Bernie Mac Show.” What did you take away from working with Bernie Mac?

A) Aw man. You know, I miss that guy. Laughter. You either got it or you don’t. He definitely gave me the confidence that I have what it takes to be a comic. [laughs]

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) We have Season 7 in the can and we have other great guest stars. The great question that you asked was about Cheryl and what is going on in Season 6. So, that storyline is going to be very interesting in a comedy show, period. I look forward to that coming off stronger than any other show has ever done. And I look forward the rest of the season unfolding and I thank the fans for being there for us “In the Cut.” For being in the cut for “In the Cut!”