Kyla Kenedy – Mr. Mayor

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “Mr. Mayor” and with Orly? 

A) This season is really exciting for Orly. She gets to be more involved with all the cast and is able to interact with her Dad (Ted Danson) in a professional setting which was really fun to shoot!

Q) How was Orly originally described to you? 

A) She was described as being determined, a little passionate (maybe a little too passionate) and headstrong with a mind of her own. You almost got the feeling that she was completely confident and secure in everything she thought and did, but as the series progressed you get to see she really is a regular teenager who has insecurities and wants to fit in like everyone else.

Q) What have you added to her that wasn’t in the initial breakdown for her?  

A) I really wanted to show that there was a deep love and respect for her dad even though they seem to mostly be at odds. Hopefully, I was able to accomplish that.

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing more scenes with someone(s) in particular this season? 

A) I was really looking forward to being able to work with the entire cast this season because I didn’t have a lot of opportunities to do that in the first season. I really had a great time being able to watch the entire cast play off each other which was so amazing especially watching Ted and Holly [Hunter].

Q) Talk about working with on-screen father/acting legend Ted Danson.  

A) I think there is always a little bit of fear when you are working alongside such an icon but working with Ted has been unbelievable. He really is the best. From the first day he made me feel like we had known each other forever and I love every scene we have together.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has always been a natural ability for you, or have you worked at it? 

A) Thank you. You know, I never really thought about it. I have just always enjoyed making people laugh.

Q) What are some episodes you think viewers should keep an eye out for this season? 

A) Well, every episode is great and I don’t want to give away any story lines, but one of my oldest friends Josie Totah is guest starring in a few episodes this season and I think they are a few of my favorites.

Q) How do you usually shake off a long day of filming?

A) I’m not really tired after filming. If I do have a long day I enjoy coming home, cooking and unwinding by trying to catch up on any series that I have missed or watching something that everyone on set might be talking about.

Q) What do you think it is about “Mr. Mayor” that has made it such a fan favorite series? 

A) I believe it is the people behind it. I mean Tina [Fey] and Robert [Carlock] are brilliant. They have such a distinct comedic voice. To me, everything they write is hilarious. When you combine their writing skills and a cast that is having a great time you can’t go wrong.

Q) I’d be remiss if I didn’t say how much we loved you on “Speechless.” What did you personally take away from your time on the show? 

A) Definitely my friendships. That was a very special time for me. I grew up on “Speechless” and the cast and crew became like a second family. Scott Silveri, who wrote the show and based it on his brother, helped people gain perspective that people with disabilities really are just like everyone else only with a few more challenges. They have the same problems we do and love to laugh and enjoy life. Scott gave us all a voice to tell their stories from a comedic point of view and that is a gift I will always be grateful for.

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

A) Lately I have been learning a lot about producing. I recently got the rights to a book and am currently putting all my efforts into getting it produced.

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

A) Thank you for keeping the lights on.