Page Kennedy – Rush Hour

By: Lisa Steinberg

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

A) “Rush Hour “is the most recent project for me. It’s what we have put our blood, sweat and tears into and we’re proud of it.

Q) Since you are a part of social media, what kind of feedback have you been getting from viewers?

A) When you have such an iconic name that you are going against, there are going to people who are big fans of the franchise and movie. Those people sometimes take a little longer to come along on board, but then you have people who have never even seen the movies before. Our show is new and fresh to them and they like it. I, personally, have been getting a lot of accolades for my character and I think that is amazing.

Q) How does your character, Gerald, compare to the one in the film version?

A) I have a unique and original take on my character because my character was played by Clifton Powell in the movie. His character was kind of different than the way I am portraying him.

Q) Along those lines, how does the show differ from the film?

A) I think it brings something new and fresh to audiences who may be familiar with the Rush Hour We’re not doing the same thing. We’ve all created our own adaptation of these characters.

Q) What have you found challenging about your role?

A) Actually, this particular character I’ve just been able to have fun. Justin [Hires] always says, “I have the greatest job in the world because I just to come into work, tell jokes and leave.” I really just to come and have a lot of fun and leave. So, that’s great!

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has come natural to your or have you had to work to hone it?

A) I think part of it comes natural and another part of it is just practice. I do a lot of on social media and through that and my own brand as Page Kennedy I get a lot of practice. I figure out what people find funny from me and I am able to master and execute that so that when I am on TV I kind of already know because I practice every week my own stuff.

Q) What has been your favorite scene to film?

A) I don’t know if I have a favorite particular scene, but my favorite episode aired a couple weeks ago because it was heavily Gerald influenced. It was a 48 hour story and I was the emergency character that they pulled out of jail to help them figure out this crime. So, I got to go around with them the whole episode and that was fun. I think one of the most fun scenes to watch was the fight scene when I was handcuffed to Lee (Jon Foo) and him using me as a weapon against the bad guys. I thought it was excellent because he already doesn’t like me and I am helping him fight the bad guys. He’s kicking me and having me help with the bad guys. I thought that was pretty cool.

Q) Did you have to go through stunt work for that scene?

A) Yes, I had to go through the choreography because I had to know what we were doing. I had a stunt person, but I actually did my own stunts as well.

Q) Are there any guest stars you can tease are coming up this season?

A) Oh yes, definitely! Last week we got to meet Gerald and Carter’s grandma. She was Will Smith’s mother (Vernee Watson) on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and we were really lucky to have her. She’s such a sweet lady and really talented. I got to know her a little bit. We would basically talk about what was happening on set and laughing.

Q) What do you think it is about the show “Rush Hour” that makes viewers want to tune in?

A) I think that it is different. I don’t think anything is like it on television where you have action and comedy with heart and an extremely diverse cast. The two leads are minorities of different decent. So, I think it is great for diversity!

Q) Is there anything else you would like to be sure we share with fans?

A) Watch it and talk about it. Share your thoughts on Twitter because word of mouth is everything and social media is the platform. We respond to you so message me at @PageKennedy and use #RushHourCBS.