Tommy Davidson – Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens

By starrymag | July 31, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

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

A) I’m just working on the road. I’m working on the Sammy Davis, Jr. movie. I’m working on a couple of movies for my own film company and traveling the world.

Q) How does it make you feel that people are still impressed by your Sammy Davis, Jr. impersonation?

A) It feels good! I hope it lasts long enough for me to star in the movie.

Q) Why is the film such a passion project of yours?

A) It’s a challenge for me – the greatest entertainer in the world meets the second greatest entertainer in the world. [Laughs] It’s just an opportunity for me really do something that is going to challenge me. I don’t get into a lot of situations where the water level meets my expectations. So, now is the chance for me to do that.

Q) We’ll be seeing you in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens. How was your character originally described to you?

A) He’s sort of an Elon Musk type of character. He’s like Elon Musk meets Tony Stark. He’s a very rich, brilliant entrepreneur who is a tech genius. He helps re-recruit the shark specialist (Fin) to help take out this new shark threat that is threatening to take out the United States.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) I just want to do all things creative and how much more creative can you get than sharks coming out of a tornado? I mean, Dorothy came out of a tornado and look what happened! She met a lot of people as a result.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars at all before working together on the film?

A) David Hasselhoff was someone I was familiar with because I watched him as a kid. I live kind of in a bubble so then they start popping up and I’m like, “Oh yeah! I know that person. I know that person.” So, it’s kind of fun.

Q) We know you get to work closely with Ian. What was it like working with him?

A) He was fun. He actually gave me permission to do what I do. He just said “You know what, be yourself.” I’m like, “Don’t you tell me that! I will!” [laughs] He wanted it and it worked out just fine.

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Of course! I can’t help it. Watch and you will see…

Q) How did you prepare to be a part of the film? Did you catchup on the other Sharknado films?

A) I did. I got myself nice and shark’d out. I watched “Shark Week” so I watched all the shark stuff. I’m ready.

Q) What did you find challenging about filming Sharknado 4?

A) I had to act like a lot of stuff was there because it is special effects. They would say, “A shark is attacking you.” Okay, well, there is no shark here. So, I had to rely on my strongest asset – my imagination.

Q) Anthony Ferrante directed the movie. Was there something he said that you took to heart while filming?

A) He was really good. He asked me to give him exactly what he wanted every time and I’m like a piece of clay so that works for me. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.

Q) What were some of your favorite behind the scenes moments?

A) It was probably just sitting around talking and watching the crew do stuff whether it was watching them spread fake blood all over the place or just observing. I haven’t been in that sci-fi world before so it was really good exploring that.

Q) What do you think it is about the Sharknado films that make it such a fan favorite?

A) People need an escape badly. What better way to do than to just go for it?

Q) Is there anything else you want fans to be sure they know about your work on Sharknado 4?

A) Just know that I’m in it so it is going to be different and there are some moments in there that are pretty unpredictable. I was able to hit some levels that you haven’t seen before.

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

A) I found out that it was. I didn’t know at first, but shortly after doing the first couple comedy clubs I was like “Wait a minute. I already know how to do this.” Class clown pays off!

Q) How does it feel to still be recognized for your work?

A) Yeah, because I did the work I’m glad. Like with “The Proud Family,” to be Oscar Proud and to be the dad and that committed to everything the dad was doing is pretty cool. Little did I know that people were going to be growing up with that.

Q) And you probably still get recognized for your time on “In Living Color!”

A) Constantly and it’s good. Constantly. It’s a good thing.

Q) You’re an actor, you do voice work and a writer. Is there anything else you would like to try your hand at?

A) I’m going to have an opportunity to do that because I have a book that I’m starting to write. It’s going to start probably the later part of this year and it is another adventure. Also, a comedy documentary and a one-man Broadway show. So, I’m busy being busy.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the responses you get from fans?

A) It looks like the only way left. [laughs] I do one comedy club and it does the whole city. I do something right on the internet and it hits thousands of cities. It’s about volume.

Q) Are you looking forward to the fans giving you feedback about the movie?

A) Oh definitely! I’m looking for it. That’s the feedback that I want. I’ll repost and post again.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you for laughing all of those years. I couldn’t do it if no one was laughing.