Yassir Lester – Duncanville

By starrymag | February 16, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) Currently writing on “Kenan” starring Kenan Thompson, coming soon to NBC  

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Duncanville.”

A) “Duncanville” is about high schooler Duncan, a remarkably unremarkable high schooler, his dealings with his family and friends and how the coolest things he does are all figments of his imagination. 

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

A) The script was absolutely hilarious. It was a chance to work with creators who I adore, a cast I can’t speak highly enough of and it keeps me from working at McDonalds again.

Q) How was Yangzi originally described to you?

A) Pretty much the same as he appears in the show; a cool, slick, hustlin’ kid who looks a lot like me in real life  

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in his initial breakdown?

A) Yes. My voice is way more annoying than they probably wanted. 

Q) What are some of your favorite episodes that viewers should look out for?

A) The pilot is truly one of my favorites and there’s an episode dealing with witches that broke me with how funny it was. 

Q) What do you think it is about “Duncanville” that will make it a fast fan favorite series?

A) It’s actually funny and treats its viewers like they want to laugh and not give them a billion faux talking points that nerds are gonna examine the meaning of for the following weeks. It’s a comedy for people that like laughing…which is everyone. 

Q) “Black Monday” returns soon! What are some themes we’ll see explored in Season 2?

A) Passion. Desire. Trust. Distrust. Truth. Lies. Power. [laughs] Yeah right! Could you imagine if that was the real answer? Nah, we just deal with parallels of exorbitant wealth and its consequence free lifestyle and how that hasn’t changed in forty years. 

Q) Who are some guest stars fans of the series can look forward to seeing?

A) THAT‘S ALL SECRET. But they’re huge. 

Q) Despite being set in the 80’s, what do you think it is about “Black Monday” that makes it such a timely show?

A) It’s a show that really holds a mirror up to today and shows us that history does, in fact, repeat itself when going unchecked. And, also, we need to destroy every disgusting system in this country that uses money to hinder, break and create disadvantages to those who don’t have access to it. 

Q) You have a great gift for comedy. Was it something that was always natural to you or have you had to work at it?

A) I was always naturally someone who talked a lot and liked to entertain, but being professionally funny is a different thing altogether. I don’t think you should ever stop working at it and I try every day to make sure that I am in the headspace to not just be funny, but learn more too.

Q) Where can fans find out where you’ll be doing standup soon?

A) Instagram! @yassir_lester

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

A) From the bottom of my heart thank you. You could spend your time doing anything else, so the fact that you choose to waste that time with me (someone who is always teetering on disappointing you) is truly a blessing.