Before she entered you home via Black Jesus, Kali Hawk has done everything from everything from KFC commercials and music videos to some of your favorite movies including Couples Retreat, Get Him to the Greek and Bridesmaids. After filming the current season of the the critically acclaimed show, we had the chance to talk about her character Maggie, her career, and more.
What led to your decision to join the cast of Black Jesus?
I think it is a brilliant piece of satire. I really liked that idea that they were using a well-known piece of literature and an iconic character like Jesus can make very exciting social commentary. The social issue that are being brought up on the show are very timely and need to be discussed. What better way to discuss them than in a controversial manner.
As far as your character Maggie, how close or how far is she from your actual persona? Is there any part of the character that you relate to on a personal level?
I like the awkwardness of that character. She kind of doesn’t fit in where she is but she tries to make the best of it and make the best of the friendships that she has wherever she is. I think that’s something that I have in common with her. Anywhere you put me, whether I belong there or not, I try to make the best of what I can create there and try to have the best time. I think we are both the kind of people that try to do make the best we can of whatever circumstances we are facing.
I also like her style. A lot of the things Maggie wears are my actual clothing. I like that I get to bring a little bit of persona to the character, but everything else about the character is not like me at all.
What would you say would be some of the differences between Maggie and yourself?
She gets into a lot of fights. In season one, she gets into several full-on fights with people. I like that she never backs down. Hopefully, I have that common with the character, but where we differ is that I would not get into a fist fight with anyone. She is definitely that person who doesn’t look before she leaps. I am definitely a person who does that.
You have played a lot of comedic characters over the years, is that done by design or opportunity?
I really like comedy. I love to laugh. I think it makes sense when choosing projects that you choose one that you actually like or find interesting. For me, it just happens to comedic projects more often than not, but I like all kinds of things. I would love to do more drama, but it also seems that more comedy scripts are being produced and being put out there. I guess I resonate with marketplace.
From participating in The Last Comic Standing back in 2007 until now, what would you say has been the key to your progress?
Everyone says believing in yourself. You almost feel that there has to be more to it than that, but it’s just being yourself and staying true to yourself. Stay true to what inspired you and what you want to do. I can’t really do anything if I don’t think I would enjoy it first and foremost.
When people are first starting out, I think they may feel the need to just take any job, but even in the beginning, I was very selective and I only took roles that I felt joyful about. I have always believed that if I enjoyed the role or project, other people would hopefully enjoy it, too.
Money aside, which would you prefer movie or television roles?
That’s funny because as an artist, you always have choose with money aside because sometimes the greatest projects are not the ones with the largest budgets behind them. I think film because you get a lot more time to get what you need when you are making them. Also, there’s a lot more time off in between projects.
Before you go, what is your playlist looking like these days?
I love Fetty Wap. Anytime I hear something Fetty Wap related, I just love it. I was really surprised he has a great singing voice, too. I listen to Drake, everybody loves Drake. That’s a no-brainer. I am still listening to Beyonce’s album. I’ll excited for her to put out another one. I love everything she did on the remixes with Nicki Minaj.
It’s kind of funny that in my life, I think I have very conservative sensibilities, but with my playlist, I’m in the “trap” all day.
