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Local News Celebrity Interview: Kevin Hart — ‘Let Me Explain’ B orn in Philadelphia on July 6, 1980, Kevin Hart is one of the most versatile comedic actors in both television and film. He’s recently delivered memorable performances in Think Like a Man which grossed over 90 million dollars in theaters, as well as in Judd Apatow’s The Five Year Engagement. He previously appeared in Little Fockers, Death at a Funeral, Fool’s Gold, Along Came Polly and The 40 Year Old Virgin. And his additional film credits include: Soul Plane, Not Easily Broken, Extreme Movie, Drillbit Taylor, Epic Movie, The Last Stand, Scary Movie 4, In the Mix, Meet Dave and Superhero Movie. Kevin’s stand-up DVD Serious- ly Funny went platinum four times, after the Comedy Central presentation of the same name became the highest rated comedy special of 2010. Last summer, fans across America were treated to Kevin’s side-splitting stand-up comedy in Let Me Explain, an international tour to nearly 100 cities across the Unit- ed States, Europe and Africa. Here, he talks about Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, a concert film shot mostly at his final stop, Madison Square Gar- den. C ELEBRITY I NTERVIEW by Kam Williams and began selling out in places like Oslo, Copenhagen and Ams- terdam. The support that I received from my fans was unre- al. KW: How do fans in countries like Norway and Denmark, where they speak another language, understand you? Did you talk slower or change your delivery for them? KH: No, I don’t have to change anything. I think that’s the secret to comedy. You want to be univer- sal and appeal to everyone. You want to put yourself in a position from North Philly and started out as a shoe salesman. KH: Well, things changed, but only to a certain degree. Just because your environment or liv- ing space changes doesn’t mean that your attitude necessarily has to change. By attitude, I mean the way you interact with others. You don’t have to treat people differ- ently. You may be living a differ- ent lifestyle, but the person living that different lifestyle still can relate to anybody and have the same amazing personality of the guy from North Philly. The people around me haven’t changed. The people who have been in my life since the beginning are still in my life now. I think that has a lot to do with my staying grounded and humble despite the success I’ve achieved. KW: You talk a lot about dating in the movie. Is there a Kevin Hart relationship advice book in the works? KH: [Chuckles] Funny you should mention that, Kam. I don’t know if I’m at the relationship advice stage yet. I do have a lot of infor- mation to share, and a book is definitely in the works, but I don’t know whether it’ll be geared towards rela- tionships. I have a good laugh every day. I enjoy life. I’m surrounded by love and positivity Kam Williams: Hey Kevin, thanks for the interview. I really enjoyed this film. Kevin Hart: Thank you, Kam, thank you. KW: What inspired it? KH: I had a helluva year. This tour pretty much exceeded my expectations of what I was going to accomplish. It started off in 5,000-seat venues and eventually escalated to larger arenas with 15,000 seats and more, once I got to major cities and left the country C that no matter what you’re talking about, everyone can relate to it and understand it, because it’s an experience that everyone can go through. That’s what I pattern my writing material and jokes after. I’m trying to maintain a level of realness that my fans can appreci- ate. KW: One of the themes of this show was convincing your fans that success hasn’t gone to your head. But isn’t life a lot different for you now than a couple of decades ago? After all, you’re O M M U N KW: In the film you cried at the end of the concert at Madison Square Garden. What was the emotion that overwhelmed you at that moment? KH: I never thought in a million years that I’d ever sell out back-to- back shows at The Garden. That’s not to say, I never expected my career to take off. Still, it was a “Pinch Me, Wake Me Up” moment. I was like, “Wow! I can’t believe this. That I’m actually here, and this is actually happen- ing.” And in that moment, when I was about to thank my fans for I T Y C Kevin Hart in concert supporting me, I noticed that they were standing up clapping. It was overwhelming, and became a very emotional moment when I tried to thank them. KW: I also liked how you had pyrotechnics going off onstage during the show periodically. KH: [Laughs] That was my way of joking around by saying, “I’m about to jump into a different level, because I have fire.” Ain’t no other comedian ever had fire. KW: When did you know you had made it? KH: The beauty of it is that I don’t think I’ve ever really relaxed. I want to do too much within the business. And there’s so much you can achieve with a launching pad like stand-up come- dy. You can literally go from act- ing to hosting to being a personality to… KW: To the Real Husbands of Hollywood? KH: [Chuckles] To the Real Husbands of Hollywood. It all depends on what you’re willing to invest time and effort in and put A L E N D your mind to. That’s what sepa- rates winners from losers. Winners are the ones who want the most out of their opportunities. KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? KH: [Laughs] No, I’m pretty much an open book. I’ve pretty much talked about anything I’m going through onstage. Between interviews and curious fans, I’ve been asked everything. And I always give answers. I don’t shy away from anything. KW: The Teri Emerson ques- tion: When was the last time you had a good laugh? KH: I have good laugh every day. I enjoy life. I’m surrounded by love and positivity. KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure? KH: Creation, getting behind a project from start to finish, and being able to see it blossom into a success. See HART on page 8 A R S EATTLE 2013 things muddy. 11 a.m. Westfield Southcenter Children’s Wing, 2800 Southcenter Mall. Seattle’s Chinatown – International District. Sunday July 14 Saturday July 13 If you have an event you want to share with the community, email it two weeks in advance to The Skanner at info@theskanner.com Friday July 12 GOOD JOBS VS. HEALTHY PLANET: WHO PROFITS WHEN MOVEMENTS COLIDE. A panel of union and environmental organizers frankly discuss why labor and eco-activists are often opposite sides of debates over issues like coal trains and nuclear power. 7 p.m. New Freedom Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S. Door donation of $3, students $1. THE BIG DIG CONCERT WITH ERIC ODE. Interactive music and poetry program featuring songs about underground critters, buried treasure and all Page 2 The Seattle Skanner July 10, 2013 PREGNANCY AND BABY KIDS EXPO. Arrive early and receive a goodie bag filled with great offers and coupons. Crafts, baby shower gift ideas, kids birthday supplies and much more. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free Parking. General Admission $2. 10 and under free. Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Rd. Ferndale, WA QUEEN ANNE FESTIVAL. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Follow the parade to Queen Anne Community Center and celebrate those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, with a picnic, live music, jump toys and much more. 1901 1st Ave. N. Saturday – Sunday July 13 -14 SEATTLE’S CHINATOWN ID DRAGON FEST 2013. This Seafair festival brings the streets to life with historic walking tours, large outdoor Asian market and cultural activities for people of all ages. Saturday Noon – 8 p.m. Sunday Noon – 6 p.m. LOCAL TEEN AUTHORS READ THEIR WORK AT THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Join a celebration of newly – published local teen author’s from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Thursday July 18 BLOCK PART: SOUTH BELLEVUE COMMUNITY CENTER. Essential Church will be hosting a free Block Party for the community. The free Block party will feature inflatables, games, food and drinks and much more. 6:30 – 9 p.m. 14509 SE Newport Way. Bellevue Saturday July 20 HOME BUYER EDUCATION CLASS AT GREEN LAKE. Join us for a free home buyer education seminar. Learn all about the buying process. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Green lake Public Library, 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N.
