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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (July 23, 2014)
Arts & Entertainment Here’s to You, Mr. Robinson! C ELEBRITY I NTERVIEW by Kam Williams KW: Your big break was when you land- ed the role on TV as the Green Ranger on the Power Rangers. Did you have a martial arts background? KR: Not at all. I was just a good athlete and I had been in a few fights. KW: You were signed by Motown while you were still a student at the University of Georgia. What prompted your move from music to acting? KR: I never really made a “move” from one to the other. Acting came second once I moved to Hollywood on a chance audition for the “Power Rangers.” I’ve been doing both ever since. KW: Is there any question no one ever James Brown is the epitome of perseverance. You can never underestimate the magnetic power of self belief James Brown biopic Get on Up, where he co-stars opposite Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd.. Kam Williams: Hi Keith, thanks for the interview. Keith Robinson: Thanks for having me. KW: What interested you in Get on Up? KR: As a musician, I was heavily influ- enced by James Brown’s music. KW: What was it like working with Tate Taylor and such a star-studded cast? KR: Tate is a really cool director because he has a clear vision of what he wants but still gives his actors freedom to collaborate in the process. That’s rare. Working with a cast where everyone is really talented puts you at ease, actually. KW: How would you describe your char- acter, Baby Roy? KR: Baby Roy is the young exuberant one who just really loves to perform and be on stage as much as possible. He’s what I like to think as the artist who still has those stars in his eyes and believes it’s all about the music and hasn’t been tainted yet. [LOL] KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? KR: Salmon. KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you? KR: Progress. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? KR: A handsome dude that’s come a long way with a long way to go. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? KR: Permanent financial security. KW: Let’s say you’re throwing your dream dinner party—who’s invited… and what would you serve? KR: Too many to name but it would be the fifty most influential people in the world. It’d be a potluck. I got the salmon and Twiz- zlers. PHOTO BY BY MATTHEW BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY I n a world where talent takes you far, Keith Robinson is ahead of the game. He’s a true triple threat — having already mastered acting and songwriting, he’s now positioning himself to take over the music world with a velvety voice. Before he made his way to Tinseltown, the Kentucky native set his sights on music, and attended the University of Georgia. Upon coming to Los Angeles, Keith had a chance meeting with a talent manager who jumpstarted his acting career. Since then, he’s thrived, landing an incredible 50+ proj- ects in television and film while continuing to pursue his musical career— often placing songs in the acting projects he stars in. Keith may be best known for his critically acclaimed performance as “C.C. White” in the Academy Award-winning feature film, Dreamgirls. His big solo in the musical, “Patience,” which he also performed live at the Academy Awards, earned an Oscar nom- ination in the Best Song category. After Dreamgirls, he released his debut album, Utopia. On the acting side, he subse- quently starred in This Christmas, Dear John, 35 and Ticking, and Hopelessly in June. Here, Keith talks about his new film, the Keith Robinson KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time? KR: Eating with family, making love to my girl, and praying. you were an animal, what animal would you be? KR: A derby horse or a dolphin. Every- body loves them. KW: The Kerry Washington question: If See ROBINSON on page 11 asks you, that you wish someone would? KR: Hmmm... I think I’ve heard them all at this point. [Laughs] KW: Would you mind saying something controversial that would get this interview tweeted? KR: [LOL] Reality shows disgust me. Specifically, the ones that make black peo- ple look trifling and super melodramatic. You know who you are. KW: Have you ever had a near-death experience? KR: Only in my sleep, thank God. KW: Have you ever accidentally uncov- ered a deep secret? KR: Yep. KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid? KR: Yeah, I’ve been afraid—usually right before a movie drops. [Laughs some more] KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? KR: Yesterday. KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure? KR: Twizzlers and naked body surfing. Reality shows disgust me. Specifically, the ones that make black people look trifling and super melodramatic. KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film? KR: That James Brown is the epitome of perseverance. You can never underestimate the magnetic power of self belief. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson ques- tion: What was the last book you read? KR: Fifty Shades of Grey. I had to see what all the fuss was about… and learn a few new tips. KW: Are you a James Brown fan? What’s your favorite song of his? KR: Absolutely. “I’ll Go Crazy,” which I recently remade. And “It’s a Man’s World,” of course. KW: The music maven Heather Coving- ton question: What was the last song you listened to? KR: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. It’s on in the background right now. July 23, 2014 The Portland and Seattle Skanner Page 7
