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October 11, 2017 The Skanner Page 7 Arts & Entertainment Kim Fields: The ‘Question of Faith’ Interview can increase.” I feel the same way as an actor. Let Kim decrease, so the character can increase. So, I’m extremely grate- ful for that observation and comment from you. By Kam Williams For The Skanner News K im Fields is a veter- an actress with an eminent household name, starring in two long-running series, NBC’s “Facts of Life” and Fox’ “Living Single.” Both shows remain in world- wide syndication, con- sistently reinforcing her place as a global, pop cul- ture icon. As an esteemed and versatile performer, Kim has accumulated numer- ous starring and guest starring roles in TV mov- ies and series, as well as independent feature films over her 40-year ca- reer, including “What To Expect When You’re Ex- pecting” starring Jenni- fer Lopez and Cameron Diaz. In 2014, she starred in one of the Hallmark Channel’s highest -rated movies, “For Better Or For Worse”, proving her endurance as a fan favor- ite and industry staple. She has also returned to the stage several times for powerful perfor- mances in one-woman shows, as well as leading all-star casts in success- ful ensemble produc- tions. The start of her next 40 years in showbiz finds Kim currently star- ring in the new British comedy series, “Living The Dream” for Sky TV. And she is thrilled to re- turn to ABC for the excit- ing reboot of the hit “Bat- tle of the Network Stars”. But perhaps nothing is more thrilling for Kim these days than the fall release of her highly anticipated autobiogra- phy, “Blessed Life.” With arresting transparency, humor and chock full of many personal stories of joy, pain, triumphs and challenges as well as wonderfully-delightful tales of growing up in Hollywood, Kim Fields Kam Williams: Hi Kim, thanks for the interview. I’m honored to have this chance to speak with you. Kim Fields: Oh, right back atcha, Kam. Thank YOU! KW: I was moved to tears by “A Question of Faith.” What interested you in the film? KF: After reading the role of Theresa New- man, I thought, “Wow! To breathe life into this character would be a tre- mendous opportunity to stretch as an actor and to use some skill sets that I haven’t for a while and that people don’t normal- ly know me for.” That was my first reason for say- ing, “Yes.” And right on the heels of that were the movie’s messages, and the way in which those messages were executed. It’s relatable faith. you see people dialoguing the way that real people do. It’s not so sanctified that you don’t see people really struggling with their faith and with each other, because that’s tru- ly challenging. KW: I loved how you and the rest of the cast disappeared into your roles. KF: Thank you so much for that. One of your goals as an actor is to dis- appear. and as a person of faith, we always say, “Lord, let me diminish. Let me decrease, so you KW: You played Tootie for close to a decade be- tween “Diff ’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life.” Do you think you were typecast by playing such an iconic role for so long? KF: Not at all. I never felt typecast. I’ve done many different types of projects, some even while playing Tootie, whether TV movies, on the stage or independent features. KW: You’ve directed before. Have you thought about directing a film in which you also star? KF: Absolutely! I think of that often. It keeps me up sometimes. I even have a camera in my bed- room. In the near future, I hope to adapt my col- lection of short stories, “When Bad Women Hap- pen to Good Men,” into a script, and then play one, “ rested for protesting the police shooting of a Black woman. I could see you playing Trayvon Mar- tin’s mother in a docu- drama about his killing. Are you still interested in that as an issue? KF: Oh, very much so. Activism and social aware- ness have always been a part of who I am, and even more so now as the mother of African American boys and the wife of an African American man if not all, of the women featured. I love the world of independent films and hope to be a part of some- day. KW: You were once ar- In fact, I’m in the midst of creating and launching a social initiative around that and much more. Ac- tivism and social aware- ness have always been a part of who I am, and even more so now as the mother of African Amer- ican boys and the wife of an African American man. A concern for them and for everyone is in the fabric of my DNA. And it’s important to me to that my voice not just re- gurgitate complaints but offer solutions, which calls for a little more strategizing. I’m not in- terested in stirring the pot simply for the sake of stirring the pot. At some point, we have to change the ingredients, if we want a different taste. That’s the type of citizen and leader I am. KW: What did you think of President Trump’s waffling re- sponse to Charlottesville in which he suggested See INTERVIEW on page 11
