About this episodeKim Fields discusses her current success with 'The Upshaws' on Netflix, reflecting on how her perspective on c…AI summary
Kim Fields discusses her current success with 'The Upshaws' on Netflix, reflecting on how her perspective on career milestones has evolved from childhood stardom to adult appreciation. She shares insights on Hollywood networking, contrasting her direct casting experiences with the industry's typical audition processes, and highlights the professional dynamics that allowed her to thrive alongside veteran co-stars.
Key takeaways 4
Career Evolution: Fields notes that as a child on 'Facts of Life' and young adult on 'Living Single', she lacked the awareness to savor her success, whereas now she actively practices being present and 'savoring' each moment due to greater life experience.
Networking Strategy: Fields bypassed traditional audition rounds for 'The Upshaws' because she was already in Los Angeles for a press tour, allowing her to do a chemistry read directly with Wanda Sykes and Mike Epps, demonstrating the value of leveraging existing location and professional relationships.
Professional Humility: Fields contrasts her positive experience with Charlotte Rae on 'Facts of Life' against Jaleel White's recent comments about 'Family Matters', emphasizing that Charlotte Rae never felt threatened by the show's shift in focus to the girls and remained fully professional.
Collaborative Success: Mike Epps' success on 'The Upshaws' is attributed to his willingness to be vulnerable and step out of his stand-up comfort zone into scripted comedy, supported by a strong writers' room that minimized the need for improvisation.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I'm grateful I'm never going to take it for granted I'm always going to put the work in and show up with my A-game and be very present to enjoy each and every moment because it could get so overwhelming with everything going on that I kind of glaze over it.”
▶ 1:29Kim Fields explaining her mindset regarding the number one status of 'The Upshaws' on Netflix.
“Charlotte just was full tilt professional and just never gave us that kind of negativity... she never gave us any shade never gave us any sort animosity never felt like she was taking a back seat or anything like that.”
Kim Fields describing Charlotte Rae's professionalism during the transition of 'Facts of Life' from a Mrs. Garrett-centric show to an ensemble cast.
“Benny Upshaw is not Mike Epps this isn't the Mike Epps show and so that takes a lot of coming out of your comfort zone and he's doing it.”
▶ 23:18Kim Fields praising Mike Epps for adapting his comedic style to fit the scripted narrative rather than forcing his stand-up persona onto the role.
“It's actually that the chemistry read that's how uh that's that's what she's talking about it wasn't like you know cast and directed me just rolling up in there with a whole bunch of folks.”
▶ 7:32Kim Fields clarifying how she was cast in 'The Upshaws' through a direct chemistry read rather than a standard audition process.
Chapters & Sections (56)▼
0:00Kim Fields Discusses Her Netflix Successchapter4
0:00Celebrity Guest Discussion and Early Career
0:28Kim Fields on The Upshaw's Netflix Show
0:54Celebrity Interview with Kim on Netflix Success
1:29Gratitude and Presence in Daily Life
1:53Reflecting on Career and Appreciating Momentschapter2
1:53Reflecting on Career Milestones and Childhood
2:44Self Awareness and Enjoying Life's Journey
3:40Dancing with the Stars Career Highlightchapter2
3:40Dancing with the Stars Experience
4:20Overcoming Fears and Embracing New Experiences
5:10Wanda Sykes Discusses Kim Fields Castingchapter2
5:10Wanda Sykes Discusses The Upshaws Cast
6:06Meeting a TV Personality for the First Time
6:43Career Advancement and Networking in Hollywoodchapter4
6:43Audition Experience for Netflix Project
7:37Career Turning Point in Film Industry
8:08Red Velvet Audition and Casting Process
8:37Meeting with Warner Brothers Executives
9:27Discussing Chemistry on Set and Hip-Hop Appreciationchapter2
9:27Discussing Chemistry in Acting Relationships
10:08Hip-Hop Appreciation Week Discussion
10:51Celebrity Discusses Hip Hop Roots and Influenceschapter4
10:51New York Harlem Hip-Hop Roots
11:31Heavy Metal Music Appreciation
11:57Celebrity Discussion and Music Memories
12:39Hip Hop Music Discussion and Playlist
13:06Celebrity Reflects on Hairstyle Influencechapter2
13:06Celebrity Hairstyle Influence on Generations
14:08Celebrity Reaction to TV Show Success
15:02Discussion about Jaleel White's Family Matters Experiencechapter2
15:02Celebrity News and Personal Opinions
15:36Discussion on Sitcom Roles and Character Impact
16:21Charlotte Ray's Legacy on The Facts of Lifechapter3
16:21Creation of The Mrs. Garrett Spin-Off Show
16:51Charlotte's Behavior on Reality TV Show
17:21Positive Relationship with a Parent
17:43Supporting a Colleague's Personal Journeychapter2
17:43Body Image and Self Acceptance Journey
18:33Kim Fields Shares Humble Professional Energy
19:17Importance of Teamwork and Support in Successchapter2
19:17Importance of Teamwork in Competitive Situations
20:06Praise for Multi-Dimensional Actor's Performance
20:58Mike Epps' Comedy Style and Improvisationchapter2
20:58Comedian Mike Epps Discusses Improv and Writing
21:44Comedian's Commitment to Humor and Fanbase
22:40Mike's Growth as a Scripted Show Creatorchapter2
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