Interview: Keshia Knight Pulliam of ‘Madea Goes to Jail’
Posted on February 18, 2009 at 8:00 am
Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Rudy, the littlest child on The Cosby Show
What can you tell me about working with Tyler Perry?
It’s wonderful! I’ve worked with him in “House of Payne.” He has everything at once — drama, comedy, romance, and it is so classic, so funny, and such comic relief. That’s what real life is — comedy, suspense, romance, all at together. Tyler has a formula of his own and proved that he could create his own genre. He is so honest and so true to life.
Is it like working with Bill Cosby?
Mr. Cosby is hilarious and wonderful. Like Tyler, he did it all — producing, writing, everything. Mr. Cosby gave all of us the foundation of being a great actor. He taught us about comedy, honesty, a work ethic, professionalism. A lot of people don’t learn at such a young age, and I am glad I did and did not have to correct bad habits later on.
Tell me about the character you play in this film.
I play Candy, a heroin addict and prostitute, who meets Madea in jail. Her arc is very much about someone who has made choices but they don’t define her. She has to learn to take ownership of her choices. Madea comes to her rescue and she learns to stop being a victim. Madea says things others are thinking but might not say, and Candy needs to hear them.
This character allowed me to do something out of the box and it stretched me as an actress. To prepare for the role I did research and I spoke to someone who had similar experiences and turned her life around. But I think most people can identify with the feelings of desperation. Even if you haven’t had the experience, you can correlate your own history with the character and understand that the behavior can be a symptom of a greater issue and a greater cause.
What are you working on now?
I’ve started a production company. I’d like to do it all and studied at Spellman so I could have the skills to produce as well as act, maybe direct, too.
What was it like to co-star with Derek Luke?
He is a tremendous talent, someone really willing to give it to you. He completely embodies the character and that gave me so much to respond to. I would love to work with him again.
What do you hope people will take from this movie?
I hope they enjoy it and come away thinking that the characters are not “those people” but people who struggle they way they do and have the same challenges they do. Everybody struggles with those demons. And I hope they like my work in it!
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to know what is the name of Keshia Pulliam Production Company and can we contact the company? If so what is the telephone number and address?
I would be very grateful for your help and your most urgent reply.
Have an amazing day.
Thank you,
Mary Rupert
Thank you, Mary — I have sent you a private email responding to your query.
I am so proud of Keshia. I have watched over the years, and she has develped into a wonderful actor. I’m glad Mr. Cosby taught each of them well while they were young. Congrats to you on you career!
She appears to be a beautiful young lady, internal and external. Good interview, I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you so much, Melanie. It was a real pleasure to talk with her and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
I am glad to see you working this way Kiesha. I met Kiesha some years back when her brother and my daughter went to the prom together, in high school. I am a 47 year old woman who has always watched the development of Kiesha, since she 1st began acting as a young child. Being a Communication’s graduate of the AU Center, Clark College back then, I have always kept an eye on those African American’s who have had success in front of the camera, and then I’ve watched to see how they survive in this ‘sometimes’ unpredictable and very volatile market. Kiesha, I am Chevy’s mom, and never talked to you about this, but I am so glad you are starting a production company. I would like to see you continue to fight for roles and create roles for yourself that allow you to develop your repertoire of characters and enrich your talent. This is the gift God has given you. (Time is awastin while we keep breathing.) I expect an Oscar or two for you in the next 10 years, because you can and you are worthy…but you must plot the course. Congratulations on your part in Madea Goes to Jail and your performance. I got off work at 3pm Friday and was watching the movie by 3:50pm. I was impressed with you performance and am so proud of you. Now go get em girl!
Thank you so much, Ms. Robertson! I am sure Keshia Knight Pulliam appreciates these wonderful comments.
I was delighted to see how well “Madea” did this weekend — the top box office ever for Tyler Perry and the studio.