What’s it like to work with funnyman Marlon Wayans?
I hate it, that is why I have done it so many times, I guess I am just a glutton for punishment now. I think this is number four or five with him now so next time he calls I’m definitely going to say “hell yes!” I love him; he is a brilliant performer and he is a very wonderful guy, so there really isn’t much that he could ask me to do professionally that I would say no to. I just trust him so much and I like him so much and he has a great work ethic, he works really, really hard and he is constantly challenging himself and he makes me working at 2 a.m. in the cold with corn chowder up your nose seem like the best thing in the world. He is really kind to everyone, he isn’t one of those diva actors, he treats everyone with dignity, respect and love and he’s just a great guy so there is no reason why I would want to say ‘no’ to working with him again, I absolutely adore working with him.
He’s so fun to work with and though he is the writer, he relinquishes all that control and trusts that you are going to bring something better to the character. So we always do what is written but he allows you to play and have fun; it is always a great thing for an actor when the director, the producer and the writer trust you to add your input. It makes everyone rise because it is a team effort and everyone feels respected.
Do Kisha and Essence Atkins have any similar character traits?
I think so, I think anytime you play a character there are parts of you that emerge. For me, when I am suspicious I am relentless; I’m like a hound dog or the drug dogs at the airport. I mean I am on you, so I definitely have that in common with her. I’m persistent in getting my way and there is a lot of Kisha that does not take no for an answer especially when she comes back in A Haunted House 2.
“She’s like what he broke up with me? Um, I don’t think so! Oh, you moved on with your life, Um Oh, no, no!” said Atkins referencing her role as Kisha.
