Kellita Smith Talks Childhood and Her Early Career

Hustling with Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox was in for some surprises as she interviews actress and comedian Kellita Smith, best known for her role as Bernie Mac’s wife, in “The Bernie Mac Show” (2001-2006). Though they have been friends for years Vivaca didn’t know Kellita was raised in the Black Panther community of Oakland, California. Recognized for her talent even as a child, 8-year old Kellita was chosen to interview controversial political activist Huey P Newton, for a school production. “I was the only one who could sit still long enough to talk to a grown up.”

But it was the funny lady’s appearance on “In Living Color” that gave Kellita her start in Hollywood. She trades stories with Vivica about the “mean girls” they both encountered while auditioning. They’re laughing now, but it was tough then. Kellita has better memories of her early years of hustling for parts, when she got to know and work with the greats including Jamie Fox, Cedric and Steve Harvey. But it’s to Bernie Mac that she says she owes the biggest debt. After numerous rejections and multiple screen tests, Kellita won the coveted role of Bernie's wife, Wanda McCullough, on “The Bernie Mac Show." Vivica and Kellita go deep on their shared admiration for Bernie Mac, who died unexpectedly just as his show completed it’s fifth season. Kellita talks about the fun of appearing in SyFy show “Z Nation” and her newest movie “Influence.” She says she still misses Bernie’s friendship and in his honor is going to try stand up in the near future. It’s all part of Kellita's hustle.

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