>> pulliam: I booked my first job at nine months old and pretty much
have been working ever since.
And pretty much have been working ever since. But I think the funny thing
is, I feel like people
but I think the funny thing is, I feel like people would think, because of that,
that I grew up and had
this, like, entitled life with
the silver spoon in my mouth
and, you know, all of this.
The silver spoon in my mouth and, you know, all of this. But it's really not the case.
And, you know, all of this. But it's really not the case. I was just the oldest daughter
but it's really not the case. I was just the oldest daughter of james and denise pulliam.
Like, I was no different
when I came home.
Your life is a culmination of
the experiences that you've had.
I had a very unique
and different childhood,
but it was the only childhood
I knew.
But it was the only childhood I knew. I've had an amazing,
amazing life.
And I am grateful for every
opportunity and every experience
and I am grateful for every opportunity and every experience because what I know is,
every experience has crafted me
into the woman that I am today.
Every experience has crafted me into the woman that I am today. You know, sometimes it's
a little more challenging
you know, sometimes it's a little more challenging to lean in than others.
A little more challenging to lean in than others. But ultimately,
I'm an eternal optimist,
but ultimately, I'm an eternal optimist, and I know that what's for me is
for me and has never missed me
and will never miss me.
For me and has never missed me and will never miss me. So just joy and peace
and freedom
so just joy and peace and freedom are the most precious
and valuable things to me.
Are the most precious and valuable things to me. I mean, don't get me wrong,
like, I love nice
things and all of that,
but those aren't the measure
of my success
as a human being, for me.
-- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com
♪
the principles that my family are guided by never changed. Okay, yeah, we may have moved
to a different neighborhood.
Our house
may be a little bigger,
our house may be a little bigger, but in terms of the values
of integrity,
the values of hard work,
the value of education,
that never wavered.
The value of education, that never wavered. You know, my mom got pregnant
with me when she was in college
you know, my mom got pregnant with me when she was in college and, as a result, didn't finish.
With me when she was in college and, as a result, didn't finish. And my father didn't, either.
And, as a result, didn't finish. And my father didn't, either. He was a marine, came out of
and my father didn't, either. He was a marine, came out of the marines, was in college.
My parents got pregnant with me.
The marines, was in college. My parents got pregnant with me. So it was always important
my parents got pregnant with me. So it was always important for me and my brothers to really
so it was always important for me and my brothers to really build on that family legacy
and ensure that not only
did we all go to college,
but we also graduated.
Did we all go to college, but we also graduated. So I'm
a spelman college graduate.
My brother under me
is morehouse college.
We have auburn university,
and then we have morehouse
we have auburn university, and then we have morehouse my baby brother graduated from.
And then we have morehouse my baby brother graduated from. So not only has college
become a legacy in our family,
so not only has college become a legacy in our family, but hbcus, as well.
Become a legacy in our family, but hbcus, as well. I was just this friendly,
smiley, laugh-y,
bubbly, cute baby
who had never met a stranger.
Bubbly, cute baby who had never met a stranger. I'm from new jersey originally,
and we would go across
on the train,
and it was simply a hobby.
On the train, and it was simply a hobby. Her sending my picture --
shirley grant.
She was a management agency
out of teaneck, new jersey.
It was my first agent.
Out of teaneck, new jersey. It was my first agent. I booked my first job
it was my first agent. I booked my first job at nine months old.
It was a print ad for
johnson & johnson baby products.
It's, like, one of the group
of the first they did with
it's, like, one of the group of the first they did with african-american parents
and baby.
African-american parents and baby. You'd think the '70s --
it was, like, maybe '80, '79
you'd think the '70s -- it was, like, maybe '80, '79 at the time --
wasn't that long ago.
At the time -- wasn't that long ago. But, yeah, we were among --
among the first that they were
but, yeah, we were among -- among the first that they were using people who looked like us.
Among the first that they were using people who looked like us. From there, it just kept going.
Using people who looked like us. From there, it just kept going. It was commercials.
It was "sesame street."
it was commercials. It was "sesame street." it was "the last dragon."
it was "sesame street." it was "the last dragon." and where the producers
of "the cosby show" saw me
was a del monte corn commercial,
was a national commercial that
I did when I was about 3.
Was a national commercial that I did when I was about 3. I think it's funny because,
like, being from new jersey --
I was born in newark,
new jersey.
I grew up in irvington.
New jersey. I grew up in irvington. My grandmother, my mom's mom,
owned a three-family home,
my grandmother, my mom's mom, owned a three-family home, and my grandmother
lived on the first floor.
And my grandmother lived on the first floor. We lived on the second floor.
Lived on the first floor. We lived on the second floor. So, you know, that was our life.
And when I'm on
so, you know, that was our life. And when I'm on "the cosby show," this,
and when I'm on "the cosby show," this, you know, number-one show,
you know, we come --
I come from a real black family,
like, where you go
to your grandmother's house,
your great-grandmother's house
to -- for the weekends
to get babysat or what have you.
To -- for the weekends to get babysat or what have you. So I have the random duality
of you can't ride your bike
so I have the random duality of you can't ride your bike to the corner because it may
get stolen and being on the
number-one show.
Get stolen and being on the number-one show. What I tell people is
it only takes one "yes."
what I tell people is it only takes one "yes." so I'd auditioned for
"punky brewster,"
and I was too young,
but we never looked at it like,
"oh, you didn't get the job."
like, that wasn't the discussion
in our house.
Like, that wasn't the discussion in our house. It was, "okay, on to the next.
In our house. It was, "okay, on to the next. We do this. It's fun.
It happens, it happens.
It doesn't, it doesn't."
it happens, it happens. It doesn't, it doesn't." and the funny thing is, that's
it doesn't, it doesn't." and the funny thing is, that's still very much the energy
which I approach it with now.
Still very much the energy which I approach it with now. First of all, an audition isn't
the measure of my abilities
first of all, an audition isn't the measure of my abilities and my talents.
The measure of my abilities and my talents. And again,
what I found in this business,
and again, what I found in this business, when people want me,
they find me.
When people want me, they find me. And it just means that the other
opportunity wasn't for me.
And that's okay.
Opportunity wasn't for me. And that's okay. It was a nationwide search
and that's okay. It was a nationwide search for the character of rudy.
And rudy was actually
originally supposed to be a boy.
They were looking
for a little boy,
they were looking for a little boy, and when they didn't find
the little boy, they opened it
up to little girls, as well.
The little boy, they opened it up to little girls, as well. And I just remember
going to several auditions.
And then the final audition,
I remember, was in l.A.,
and then the final audition, I remember, was in l.A., and I remember
walking into the room.
And I remember walking into the room. I was 4 years old.
Walking into the room. I was 4 years old. And jay sandrich
and mr. Cosby --
and jay sandrich and mr. Cosby -- jay sandrich was the first
director of "the cosby show" --
very instrumental.
Director of "the cosby show" -- very instrumental. He was awesome. Adore him.
Very instrumental. He was awesome. Adore him. And I remember walking into the
he was awesome. Adore him. And I remember walking into the room, seeing the two of them,
and I remember walking into the room, seeing the two of them, and saying, you know,
"my name is keshia,
and I'm 4 years old.
I can't read yet,
but I have my lines memorized."
that was it.
But I have my lines memorized." that was it. And then from there,
I believe, we had a screen test.
And anyone who's in the business
knows that they'll do chemistry
and anyone who's in the business knows that they'll do chemistry reads and mix and matches.
Knows that they'll do chemistry reads and mix and matches. And there's a whole process
to putting together
and there's a whole process to putting together a family, specifically.
To putting together a family, specifically. I even remember, and I think
there's a footage floating
around somewhere when I was
that 4-year-old little girl
and I'm doing my screen test,
and I can see myself
on the monitor, and I'm looking
back and forth like,
"that's me."
but, yeah,
that's how it happened.
But, yeah, that's how it happened. And, I mean, honestly,
the rest is really just history.
But what I can say is,
in that moment, my 5-, 6-, 7-,
but what I can say is, in that moment, my 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, till right before
I was 13-year-old self
did not understand
the magnitude
of what we were creating.
The magnitude of what we were creating. I wasn't able to fathom
how it was going to change
the course of history
the way that it has.
The course of history the way that it has. Quite frankly, I didn't really
even begin to grasp
quite frankly, I didn't really even begin to grasp until I was sitting
in a sociology class
at spelman college as a student,
and we're talking about us
and the impact that we have had
on society as a whole.
And the impact that we have had on society as a whole. And then subsequently,
you know, meeting people
and then subsequently, you know, meeting people from around the world
who grew up watching the show,
who, because of us, dreamt
of going to college
or now thought that going
to an hbcu was possible
or even knew what an hbcu was
as a result of this show,
who may not have had the best
home life but could escape
through watching our family
and learn lessons that weren't
taught in their household.
And learn lessons that weren't taught in their household. So you can't deny
just the indelible mark
so you can't deny just the indelible mark that it has made on history for
black people, for brown people,
for rich people,
for poor people.
For rich people, for poor people. It was a show that brought
people together
it was a show that brought people together and made people realize how much
more alike we were the different
and also let people know
that anything is possible.
♪ >> pulliam: To this day, randomly am the youngest person
ever nominated for an emmy
for best supporting actress.
Ever nominated for an emmy for best supporting actress. I remember going to the emmys,
but, you know, the things
I remember, I remember my dress,
which I still have.
And it's funny, my daughter
is about that age now,
and it's funny, my daughter is about that age now, so I've loved to put her in it
and take some photos of her.
So I've loved to put her in it and take some photos of her. But I remember, you know,
it was the whole cast who went
but I remember, you know, it was the whole cast who went and me just being like,
"well, why can't I stand up?
And me just being like, "well, why can't I stand up? Why do you have to" --
because malcolm would pick me up
why do you have to" -- because malcolm would pick me up for the pictures.
Because malcolm would pick me up for the pictures. The funny thing is, when you're
a kid, you're always you.
You're just in a smaller body,
and you just haven't learned
you're just in a smaller body, and you just haven't learned as many lessons yet,
maybe not as much wisdom.
As many lessons yet, maybe not as much wisdom. But I feel like your personality
is what it is.
And, you know, even at that,
it was like, "okay,
and, you know, even at that, it was like, "okay, it happened," and you kind of
keep going.
It happened," and you kind of keep going. The award has never
been my goal.
What I love about it
is storytelling, specifically,
what I love about it is storytelling, specifically, you know, stories
that I relate to,
stories that are inspirational.
That I relate to, stories that are inspirational. I understand the power
of the medium.
It's a form of history.
Of the medium. It's a form of history. And you are solidifying
it's a form of history. And you are solidifying your history and your story
and you are solidifying your history and your story through the movies
and the tv shows that we do.
Through the movies and the tv shows that we do. I recognize that so many people
may have never met
a black person in their life,
so they're getting their entire
understanding of who we are
as a people and a culture by one
of america's greatest exports,
and that's television and film.
Of america's greatest exports, and that's television and film. So there's a lot of power
in that, and all of those
so there's a lot of power in that, and all of those things have an impact,
and all of those things
tell a story.
And all of those things tell a story. ♪
I am a student of life
in every opportunity
that I have.
In every opportunity that I have. And growing up around the greats
and the best of the best, it's
and growing up around the greats and the best of the best, it's different because I'm young,
but my work ethic is old school,
you know, having the ability to
work with the sammy davis jrs.,
the dizzy gillespies,
the lena hornes.
The dizzy gillespies, the lena hornes. And the thing is, in that day,
it wasn't just about
and the thing is, in that day, it wasn't just about being famous or a movie star.
It wasn't just about being famous or a movie star. They, too, understood the
assignment because they came
they, too, understood the assignment because they came from a time when they
weren't valued, embraced.
From a time when they weren't valued, embraced. They knew what segregation was.
Weren't valued, embraced. They knew what segregation was. They knew what it was
they knew what segregation was. They knew what it was not to have rights.
And when you were in
this position,
and when you were in this position, it was also, how were you going
to reach back and pull forward?
It was also, how were you going to reach back and pull forward? How were you also going to
pay it forward and understanding
how were you also going to pay it forward and understanding that it's a very
intertwined world?
That it's a very intertwined world? I think that the naacp
is so important
because it gives a voice
to a demographic of people
which were so long suppressed,
which, you know, we didn't
have that voice.
Which, you know, we didn't have that voice. It wasn't just about
being an actor.
It was also about being an
activist and understanding
it was also about being an activist and understanding that these people were
at the heart
of the civil rights movement.
At the heart of the civil rights movement. They understood that it was
bigger than just entertaining.
It was, how are we going to
empower, inspire, and solidify
it was, how are we going to empower, inspire, and solidify the freedom
of future generations?
The freedom of future generations? It was bigger than
any individual person.
It was about the collective.
Any individual person. It was about the collective. And I learned that, like,
it was about the collective. And I learned that, like, you know, college was important,
and I learned that, like, you know, college was important, education.
You know, college was important, education. Phylicia's a howard graduate.
Education. Phylicia's a howard graduate. When I was on "the cosby show,"
phylicia's a howard graduate. When I was on "the cosby show," malcolm, as well as tempestt,
when I was on "the cosby show," malcolm, as well as tempestt, were going to nyu at the time.
Malcolm, as well as tempestt, were going to nyu at the time. They're graduates
of nyu at this point.
So, you know, not only at home
but at work,
so, you know, not only at home but at work, that the notion of education
and black excellence before it
was even coined a phrase
was the norm.
Was even coined a phrase was the norm. So it never occurred to me
not to go to college.
That was never an option
in my brain.
The cast is always going
to be family, and we share a
the cast is always going to be family, and we share a bond that is cemented for life.
To be family, and we share a bond that is cemented for life. Malcolm actually lives here
in georgia, and our daughters
malcolm actually lives here in georgia, and our daughters are about the same age.
In georgia, and our daughters are about the same age. Who would have thought me and
malcolm would have little girls
who would have thought me and malcolm would have little girls about the same age?
Malcolm would have little girls about the same age? But, you know,
they play together and love
but, you know, they play together and love and adore each other.
They play together and love and adore each other. So our lives have continued
to go on past the show,
so our lives have continued to go on past the show, and there are a lot of shows
that can't say that.
And there are a lot of shows that can't say that. There are a lot of casts
who still can pick up the phone
there are a lot of casts who still can pick up the phone and pick up like yesterday,
whether it's, you know, phylicia
or, you know, when she started
working at howard,
being able to call
and just, "I'm so proud,"
you know, just all of those
different moments
and vice versa.
Different moments and vice versa. The bottom line is, the way that
we impacted society as a whole
the bottom line is, the way that we impacted society as a whole and the legacy that we have left
will never go away.
And the legacy that we have left will never go away. However, we do have to continue
to speak the legacy
however, we do have to continue to speak the legacy and speak the work
because, also, history
is written every day
with what is passed down,
with what continues to be
acknowledged and spoken about.
With what continues to be acknowledged and spoken about. So I do feel it's important to,
you know, acknowledge the work
so I do feel it's important to, you know, acknowledge the work that a whole lot of people did
and poured their heart and soul
into and, as a result,
has been able to continue
to positively affect the world.
>> pulliam: I will never, ever forget the first time that I stepped on to the campus
of spelman college.
That I stepped on to the campus of spelman college. I was so enamored with all of
these beautiful black women.
That was an experience
I was destined to have to plant
that was an experience I was destined to have to plant the seed that would later grow
into my knowing that spelman
was where I needed to be.
Into my knowing that spelman was where I needed to be. It's crazy because, like,
you're 7.
Like, I just knew.
You're 7. Like, I just knew. And it's funny because my dad,
like, I just knew. And it's funny because my dad, you know, he comes from that era
and it's funny because my dad, you know, he comes from that era of, "no, you need to go to yale
or all these ivy league
schools."
I was like, "no, dad, I'm going
to spelman, sorry."
so he literally made me
fill out the application to uva.
So he literally made me fill out the application to uva. It was like a yale.
Fill out the application to uva. It was like a yale. But back then, it was, like,
it was like a yale. But back then, it was, like, a two-part application.
So the first part
was, like, kind of basic.
I did it. I sent that part in.
Was, like, kind of basic. I did it. I sent that part in. But I applied to spelman
early decision.
So did the complete application
to spelman.
I knew I was accepted to spelman
before thanksgiving, christmas.
That's how dead set I was
on going to spelman college.
You couldn't tell me nothing.
>> pulliam: I have made some of my best, most lifelong friends right at spelman college.
My best, most lifelong friends right at spelman college. With everyone having grown up
with me, you know, people
with everyone having grown up with me, you know, people definitely had preconceived
notions of who I was,
how I would be,
would I be stuck up or entitled
or this or that?
Would I be stuck up or entitled or this or that? But this is a very odd saying,
but it's one of my favorites
but this is a very odd saying, but it's one of my favorites that a mentor of mine says --
"if you're not a hoe,
you can't be a hoe,"
meaning if it's not who you are,
then you can't be that.
Meaning if it's not who you are, then you can't be that. You are who you consistently
show up to be.
Everyone isn't gonna like you.
Show up to be. Everyone isn't gonna like you. You're just not gonna be
everyone isn't gonna like you. You're just not gonna be everyone's cup of tea.
That's just life.
Everyone's cup of tea. That's just life. But that's okay.
But for me, I've just always
but that's okay. But for me, I've just always been very consistent in being,
but for me, I've just always been very consistent in being, and if not being,
working to and becoming,
who I desire to be.
Working to and becoming, who I desire to be. So, you know,
it was interesting.
There's definitely some stories
that'll stay at spelman college.
Thank god there were no camera
phones and all this.
And, you know, the funny
thing is, some people thought
and, you know, the funny thing is, some people thought they were going to meet rudy,
but they ain't know they were
going to meet keshia.
But they ain't know they were going to meet keshia. We two different people.
Going to meet keshia. We two different people. Keshia's from jersey.
We don't play those ghetto
keshia's from jersey. We don't play those ghetto games.
But, you know, like I said,
I pledged.
I'm a delta, eta kappa chapter,
spelman college.
And my line sisters
and the sisters
and my line sisters and the sisters that I made at spelman
literally are some of my
best friends to this day.
Literally are some of my best friends to this day. I fell in love with atlanta,
I think, it was olympics '96.
'cause I have family who live
here, also, so I have
family who live in atlanta.
Here, also, so I have family who live in atlanta. My dad's side of the family
originally is from georgia.
My mom's side of the family
originally is from alabama.
So in the summers, we would take
these car trips, these horr--
so in the summers, we would take these car trips, these horr-- like, to this day,
I'm not a car --
like, that's why I think I don't
really like car trips that much.
Like, that's why I think I don't really like car trips that much. So we'd take these epic car
trips over the summer, where me,
so we'd take these epic car trips over the summer, where me, my brothers, my parents,
all the luggage would be
packed up in the car.
All the luggage would be packed up in the car. And we'd drive.
Packed up in the car. And we'd drive. We'd drive to virginia,
and we'd drive. We'd drive to virginia, where my dad's side
we'd drive to virginia, where my dad's side of the family -- boydton --
like, literally had an outhouse,
my great-grandmother's house.
Like, literally had an outhouse, my great-grandmother's house. And then we'd make our way
to georgia.
And then from georgia to alabama
to see my mother's family.
So I knew from being little that
I fell in love with atlanta.
So after graduation, I stayed.
And then my brother under me,
so after graduation, I stayed. And then my brother under me, jp, who went to morehouse,
and then my brother under me, jp, who went to morehouse, he came to atlanta.
Jp, who went to morehouse, he came to atlanta. And he graduated, he stayed.
He came to atlanta. And he graduated, he stayed. My mother looked at my dad and
and he graduated, he stayed. My mother looked at my dad and was like, "james, we're moving."
my mother looked at my dad and was like, "james, we're moving." so that's how the whole family
ended up here.
So that's how the whole family ended up here. So they moved here,
and literally me,
so they moved here, and literally me, my parents, my brothers,
we all live within 15,
20 minutes of each other
and see each other all the time.
And I love it.
And see each other all the time. And I love it. Like, family is the most
and I love it. Like, family is the most important thing to me.
♪
my desire is to not
just be in front of the camera
but behind the camera
for a multitude of reasons.
But behind the camera for a multitude of reasons. One, it's because I'm passionate
about it.
But, two, I understand the power
in the creation of these images
but, two, I understand the power in the creation of these images and how they're depicted.
In the creation of these images and how they're depicted. When you're an actor, you're
just saying other people's
when you're an actor, you're just saying other people's words, but when you're a
director, you're executing
the entirety of the vision.
Director, you're executing the entirety of the vision. When you're a producer,
you're behind the scenes,
when you're a producer, you're behind the scenes, putting together all the pieces
of the puzzle.
Putting together all the pieces of the puzzle. When you're a writer,
you're putting those words
when you're a writer, you're putting those words into the mouths of the actors.
You're putting those words into the mouths of the actors. You know, when you're an
executive, you're deciding what
you know, when you're an executive, you're deciding what gets seen, what gets funded,
what gets shown.
Gets seen, what gets funded, what gets shown. You have to understand the power
of the behind the scenes
you have to understand the power of the behind the scenes in crafting our image.
Of the behind the scenes in crafting our image. So that's always been
very important to me.
You know, the reality is,
after college, just, I was so
you know, the reality is, after college, just, I was so busy with working in front of
the camera that I hadn't had
the opportunity.
The camera that I hadn't had the opportunity. But plus, I feel like every job
has helped prepare me for being
but plus, I feel like every job has helped prepare me for being on this side of the camera.
Has helped prepare me for being on this side of the camera. And everything has come together
at specifically the right time.
So, you know, after college --
I'm thinking -- I did
so, you know, after college -- I'm thinking -- I did some television movies.
I did "beauty shop."
I did chingy -- "one call away."
that was fun.
Just that whole era,
because that was the time
just that whole era, because that was the time where I really was able
to be seen, finally, as a woman
versus a little girl.
To be seen, finally, as a woman versus a little girl. And I feel that it was
a necessary part of the journey
and I feel that it was a necessary part of the journey within my transition.
A necessary part of the journey within my transition. I'm guided by my intuition.
Within my transition. I'm guided by my intuition. It's never guided by the check.
We all have it.
We have this little voice
we all have it. We have this little voice within us, within our gut,
we have this little voice within us, within our gut, that is telling us
which way to go.
That is telling us which way to go. And it depends on
if we slow down enough,
and it depends on if we slow down enough, quiet ourselves enough
to listen.
Quiet ourselves enough to listen. As I've gotten older,
I've gotten better about
as I've gotten older, I've gotten better about ensuring that I follow that gut
and I always listen.
Ensuring that I follow that gut and I always listen. If my spirit feels restless,
if it feels uneasy,
if my spirit feels restless, if it feels uneasy, if I keep hitting roadblocks, if
it keeps -- that's not for me.
If I keep hitting roadblocks, if it keeps -- that's not for me. And I'm okay with being like,
"oop, no, I'm good.
I'm so good."
[ laughs ]
it's also, when you are
in your lane
and living in your purpose,
it never misses you.
And living in your purpose, it never misses you. And I know that to be true
because I've lived that.
>> pulliam: You know, the "house of payne" is so crazy because, again, it's, like,
when something is for you,
it's for you.
When something is for you, it's for you. That was a situation where,
literally, I got this call.
They wanted me to come and do,
like, a two-, three-episode arc.
It was something like that.
Like, a two-, three-episode arc. It was something like that. And I was like, "okay, why not?
Let's do this."
and I was like, "okay, why not? Let's do this." so I ended up doing it.
And, I don't know, 2 episodes
turned into 200-and-some-odd
and, I don't know, 2 episodes turned into 200-and-some-odd later, and it's really been
a really great blessing.
Later, and it's really been a really great blessing. It's so funny now, because
depending on what generation
it's so funny now, because depending on what generation you are depends on
what you know me as.
You are depends on what you know me as. Like, so, like, parents will be
like, "oh, no, that's rudy."
like, so, like, parents will be like, "oh, no, that's rudy." and the kids will be like,
"that's miranda. Yeah."
and so, it's just so funny
to me.
And so, it's just so funny to me. You know, actors pray for
one long-running show, but to
you know, actors pray for one long-running show, but to have two, one eight years,
one over a decade,
that is magical.
One over a decade, that is magical. And, you know, I'm really
grateful for the opportunity.
And very few shows go on for
as long as "house of payne" did,
and very few shows go on for as long as "house of payne" did, had the five year or so hiatus
that we had, and then come back
and still keep making shows.
That we had, and then come back and still keep making shows. So it's definitely
been a blessing.
You know, it's been great.
Been a blessing. You know, it's been great. And then to begin my directing
you know, it's been great. And then to begin my directing journey on "house of payne"
and then to begin my directing journey on "house of payne" has been wonderful,
working with the cast
and the crew that I love so much
and getting to be on the other
side of it.
And getting to be on the other side of it. It has been a joy.
Side of it. It has been a joy. And it's funny, because
it has been a joy. And it's funny, because I always joke with people.
I'm like, you know, "people talk
about how fast tyler works
and all that," and it's real.
About how fast tyler works and all that," and it's real. Like, it is boot camp.
And all that," and it's real. Like, it is boot camp. If you can thrive
like, it is boot camp. If you can thrive at tyler perry studios,
if you can thrive at tyler perry studios, you can thrive anywhere.
At tyler perry studios, you can thrive anywhere. It's that simple.
You can thrive anywhere. It's that simple. It's been great, you know,
it's that simple. It's been great, you know, moving into directing
it's been great, you know, moving into directing and directing several episodes
of "house of payne"
and just finishing directing
"girlfriends' summer getaway,"
which is coming out this fall
for the hallmark channel.
Which is coming out this fall for the hallmark channel. It's amazing.
For the hallmark channel. It's amazing. I love it. I enjoy it.
I love all facets of it.
You know, like, some people are
like, "oh, you have to stay
you know, like, some people are like, "oh, you have to stay in a specific box."
I don't believe in a box,
you know, whether from
my entrepreneurial side
of, you know, starting
my spice line, keshia's kitchen.
Of, you know, starting my spice line, keshia's kitchen. I'm one of those people, when
I'm inspired to do something,
whether it's cooking and spices,
I follow my passion and I do it,
whether it's, you know,
giving back and providing
opportunities for kids
who don't have them through
my kamp kizzy foundation.
Who don't have them through my kamp kizzy foundation. That's just the core --
core of who I am.
You know, if you're not a part
of the solution, you're a part
you know, if you're not a part of the solution, you're a part of the problem, and I
live by that.
Of the problem, and I live by that. I think when you give,
it has to be from a place
of love and honesty
and authenticity
and void of ego.
And authenticity and void of ego. You know, when you give to
someone, just seeing them
you know, when you give to someone, just seeing them and acknowledging them
as human beings,
I feel like there's something
that -- that cheapens it
by being like, "look at me,"
because it's not about you.
By being like, "look at me," because it's not about you. It's about the people
or the person
it's about the people or the person that you are helping.
Or the person that you are helping. I feel like when you do
and you give
and you make it about you,
you might as well have not
given at all.
You might as well have not given at all. As a human being,
you are deserving of love
as a human being, you are deserving of love and respect, and it isn't about,
"what you can do for me."
it isn't about your job title.
It isn't about your level
of education.
All people are human beings
and are deserving of that.
And I'm going to treat
the janitor the same as the ceo,
and I'm going to treat the janitor the same as the ceo, because the other piece of it is
your job, your bank account,
it doesn't denote your worth
as a person.
It doesn't denote your worth as a person. That can always change.
As a person. That can always change. Have you ever encountered
that can always change. Have you ever encountered those people who have been
have you ever encountered those people who have been really unkind to someone
when they weren't in a position
to help them but then as soon as
they become in a position,
their whole attitude
and how you speak to them
and how you talk to them
completely changes?
And how you talk to them completely changes? I don't want to do business
with someone like that.
I don't want to be friends with
someone like that.
Because of that,
it's also important to me the
because of that, it's also important to me the people I surround myself with.
It's also important to me the people I surround myself with. If you're on my team in any way,
shape or form,
if you're on my team in any way, shape or form, your representation of me
and your energy has to be
like and kind to that.
And your energy has to be like and kind to that. And you can't talk to people
crazy because that's not
and you can't talk to people crazy because that's not what we do over here.
Crazy because that's not what we do over here. It's simply not.
What we do over here. It's simply not. ♪
it's simply not. ♪ it makes me emotional because...
There are so many people
that are blessed with so much.
And there's so many people
who are praying for our worries.
And a lot of people
haven't been given the same
and a lot of people haven't been given the same opportunities or,
you know, been blessed with
the same experiences in life.
You know, been blessed with the same experiences in life. But that doesn't change their
worth as a human being to me.
I know that there is something
for me to learn from each
and every person,
and it breaks my heart
when you encounter those people
who have been so invisible
for so long.
Who have been so invisible for so long. And that's why giving back and
community service and donating
and that's why giving back and community service and donating and all of those things
are so very important to me.
And all of those things are so very important to me. You know, one of my favorite
quotes is, "paying it forward
you know, one of my favorite quotes is, "paying it forward and giving back is your rent
for this life on earth" --
muhammad ali.
For this life on earth" -- muhammad ali. And I belie-- and I know that
to be true.
And if you ever really think
about it, no one, no matter
and if you ever really think about it, no one, no matter how successful you are,
has done it by yourself.
How successful you are, has done it by yourself. There's always been a village.
Has done it by yourself. There's always been a village. There's always been, you know,
there's always been a village. There's always been, you know, people who sacrificed for you,
there's always been, you know, people who sacrificed for you, that are present, that you
may not even have ever known the
sacrifices that were made.
May not even have ever known the sacrifices that were made. And I believe it's our duty
to continue to do that and to
and I believe it's our duty to continue to do that and to continue to pay it forward.
To continue to do that and to continue to pay it forward. And I think, also, when you come
from just a family that
and I think, also, when you come from just a family that that's what we've always done,
you know, it starts --
especially with our people,
with black people.
Especially with our people, with black people. We do community service
all the time and don't realize
we do community service all the time and don't realize that's what it is.
All the time and don't realize that's what it is. When you have the cousin
that needs to come stay with you
when you have the cousin that needs to come stay with you or, you know, the family
member who's on hard times,
who you help out or even just
how we do when you have a kid
and the next person has a kid,
you pass down the clothes to,
you know, all those things are
a form of paying it forward
that we have done out
of survival,
but not recognizing
the importance of it
and continuing to do it
on a large scale.
♪ >> pulliam: It's funny because our paths had crossed many times
before we actually
saw each other.
Before we actually saw each other. I didn't even remember
a lot of the times
we'd been in the same room
or at the same event,
and it's really funny because
there was actually a picture
that we took at a party.
There was actually a picture that we took at a party. Like, you know, when we're at
these parties, be like, "oh,
like, you know, when we're at these parties, be like, "oh, take a picture."
"okay, cool, take a picture."
I didn't even remember taking
this picture until my mother
found it and sent it to us like,
"hey, look what I found,"
that was taken years before
we actually truly connected.
That was taken years before we actually truly connected. And it's funny because I had
just gotten to a place
and it's funny because I had just gotten to a place in my life where I was like,
"okay, I'm ready to date again
after divorce.
I'm ready."
because I feel like anyone who
goes through divorce understands
the space of almost
not trusting your own judgment.
The space of almost not trusting your own judgment. And you have to rebuild
and regain that trust
and you have to rebuild and regain that trust in yourself and your intuition
and being able to spot
the right person, being able
to know it when it happens.
The right person, being able to know it when it happens. So I was in
what I call the season of yes.
Like, "okay, if this guy, even
if he wasn't my type, okay.
If you ask me out to dinner,
sure," but still with
if you ask me out to dinner, sure," but still with discernment.
Sure," but still with discernment. We may go out to dinner.
Discernment. We may go out to dinner. If intuition says
we may go out to dinner. If intuition says "no, ma'am," I'm very okay
if intuition says "no, ma'am," I'm very okay with keeping it moving.
Like, it was important for me
to do the work on me and being
like, it was important for me to do the work on me and being the best person that I can be,
because if you don't do the work
on you,
you can't even recognize it
when it presents itself.
You can't even recognize it when it presents itself. So I feel like, simultaneously,
we were both on these paths,
so I feel like, simultaneously, we were both on these paths, very independent of one another,
and then these paths collide.
Very independent of one another, and then these paths collide. ♪
we were on the set of
"pride & prejudice," and as it
happens, we ended up having a
lot of downtime kind of
simultaneously,
or we were in scenes together.
Simultaneously, or we were in scenes together. So we were just kind of chatting
and chopping it up, and he was,
so we were just kind of chatting and chopping it up, and he was, you know, just easy to talk to.
And chopping it up, and he was, you know, just easy to talk to. So I was so completely oblivious
to, I guess,
so I was so completely oblivious to, I guess, him having a little crush on me.
To, I guess, him having a little crush on me. And it's so funny.
Him having a little crush on me. And it's so funny. I was just in l.A.,
and it's so funny. I was just in l.A., and kellee stewart,
who was also in this --
in this movie,
she was on set, too.
In this movie, she was on set, too. And then kellee is like,
"I think brad likes you."
and then kellee is like, "I think brad likes you." I'm like, "no, he doesn't.
He's just cool, whatever."
I'm still, like, completely
he's just cool, whatever." I'm still, like, completely over my head.
But now, in hindsight,
he did order hot krispy kreme
but now, in hindsight, he did order hot krispy kreme doughnuts for us to the set.
He did order hot krispy kreme doughnuts for us to the set. Then he was like,
"yeah, so I have this script
then he was like, "yeah, so I have this script I want you to read.
You know, you want to read it?"
I was like, "yeah, of course
you know, you want to read it?" I was like, "yeah, of course I'll read it." I'm like, "here."
I give him my phone.
I'm like, "here, put your
e-mail, put your information
and what have you."
he puts his name,
he puts his birthday,
he puts his e-mail address,
and then he takes a selfie,
a picture of himself
for the profile
and hands me my phone back.
For the profile and hands me my phone back. I was like, "okay.
And hands me my phone back. I was like, "okay. I've never had someone take
a picture with my phone
for their profile pic,
but that's cool."
he says I was giving him
the eyes, which these are just
my eyes.
The eyes, which these are just my eyes. I don't know what I was doing
special, but I'll let him tell
his version another day because
this is my version.
His version another day because this is my version. So he comes over.
This is my version. So he comes over. We're supposed to be going over
so he comes over. We're supposed to be going over these scripts, but we end up
we're supposed to be going over these scripts, but we end up going to one restaurant and,
like, having some drinks.
Going to one restaurant and, like, having some drinks. Next little restaurant
on the property, having --
next little restaurant on the property, having -- like, sharing burgers.
On the property, having -- like, sharing burgers. The next restaurant,
we ended up having dessert.
Didn't do an iota of work
the whole time, but it was like,
didn't do an iota of work the whole time, but it was like, "okay, so I guess we'll do this,
try this again another time."
and I guess we just kept trying
to get another time,
and, lo and behold,
that's the long short story
of the beginning.
That's the long short story of the beginning. But truthfully,
like, without all of that,
but truthfully, like, without all of that, it's just easy.
Like, without all of that, it's just easy. When you're with the person
that you're supposed to be with,
when you're with the person that you're supposed to be with, it's easy.
That you're supposed to be with, it's easy. You know, people tell you
relationships are hard
you know, people tell you relationships are hard and all this stuff.
Relationships are hard and all this stuff. But the hard part isn't hard.
And all this stuff. But the hard part isn't hard. It's just putting in the work
but the hard part isn't hard. It's just putting in the work with one another.
We always look at it
from the standpoint of,
we always look at it from the standpoint of, if we're both giving,
then no one is feeling
as though they're depleted
if we're -- if our focus
is both pouring into each other
and our relationship.
Is both pouring into each other and our relationship. But, yeah, so we were on the set
of "pride & prejudice,"
but, yeah, so we were on the set of "pride & prejudice," and we were filming
around the holiday time.
And we were filming around the holiday time. Thanksgiving was coming up.
Around the holiday time. Thanksgiving was coming up. And we're asking about like,
thanksgiving was coming up. And we're asking about like, "what are your thanksgiving
and we're asking about like, "what are your thanksgiving plans," that sort of thing.
And so brad says that, you know,
he was supposed to be going
and so brad says that, you know, he was supposed to be going on a cruise with his family,
but then he ended up booking,
you know, this movie happening,
the timing of the movie,
so his family was going on
the cruise without him.
So his family was going on the cruise without him. So I was like,
oh, well, you're welcome
so I was like, oh, well, you're welcome to come over for thanksgiving,"
because my brother was hosting
thanksgiving.
Because my brother was hosting thanksgiving. And we have, as you can probably
deduce, a large, big,
and we have, as you can probably deduce, a large, big, boisterous, fun family.
Deduce, a large, big, boisterous, fun family. You know how you throw out the
invitation?
But then he actually -- he came.
Invitation? But then he actually -- he came. Then he was like, "well,
but then he actually -- he came. Then he was like, "well, you know, my daughter decided,
then he was like, "well, you know, my daughter decided, you know, that she's not going
to go either because she's
working."
so he comes to thanksgiving,
and he walks into this house
full of family
and people and music and food,
and just he just fit right in.
And people and music and food, and just he just fit right in. I took note that he was able to
come into the room,
move with ease, blend in,
have conversations,
like, you know,
and it be effortlessly done.
Like, you know, and it be effortlessly done. And so, this whole time,
of course, I have all brothers.
And my family always jokes
to this day because I'm like,
and my family always jokes to this day because I'm like, "no, he's just my castmate.
To this day because I'm like, "no, he's just my castmate. It's nothing like that."
they're like, "mm-hmm.
Castmates. Okay.
They're like, "mm-hmm. Castmates. Okay. Okay, castmates."
castmates. Okay. Okay, castmates." so that was, like, the running
okay, castmates." so that was, like, the running joke of thanksgiving.
So that was, like, the running joke of thanksgiving. And so, then his daughter did
come, and that was funny
and so, then his daughter did come, and that was funny because, you know, she was about
to be 18 at the time.
Because, you know, she was about to be 18 at the time. And brad got married
really young, so his children
and brad got married really young, so his children are older.
Really young, so his children are older. So everyone was like, "oh, no,
this negro did not
so everyone was like, "oh, no, this negro did not bring a chick to thanksgiving."
and I'm like, "no, y'all, that's
his daughter.
And I'm like, "no, y'all, that's his daughter. They were like, "oh, okay.
His daughter. They were like, "oh, okay. I'm just checking."
they were like, "oh, okay. I'm just checking." because, you know, it's, like,
all my aunties.
Because, you know, it's, like, all my aunties. It was, like, one of those
kind of thanksgivings.
And I think shortly after
thanksgiving, that was
and I think shortly after thanksgiving, that was when things really took a turn.
Thanksgiving, that was when things really took a turn. And we both realized that this
was a little more than friends.
And I'm not gonna lie, because
I was like, "eh, you know?
I don't know.
I don't really do light-skinned
boys."
my family is very black.
Boys." my family is very black. Like, we are blackity,
black, black, black.
And I'm not sure how this is
gonna work out.
But then, new year's day,
he invited me
but then, new year's day, he invited me to his grandfather's
85th birthday party.
To his grandfather's 85th birthday party. He was like, "oh, we're getting
together at my aunt's house.
It's just" --
basically, I walked in
it's just" -- basically, I walked in to his family being exactly
like my family,
and I was like, "oh, okay, yeah,
this will work.
And I was like, "oh, okay, yeah, this will work. This works."
you know, something we're both
this works." you know, something we're both very focused on is, what is it
that we want to pass down
and the legacy that we want
to leave to our children?
And the legacy that we want to leave to our children? And it is very much this legacy
of love and this legacy of,
and it is very much this legacy of love and this legacy of, you know, family isn't always
by blood, but it's also
the people that you choose,
the people who show up for you,
the people that love you,
the people that support you.
The people that love you, the people that support you. And that's the kind of family
that we have.
♪
so at this point, we had
decided, "okay, we want a baby
but not now, so we're going
to freeze our eggs."
we'd gone through the whole --
the blood work, the process
to start.
The blood work, the process to start. The pandemic hits.
To start. The pandemic hits. What a lot of people
the pandemic hits. What a lot of people don't realize is that
what a lot of people don't realize is that when covid hit, it shut down
all elective procedures,
including ivf, egg freezing,
including if you had
cancer, getting mastectomies.
Including if you had cancer, getting mastectomies. Like, it shut down everything.
Cancer, getting mastectomies. Like, it shut down everything. So people suffered
like, it shut down everything. So people suffered in a lot of ways
so people suffered in a lot of ways because of this world shutdown.
In a lot of ways because of this world shutdown. So we decided, probably about
a year or two later that,
so we decided, probably about a year or two later that, you know, "no, we do want
to start our family."
and, like a lot of people,
it didn't happen as effortlessly
as we hoped.
It didn't happen as effortlessly as we hoped. We lost a baby.
As we hoped. We lost a baby. We did several rounds of ivf.
And people don't tell you
we did several rounds of ivf. And people don't tell you that it takes more than one.
So it's -- it's a process.
That it takes more than one. So it's -- it's a process. We're still on the journey.
And even with that,
we're still on the journey. And even with that, I regret none of it,
and even with that, I regret none of it, if anything, especially with
what's going on in this world,
with overturning
roe vs. Wade.
With overturning roe vs. Wade. People don't understand
the impact that it has,
people don't understand the impact that it has, not just on people
who may not choose
to have a baby right now,
but the implications it will
have for women who do have
miscarriages, having to prove
that it was a natural occurrence
that happens for so many women.
That it was a natural occurrence that happens for so many women. Can you imagine
having to lose your baby
can you imagine having to lose your baby and then be blamed for it?
Having to lose your baby and then be blamed for it? It's putting ivf in jeopardy,
because as you're creating
it's putting ivf in jeopardy, because as you're creating embryos, you may have
abnormal embryos.
Embryos, you may have abnormal embryos. And then with these laws
being changed,
and then with these laws being changed, you're held criminally liable
for embryos that, in no way,
are viable.
For embryos that, in no way, are viable. So I want people to think about
all of those things
so I want people to think about all of those things and where we are as a society,
because we're treading on
some really slippery slopes.
Because we're treading on some really slippery slopes. Do you know the heartbreak
of wanting a baby
do you know the heartbreak of wanting a baby and having to make the choice
because there is no heartbeat or
it's not viable and your past,
whatever, the six weeks
or whatever they tell you it is
and then it becomes
a choice of your life?
And then it becomes a choice of your life? These are the things
that are at stake.
So with all that, we're at
a really important crossroads.
And it's so vital.
A really important crossroads. And it's so vital. For as much as it hurts,
and it's so vital. For as much as it hurts, we have to share our stories.
You never know...
We have to share our stories. You never know... What someone else
you never know... What someone else is going through.
>> you are quite the cook --
chef maybe, baker.
You love it.
So tell us, is that what is
another creative outlet for you?
>> pulliam: Absolutely. I've loved cooking and baking. It's a way that I show love
since I was a little -- a child.
So, yeah, that was part of why
I developed keshia's kitchen.
It was important for me
to share that love of cooking,
it was important for me to share that love of cooking, and I wanted to create
a one-stop shop for people
to cook with so they knew
their food would be good.
To cook with so they knew their food would be good. Of course, just don't burn it.
Their food would be good. Of course, just don't burn it. But if you season it with this,
of course, just don't burn it. But if you season it with this, you will have an amazing meal.
>> you know, they want -- if
they don't know where to get
them, where do they get them?
They don't know where to get them, where do they get them? >> pulliam: Well, I did it
online, so keshiaskitchen.Com.
I've actually recently had
some -- some interest with --
with putting it in stores,
and that's something
that we are looking to do
as we grow the brand.
That we are looking to do as we grow the brand. >> see, I was going to say,
"oh, I would love to see, like,
a cooking show, you know,
a family cooking show, but maybe
a whole lifestyle channel."
>> pulliam: And that's it.
A whole lifestyle channel." >> pulliam: And that's it. We're using this as the
prototype for what it looks like
we're using this as the prototype for what it looks like moving forward.
Prototype for what it looks like moving forward. >> and the best part --
it's authentic, you know?
This is how you like to live.
>> pulliam: "girlfriends' summer getaway" that I directed and brad stars in,
I'm really excited for people
to see that because this is
really -- of course, you know,
I've directed "house of payne,"
but it was very much a machine
that was already going.
But it was very much a machine that was already going. This I was involved with
from the ground up,
this I was involved with from the ground up, and I was very deliberate.
From the ground up, and I was very deliberate. It's about three girlfriends.
And I was very deliberate. It's about three girlfriends. They're all black women.
But I wanted to show the beauty
they're all black women. But I wanted to show the beauty and the variety of us.
You know, tamara,
who I adore, by the way --
you know, tamara, who I adore, by the way -- it was funny.
Who I adore, by the way -- it was funny. We worked together, and we've
grown up in this business,
we worked together, and we've grown up in this business, but it's actually our first time
working together.
But it's actually our first time working together. I was really deliberate
about asking her
to wear her hair curly
because I feel like we need
that representation.
Because I feel like we need that representation. Lyndie -- she's wearing
beautiful braids, you know?
And then the third young lady,
krystal, she has kind of,
and then the third young lady, krystal, she has kind of, you know, straighter hair
but makes a transition
during the movie.
But makes a transition during the movie. It was important for us
to have brown, for us to have,
it was important for us to have brown, for us to have, you know, caramel,
to have everything in between
and also really
importing some of the things
that are traditionally
and culturally a part of us.
That are traditionally and culturally a part of us. So the little things
that you will see in terms
so the little things that you will see in terms of incorporating
the gullah geechee community of
when you are having workshops
and the circle
and the pouring of libations
and, you know, the using
of sage to clear energy,
these things that are inherently
a part of our community
I fought to ensure
were incorporated,
because what's important to me
is, you can't do a movie
about black women
where they are simply
placeholders in a white script.
Where they are simply placeholders in a white script. If you're going to do it,
you have to do it and you
if you're going to do it, you have to do it and you have to completely embrace
and highlight the entirety
and the authenticity
of our culture.
And the authenticity of our culture. And that was paramount for me.
Of our culture. And that was paramount for me. And cut.
>> all right, we cut. All right,
and cut. >> all right, we cut. All right, you feel like you got it, guys?
>> pulliam: I do have something
that I would tell anyone's
younger self, is that, "you're
enough.
Younger self, is that, "you're enough. You're enough exactly
where you are in this moment.
You're deserving of love,
and you're enough."
something else that I tell
my girls at kamp kizzy is,
you know, "you were born
a priceless original.
So why are you running around
trying to be a worthless copy?"
everyone has value,
and our value is very different,
but it doesn't mean
that one person is worth
more than the next.
So embrace your value.
Embrace all of the quirks and
nuances and personality traits
that make you authentically you
because it's too hard
trying to be something different
than you are.
♪