I got a chance to talk to Kym Whitley about her life, Hollywood, what she misses about Cleveland and of course, the cartoon series “Black Dynamite.” Airing on the Adult Swim channel, “Black Dynamite” is based on the 2009 urban cult classic film of the same name.

Cleveland’s favorite funny girl is sweeter than ‘Honey’

By KEVIN ‘CHILL’ HEARD

Managing Editor

It was an all-Cleveland weekend planned for my last Los Angeles trip. The Cleveland faction successfully working the Hollywood hustle is larger than one might think.

Plans had been made for several of us to get together for a good time and to check in with one another. A highlight of the weekend was when word got back to me that Kym Whitley would be joining us.

Our favorite hometown funny girl, Whitley is larger than life.

I got a chance to talk to Whitley about her life, Hollywood, what she misses about Cleveland and of course, the cartoon series “Black Dynamite.” Airing on the Adult Swim channel, “Black Dynamite” is based on the 2009 urban cult classic film of the same name.

In the cartoon series that has everybody “toning” in, Whitley reprises her role from the film as super soul sister, Honey Bee.

Hey Kym!

Hey Chill! You know I really appreciate this.

You know how we do it for the home team. Tell me, how are you feeling about Hollywood theses days?

Hollywood has done okay by me. It’s the place that I work. I go out and get jobs, I even create my own jobs. I try to dictate to them. I create and recreate me. It’s a hustle – that’s what Hollywood is.

How important is it for you to be able to create things for yourself?

You are always selling yourself. You have to be your best saleswoman. You have to think of a product that Hollywood might need and you try to get it to them. There’re so many avenues here, like with webisodes and all the cable channels. You can’t just sit back and wait for Hollywood to come to you. You have to go to Hollywood. They’re not just gonna come knocking on your door, I’ll tell you that right now.

Give me an example of creating work for yourself.

I’ve done stage and stand-up work. Me and Kim Coles have a show every Tuesday night at the Comedy Union. We’ve been doing this since February and it’s been sold out every show.

I’ve been hearing a lot about the show, what’s it called?

It’s called “Ladies Night Live: Starring Kym Whitley and Kim Coles.”

What makes it so hot that it sells out every week?

First, we open up with improv. Kim and I work with whatever the audience throws at us. That’s always fun and different. We do stand-up. We have these big birthday celebrations where people come on the stage and cut-up! The show is very interactive.

Would we be surprised at you improv skills?

(She laughs!) Well you know I’ve always been crazy and when I did the show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” that was all improv. Yeah, I’m used to improv.

Anything to look out for on the big screen?

I shot a film called “3 Days in Vegas,” but I think it’s only going to be shown in Russia (she laughs!). I’m global! I need y’all to know what’s happening over there.

And of course everybody loves “Black Dynamite...”

Every Sunday night is “Black Dynamite” on Adult Swim. I get to be Honey Bee!

So many people are talking about the “Black Dynamite” cartoon!

Oh, I luuuuv doing animation! You are so free. It’s sensational to work on “Dynamite.” Carl Jones is an incredible writer. Michael Jai White is great! It’s the same people from the movie. But I love doing animation. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do. You don’t have to get dressed or anything.

So what do you miss about Cleveland while here in L.A.?

I miss Whitmore’s! I miss riding the Rapid. I miss all the food places – Hot Sauce Williams and Hough Bakery from back in the day. I miss the seasons when the beautiful trees change colors – Oh my god, you can’t see that here, it’s all about Cleveland! Believe it or not, I miss the cold sometimes; I really do. I get to wear my winter clothes and winter coat … I miss my mother and I miss Gerald Levert.

*Kym said that she will never be away from Cleveland too long and always has plenty of activities that bring her home often.

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