Interviews

Published on January 30th, 2018 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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Actress & Director Kim Fields On New York & Her Memoir “Blessed Life”

Although she booked her first acting role at the age of seven, the world first learned about Kim Fields when she played Dorothy “Tootie” Ramsey on The Facts Of Life for nine years. Fields hit sit-com gold again with Living Single, which lasted for five seasons, and has also notably appeared on Real Housewives Of Atlanta and Dancing With The Stars. Fields has also succeeded as a director, overseeing episodes of Meet The Browns,House Of Payne, Kenan & Kel, and BET’s Let’s Stay Together.

In 2017, Fields expanded into the world of writing, releasing her memoir Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey Of Joy, Tears And Tales From Harlem To Hollywood. Co-written with Todd Gold, Blessed Life covers all eras and facets of Fields’ life and career, yet it also aims to inspire readers. I had the pleasure of interviewing Fields for The Hype Magazine, and highlights of that Q&A are below. The New York native can be followed on Twitter via @KimVFields.

When in the creative process did the title Blessed Life come to you?

Kim Fields: Todd Gold actually came up with the title near the end of the process.

How long did it take you to write Blessed Life?

Kim Fields: Just under a year.

Had you known or worked with Todd Gold before working on Blessed Life?

Kim Fields: No, we had not met before this, but I’m so glad and grateful we did.

In Chapter 12, it is mentioned that you jokingly had the nickname “Princess Child Star” on the set of Living Single. At what age did you finally start to feel comfortable with being child star? Or at least you were able to joke about it?

Kim Fields: During that time on Living Single. I hadn’t given it much thought until someone else brought it to my attention in that way.

I liked the part about how The Godfather was referenced for your sex talk. Was The Godfather otherwise referenced in your household?

Kim Fields: Yes, because it’s a tremendous form of acting and writing, it was used a lot when mom was teaching or I was teaching. It was definitely referenced a lot.

Besides promoting this book, what else is coming up for you career-wise?

Kim Fields: Season 2 of Living The Dream, my British comedy, and developing an edgy, faith-based TV movie for Lifetime.

You have been a star of several success sit-coms, have been part of several of the more popular reality shows, have worked as a director, and now have a finished book. Is there something career-wise you’re still hoping to be able to do?

Kim Fields: A lot! That’s why there’s still a fire in my belly for my craft. There are more characters for me to bring to life. There are more genres for me to do like sci-fi, historic dramas, and feature films.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

Kim Fields: With my family. We enjoy each other’s company and love to watch movies. My husband and I will go see a film or just sit around talking and laughing.

When was the last time you visited Harlem? Do you have a favorite restaurant out there?

Kim Fields: I was actually there just two weeks ago. I love Mikey Likes It Ice Cream and Amy Ruth’s!

In the book you mention having a Rick Springfield Fan Club membership card. Did you ever have the opportunity to meet Rick?

Kim Fields: No, I never had the chance, unfortunately.

What was your favorite album of 2017?

Kim Fields: P!nk’s new album, Beautiful Trauma.

Finally, Kim, any last words for the kids?

Kim Fields: You are limitless.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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