KIMRIE LEWIS DAVIS

Meet
Kimrie Davis
VITALS
What are you most proud of professionally? Most proud of my work on the film “Peeples.” It’s the type of film that I would want to see, even if I wasn’t in it. Working alongside the incredible talent of Kerry Washington, Craig Robinson, David Alan Grier, and S. Epatha Merkerson was a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself.
What are you most proud of personally? I’m most proud to be the daughter of Carol and Bill. My parents made sure that my brother and I received an amazing education, were involved in sports, extracurricular activities, and managed to keep us out of trouble. That ain’t easy in a neighborhood like South Central.
Upcoming Projects: Legal Reporter on new season of Scandal. HBO pilot playing opposite Mike Epps. National college comedy tour in 2014. Star of new short on Russell Simmons' All Def Digital. Peeples w/ Kerry Washington & Craig Robinson on DVD9/10/13.
Charities: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
TRIVIALS
If you could wake up in any city in the world, which would it be? Los Angeles—there’s no place like home.
Favorite movie when you were a kid? “Coming To America.” I still have the VHS tape.
Who are your favorite villains? Who are your favorite villains? Samuel L. Jackson as Jules. Kathy Bates in Misery. Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Mike Myers as Dr. Evil.
Tell us about your relationship with bacon. I’ve been in a steady relationship with bacon for years. My grandmother makes the best bacon.
What do you wear when you work? Suit, tie? I like wearing pants on stage because they allow me to get pretty physical.
What are the perks of your job? Every night, I get to make people laugh. No matter how bad of a day I’m having, I always have that to look forward to.
Have you ever killed/grown your own food? Growing up, we had a few trees in our backyard, including avocado and lemon. After years of making it for family events, I eventually became part-guacamole.
Are you Mac or PC? Are they still making PCs?
Imagine you are in a rock band, which brands or items would you demand on your backstage tour rider? A kale salad from Napa Valley Grille or Tender Greens. Red Vines. Carol's Daughter Goddess Flower oils. Melanie Marie bling. And a masseuse!
Where do you feel most at peace? Soaking in my bathtub. I have a great tub.
Do you meditate? Would you like to share your mantra? I practice hot yoga. It’s great for the mind, body, and spirit, but bad for the hair.
- See more at: http://ditlo.com/2013/09/03/kimrie-davis/#sthash.3lO9qvIt.dpuf - Ditlo.com

Meet
Kimrie Davis
VITALS
What are you most proud of professionally? Most proud of my work on the film “Peeples.” It’s the type of film that I would want to see, even if I wasn’t in it. Working alongside the incredible talent of Kerry Washington, Craig Robinson, David Alan Grier, and S. Epatha Merkerson was a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself.
What are you most proud of personally? I’m most proud to be the daughter of Carol and Bill. My parents made sure that my brother and I received an amazing education, were involved in sports, extracurricular activities, and managed to keep us out of trouble. That ain’t easy in a neighborhood like South Central.
Upcoming Projects: Legal Reporter on new season of Scandal. HBO pilot playing opposite Mike Epps. National college comedy tour in 2014. Star of new short on Russell Simmons' All Def Digital. Peeples w/ Kerry Washington & Craig Robinson on DVD9/10/13.
Charities: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
TRIVIALS
If you could wake up in any city in the world, which would it be? Los Angeles—there’s no place like home.
Favorite movie when you were a kid? “Coming To America.” I still have the VHS tape.
Who are your favorite villains? Who are your favorite villains? Samuel L. Jackson as Jules. Kathy Bates in Misery. Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Mike Myers as Dr. Evil.
Tell us about your relationship with bacon. I’ve been in a steady relationship with bacon for years. My grandmother makes the best bacon.
What do you wear when you work? Suit, tie? I like wearing pants on stage because they allow me to get pretty physical.
What are the perks of your job? Every night, I get to make people laugh. No matter how bad of a day I’m having, I always have that to look forward to.
Have you ever killed/grown your own food? Growing up, we had a few trees in our backyard, including avocado and lemon. After years of making it for family events, I eventually became part-guacamole.
Are you Mac or PC? Are they still making PCs?
Imagine you are in a rock band, which brands or items would you demand on your backstage tour rider? A kale salad from Napa Valley Grille or Tender Greens. Red Vines. Carol's Daughter Goddess Flower oils. Melanie Marie bling. And a masseuse!
Where do you feel most at peace? Soaking in my bathtub. I have a great tub.
Do you meditate? Would you like to share your mantra? I practice hot yoga. It’s great for the mind, body, and spirit, but bad for the hair.
- See more at: http://ditlo.com/2013/09/03/kimrie-davis/#sthash.3lO9qvIt.dpuf - Ditlo.com

Gloria (Kali Hawk) is a TV reporter who has brought along her comely camerawoman (Kimrie Lewis-Davis) for mysterious reasons known only to everyone in the audience. - Variety

Gloria (Kali Hawk) is a TV reporter who has brought along her comely camerawoman (Kimrie Lewis-Davis) for mysterious reasons known only to everyone in the audience. - Variety

“On the Verge” is the place to find rising talent in all creative disciplines. It’s exciting to find new voices, so Harlem, please be polite and say “what’s up” to Kimrie Lewis-Davis.

I’m introducing you to a pretty, funny lady. Wait, I mean a lady who is pretty and funny. Those are essential elements for a successful career in Hollywood.

Right now, she’s making people smile as she appears as Meg in Lionsgate’s new comedy “Peeples,” alongside funny fellow Craig Robinson (“The Office”) and David Alan Grier, an excellent dramatic thespian who’s known for his comic sensibilities.

Lewis-Davis is also a stand-up comedian/writer and is paying her dues on comedy stages throughout the U.S. Translation: She’s getting free, watered-down drinks, earning frequent flyer miles and making less than a McDonald’s employee for her stage time, but you can’t earn your “rep” without this right of passage.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she has a good head start to landing a hit TV series, which means a five-year job. Honestly, the weekly paycheck in TV land is so thick, you have to blink three times when checking your bank balance, then smile and thank God, Jesus and whomever else makes up your spiritual team. Hallelujah!

Lewis-Davis is now living between the glitzy Big Apple and Hollywood, and I’m positively green with industry envy. I’ve spent significant time in both cities and I will be starting to live that bicoastal life very soon.

To that end, I had a few questions for Lewis-Davis, like where to find the Hollywood “ballers,” and the best place to get my kinky girls’ weaves straight—you know, the good intel.

Amsterdam News: Where do you find the ballers, aka rich men, in Cali? Rate Harlem versus Hollywood.

Lewis-Davis: Ballers in Hollywood are hard to spot because the “grungy man” look is so trendy here. The better dressed a guy looks, the worse his credit score is. Ballers in Harlem? If there’s a baller in Harlem, he is probably lost. Kindly give him directions back to Tribeca.

AmNews: Casting in New York City versus Los Angeles. How do you change up to handle the different cities?

LD: In New York City, you can easily make three to five auditions in a day. You may smell like street-roasted peanuts when you get there, but you’ll get there. In Los Angeles, if you have even one audition near the 405 Freeway, pack a lunch. You won’t be home till midnight.

AmNews: When homesick for New York City, where do you go in Los Angeles?

LD: A dark alley.

AmNews: As soon as you hit New York City, where do you go?

LD: Any Dominican hair salon. Whoever invented the doobie deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

AmNews: Favorite comedy clubs in New York City and Los Angeles?

LD: In Gotham, it’s Gotham. In Los Angeles, it is the Hollywood Improv—when I can find parking!

AmNews: Favorite up-and-coming male comics?

LD: Are they letting men do comedy now? Wow, what’s this world coming to? Joking. Michael Che is awesome.

Lewis-Davis is good people; you can tell she’s the type to donate to a Kickstarter project. Don’t hate her because she’s fine—find another reason (just joking)! For more information on Lewis-Davis, visit www.kimrie.com.
- Amsterdam News

“On the Verge” is the place to find rising talent in all creative disciplines. It’s exciting to find new voices, so Harlem, please be polite and say “what’s up” to Kimrie Lewis-Davis.

I’m introducing you to a pretty, funny lady. Wait, I mean a lady who is pretty and funny. Those are essential elements for a successful career in Hollywood.

Right now, she’s making people smile as she appears as Meg in Lionsgate’s new comedy “Peeples,” alongside funny fellow Craig Robinson (“The Office”) and David Alan Grier, an excellent dramatic thespian who’s known for his comic sensibilities.

Lewis-Davis is also a stand-up comedian/writer and is paying her dues on comedy stages throughout the U.S. Translation: She’s getting free, watered-down drinks, earning frequent flyer miles and making less than a McDonald’s employee for her stage time, but you can’t earn your “rep” without this right of passage.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she has a good head start to landing a hit TV series, which means a five-year job. Honestly, the weekly paycheck in TV land is so thick, you have to blink three times when checking your bank balance, then smile and thank God, Jesus and whomever else makes up your spiritual team. Hallelujah!

Lewis-Davis is now living between the glitzy Big Apple and Hollywood, and I’m positively green with industry envy. I’ve spent significant time in both cities and I will be starting to live that bicoastal life very soon.

To that end, I had a few questions for Lewis-Davis, like where to find the Hollywood “ballers,” and the best place to get my kinky girls’ weaves straight—you know, the good intel.

Amsterdam News: Where do you find the ballers, aka rich men, in Cali? Rate Harlem versus Hollywood.

Lewis-Davis: Ballers in Hollywood are hard to spot because the “grungy man” look is so trendy here. The better dressed a guy looks, the worse his credit score is. Ballers in Harlem? If there’s a baller in Harlem, he is probably lost. Kindly give him directions back to Tribeca.

AmNews: Casting in New York City versus Los Angeles. How do you change up to handle the different cities?

LD: In New York City, you can easily make three to five auditions in a day. You may smell like street-roasted peanuts when you get there, but you’ll get there. In Los Angeles, if you have even one audition near the 405 Freeway, pack a lunch. You won’t be home till midnight.

AmNews: When homesick for New York City, where do you go in Los Angeles?

LD: A dark alley.

AmNews: As soon as you hit New York City, where do you go?

LD: Any Dominican hair salon. Whoever invented the doobie deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

AmNews: Favorite comedy clubs in New York City and Los Angeles?

LD: In Gotham, it’s Gotham. In Los Angeles, it is the Hollywood Improv—when I can find parking!

AmNews: Favorite up-and-coming male comics?

LD: Are they letting men do comedy now? Wow, what’s this world coming to? Joking. Michael Che is awesome.

Lewis-Davis is good people; you can tell she’s the type to donate to a Kickstarter project. Don’t hate her because she’s fine—find another reason (just joking)! For more information on Lewis-Davis, visit www.kimrie.com.
- Amsterdam News

Kimrie Lewis-Davis on the red carpet - ConcreteLoop.com

Kimrie Lewis-Davis on the red carpet - ConcreteLoop.com

As played by actress Kimrie Lewis-Davis, Gloria's camerawoman girlfriend, Meg, is "everything that Gloria doesn't allow herself to be." Where Gloria is controlled and almost prim, Meg is grounded and strong. "Meg is the only character who's fully in her boots," explains Lewis-Davis. "She really knows who she is. She doesn't have a secret. And her whole agenda during this weekend is to get Gloria to come out after nine years of hiding. Meg wants to express their love freely." - CoveringMedia.com

As played by actress Kimrie Lewis-Davis, Gloria's camerawoman girlfriend, Meg, is "everything that Gloria doesn't allow herself to be." Where Gloria is controlled and almost prim, Meg is grounded and strong. "Meg is the only character who's fully in her boots," explains Lewis-Davis. "She really knows who she is. She doesn't have a secret. And her whole agenda during this weekend is to get Gloria to come out after nine years of hiding. Meg wants to express their love freely." - CoveringMedia.com

Gloria (Kali Hawk), a CNN reporter, is afraid to reveal the true nature of her relationship with her camerawoman (Kimrie Lewis-Davis). - The Hollywood Reporter

Gloria (Kali Hawk), a CNN reporter, is afraid to reveal the true nature of her relationship with her camerawoman (Kimrie Lewis-Davis). - The Hollywood Reporter

Rounding out the group of key cast members is Kimrie Lewis-Davis as CNN reporter Gloria’s camerawoman, who we quickly learn is far more than just Gloria’s professional associate. - Chicago Sun Times

Rounding out the group of key cast members is Kimrie Lewis-Davis as CNN reporter Gloria’s camerawoman, who we quickly learn is far more than just Gloria’s professional associate. - Chicago Sun Times

Nikki Woods talks with cast member, Kimrie Lewis-Davis about her role in the upcoming movie, Peeples. - BlackAmericaWeb.com

Nikki Woods talks with cast member, Kimrie Lewis-Davis about her role in the upcoming movie, Peeples. - BlackAmericaWeb.com

Frankly I laughed from the moment emcee Kimrie Davis began the 8:00 set. - Examiner.com

Frankly I laughed from the moment emcee Kimrie Davis began the 8:00 set. - Examiner.com

Though it’s a Tyler Perry film with a majority-Black cast, comedian Kimrie Lewis-Davis said all audiences will appreciate the humor in the new film Peeples.
“It’s not a Black movie per se – this is a universal movie. There are so many universal themes that’s played to be funny,” said Kimrie. “People are going to be busting their guts. I guarantee you someone is going to be hospitalized because it’s that funny.”
The cast includes comedic heavy hitters like David Alan Grier and Craig Robinson, and from the previews it’s sure to have moviegoers’ stomachs in cramps.
Kimrie, who started her Sister 2 Sister interview in full character, breaking the ice by pretending to be a pizza delivery lady who had no pizza toppings or sauce, is in good company with the hilarious cast.
Kimrie plays a feisty lovesick hopeless romantic who’s not afraid to run after her “soul mate,” she explained.
“Meg is quite the one – she’s quirky and romantic. She’s a CNN camera woman who is ready to commit to love and relationships…like right now, today!,” laughed Kimrie. “She goes out looking for love and when she finds it she’s ready to dive right in.”
The “universal themes” that Kimrie speaks of are uncomfortable family situations to which audiences will likely relate.
“Things like bringing your loved one home to meet the parents always leads to that awkward moment when you don’t know how they will react or your significant other will react,” said Kimrie. “Then there’s being true to yourself and not trying to fake and be someone you’re not – it never works out.”
Kimrie says the great energy we’ll see between the cast on the screen is thanks to a fellow cast member.
“Early on in the shoot Craig Robinson called all the cast in a room, so you know I’m thinking ‘somebody’s ’bout to get fired’ – but that’s not what happened,” laughed Kimrie. “He sat us down and played a DVD of all the stuff that all of us had been in. It totally bonded us and we were like family already.”
In addition to Tyler Perry Presents: Peeples, which is in theaters today, Kimrie has a few other things on the horizon.
“You can expect to see me in an HBO pilot with Mike Epps called ‘The Unsuccessful Thug’ and I’m also in a new show on Russell Simmons’ All Best Digital network,” updated Kimrie. - Sister to Sister Magazine

Though it’s a Tyler Perry film with a majority-Black cast, comedian Kimrie Lewis-Davis said all audiences will appreciate the humor in the new film Peeples.
“It’s not a Black movie per se – this is a universal movie. There are so many universal themes that’s played to be funny,” said Kimrie. “People are going to be busting their guts. I guarantee you someone is going to be hospitalized because it’s that funny.”
The cast includes comedic heavy hitters like David Alan Grier and Craig Robinson, and from the previews it’s sure to have moviegoers’ stomachs in cramps.
Kimrie, who started her Sister 2 Sister interview in full character, breaking the ice by pretending to be a pizza delivery lady who had no pizza toppings or sauce, is in good company with the hilarious cast.
Kimrie plays a feisty lovesick hopeless romantic who’s not afraid to run after her “soul mate,” she explained.
“Meg is quite the one – she’s quirky and romantic. She’s a CNN camera woman who is ready to commit to love and relationships…like right now, today!,” laughed Kimrie. “She goes out looking for love and when she finds it she’s ready to dive right in.”
The “universal themes” that Kimrie speaks of are uncomfortable family situations to which audiences will likely relate.
“Things like bringing your loved one home to meet the parents always leads to that awkward moment when you don’t know how they will react or your significant other will react,” said Kimrie. “Then there’s being true to yourself and not trying to fake and be someone you’re not – it never works out.”
Kimrie says the great energy we’ll see between the cast on the screen is thanks to a fellow cast member.
“Early on in the shoot Craig Robinson called all the cast in a room, so you know I’m thinking ‘somebody’s ’bout to get fired’ – but that’s not what happened,” laughed Kimrie. “He sat us down and played a DVD of all the stuff that all of us had been in. It totally bonded us and we were like family already.”
In addition to Tyler Perry Presents: Peeples, which is in theaters today, Kimrie has a few other things on the horizon.
“You can expect to see me in an HBO pilot with Mike Epps called ‘The Unsuccessful Thug’ and I’m also in a new show on Russell Simmons’ All Best Digital network,” updated Kimrie. - Sister to Sister Magazine

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2013 1:39 pm | Updated: 1:43 pm, Fri May 10, 2013.
By A. Scott Walton | 0 comments
Kimrie Lewis-Davis, the scene-stealer in Tyler Perry’s latest feature film, “Peeples” is far more than just a pretty face.
Besides accumulating silver screen credits, the South Central Los Angeles native, also has established herself as a touring stand-up comic, a stage actress and even a (one-time) stunt performer.
In “Peeples” -- which Perry produced and Tina Gordon Chism (“Drumline”, “ATL”) wrote and directed -- Lewis-Davis portrays a close friend of the title family. As the Peeples go through the paces of a strained family reunion, the Lewis-Davis character (Meg) breaks her silence about secret desires she’s had for forbidden love.
“Every family has secrets,” Lewis-Davis told the Atlanta Voice by phone from her home in Los Angeles. “Sometimes they just have to come out.”
During the chat, Lewis-Davis was struggling to choose between two David Meister gowns – “one’s fuschia, the other one’s black and sparkley” – to wear to the “Peeples” premiere Wednesday night.
“It all comes down to the shoes,” she gushed. “Whichever shoes work out in the next few hours will make the decision for me!”
Though anxious about attending the premiere, Lewis-Davis engaged the Atlanta Voice in a lighthearted question-and-answer session.
AV: Was “Peeples” shot in Atlanta, like so many of Tyler Perry’s productions? And what was it like working with him?
KLD: “No, we shot mostly in Stamford, Connecticut in the cold, cold middle of winter. Mr. Perry only came to the set a few times because he was working on another project simultaneously. He really put us all at ease and just told us to go on with our work.”
AV: Between doing stand-up comedy and acting on the stage, the screen and television, which aspect of your careers do you enjoy most?
KLD: “My heart will always be in theatre. From performing as a young kid to studying at NYU, that was my first love. It’s so different from film and TV. It’s the ancient art of storytelling, and it’s live. You take this journey on stage and the audience is right there with you. You don’t get to see their reactions when they’re watching you on TV or in a movie. That’s what I love about doing stand-up as well. There’s nothing like that interaction.”
AV: Do you find it difficult as a young black actress to find enough roles to portray?
KLD: “I think the paradigm has shifted. There are definitely more projects out there. More good plays are being written. Nowadays, you can’t just be a performer. You have to write and create and contribute stories. Look at Phylicia Rashad; she’s not only acting (“Grey’s Anatomy”), she’s also directing the play ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’ out here in L.A. You’ve got to wear multiple hats.”
AV: Speaking of juggling: what else is on your agenda right now?
KLD: “I have a pilot I shot for HBO called ‘The Unsuccessful Thug’ where I play Mike Epps’ girlfriend. I also have a show coming out on Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital network. Plus I still tour doing stand-up.”
AV: Have you spent much time in Atlanta?
KLD: “Oh yeah! I’ve been to Atlanta for a college comedy tour. I got to tour Spelman. I went to malls. Plus, my husband (Eli Davis) is the singer Anthony Hamilton’s manager. I like to travel to his shows as often as I can, so I might even make it to Atlanta this weekend.”
AV: What words of encouragement do you offer young actors hoping to emulate your success?
KLD: “I tell them to read as much as they can. There’s so much you can gain from self-educating. Read plays. Go see plays. Take notes of who the writer or the producer or director was, and aim to work with them some day. Take your education as far as possible. For one semester of college, I got to go study at the Royal Academy in London without knowing what I’d do there. I wound up studying classical Shakespeare and absolutely loved it. You can surprise yourself when you least expect it.” - The Atlanta Voice

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2013 1:39 pm | Updated: 1:43 pm, Fri May 10, 2013.
By A. Scott Walton | 0 comments
Kimrie Lewis-Davis, the scene-stealer in Tyler Perry’s latest feature film, “Peeples” is far more than just a pretty face.
Besides accumulating silver screen credits, the South Central Los Angeles native, also has established herself as a touring stand-up comic, a stage actress and even a (one-time) stunt performer.
In “Peeples” -- which Perry produced and Tina Gordon Chism (“Drumline”, “ATL”) wrote and directed -- Lewis-Davis portrays a close friend of the title family. As the Peeples go through the paces of a strained family reunion, the Lewis-Davis character (Meg) breaks her silence about secret desires she’s had for forbidden love.
“Every family has secrets,” Lewis-Davis told the Atlanta Voice by phone from her home in Los Angeles. “Sometimes they just have to come out.”
During the chat, Lewis-Davis was struggling to choose between two David Meister gowns – “one’s fuschia, the other one’s black and sparkley” – to wear to the “Peeples” premiere Wednesday night.
“It all comes down to the shoes,” she gushed. “Whichever shoes work out in the next few hours will make the decision for me!”
Though anxious about attending the premiere, Lewis-Davis engaged the Atlanta Voice in a lighthearted question-and-answer session.
AV: Was “Peeples” shot in Atlanta, like so many of Tyler Perry’s productions? And what was it like working with him?
KLD: “No, we shot mostly in Stamford, Connecticut in the cold, cold middle of winter. Mr. Perry only came to the set a few times because he was working on another project simultaneously. He really put us all at ease and just told us to go on with our work.”
AV: Between doing stand-up comedy and acting on the stage, the screen and television, which aspect of your careers do you enjoy most?
KLD: “My heart will always be in theatre. From performing as a young kid to studying at NYU, that was my first love. It’s so different from film and TV. It’s the ancient art of storytelling, and it’s live. You take this journey on stage and the audience is right there with you. You don’t get to see their reactions when they’re watching you on TV or in a movie. That’s what I love about doing stand-up as well. There’s nothing like that interaction.”
AV: Do you find it difficult as a young black actress to find enough roles to portray?
KLD: “I think the paradigm has shifted. There are definitely more projects out there. More good plays are being written. Nowadays, you can’t just be a performer. You have to write and create and contribute stories. Look at Phylicia Rashad; she’s not only acting (“Grey’s Anatomy”), she’s also directing the play ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’ out here in L.A. You’ve got to wear multiple hats.”
AV: Speaking of juggling: what else is on your agenda right now?
KLD: “I have a pilot I shot for HBO called ‘The Unsuccessful Thug’ where I play Mike Epps’ girlfriend. I also have a show coming out on Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital network. Plus I still tour doing stand-up.”
AV: Have you spent much time in Atlanta?
KLD: “Oh yeah! I’ve been to Atlanta for a college comedy tour. I got to tour Spelman. I went to malls. Plus, my husband (Eli Davis) is the singer Anthony Hamilton’s manager. I like to travel to his shows as often as I can, so I might even make it to Atlanta this weekend.”
AV: What words of encouragement do you offer young actors hoping to emulate your success?
KLD: “I tell them to read as much as they can. There’s so much you can gain from self-educating. Read plays. Go see plays. Take notes of who the writer or the producer or director was, and aim to work with them some day. Take your education as far as possible. For one semester of college, I got to go study at the Royal Academy in London without knowing what I’d do there. I wound up studying classical Shakespeare and absolutely loved it. You can surprise yourself when you least expect it.” - The Atlanta Voice

Kimrie Lewis Davis is the only newbie to join the Peeples cast. - CocoaFab

Kimrie Lewis Davis is the only newbie to join the Peeples cast. - CocoaFab

Pretty in pink, Kimrie hit the red carpet for Peeples movie premiere. See Video - Lionsgate

Pretty in pink, Kimrie hit the red carpet for Peeples movie premiere. See Video - Lionsgate