From the minute she made her film debut alongside veteran co-stars (Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Jada Pinkett Smith) in 'Set It Off,' Kimberly Elise has landed one good role after another.
After her critically acclaimed performance in 'Beloved' with Oprah and then again with Denzel Washington in both 'John Q' and 'The Manchurian Candidate,' Elise took the lead in Tyler Perry's 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman,' for which she won an NAACP Image Award.
For her latest work, Elise once again dons on the supportive suit in her role as Sonya Carson, the fiercely strong mother to one of the most incredible men this world has seen, Dr. Ben Carson. Despite her fifth-grade education, it was Sonya's determination to get her two sons the best schooling she could provide so they could be the men they are today.
Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. as the brilliant surgeon, 'Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story' will air this Saturday, Feb. 7th, at 8 p.m. (ET) on TNT.
In speaking with Black Voices, Elise talked about working on this film.
What attracted you to the project?
Kimberly Elise: I thought this was an amazing character and a great part to take. It's also a great story to share with people.
How much did you know about Dr. Ben Carson prior to taking the role?
Kimberly Elise: I actually was not aware of Dr. Carson before the script came to me. I started to do some research, and after speaking with some people, realized that I was one of the few people who was not familiar with him.
How much insight did you get from him to portray his mother?
Kimberly Elise: I talked to his mother, and I learned a lot about her and her personality and her love for her two boys.
Did you try to capture her mannerisms besides what was written on script?
Kimberly Elise: I just got her voice. She doesn't travel or fly. We would talk on the phone, and I would get a sense of her voice and the way she speaks.
What made playing this role special for you?
Kimberly Elise: I thought she was an amazing, strong woman and that was an attraction to me. A woman in that time period dealing with depression who had the courage to stand up for herself knowing that she was a single mom and her children are depending on her. She did a lot for her kids in spite of her own struggles. With limited schooling, she was able to instill her boys with so much confidence and strength. I thought she was remarkable.
As a mother yourself, did you find any similarities in your background?
Kimberly Elise: Well, I'm also a single mother, and I try to teach the same values that Sonya Carson gave to her children. She was able to free their brilliance and beauty so they could shine in life and make a difference.
How was working with the two boys who played your sons in the film?
Kimberly Elise: Really fun. They were really great. My youngest daughter was with me when we filmed, and she became good friends with the younger kid. It's funny that in all my movies where I had a child or children, they have all been males. Never had a daughter in films, but I have two daughters in real life.
How was working with Cuba?
Kimberly Elise: Working with Cuba was wonderful. Since most of my scenes are with the younger Ben Carson, we only got to do a few scenes together when Ben is an adult. He's a great actor, and it was interesting playing his mother. We had to make an attempt to make me look slightly older than him when he's an adult. I really hope we get to work together again.
What do you think people will get from watching this film?
Kimberly Elise: I think people got a lot from the book, and they would love to see it brought to life. It would do the same thing that the book did, which is educate people about him. It will inspire people and instill pride, especially African Americans. We need to see more stories like this, people who have excelled against all odds.
The Black Families On TV
CBS , Getty Images
The Cosby Show
Seasons: Eight
Notable Cast Members: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet, Raven-Symoné
Storyline: Popular comedy television series based on a happily married couple raising their children in Brooklyn, New York.
Sidenote: Throughout the course of eight seasons The Huxtable family helped set the stage for black families on prime time television. Bill Cosby's character, Cliff Huxtable was such a role model that he topped TV Guide's 2004 list of "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."
Everett Collection
'Family Matters'
Seasons: Nine
Notable Cast Members: Reginald Vel Johnson, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams, JoMarie Payton, Jaleel White, Telma Hopkins
Storyline: Based on middle-class suburban Chicago black family, the Winslows.
Sidenote: Spinning off it's sister show 'Perfect Strangers,' the hit sitcom spawned off one of the most popular characters in sitcom history, Steve Urkel. America's favorite nerd was so popular that he established a merchandising empire, which included a talking doll, trading cards, posters, books, lunchboxes and a limited edition cereal.
Warner Bros.
'Lincoln Heights'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Russell Hornsby, Nicki Micheaux, Erica Hubbard, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Mishon Ratliff, Michael Reilly Burke, Robert Adamson, William Stanford Davis
Storyline: A drama revolving around the life of LAPD officer Eddie Sutton, who is in pursuit of a better life for his family. Ironically, Sutton moves his family into his old neighborhood which is known for its violence.
Sidenote: In 2008 the series was nominated for four NAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, Outstanding Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.
ABC Family
'My Wife & Kids'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II
Storyline: Damon Wayans portrays Michael Kyle, a loving husband who maintains his household by teaching his family some valuable wisdom and knowledge, and learning some himself.
Sidenote: The show's co-creator, Damon Wayans, may have regretted the original storyline of Claire Kyle following the loss of cast member Jazz Raycole. Raycole's mother disapproved of the actress' storyline for season two, which led to her being pulled from the show.
2000 ABC, INC.
The Jeffersons
Seasons: 11
Notable Cast Members: Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict
Storyline: Entrepreneur George Jefferson hits the ticket with his successful dry-cleaning business, which leads him to move into a ritzy New York City high-rise.
Sidenote: America can thank fellow 'Good Times' actress Ja'Net DuBois for helping George Jefferson's family move up to the east side. The Emmy Award-winner co-wrote and sang the show's opening and closing theme song 'Movin' On Up.'
CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
'What's Happening!!'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Ernest Lee Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Fred Berry, Danielle Spencer, Mabel King, Shirley Hemphill, David Hollander, John Welsh, Earl Billings, Leland Smith
Storyline: Loosely based on the motion picture 'Cooley High' a trio of friends go through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood.
Sidenote: Fred Berry's character Rerun almost didn't turn out as we may remember him today. Originally the role was reportedly written to fit the description of a skinny white kid.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
'227'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Marla Gibbs, Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Helen Martin, Hal Williams, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Kia Goodwin, Reynaldo Rey, Countess Vaughn
Storyline: Taking place in a Washington D.C. apartment building, numbered 227, the show's characters would be found sitting outside on a large set of stone stairs (aka the stoop), in which a discussion would lead into the weekly plot line.
Sidenote: Former 'Moesha' and 'Celebrity Fit Club' star Countess Vaughn received her big break in Hollywood by simply asking. Vaughn mentioned her dream of appearing on '227' following her 1988 appearance on the talent show series 'Star Search.'
Embassy Pictures / Fotos International / Getty Images
'Julia'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Diahann Carroll, Lloyd Nolan, Paul Winfield, Fred Williamson
Storyline: Centering on a young widow working as a nurse, trying to make ends meet while raising her son as a single parent.
Sidenote: The 1960 NBC comedy is known for being one of the first weekly shows to depict African-American woman in the non stereotypical role of playing servants. The drama eventually lead to the show's star Diahann Carroll asking for a release from her contract due to the controversy surrounding the show from its inception.
NBC / Getty Images
'The Wayans Bros'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Jermaine Hopkins, Ja'Net DuBois, Phill Lewis
Storyline: The show follows lives of two brothers, Shawn and Marlon Williams, who run their own newspaper stand from out of their father's diner.
Sidenote: Following their family's tradition of producing sitcoms, Shawn and Marlon Wayans debut 'The Wayans Bros' in 1995. Adding to the sitcom's hip-hop feel, the brothers used A Tribe Called Quest's hit single 'Electric Relaxation' as the show's opening theme for the first two seasons.
Warner Bros.
Comments: (16)
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By: richsinglemommma.com on 2/06/2009 1:15PM
I read Dr. Ben Carson's book years ago and was inspired to Think Big. His mother is an extraordinary woman and proof that a mother's influence (a single mom at that) is more powerful than we can imagine.
I'm glad to see that his story is being told in living color. It will surely inspire so many young men to think big and many more single moms to stay the course and expect nothing less than the best.
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By: Ward Snow on 2/07/2009 7:02AM
Knowing "Benny" (as we called him in school), the former Southwestern High School Prospector was a strong leader. We had a great relationship as fellow R.O.T.C. cadets, and his brother Curtis (also a cadet) showed similar passion for sucess in life. There was also the spiritual side of these 2 brothers which they demonstrated openly to all who cared to observe. Dr. Carson has made me and many others from Southwest Detroit proud to know him.
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By: booboo on 2/07/2009 7:10AM
kimberly can act.......positive black movie.yes im watching....no crack dealers, no crack addicts ,no muggers,no black robbers
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By: Kristina on 2/07/2009 12:16PM
This will be an expiring movie we need more movies about people who have worked hard to get where they are today. I read about Dr. Carson around three years ago so it's wonderful to know that he's has a movie of his life story being shown on TV. Actress Kimberly Elise roles are very real she does a very good job in acting.
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By: Kevin Facey on 2/16/2009 2:58PM
I am looking forward to seeing the movie. I think that a movie like this can inspire maybe some young person that just you are a certain environment, that you could still dream big. And I love Kimberly Elise. One of the most underrated actresses out in Hollywood.
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By: matuart on 2/07/2009 1:25PM
Single Mothers are not a mis-take! Woman have raised their share of greatness with their children. Woman also pay taxes, which is what the "man" wanted all along. No man in the house = welfare...Did we ever get it? Dr. Carson is proof that woman are valuable to America's well being. Obama's greatness will be even more proof of a single Mother's contribution to America. Now should it be done that way? Ask the 2% of the rich people that run the world and live here in America. Ask those men that gave "NOW" the money to sucess. They wanted woman to join in the tax paying population. It worked, didn't it. Woman now have the right to make as much money as men, so the rich make more money from everyone, 100% taxe,from ever working human being who works in America. The greatness of Dr. Carson is a direct result of that system that the rich imposed on all American's. We get to say well done my borther, you are our pride showing it's beautiful face to America.
My Mother raised 11 children, lose 3 in child birth, early 1900's. Some sibling made a life, some did not. We were a first generation in America. Woman like Dr. Carson's are the jell that holds our society together. Praises to all she has contributed to have raised her son. Moduphue.
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By: TANK on 2/07/2009 3:31PM
Not ready to see my sweet honey angel Kimberly made up as a gray haired mother, at least not yet.
Hope they don't start type casting her in these older woman roles. I gots plenty of nights left to dream up a way to propose.
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By: jabalie on 2/07/2009 4:05PM
Matuart,
President Obama's mother was married to his father.
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By: Janine on 2/07/2009 5:34PM
Ward Snow,
What a pleasant surprise to see someone else on this board from Southwest Detroit. Although my sister and I went to Cass Tech, my brothers were Southwestern Prospectors. My sister had her oldest son read Dr. Carson's book at the age of 15. I wasn't aware until then, that Dr. Carson was a product of Wilson Middle School (which my sister and one brother were products of), Southwestern High School and raised in Southwest Detroit. As you know, a certain sense of pride immediately came over me. I'm happy this movie exists.
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By: Elaine on 2/07/2009 6:57PM
What an encouraging life and story to share and inspire. As an elementary school principal, I purchased a book for every fifth grade student as required reading of the book, "Gifted Hands". I hope this movie continues to inspire young people to strive for success!
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