Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/934374
Kenya Barris, creator of "Black- ish," and I sat down five years ago to tell our family stories. We understood that if we told these stories from a specific point of view truthfully and honestly from an authentic place we could be successful and reach a worldwide audi- ence. There's nothing "too hot" for us to discuss on our show. If it fits our family organically, the sky is the limit. We hold up a mirror for us all to face the real- ity in which we live and to decide how we are going to deal with the reflection we see. We will push the envelope on sexism, racism, ageism, homo- phobia, classism and whatever other "ism" you can think of. CM: "Black-ish" is made up of a very cohesive and talented ensemble cast. Can you share how collaborating with your fellow cast members has influenced the direction of the show? What is the process with creator Kenya Barris? Also, how much fun is it to work with this group? AA: The direction of our show starts with Kenya and our staff of excel- lent writers. We all have shared stories with Kenya and our writing team and they have turned those ideas into great episodes. Fun doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. I get to work with the best cast in television. We love, trust and respect one another. There's nothing that we wouldn't do for one another. CM: Who have been some of your favorite guest stars on the show? Is there anyone you are hoping to get on "Black-ish" in the future? AA: I don't want to single out any one guest star, but I will tell you that I'm looking forward to having Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Barack and Michelle Obama on our show, just to name a few. CM: How do you spend your downtime? What is your favorite thing to do when you visit the Carmel area? AA: I spend my downtime playing golf, gardening in a1,000- square-foot garden and cooking. My favorite thing to do when I visit the Carmel area is to slow down, relax and play tons of golf. Oh, and eat some great food. CM: What accomplishments are you most proud of? AA: I'm most proud of being an inspiration to people by working on our show "Black- ish" and sharing our personal stories that's having such a pro- found impact around the world. CM: Can you let us know what to expect from the spin-off "Grown-ish?" What other proj- ects are in the works for you? AA: What can you expect from "Grown-ish" is everything that young teenage boys and girls go through as college freshmen living on their own without their par- ent's supervision. My other projects include my ABC game show with my mother called, "To Tell the Truth." CM: Do you have any personal goals you hope to achieve in the new year? AA: My personal goals are to keep growing as a person and artist. CM: If you had the power to change one thing about our society, what would it be? AA: If I had the power to change anything in our society, it would be tolerance and acceptance. The 25th annual Comics for Kids Auction, featuring Anthony Anderson, takes place on March 17 from 5:30-10:30pm at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. For more information, go to bgcmc.org/special-events/comics-for-kids- 18/. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, call 831/394-5171. 180 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 Anderson at the 2016 Emmy Awards. Anderson recently hosted the NAACP Image Awards, where he and "Black-ish" won big. Photo: 2016 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.