Williams: The series just moved from NBC to TNT. Is that shift going to affect the content or the show’s fairly graphic tone?
King: No, I don’t think the show will necessarily be changing. But there might be fewer conversations back and forth between the network and the producers about toning it down, because TNT understood the nature of the show they picked up.
Williams: Watching the second season’s premiere episode, I was surprised how realistic the story line was, revolving around the Latino versus Black gang wars in L.A.
King: All of our stories are based on real stories, actual events which have made the news in the city.
Williams: To what do you credit your enduring career, from “227” to “Southland”?
King: I have to give a lot of credit to my mom, who decided to send me to a regular public high school where I ran track and went to football games. So, I got to do the normal things that kids do.
Williams: I noticed that some classmates from your graduating class have also fared well in showbiz.
King: Yeah, (director) Tim Story, (jazz pianist) Eric Reed…There are definitely some of us out there.
Williams: How have you managed to stay so busy?
King: Oh, I don’t know. (Chuckles) Luck, I guess. And by always being prepared, so that when an opportunity comes along, I can take it. I think that’s the short answer.
Williams: You’ve played the leading lady opposite a lot of great actors. Which one was your favorite screen husband or lover?
King: I can’t say. Each one had something that made them appealing. Chris Rock was awesome to talk to and funny at the same time. Eddie Murphy was surprisingly different, in a good way, from what I had anticipated.
With Will Smith, it was very refreshing to be around someone who’s so excited about what he does. I’m sure that if he worked for the Sanitation Department, he’d be enthusiastic about how he throws out the trash. He fully commits to whatever he’s doing.
And Jamie Foxx was like a walking TV, entertaining all the time.
Williams: Is there any question no one ever asks you that you wish someone would?
King: I don’t think so.
Williams: I have a question from Laz Alonso, another one of your romantic co-stars. How can your fans help you?
King: By going to TNT.com and leaving a message about how much they like the show, if they do genuinely enjoy it. And by going to Facebook and Twitter and telling all their friends to watch the show. That would be very helpful.
Williams: Are you ever afraid?
King: Of course I am. Most of us are. Those who say they aren’t are lying.
Williams: Are you happy?
King: Yes, I’m very happy! I’m healthy. I’ve got a healthy, wonderful, 13-year-old son who’s a good person. I’m happy!
Williams: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
King: I’d say my son who is such a sweet person. He’s very polite. He opens doors for women. He removes his hat in restaurants, indoors in general, and whenever he’s introduced to a woman. So I must be doing something right.
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