Why Leah Remini Says Kevin James Ruined Her For Life

The List
2 Dec 202103:36

TLDRLeah Remini and Kevin James' on-screen chemistry in 'King of Queens' was so strong that Remini has said James has 'ruined her for life.' Despite the demanding schedule of a weekly sitcom, Remini cherished the experience and the camaraderie with James, who was her first leading man and someone she felt safe with. James' generosity and supportiveness, including advocating for funnier lines for Remini, made their working relationship exceptional. Their bond extended beyond the screen, with James supporting Remini during her departure from the Church of Scientology. They reunited in 'Kevin Can Wait,' where Remini appreciated the opportunity to work with James again, highlighting the unique and unexplainable magic they share. Although the show didn't have a long run, Remini remains grateful for the second chance to work with her esteemed co-star.

Takeaways

  • 📺 Leah Remini and Kevin James had an exceptional on-screen chemistry during 'King of Queens', which was a popular TV show for nine seasons.
  • 📚 Remini expressed in her book 'Troublemaker' that despite the challenges, she loved working on the sitcom and enjoyed the daily routine of the job.
  • 🤝 Remini felt a deep connection with James, stating that he 'ruined her for life' because no other co-star has compared to the comfort and trust she felt with him.
  • 😂 James was known for his generosity on set, often suggesting that writers give Remini the funnier lines, which is unusual in an industry dominated by ego.
  • 🎭 Their professional relationship was so strong that it was likened to a married couple, with Remini saying she 'drove him crazy like any good wife would.'
  • 📺 Remini was later invited to join James on his sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', where they continued to showcase their undeniable chemistry.
  • 🤗 Remini appreciated the opportunity to work with James again and expressed that there's an unexplainable special bond when something works between co-stars.
  • 🕊 Despite not sharing the same religious beliefs, their friendship remained strong, with James supporting Remini when she decided to leave the Church of Scientology.
  • 😢 'Kevin Can Wait' was unfortunately cancelled after two seasons, but Remini expressed gratitude for the chance to work with James again, cherishing the laughter they shared.
  • 👍 James was supportive and proud of Remini's decision to leave Scientology, offering his friendship and support during her challenging time.
  • 🌟 The hope remains that Remini and James will collaborate again in the future, potentially creating more memorable moments in television.

Q & A

  • What was the name of the popular television show that starred Leah Remini and Kevin James?

    -The popular television show was called 'King of Queens'.

  • Why did Leah Remini say that Kevin James has 'ruined her for life'?

    -Leah Remini said Kevin James 'ruined her for life' because she doesn't think she'll ever be able to replicate the unique and special relationship she had with him, which she compared to that of a married couple.

  • In which year did Leah Remini write a book about her experiences in Hollywood and Scientology?

    -Leah Remini wrote the book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology' in 2015.

  • How did Kevin James support Leah Remini in making the sitcom they starred in more comical?

    -Kevin James supported Leah Remini by figuring out how to make the scripts more comical and even asking the writers to give her funnier lines, despite being the show's star.

  • What was the name of the later sitcom where Kevin James brought Leah Remini to co-star with him?

    -The later sitcom where Kevin James and Leah Remini co-starred was called 'Kevin Can Wait'.

  • How did Leah Remini describe her relationship with Kevin James on the set of 'King of Queens'?

    -Leah Remini likened their relationship to that of a married couple, as they fought like a longtime couple but always made up, and she felt safe acting with him.

  • What was the reaction of the Church of Scientology when Leah Remini decided to leave the organization?

    -The Church of Scientology denied pushing Leah Remini to convert her co-star, Kevin James, to the religion. However, Remini stated in a 2017 interview that they did try to get her to promote Scientology to him.

  • How did Kevin James support Leah Remini when she chose to leave the Church of Scientology?

    -Kevin James provided friendship and support to Leah Remini, reaching out to her and saying he was proud of her decision and offering help if she needed anything.

  • Why did 'Kevin Can Wait' not have a long run like 'King of Queens'?

    -The specific reasons for 'Kevin Can Wait' not having a long run are not detailed in the script, but it was canceled after its second season.

  • What did Leah Remini express on her Instagram post about the end of 'Kevin Can Wait'?

    -Leah Remini expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Kevin James again, stating that she laughed every day on set and would miss that the most.

  • What is the hope for Leah Remini and Kevin James' future collaborations?

    -The hope is that Leah Remini and Kevin James will star together again in the future, potentially creating more magic in primetime television.

Outlines

00:00

📺 Chemistry of 'King of Queens'

The paragraph discusses the success of the TV show 'King of Queens', highlighting the on-screen chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James. It mentions Remini's book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology', where she shares her love for the show despite its challenges. Remini expresses that her experience with James was so positive and unique that it has set a high standard for her future collaborations, making her feel 'ruined for life' in a positive sense. She also talks about their mutual respect and how James often made the show better by suggesting funnier lines for her character. Their close relationship extended to their personal lives and even influenced professional decisions, such as Remini's casting in James's later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait'.

Mindmap

Keywords

King of Queens

A popular television show that aired for nine seasons, featuring the chemistry between co-stars Leah Remini and Kevin James. It is central to the narrative as it is the show where Remini and James first worked together, and it set the stage for their enduring professional and personal relationship.

Chemistry

The term refers to the strong personal and professional rapport between actors, which is crucial for the success of a show. In this context, it highlights the dynamic between Remini and James that contributed to the popularity of 'King of Queens'.

Troublemaker

This is the title of Leah Remini's book, in which she discusses her experiences in Hollywood and her time in Scientology. The book provides insight into Remini's perspective on her career, including her time on 'King of Queens' and her relationship with Kevin James.

Sitcom

Short for 'situational comedy,' a genre of television show that is characterized by humor and often features a regular cast of characters. In the script, 'King of Queens' is a weekly sitcom that Remini and James starred in, and it is a key element of their shared history.

Leading Man

A term used to describe the main male actor in a production, often the romantic interest or central character. In Remini's account, Kevin James is her 'leading man' in 'King of Queens,' and she reflects on the unique bond they shared, which she feels has set a high standard for her future collaborations.

Comical

Refers to something that is humorous or funny. In the context of the script, it is used to describe how Kevin James would work to make the scripts of 'King of Queens' more humorous, even suggesting that writers give Remini funnier lines, showcasing his generosity and collaborative spirit.

Married Couple

A term that describes a man and woman who are legally or formally joined in marriage. Remini likens her relationship with James to that of a married couple, indicating the depth of their connection and the familiarity they have developed through their work together.

Kevin Can Wait

A later sitcom that featured both Kevin James and Leah Remini. It represents a second opportunity for the actors to work together, which Remini cherished and which further solidified their professional and personal bond.

Chemistry

Referred to again in the context of their second collaboration, 'Kevin Can Wait,' highlighting the undeniable and special dynamic between Remini and James that contributed to the success of their performances.

Religion

A set of beliefs, values, and practices often shared by a group. In the script, it is mentioned that Remini and James do not share the same religious beliefs, yet this does not affect their close relationship, demonstrating the strength of their bond beyond religious differences.

Church of Scientology

A religion that has been a significant part of Remini's life and public persona. The script discusses how the organization tried to influence her to convert James and how his support was crucial when she decided to leave the Church, showing the depth of their friendship and mutual respect.

Cancellation

The act of ending a television show. 'Kevin Can Wait' was cancelled after its second season. Despite this, Remini expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with James again, emphasizing the positive aspects of their collaboration and the joy she derived from it.

Highlights

Leah Remini and Kevin James had amazing chemistry on 'King of Queens', which contributed to the show's popularity.

Remini stated that James has 'ruined her for life', but not because she disliked the show.

In her book 'Troublemaker', Remini revealed that despite the challenges, she enjoyed making the sitcom.

Remini loved the audiences, crew, and the everyday nature of the job on 'King of Queens'.

The actress believes she will never be able to replicate the relationship she had with James.

James was Remini's first leading man, and she felt safe acting with him.

Kevin James often made the scripts more comical and suggested giving Remini funnier lines.

Remini compared her relationship with James to that of a married couple, with fights and reconciliations.

James brought Remini on his later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait' due to their undeniable chemistry.

Remini expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with James again after 'King of Queens'.

Despite having different religious beliefs, their close relationship remained strong.

The Church of Scientology allegedly tried to get Remini to convert James, but he remained Catholic.

James provided support to Remini when she decided to leave The Church of Scientology.

Even though 'Kevin Can Wait' was canceled after two seasons, Remini cherished the experience.

Remini is thankful for the second chance to work with James and will miss the laughter they shared.

There is a possibility that Remini and James may star together again in the future.

The actress's love for the job and her co-star is evident in her statements and book.

Remini's and James's professional and personal bond was a significant factor in the success of their shows.