Kevin Hart: Extended Interview | The Graham Norton Show

Summary

Kevin Hart and Sofía Vergara share personal and professional insights on *The Graham Norton Show*, discussing their evolution as actors. Kevin reflects on his shift from comedy to action in the thriller *Lift*, while Sofía talks about portraying a ruthless Colombian drug lord in *Griselda*. Both actors delve into the challenges and rewards of transitioning between genres, from sitcoms to drama, and compare the immediate audience feedback in theater to the delayed reactions of film and TV. Their candid and humorous conversation reveals their growth, the impact of their iconic roles, and their shared admiration for each other’s craft.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kevin Hart reflects on his time on *Modern Family*, acknowledging that it was one of his favorite roles despite not being in every episode with his co-stars.
• 😀 The cast of *Modern Family* formed a close bond, and the end of the show was particularly difficult as they were like family to one another.
• 😀 After the show ended, the pandemic began, which made it even harder for the cast to stay connected, though they continue to reach out to each other when they can.
• 😀 Kevin Hart shares his excitement about his new role in the Netflix movie *Lift*, where he plays an action star in a high-tech heist set at 40,000 feet in the air.
• 😀 Kevin Hart humorously discusses the challenges of shooting action scenes, like the confined space and physical strain, but also his dedication to performing his own stunts.
• 😀 Sophia Vergara talks about her new drama series *Griselda*, which is based on the true story of a ruthless Colombian drug queenpin.
• 😀 Sophia Vergara describes the physical transformation required for her role in *Griselda*, including wearing wigs, fake teeth, and padding to change her appearance.
• 😀 Sophia also addresses the challenges of playing a character so far removed from her previous roles, as well as how she embraced the gritty nature of the story.
• 😀 Kevin Hart and Sofia Vergara both share a deep admiration for theater and the connection it creates between actors and the audience, with both expressing a preference for live performance.
• 😀 Sofia Vergara recounts how she unexpectedly landed the role of Mama Morton in *Chicago* on Broadway, despite having little stage experience at the time, which marked a pivotal moment in her acting career.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the Netflix movie *Lift*, where Kevin Hart plays the lead role?

The central theme of *Lift* is a high-tech heist that takes place 40,000 feet in the air. It is a thriller with action-packed scenes, and Kevin Hart plays a serious lead role as an action star.

How does Kevin Hart describe the physical challenges of his role in *Lift*?

Kevin Hart talks about the physical challenges, particularly the confined spaces, heat, and intense action scenes. He mentions that he had to deal with harnesses and cables while performing stunts, and he humorously refers to himself as a 'baby' who could 'overheat and shut down'.

What was the emotional impact on the *Modern Family* cast after the show ended?

The cast was deeply saddened by the end of *Modern Family*. Kevin Hart and Sofia Vergara both express how difficult it was to suddenly not see each other every day, especially with the added separation caused by the pandemic shortly after the show wrapped.

What role does Sofia Vergara play in *Griselda* on Netflix, and why was this character significant to her?

In *Griselda*, Sofia Vergara plays a ruthless Colombian drug lord. The character is based on a real woman who created an infamous drug cartel, and Sofia found the story compelling because the character is strong, tough, and unexpected for her usual roles. It was significant to her because it allowed her to explore a completely different side of acting.

What transformations did Sofia Vergara undergo to portray her character in *Griselda*?

Sofia Vergara underwent several physical transformations for her role in *Griselda*, including wearing a wig, fake teeth, and a fake nose. She also used prosthetics to alter her appearance and practiced adopting a different walk and learning to smoke, in order to portray the character's toughness and complexity.

Why did Sofia Vergara find it challenging to find the right roles before *Griselda*?

Sofia Vergara explains that because of her accent, she wasn't always offered the roles she wanted. As a result, she had to actively seek out roles like *Griselda*, where she could play a character that was both different from her usual image and more aligned with her heritage.

How does Kevin Hart feel about transitioning from comedy to serious roles in action films?

Kevin Hart expresses that he is proud of the transition and is no longer just the comedic actor he was known for. He embraces his new identity as an action star and feels that he has grown as an actor, especially in roles like *Lift*.

What insights do Kevin Hart and Sofia Vergara share about their experiences with theater?

Both Kevin and Sofia share a deep appreciation for theater. Kevin favors theater over film because of the immediate connection with the audience, while Sofia reflects on her own experience performing on Broadway in *Chicago*, despite initially being unsure about her ability to perform in theater.

What was Sofia Vergara's unexpected experience with Broadway?

Sofia Vergara shares that she unexpectedly landed a role in *Chicago* on Broadway, even though she had no prior experience in theater. She was approached for the role of Mama Morton, and despite not feeling prepared, she accepted the challenge and was chosen for the part.

How do Kevin Hart and Sofia Vergara feel about the live audience experience in theater compared to film?

Both actors express a deep respect for the live audience in theater. Kevin prefers theater because of the immediate feedback and connection with the audience, while Sofia admires the unpredictability of each live performance, knowing that each show will be different.