Interview: Kevin Hart, The Reluctant Superstar

The more time spent observing Kevin Hart, the more he unveils himself. He can make you laugh, and cry, just by watching him. He is an extremely gifted comedian, whose emergence on the comedy circuit was like an abundant waft of fresh air. With a string of notable roles over the last decade, he has steadily built a reputation as one of the few comics who can hold his own with actors like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, and Laurence Fishburne. Those paying close attention won’t have been surprised with his most recent film, Ride Along, in which he plays a security guard who joins his quick-tempered detective brother-in-law James played by Ice Cube on an impulsive police patrol. Through the lens of director Tim Story, the narrative rests on the power of one hell of a performance from Kevin, who infuses the box office hit with a human touch and a childlike hopefulness.

In one sense, whatever success he has achieved is largely the result of his willingness to make bold moves—not to mention his impressive talent. What other comic could cameo as himself in his own stand-up comedy, Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, then, a year later, take on a bewildered wannabe cop in a movie that has now grossed $360 million? We recently sat down with the Philly native, who was in London promoting Ride Along, to talk about Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, erotomania, and learning how to deal with fame.

RESPECT.: Last year you talked about the importance of setting goals and accomplishing them. So now that you’re a box office superstar and a big name in Hollywood, is there an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other?

Kevin Hart: I mean, I don’t think there’s a devil on any shoulder. For me to say there’s an angle, I think that would definitely be my mother. I don’t think there’s anything else on the other shoulder, other than my alter-ego which I’m constantly going between.

What’s interesting about you is that you’re this suburban kid who has managed to make it big time. Has it occurred to you now that you’re “Kevin Hart” and whatever you say or do carries a lot of weight?

I try not to think about it too much. I mean, when it comes to kids I definitely realize I have a big influence — my words and things that I do carries a lot of weight in that regard. I always try to make smart decisions and do things that will have a positive reflection, but other than that it’s about promoting hard work and that work ethic in wanting to achieve goals. There’s nothing wrong with having ambition and I think with me putting my life out there the way that I do can definitely be looked at in a positive light.

How much of a success has Ride Along had on your bank account?

Oh man, I can’t get into that [laughs] that’s how you get knocked in the head. I’m happy. I’m blessed. I’m in a good place.

Tell me about Ride Along.

It’s a funny movie and a comedy that appeals to everyone — all races, all shapes, all sizes. It’s about a guy called Ben Barber, who wants so much out of his life. He really wants to be a cop and he’s in love with the woman he wants to marry, but the only thing that’s preventing these things from happening is Ice Cube’s character James. He feels that my views on life are wrong and decides to take me on a ride along to scare me out of doing the things I want to do most, but then it all backfires.

The scene where you punched Ice Cube in the abandoned warehouse, a friend said to me after seeing that, “If I was Kevin Hart, I would have messed up as many takes as possible.”

[Laughs] Yeah, I did. I tried to get at least three takes.

The thing that troubles me about Ice Cube is the same thing that irks me about Steven Segal and Arnold Schwarzenegger: they’re just too omnipotent. What’s he like as a scene partner? Is he a straight shooter, no-nonsense kind of guy, or the complete opposite?

He’s actually the complete opposite. Cube is a caring guy who’s fun. Every take was different. He really brought a different level of humor and attitude to every single take and I think when you’re working with people like that—you’re never burning yourself out. It was an enjoyable experience on both sides and we both brought great energy to the project.

There’s a great deal of humor in almost every scene, and you get the impression as if the roles were specifically tailored for you and Ice Cube. Your relationship seems so integral to your on-screen brotherly bond. What’s the rapport between the two of you like?

You’re looking at two guys who really get along. We had great chemistry on and off camera and you really need that when you’re working with other people. I think when you get along you will also share the same goals which is to make a successful film. The fact that you can talk to each other while doing that as well as hanging out together just makes it that much better.

You shared some great scenes with Laurence Fishburne, too.

Yes, I got my ass whooped.

One slight criticism the movie has received is how you separated Kevin the comic from Kevin the actor. I think people were almost expecting you to play the witty comedian they see on stage. What does it feel like to hear that?

I mean, it feels good. Any time people appreciate your talent it’s a great feeling. My goal was to show that I have level and range and this was a platform where I got to display that range. It was a great feeling.

It must feel quite strange to find yourself in a world where people only want to hear you telling jokes.

It’s not really strange. It’s what I signed up for. At the end of the day, I’m a comedian and it’s my job to make people laugh. It’s something that I’m now learning to do on different levels.

Let’s talk about erotomania. Have you heard of that before?

No, what’s that?

Erotomania: it’s a delusional disorder where a person believes that someone, usually a famous individual is in love with them.

Wow. Okay, that’s pretty funny. So am I in love with somebody or is somebody in love with me?

There are thousands of people who love you and it seems what really motivates you is your desire to entertain and please those people. Could you imagine not being famous? Does being famous bother you?

If I’m honest, I couldn’t care less about being famous. I’m not in it for the fame. I’m in it for the work. I enjoy my job and making people laugh, but it just so happens that with making people laugh comes fame. It’s not something that wakes me up every morning like, “Oh my god, I have gotta get more famous today.” No. It’s about bettering myself at my craft — how do I get funnier, how do I get better material and continue to pick great projects. That’s what I’m thinking about on a regular basis.

Are there any places where you can just walk around on and no one will stop you for a selfie?

Yeah. There are several places but even when I get stopped there are times when people respect my space. For example, when I’m with my kids I tell people its family time. I don’t make myself a prisoner to my own success. I go out and do what I want. If I want to go grab some coffee I’m going to walk and get some coffee. I don’t need to take a brigade with me or a bunch of friends everywhere I go. I’m still a person and I think that’s why my fan base is growing. I am who I am and I’m not a person that you can’t touch

Is it hard to stay grounded amidst all your recent fame?

[Laughs] You know what, I’m not the rub it in your face type of person. I’m more of a humble guy and I know right now I’m in a position where things are going great, but at the same time I’m thinking about how to make them better. Having the opportunity to promote my projects on an international scale is an example of me looking onwards and upwards. It’s not about relishing in the moment. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, which is what I am focused on right now.

Ride Along is in theaters now.