Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas premieres on Lifetime on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 7 pm CT. It marks the first all-black gospel Christmas film to debut. Celebrity Myxer had a chance to interview the leading female cast which includes Demetria McKinney, Regina Belle, Angela Brichett, plus we spoke with one of the executive producers Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd. The fabulous ladies dropped some gems and you don’t want to miss it. Watch the full interview!
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Exclusive Interview With Cast Of Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas
“Trying to be someone else, you’re second best at best. You have to be authentically you!”
When we asked legendary singer/songwriter Regina Belle how important is it to sharpen your talents for future endeavors, she advised for singers, voice rest is paramount. The veteran has an acumen for over 30 years in the music business and explains, “Maintain your gift. You’re celebrating yourself without knowing it. That’s gravely important.”
Regina dropped a few gems explaining how important authenticity is regarding the industry. She advises to not be someone else, take their inspiration yet be authentically you. She’s personally inspired by Billie Holiday and Donny Hathaway. However, it was through them she was able to find herself. Belle quotes, “Trying to be someone else, you’re second best at best. Even on my bad day, I’m great at being me. You have to be authentically you!”
Regina Belle, Demetria McKinney, and Chaz Lamar Shepard star in Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas premiering on Lifetime
“Read books so your imagination can grow!”
In this inspirational video, the interviewer turned into the interviewee as executive producer Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd asked me if I was inquiring from an actress’ perspective… and I was! Tracy is a casting director with more than 30 years of experience. If you’re an aspiring actress, cherish this advice…
First, Byrd tells actors to know whose shoulders they stand on. She notices how many newbie actors make the mistake of sharing absolutes on social media, claiming to be the first when in fact, someone else has achieved it. Yet their ignorance stifles them from educating themselves.
Tracy shared, “You stand on the shoulders of greats! You stand on the shoulders of Cicely Tyson, Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, and Eartha Kitt. It’s incredibly important to know whose shoulders you stand on.” As a Black female actress, knowing the challenges these great women overcame empowers generations.
Second, Byrd also spoke of building the imagination. This is a vital component of being a great actor. If you can read something and fill your mind with the full scenery it can help you discover a unique voice of portrayal in a role. Anyone can read lines, but how you imagine the role is how you stand apart from others auditioning.
Twinkie, the griot of the bunch, advises the way to do this is by visiting museums, exploring nature, and reading books. “Read books so your imagination can grow,” explains Tracy. She elaborates, “I need you to be able to see that story in your mind’s eye. I need you to understand the different levels and layers that these characters are going through. See the world that they’re imagining and you imagine it.”
Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas Synopsis
When Olivia (Demetria McKinney), a young assistant pastor, gets assigned to be a lead pastor at a new church a month before Christmas, she’s fearful she can’t manage the transition, including getting the choir ready to open the town’s annual Winter Jamboree. Banding together with her new congregation, Olivia discovers a new home for herself, and even finds a little Christmas romance along the way! Featuring a special appearance and songs written and arranged by Kirk Franklin. Franklin and Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd serve as executive producers of the film.
Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas Cast
- Demetria McKinney as Olivia
- Chaz Lamar Shepard as Ashton
- Regina Belle as Olivia’s mother
- Angela Brichett as Stella
- Kirk Franklin as himself
- Jen Harper as Mrs. Corrine
- Shacai O’Neal as Destiny
- Kendra C. Johnson as Miss Dee
- Deetta West as Sister Ida
- Ken Colquitt as Brother Carl
- John Mullins as Councilman Hanks
Listen to this interview on your favorite Podcast platform: Buzzsprout.
Be sure to watch our full interview with the cast, and tune in to Lifetime to watch Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas. Enjoyed this interview? Then tell us your favorite part in the comments below!
Photo credit: Lifetime/A&E Networks
