Kimberly Quinn
Hollywood actress, writer and producer Kimberly Quinn has enjoyed an immensely esteemed career in an industry that is known for its unapologetic revolving door. Longevity in any capacity is considered quite a feat, which is what makes Quinn a notable veteran — despite being way too young for such an assignment.
As a producing partner for her production company — Goldenlight Films — which recently landed a television deal with ALCON — Quinn is on a mission to shed the spotlight on “socially conscious, impactful and uplifting projects” that often times remain sidelined due to their controversial tone.
Her most recent and high-profile project is the three-time Academy-Award nominated film “Hidden Figures” starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe as three African-American mathematicians — who work for NASA during the sixties and end up playing a crucial role with the historic “flight trajectories for Project Mercury and Apollo 11.” Quinn co-produced the critically-acclaimed darling with her husband and fellow producer Theodore Melfi. She also had a prominent role in “Figures” — playing the only woman working in the department before the prolific arrival of Katherine Johnson (Henson).
Aside from her producing credits, Quinn is also a devoted actress — who has appeared in a slew of projects including Netflix’s psychological thriller “Gypsy” where she embodied the role of Holly Faitelson.
She’s also slated to join Jessica Alba, Dax Shepard, Tim Allen, Luke Grims and Vincent D’Onofrio in an upcoming original film for Netflix titled “El Camino Christmas” — “a dark comedy that tracks a young man in El Camino, Nevada who seeks out a father he’s never met and, unexpectedly ends up trapped in a liquor store with five other people on Christmas eve.” Quinn gives life to the character of Jewels Daniels, “a single mom and grandmother who doesn’t have much,” but makes the most of her modest means. The holiday-themed movie is scheduled to debut on December 8.
We recently caught up with Quinn to find out more about her impressive career trajectory and all the exciting things she has in the pipeline:
Q: How did you get started in the business and what words of advice do you have for newbies in the industry?
A: I fell into the business really. I did a print ad while modeling in New York and they asked me if I wanted to be in the commercial for it afterwards. I hadn’t ever considered acting before that but when I got done shooting the commercial I quit modeling the next day and signed up for acting class. I was so scared that I didn’t get up to do a scene for almost two years. I just watched and took it all in. Finally, I did a scene and that was it. I said, “I can do this,” and the rest is history. I got started doing theatre and commercials but I soon started working on sitcoms. I was the funny girl that wanted to do more than just comedy. I didn’t get my first guest spot until I was 26, so in Hollywood time, I had four years to “make it.” And after those four years came and went, after doubting it all and even having my manager at the time say, “if it doesn’t happen now it’s never going to happen,” I stayed. It was tortuous at times but I stayed because I knew inside of myself it was what I was here to do. It’s who I am. I’m an actor. Cut to 14 years later, I’ve learned more than acting. I’ve learned every aspect of the business. I know how to write a movie, produce a movie and even direct. So my advice to newbies is if you love it. Stay. Keep working. Learn other skills. Keep going. You’ll be that much better for it.
Q: With all your vast experience both in front and behind the camera, which of the two do you prefer and why?
A: My first love is acting. Period. I sometimes think if I could be that actor with offers back to back and just dive into juicy parts my whole life I’d be in heaven. But then I think of being involved in the whole process, which in turn I no longer have any “down time” I’m not waiting for a part, I’m creating them. I’m basically in some kind of creative zone every day and I have control over the characters, making sure that no matter the size of the role they are all characters that are fully realized and matter to the story that is being told... So as far as preference I think it’s like comparing apples to oranges. My actor brain is so much different than my producing/creator brain. I guess I could say, it’s a great “day job” that continues to always feed the actress within.
Q: Aside from the impressive cast, what drew you to your role in El Camino Christmas?
A: What drew me to Jewels in El Camino Christmas was that she was the complete opposite of Ruth from Hidden Figures. I am always looking to shake things up as an actor. Diving into that role was so fun and free. Jewels didn’t have a care in the world even though she had next to nothing. She loved men and she loved her life and was the most non-judgmental character I’ve ever played. Usually a character has a lot they carry with them. Jewels didn’t carry much. She was a free spirit really. She was sexy and very liberating for me. I adore Jewels. I would definitely hang out with her.
Kimberly Quinn
Q: You and your husband Theodore Melfi produced the Oscar-nominated movie, Hidden Figures, can you describe the experience of being a part of something that was so phenomenally acclaimed and culturally relevant?
A: Hidden Figures was a film that snuck up on us in terms of it being so acclaimed and culturally relevant. When Ted got the original script and he wanted to sign on to do it, we both read it and knew that we needed to really dive in to create a message that would inspire and lift the black community. We knew it was a true story and that it involved three different story lines, NASA and math. It was the hardest project we have done to date as far as honoring all the components that made up the script. Ted is a genius, he dove into executing the math, accurate NASA data and story while we (the producers) helped with character, story lines, character arcs, subplots, etc. There was so much to cover that you didn’t have time to put the cart before the horse. We had no idea for a while where it was going but then people started to get involved. The amazing cast of course but I think it was when Pharrell signed on with Hans Zimmer to do the music and the score that we knew were going places. Not to the Oscars per say but to a very elevated creative place that was going to take what we were doing and bring it to a whole new level. The editing, music and sound are so important. It’s all important but I think that’s when we felt a shift. Real life started to emulate the movie. Kevin’s line, “We get there together or we don’t get there at all” was happening. But I think some things are divine and this was one of them. The message and the story needed to be told and the project really did have the hand of God on it. It was like being lifted off the ground in a tornado and the next thing we knew we were at the Oscars. A year later we are kind of starting to understand the impact. People come up to us and cry and thank us for making the movie all the time. The Academy just honored the film holding a thousand-seat theatre calling it Modern Figures, Hidden Figures with a discussion of the films meanings then and now. It is being taught in schools during their studies of Black History Month and students at UCLA are learning how to become screenwriters using Hidden Figures as their templet, not to mention the change in the black community for little girls and all girls for that matter (and boys). It is slowly starting to sink in but truthfully Hidden Figures is so much bigger than us. If I can have a hand impacting the world like this on a creative level, there is no greater reward.
Q: What future projects do you have in the pipeline?
A: I am acting and producing in our next film for FOX titled, Fruit Loops. Writing and starring in a feature film, Maggie and a television pilot,Cowboy and hopefully directing an independent film. We just signed a television deal with ALCON Entertainment and are gearing up for the new year with a great television slate. I’m sure I’m leaving things out but there is a lot on the horizon and I can’t wait to be part of it all.