Kaye Singleton. Photo Credit: Ira Carmichael
Actress Kaye Singleton of Tyler Perry’s “The Oval” is in a “new season” in acting and in life.
This BET show was created, written and directed by Tyler Perry, and it is currently in its sixth season. “The Oval” is a top scripted show on cable TV among African-American viewers.
Aside from “The Oval,” Singleton is known for her roles in the primetime series “Saints & Sinners” and “Sistas,” and she created, wrote, and produced the anthology series “Covenant.”
Playing the Second Lady on the show
On playing the “Second Lady” Simone, Singleton said, “Oh my gosh. This role has been one of the most challenging but also one of the most exhilarating roles I’ve ever had. It has been a roller coaster but overall, it has been a good time.”
“Since this character has been going on for multiple seasons, I’ve learned to add layers to her character, and I’ve been able to show depth in any way I can,” she noted.
“It has been interesting trying to navigate that space and really show that she has more than one side, and that she isn’t one-minded,” she elaborated.
“In the later seasons, you are able to see more of the character, and different facets of her personality,” she said. “It has been an amazing journey, for sure.”
Working with Tyler Perry
“I will forever be grateful to Tyler Perry for this job, this show, and this character,” she said.
“This show has been such a blessing in disguise. Going through a Tyler Perry bootcamp, especially how fast they shoot, puts you through this process, and you feel you can do anything because you’ve pushed your body and your brain to the limit,” she explained.
“This has helped me reach a stamina for other things that I wouldn’t have had if I wouldn’t have been on that show. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity,” she said, effusively.
Working with Kron Moore and having the ‘catfights’ on the show
Singleton opened up about working with Kron Moore, who plays the “First Lady” Victoria, and the catfights that their characters have all the time.
“The crazy thing is that Kron and I are friends in real life, so the fact that we have to fight so much on the show is so funny,” she said.
“I adore Kron, and we’ve spent actual time together,” she admitted. “The fact that the First and Second Lady are so mean to each other, and they’ve fought physically is nuts.”
“In real life, Kron is really sweet and so nice. She is nothing like the character she plays on television,” she added.
Russell Thomas as her onscreen husband
Singleton had great words about working with Russell Thomas as her “work husband” Eli, who is playing the “Acting President of the United States” on the show.
“It has been great. Russell Thomas is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet in life,” she noted.
“Russell is someone who is so Even keeled, and always pleasant. He is so great. We balance each other out in real life,” she expressed.
Taja V. Simpson as Priscilla
Singleton complimented Taja V. Simpson, who plays Priscilla, the White House residence staff supervisor.
“Taja is another force to be reckoned with on the show. Taja is a consummate professional and such a giving actress,” Singleton said.
Travis Cure and Bill Barrett
Singleton spoke about Travis Cure and Bill Barrett, who play Secret Service Agents Bobby and Max respectively.
“Travis Cure is so great; I’ve known him even before this show,” she said. “Bill Barrett is so funny; he always has a joke, and when it comes to his work, Bill is always prepared.”
The digital age
On being an actress and filmmaker in the digital age, Singleton said, “Thanks to social media, you don’t have to go through the traditional auditioning process. It opens up other avenues, and it makes it that much more gratifying to work in this industry.”
“While the budgets are shortening, you don’t have to go through the traditional networks or outlets. You can put your content on Instagram, YouTube or Facebook and you can create your own audience,” she attested.
“There are so many different avenues that social media and the digital age have created for others to get in the business. I am excited to see how it evolves and where it goes from here,” she elaborated
“At the end of the day, people want to see stories and they need it for escapism and to learn and to grow. I think stories will always be told and we will see how they evolve as we move forward,” she added.
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, she said with a sweet laugh, “A New Season.”
Superpowers of choice
Her superpowers of choice would be “teleportation, invisibility, and mindreading.”
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Singleton said, “Success is stability and joy, the latter of which comes from within, and a sense of calmness in your life. Pure joy is peace.”
Closing thoughts on ‘The Oval’
For fans and viewers, she remarked about this season of “The Oval,” “I want people to see the layers that are underneath some of these characters, and to see that even though several of them are broken, there is a reason why they are that way.
“There are other colors to them that they are fighting to push through. Stay tuned; this way, the fans can certainly see the full arcs,” she concluded.
To learn more about Kaye Singleton, check out her IMDb page, and follow her on Instagram.