Local school sees TV show

• By CHANTE DIONNE WARREN
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Nov 3, 2009 - Page: 4B

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Before actress Robin Givens struck it big in television and film, she had to prove both her acting and educational worth, she told an audience of about 700 McKinley Middle Magnet students Monday.

“Directors asked me, ‘Where did you study’? she said.

At age 10, Givens took acting classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, she said.

Givens, 44, visited McKinley Middle for a special viewing of a new sitcom, musical, “JK’s House,” featuring Givens as a doctor and single mother to 7-year-old JK, played by Jakayla Lawrence, 6, and co-actor, Danielle Roach, both of Baton Rouge. In the episode, JK learns a lesson on taking responsibility for ruining her big sister’s prom dress, then later raises the money to buy her a new one. 

“This project is so wholesome and kind, and your whole family can watch it together,” Givens said.

Givens also dished out acting advice and illustrated lessons on manners, respect and responsibility with students during an impromptu skit on the school’s stage.

Givens said her persistence and pursuit of education eventually landed her roles in “The Cosby Show,” “Head of the Class,” a starring role beside Eddie Murphy in “Boomerang” and other roles in Tyler Perry’s movies including “The Family that Preys.”

McKinley Magnet students said they recognized Givens’ from her recurring roles in CW’s comedy/drama “The Game” and in Tyler Perry’s “The House of Payne.”

Givens told students to “Study, study and really believe in a craft. I always encourage education,” she said.

Given turned to Jakalya and discussed their time together during filming on the set last summer at Baton Rouge’s Celtic Media Centre.

“I want to thank you for letting me play your mom,” Givens told Jakayla.

Jakayla, a first-grader at Jehovah-Jireh Christian Academy, said: “Robin is nice and nice to work with.”

Givens told students: “Jakayla is really good. She’s a natural.”