From sitcoms like My Wife and Kids and Martin to films and even animation, American actress Tisha Campbell has made her mark in television. For years she has graced the TV screen with her talent, earning accolades for her hard work. Not only is Campbell amazing at putting a smile on viewers’ faces through her comedic work, but she is also an NAACP and BET Comedy-Award nominated actress. With a growing career onscreen, there is more to come.
This week Campbell is back in her element and expanding her comedic roots by guest starring on the hit NBC sitcom Lopez vs Lopez. If you’re a fan of this hit NBC sitcom, you’re likely aware of the show’s premise. Lopez vs Lopez is centered on the real-life father-daughter duo George Lopez and Mayan Lopez. In this family comedy, George and his daughter Mayan are living under one roof while attempting to salvage their relationship. With a rocky father-daughter relationship, mending personal and family issues can be a challenge. It’s only fitting to have Campbell make her appearance by playing none other than Mayan’s trusted psychologist.
In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, Campbell gushed about working with famous comedian and actor George Lopez, her career in the comedy space, and her experience as a guest star on season two of Lopez vs Lopez.
You’ve been on many sitcoms, from My Wife and Kids to Martin, what was your experience like being a guest star on Lopez vs Lopez season 2?
I had a chance to work with George [Lopez] on a show called Real Husbands. George and I didn’t have a scene together but we did work together the same day. This is my first time being able to be in a scene with George, and his work was so good. It’s so nice to be in front of an audience, a live audience too. I love doing sitcoms. Mayan [Lopez] and George and the rest of the amazing cast, it’s a pleasure to be in their company because it’s just a fun show to work on.
Since you’re not new to the comedy space, was this character different from other characters you’ve played?
So this character was different from other characters I’ve played because I’ve never played a therapist before. Which, to my dismay, my real therapist was laughing so hard that I was playing a psychologist. It was funny.
What was your experience like preparing for this role?
You know what, I didn’t really have to prepare any more than I normally do. I did do a couple of group family sessions before. It didn’t turn out as well as this particular show. As much as I could in real life, I guess I could just relate.
How is this character anything like yourself or different?
I put myself into most of my characters. That’s why every time I do a new character it’ll be my favorite. So it’s no different than any of the others right now because that’s the last one I did. It’s one of my favorite characters.
If you could guest star again as the same character, what would you want for your character?
I would love for my character to really make amends with the rest of the family, for the entire family to become whole — not too whole then there’s no reason to have a show. I would love to be able to be a healer.
Since much of your work is in the comedy space, you must feel like an expert in making people laugh. Do you ever come across challenges in comedy anymore?
I did a show called Uncoupled and it was just a different rhythm to the way that the writers wrote everything. I loved the way that they wrote. It was just different. It’s hard to explain comedy when you break it down like that. It was a different rhythm. It was very challenging for me. I just jumped in and tried to do my best with it.
From starring in comedies to animation, you have a great range of work in the entertainment industry. Is there a type or genre of work you’d like to delve into in the future?
That’s really an interesting question. A lot of people are asking me that so it must be the right time for you guys to ask me that question. I actually write a lot. During COVID isolation, there was nobody in my ear to tell me I couldn’t or shouldn’t. So for the first time, I got a chance to write. I sold five shows, and I’m writing now and producing. Being behind the scenes gives me a different type of artistic high. I really wanted to give a lot of women roles and people of color roles that you haven’t seen before. What comes out of my camp here is very different.
Catch new episodes of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC, Tuesdays at 8pm.
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