Kevin-Michael Kennedy Navigating the Entertainment Industry

Kevin-Michael Kennedy, aka KMK

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Kevin-Michael Kennedy, aka "KMK," is a must-see when I visit New York. My first encounter with Kevin was at his apartment, located within a Performance Art building. He graciously served lunch to my friend and entertainer, Pat Lewis, and me. There, I learned much of what it takes to enter and survive the industry.

Not only did he mentor Pat, but Kevin also helped many others find their way. My third visit with Kevin led to an interview with him. Gate open on Kevin-Michael Kennedy. - Victorine

Kevin-Michael Kennedy in Absyinnia

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Tell me a bit about your background.

I was born in Brooklyn and raised in a single-parent household. My mom always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and was the driving force behind my determination to enter the entertainment field. I began singing and learning music at the age of 9. When I was 14, I made my professional debut playing the clarinet in the NYC All City Band at Lincoln Center. By the time I finished High School, I was proficient in playing the violin, cello, clarinet, and bass clarinet. I went on to study acting and performing in Theater, TV, Film, and Commercials.

Do you still play one of your four instruments? Have you ever had to play in one of your productions?

No, I no longer play. In production, I need to be proficient, which I am not anymore.

How did you start in the business?

Actually, as a teenager, I modeled and went on an acting go-see, resulting in an ad for drunk driving in a commercial. This job enabled me to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), which opened up more opportunities for acting and voice-over work. You have to follow the journey.

Tell us about some of your work, past and present.

Over the span of three decades, I have fulfilled my dream of working as a Singer, Actor, Voice-Over Artist, Producer, Composer, Screenwriter, and Director. Some of my notable work includes composing and arranging the song “He’s the Man – The Obama Song” written for the 2012 Presidential Election. In 2011,

I formed “The K.M.K. Union Gospel Choir” to work in TV, Film, and Commercials. My choir consists of professional singers who are members of SAG-AFTRA. We have performed in episodes of 30 Rock, The Last O.G., Power, Gotham, and the featured film Detective Chinatown 2.

I have also performed with the “Black Stars of the Great White Way” at Carnegie Hall and as a backup singer for the legendary Diana Ross at St. John the Divine Cathedral. I recently filmed an episode of “Good Intentions” playing the role of “Lev” the barber.

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Kevin with The K.M.K. Union Gospel Choir and as Lev in "Good Intentions"

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You serve as a mentor to many aspiring individuals entering the business. What encouraged you to be a bridge-builder?

I love giving back to the community, so I always look for opportunities to help artists who are up-and-coming and who want to pursue a career in the entertainment field. In a business that is ever-changing, I like to help people avoid the pitfalls that can easily lower their confidence and discourage them from continuing to pursue their lifelong dreams. I enjoy sharing my experiences and helping artists reach their full potential in the entertainment field.

How arduous is it to get folks started in the field?

People come to me at various stages of their entry. Some are green, and some have some experience. For example, Pat was new, but she was willing to do what it took to begin a career. People have to absorb what I give them. It comes from my experience, and I don't want them to go through some pitfalls I had.

I have used my photography skills to create 8x10 prints for resumes, which I also assist with. I walk them through the interview process and show them how to find work on their own. I even go to some auditions for encouragement. One lady from Florida didn't know the ropes of auditioning. She and her mom flew to New York. I helped her and met her at the audition, and she received a callback.

I keep up with the mothers, too. They often act as managers and have a tough time figuring it out, especially when it comes to finding an agent. One agent wanted $3,000 for placing a client in a college audition!

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A FULL CIRCLE VIDEO FROM AN AUDITION TO A CLIP FROM "GOOD INTENTIONS."

Kevin-Michael Kennedy as Lev in "Good Intentions"

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You mentioned that you had to leave the industry for a while. What was that about?

My journey has taken me in many different directions. At one point, I had to step away from my career for several years to become a caregiver to my grandmother. That included moving her to live with me and getting a 9-to-5 job. My decision to take on this life-changing commitment sparked in-depth conversations with my peers and loved ones, who were concerned about my exiting the business and taking on this enormous task alone.

My first big challenge came when I was called by a Casting Director (who knew I had left the business) to come in and audition for the TV show “America’s Most Wanted.” I told her that I was just starting a new position and could not take time off to do the audition. She then asked if I could come after work to do the audition. I told her yes, but if I booked the job, I still wouldn’t be able to take off work to do the job. It was then she told me that the job would be shooting on Saturday.

At this point, I couldn’t resist. I auditioned that Wednesday, booked the job on Thursday, picked up the script on Friday, and shot that Saturday. The episode ran for two years and became the #1-rated episode of “America’s Most Wanted” for that year. After two years of working 9-to-5 in the healthcare industry, I was able to transition back into the entertainment field full-time.

Has the business changed since COVID?

We now audition via Zoom, which is a challenge. We now need to find someone to rehearse with and run lines. Many callbacks are also on Zoom, and sometimes you cannot see the director, which makes it hard.

Since this issue's theme is "Resist," how does it apply to the industry for you?

Experience with agents. I got along well with an agent. I told her to concentrate on TV and film. However, she would only give me musical auditions. She moved to Los Angeles, and I had to deal with her fill-in, who still gave me auditions for musicals. I could feel his negative reaction when I complained. He emailed me a contract, and I informed him that I was working with the agency on a freelance basis. He told me that they would have to let me go if I did not sign a contract. I am no longer with that agency.

Right now, I'm looking for my next agent. The agents make you think you need them, but they need you. I'm willing to give a little but say no if it doesn't work.

What are you currently working on and planning for the future?

I am presently writing a TV pilot based on my Web Series called “Cornerstone.” It’s a community-based series highlighting the rebirth of the main character, Felix Adams; the help of some dedicated women in his community inspires him to pursue a career in politics, preventing the community from being taken over by greedy real estate developers. The story also addresses numerous social issues that impact the lives of community residents. After writing the last episode, my goal is to shop it around to some of the streaming platforms in the hopes of landing a major TV deal.

Thank you, Kevin, for your talent and commitment; I can't wait for "Cornerstone" to arrive!

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Clockwise: "Nurse Jackie," "The Mystery of Laura," Kevin singing, POWER Recording Session.

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Kevin-Michael Kennedy

Contact info: @iamtherealkmk

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Victorine