35 and TickingAn Exclusive Interview with Nicole Ari Parker
By Wilson Morales
May 17, 2011
Coming out in limited theaters this week (May 20th) is the romantic comedy ’35 and Ticking,’ which is directed by Russ Parr and stars a bevy of talent including Nicole Ari Parker, Tamala Jones, Kevin Hart, Keith Robinson, Meagan Good, Jill Marie Jones, Kym Whitley, Clifton Powell, Dondre Whitfield, Mike Epps, and Aaron D. Spears.
The story centers on a group of friends who are approaching the age of 35, and are all struggling to build the families they’ve always dreamed of.
Parker, who had done numerous films but is best known for her role as attorney Teri Joseph on the Showtime television drama series ‘Soul Food,’ plays Zenobia, a successful TV sports anchor who is still looking for a man to settle down with and start a family with.
Since the series ended in 2004, the Baltimore, Maryland had appeared in notable films such as ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ with Martin Lawrence, ‘Imagine That’ with Eddie Murphy, and the independent film ‘Pastor Brown,’ which she stars opposite Salli Richardon-Whitfield and was directed by her former Soul Food co-star Rockmund Dunbar.
When she’s not away working on a new film, she’s home with her husband, actor and former Soul Food co-star Boris Kodjoe and their two children Sophie Tei-Naaki Lee Kodjoe and Nicolas Neruda Kodjoe.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Parker talks about her role in the film, women and “their plan” and working with a cast that includes friends.
How would you describe your character?
Nicole Ari Parker: Zenobia represents the working sister, the professional and has a lot going good for her, but she doesn’t have anyone to share it with. The biological clock is ticking and there is bit of anxiety that goes with that. I want to have a baby but I don’t want to have the baby all by myself. I don’t want to want to have a baby with just anyone and I want to find the right person and so she’s putting a lot of pressure on herself. She’s that working woman looking for love.
What was the appeal of taking the role?
NAP: I took the role because I really love the relationship that Russ created amongst these characters. He establishes that they have been friends since they were nine years old and I really love that value placed on lifelong friendships. I also like the fact that he showed that men and women can friends.
With a big cast that’s in this film, how was working with all of them?
NAP: The ensemble was great. Everyone gave a performance that was just breathtaking. Jill Marie Jones and Tamala Jones showed a side of themselves that we haven’t seen, Dondre Whitfield, Keith Robinson, and Kevin Hart delivered with the comedy, and of course, Mike Epps. It was a pleasure to be there and a pleasure to go to work everyday.
Do you think women put pressure on themselves once they reach a certain age?
NAP: Absolutely. We all have a plan and hope life goes according to that plan, but not all of it falls into place. Sometimes the baby comes first and the love comes later, or the love comes first and then the love is lost, and the second love comes. I think we just have to relax and the film shows that true love is not an easy find. It comes usually when you least expect it.
Prior to your marriage, what would you say the best pickup line you received?
NAP: I had gone to a (Mike) Tyson fight, and someone came up to me and said, “Girl, you make the money jump out my pocket!” (laughs) I thought that was a good one.
It’s also good that while this is an ensemble film, your role is one of the central characters of the film.
NAP: Yes. The character had a nice arc, a nice storyline. She had a great purpose to move the story along, and she represents a very distinct character amongst this group of people and that’s always exciting to play.
You had done another independent film called ‘Pastor Brown,’ which had done the festival tour. Will that be released in theaters or on home video?
NAP: I don’t know. That’s still moving around. I haven’t heard any updates. I always hear positive things, but nothing definitive as of yet.
You also shot a pilot for AMC TV called ‘Big Mike.’ Are you ready to get back in the land of TV?
NAP: Yeah, I shot the pilot and we’re found out if it gets picked up soon. I play a lieutenant who’s a tough, no-nonsense person.
What else do you have on your plate?
NAP: Boris and I are working on some projects this summer, so you’ll be seeing more of us and I’m pretty excited about that. We’re in pre-production on ‘Looking for Jimmy Lee.’
Why should anyone see ’35 and Ticking’?
NAP: I think you should see this movie because it’s good. If the film does well, the rest of us are securing our future for more films to be made, and more work to be given. I think the film represents a slice of life that we all can relate to, Black, White, male and female. It’s about wanting, looking and finding the one.
