Keith Burke
“The most challenging aspect of this show is the pace. We usually shoot on average 90 pages a day.”
Currently in its sixth season, The Haves and the Have Nots remains the most popular scripted show on the OWN network. Written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry, this primetime soap centers on the intersection of two families with wealth and one without.
Fans of the show have been on a romantic roller-coaster with Hanna Young (Crystal R. Fox) from the beginning. After dealing with a bit of tragedy and her over-bearing children, Hanna met the very eligible and handy Derrick David, played by actor Keith Burke. It didn’t take long for their romance to blossom, but both have been cautious about taking it slow — until now.
Keith joined the cast fresh off portraying Jake O’Hare opposite Ruth Negga and Rae Lynnbratten on AMC’s, Preacher. A Philadelphia native, Keith first gained the attention of Hollywood after an appearance in Will Smith’s breakout series, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Since then, Keith has frequented the small screen with roles on Southland, NCIS, Cold Case, and Criminal Minds among others. More recently, Keith has been gaining attention for his starring role in the short film, All But Perfect, about a married couple struggling with health issues and infidelity.
Keith Burke recently found some time to answer a few questions:
Explain how Derrick David fits into the world of The Haves and the Have Nots.
Keith: He brings a lot of experience in different areas. He’s a home builder, handyman in a few different ways especially if you check his history with Veronica Harrington. He’s currently the love interest of Hanna who he hopes to make a permanent part of his life.
Do you know where your character’s arc is heading before you see the script or is it a surprise to you, too?
Keith: I knew what direction my character was going in the first 2 seasons, but not everything. Mr. Perry likes to keep us in the moment of the story.
What was your first impression of the show before joining the cast?
Keith: My first impression before joining the cast was this show is an extremely cool nighttime drama that really pushes things in the story line. I really see how it’s built such a strong fan base.
And, has it changed now that you’re into your second season on the series?
Keith: I just finished shooting my third season in September 2019, which is season 7. I’ve noticed that Mr. Perry features how people really want to respond in certain situations but can’t in real life.
Was it tough walking in as the “new guy” on a successful series?
Keith: I was very anxious about joining such an established cast. However, Crystal Fox, who plays my love interest Hanna, was extremely gracious and made sure I met everyone at the studio saving Mr. Perry for last – who was equally gracious and welcoming. It truly is a family environment from the top down.
Can you share what’s like to work with Tyler Perry?
Keith: Working with Mr. Perry was great, especially considering he has full insight of each character since he’s the writer. Because we shoot from all angles at once and usually only do one take per scene, he empowers you to believe in the choices you make for your character and just fly.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of working the show?
Keith: The most challenging aspect of this show is the pace. We usually shoot on average 90 pages a day. Your preparation from day to day has to be impeccable.
How did you get into acting?
Keith: My original career path was the dream to play professional football, but a catastrophic knee injury put an end to that. My mother saw my path before I did. She pushed me to get into plays at church at the age of 7. She felt I was a natural and assured me that would be my profession one day.
The biggest piece of advice you wish you would have followed?
Keith: The biggest piece of advice I wish I’d followed was to believe in myself more and push harder in my career after having early success. Los Angeles was very intimidating at first. I wish I would have stayed the course from the beginning, but life had other plans.
Awesome🌟👑
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