Terrence Little Gardenhigh is riding shotgun with beloved “Community” alum Ed Helms (Coffee), Taraji P. Henson and Betty Gilpin in Netflix’s film Coffee & Kareem. The film centers on a Detroit cop who reluctantly teams with his girlfriend’s 11-year-old son (Kareem) to clear his name and take down the city’s most ruthless criminal. Bring on laughs and the swear jar because actor Terrence Little Gardenhigh is riding shotgun with beloved “Community” alum Ed Helms (Coffee), Taraji P. Henson and Betty Gilpin in Netflix’s highly anticipated film Coffee & Kareem. The film centers on a Detroit cop (Helms) who reluctantly teams up with his girlfriend’s 11-year-old son (Kareem) to clear his name and take down the city’s most ruthless criminal. The pair just can’t seem to get it together as they try to bring down a crime boss. A little brash on the outside, Kareem’s only hope is to protect his mother from folks wanting to bring harm. How old are you and how old were you when you started acting? I recently turned 13 on April 20th. I was 10-years-old when I started acting. There was a little profanity in the film. What was the conversation like between you and your parents with bringing Kareem to life? It was funny because when my mommy got the script, she immediately said, “You are going to get this one.” I said, “How do you know?” She said it was because she just read it and it was so funny. She told me how she grew up with boys like this and will tell me all the stories she can think of so I will have an idea of how this is supposed to go. Of course I didn’t feel comfortable saying the stuff in front of my mommy and daddy. She said this is acting and if you can pull this off, it will be amazing because you are nothing like this character. My daddy thought it was funny because they could both relate to the script. She said this is acting and if you can pull this off it will be amazing because you are nothing like this character. My daddy thought it was funny because they could both relate to the script.
Photographer : Caleb Shane
Interviews by @ouchmagazineny
You were hilarious by the way and it felt like it came naturally. Do you see a career in stand up in your future?
Believe it or not, that is what I thought I was going to be. I watched Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, Lavell Crawford, Martin Lawrence, and so many others because I wanted to do that. However, my mommy said, “Boy you are so corny.” She said you are funny, but not joke telling funny, lol.
How are you staying sane during this self-quarantine?
PlayStation 4! Homework of course, but that’s not fun even though I have to do it. I talk to my cast-mates and watch movies with my parents.
How was it on set? Did you laugh at every take?
It was fun because everybody was so down to earth. It was like a big family with the cast and the crew. How can you not laugh with Ed Helms around and Mama T, aka Miss Taraji. It was work, but it did not feel like a job. I kept thinking about Mr. Ed doing The Hangover and The Office and had to try and control myself.
Do you expect a part 2? If so, what would be the plot?
I would love a part 2! That’s a great question. I guess because one of the drug dealers got away with drugs and money in the first film, he could become a big major dealer. RonReaco Lee, the dealer, did not want to be bad anymore and could become a good role model in the hood. He needs help getting him off the streets so he gets help from Coffee because Kareem is going to the youth center that he mentors. Some kind of way Kareem witnesses something and we could take it from there.
Who and what inspires you in life?
My mommy and daddy. My daddy makes sacrifices all the time by being away from home as a truck driver and I know he misses us. He made it possible, along with my grandpa, to make sure we were able to survive. My mommy is everything! She just seems to know the right things to do and say. I feel safe with her by my side. I know that she will tell me the truth no matter if it hurts my feels or not. I love that she is also my friend when I need her to be. In my eyes, she can do no wrong.
You’re also starring in Nickelodeon’s “Danger Force,” as Miles. Can you tell us your favorite part about playing Miles?
Oh yeah! I love playing Miles because it is like I am playing myself. He is cool, laid back and is so proud of who he is. He believes everything will be alright as long as he is guided by the universe. I am the exact same way..
Was it difficult going from COFEE & KAREEM to “Danger Force?”
Not at all. I know that it was a job, a role I played, that taught me a lot about different emotions you need to have in acting. I actually had more confidence when I finished because I worked with some major people. It really prepared me.
What other projects are you currently working on for 2020 and 2021?
I am doing a couple of voice-overs and that’s about it because Hollywood is on pause right now. I am looking forward to doing a lot more projects when everything is safe.
You were hilarious by the way and it felt like it came naturally. Do you see a career in stand up in your future?
Believe it or not, that is what I thought I was going to be. I watched Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, Lavell Crawford, Martin Lawrence, and so many others because I wanted to do that. However, my mommy said, “Boy you are so corny.” She said you are funny, but not joke telling funny, lol.
How are you staying sane during this self-quarantine?
PlayStation 4! Homework of course, but that’s not fun even though I have to do it. I talk to my cast-mates and watch movies with my parents.
How was it on set? Did you laugh at every take?
It was fun because everybody was so down to earth. It was like a big family with the cast and the crew. How can you not laugh with Ed Helms around and Mama T, aka Miss Taraji. It was work, but it did not feel like a job. I kept thinking about Mr. Ed doing The Hangover and The Office and had to try and control myself.
Do you expect a part 2? If so, what would be the plot?
I would love a part 2! That’s a great question. I guess because one of the drug dealers got away with drugs and money in the first film, he could become a big major dealer. RonReaco Lee, the dealer, did not want to be bad anymore and could become a good role model in the hood. He needs help getting him off the streets so he gets help from Coffee because Kareem is going to the youth center that he mentors. Some kind of way Kareem witnesses something and we could take it from there.
Who and what inspires you in life?
My mommy and daddy. My daddy makes sacrifices all the time by being away from home as a truck driver and I know he misses us. He made it possible, along with my grandpa, to make sure we were able to survive. My mommy is everything! She just seems to know the right things to do and say. I feel safe with her by my side. I know that she will tell me the truth no matter if it hurts my feels or not. I love that she is also my friend when I need her to be. In my eyes, she can do no wrong.
You’re also starring in Nickelodeon’s “Danger Force,” as Miles. Can you tell us your favorite part about playing Miles?
Oh yeah! I love playing Miles because it is like I am playing myself. He is cool, laid back and is so proud of who he is. He believes everything will be alright as long as he is guided by the universe. I am the exact same way..
Was it difficult going from COFEE & KAREEM to “Danger Force?”
Not at all. I know that it was a job, a role I played, that taught me a lot about different emotions you need to have in acting. I actually had more confidence when I finished because I worked with some major people. It really prepared me.
What other projects are you currently working on for 2020 and 2021?
I am doing a couple of voice-overs and that’s about it because Hollywood is on pause right now. I am looking forward to doing a lot more projects when everything is safe.