Have you checked out OWN/Tyler Perry’s new sitcom, Love Thy Neighbor? Pretty funny stuff…especially Mama Hattie. Hattie Love (played by Patrice Lovely) is the hysterically funny mom and grandmom that you do NOT want to mess with! Her antics keep you rolling but her intentions keep you in love with her. Recently, we had the chance to chat with Patrice. She is as beautiful and sweet as she is talented.
I really enjoyed speaking to the Montgomery Alabama native, who wastes no time turning Mama Hattie on and off like a light switch. As she tells us about how she grew up in the church, she definitely stays close to her spiritual roots and doesn’t hesitate to contribute her success to God. Here’s what she had to say:
Sheree: It’s so good to speak with you. I’m so glad you took a moment from your busy schedule to speak with Black and Married with Kids.
Lovely: (In Mama Hattie’s voice) Black and married wit’ churren, huh?? (laughing)
Sheree: (laughing) I love it! Thank you Mama Hattie for jumping right on in the interview!
(Both laughing)
Sheree: You went from stage plays to sitcom on a major network, tell us about your road to stardom.
Lovely: You know, I still can’t believe it. I’ve done theater for 20 years. I’ve put my time in. I’ve been faithful with what God allowed me to have. He says if you’re faithful with small things, He’ll make you ruler over many. It’s just a blessing to be able to work with Tyler and to premiere on OWN. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Sheree: Who inspired you theatrically and vocally when you were growing up?
Lovely: Well, vocally, Patti LaBelle and Whitney Houston. Of course I wasn’t supposed to be listening to them. I grew up in the church. My mom was a pastor. But I would sneak (suddenly breaks out into song – singing IIIII wanna dance wit’ somebodyyyy!) you know, and listen to them, all day long!
Sheree: (laughing) Tyler Perry always gives us a little backstory on how his Madea character developed. Can you give us how the hilarious Mama Hattie came about?
Lovely: From my mother, my grandmother, Ruby Williams – God rest her soul. She used to be my babysitter. Before my mom became a pastor, she would go out and I grew up listening to that voice and watching those antics all my life. It was just a blessing that Tyler flew in and fell in love with that character. So, now the world gets to see how I grew up and what was happening in my family.
Sheree: That’s so wonderful. I love seeing how those parts of you (and your family) come out in that character.
At Black and Married with Kids, we take pride in the representation of the positive image of African-American families. Describe what family means to you.
Lovely: Family to me is about love, support, laughter, togetherness, union and just a bond. I believe that when you got nobody else, you got your family. Blood is thicker than water. Anyone that doesn’t have their family…I would just encourage them to go back to their family. It’s all about family…building stronger relationships with your siblings, your mother…FAMILY.
Sheree: When I think of OWN [network], I think of self-help, Dr. Phil, and Iyanla Vanzant. For you to star in the FIRST sitcom, is amazing! It’s so great to see you doing your thing!
Lovely: It’s a blessing. I thank Tyler and Oprah, the audience and viewers for allowing us to come into your homes every Wednesday night.
BMWK, If you haven’t tuned in, you’re missing a treat. Join Mama Hattie and the crew of Love Thy Neighbor Wednesday nights at 9pm/8pm CST.