The script for "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" was in the works just a few weeks after the theatrical release of "Barbershop." Along with most of the original cast, actress/singer Eve was thrilled to return for “Barbershop 2.” Citing the camaraderie on the set, Eve couldn’t wait to come back as Terri, the only female cutter in the barbershop.
EVE ('Terri'):
You're involved in a romantic storyline this time. How much fun was that?
It was fun. I was shocked when I read the script. I was like, “Okay, me and Ricky. Alright.”
Michael Ealy said it was the best kiss you ever had in your entire life.
Wow, he is hilarious (laughing). That’s funny.
Were you self-conscious about kissing him?
I was so nervous. I told him, I was like, “Oh my God, it’s my first onscreen kiss!” He said, “What are you nervous for.” I’m like, “Because it’s my first. It has to look good.” I was very nervous.
What did you do to get ready for the kiss?
Nothing. There’s nothing you can do to get ready for a kiss. You’ve just got to go. But after like the fifth take, you’re like [done with it].
How many takes did it take?
The first kiss we kissed a lot. After awhile, it’s not special any more.
So this time around we get to see a kinder, gentler Terri?
Yeah. I think she felt like she was too angry. I think she felt like it was time to kind of bring it down. But she can’t help that she’s feisty. She’s just naturally feisty so it pops out of her. She can’t help it. I like her feisty and I think people like her like that, too.
You’re continuing along the line of rappers who successfully transition from music to TV and movies. How does it feel to do that, and to do it well?
Thank you, it feels good. I’ve been saying that for me, Queen Latifah’s career is my motivation. Even Will [Smith], Ice Cube… They come from hip-hop and they have so much respect in Hollywood. That’s a lot of motivation for me.
You came onto the scene with a lot of hype. Have you found any of that has subsided and allowed you to focus more on the work?
You always want the hype. It’s a different kind of hype, and I don’t want it to subside at all.
Are there techniques to get a thicker skin to get through the rumors or news items that might bother you?
You know what? I try not to read things. I don’t know. I kind of look at like, “Okay, this is life. Everybody is a critic, and everybody is not going to like you. And you can’t please everybody.”
Since Ice Cube is doing “XXX2,” do you think you’re coming back?
I don’t know, it hasn’t been talked about yet.
How do you balance your acting with your music?
I haven’t done any music on purpose. This summer when the show goes on hiatus, I’m going to go straight in and just focus on the music, and put out another album in the fall. But I can’t act and do music. I tried and it just doesn’t work.
How different are you from your TV character?
Shelly is silly and she’s not afraid to laugh at herself, which I’m the same way sometimes. Publicly, she just doesn’t care. Publicly for me personally, I’m not afraid to laugh at myself in front of my friends.
You have such a strong image. Are men intimidated by you?
They can be. Men have told me that they’ve been intimidated by me or that they are intimidated by me, which is not sexy at all.
ADDITIONAL “BARBERSHOP 2” CAST INTERVIEWS:
Ice Cube / Kenan Thompson / Cedric the Entertainer
Additional “Barbershop 2” Resources:
“Barbershop 2” Photo Gallery
“Barbershop 2” Trailer, Credits, and Soundtrack News
