Keesha Sharp is definitely one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood. With a resume that includes the hit sitcom "Girlfriends," the critically-acclaimed "The People vs. O.J. Simpson,” and FOX's "Lethal Weapon,” she shows no signs of slowing down.
As a healthy lifestyle advocate who is very passionate about proper nutrition and fitness, it is easy to see how Sharp is able to keep up with the hectic pace of her professional life. BlackDoctor.org spoke with Sharp about her love of boxing, why we need Black women action heroes on the big screen and how she stays committed to her nutrition and fitness regimen.
BlackDoctor.org: You frequently talk about boxing being among your favorite ways to work out. What sparked your passion for pugilism?
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Keesha Sharp: I was going to the gym and I started taking a boxing class. I was really good at it and I loved it! And I loved the idea of being a strong woman and being able to punch! It really started that simply. I was then approached by a trainer and in terms of training professionally, that’s how that got started. I thought I was going to be an actress and a boxer at that point but it quickly turned into, “Well what are you going to do if you get hit?” But [my interest] did stem from going to the gym first, discovering the art of boxing, and then it turned into something serious.
BlackDoctor.org: Your love of boxing, in addition to you practicing Krav Maga, seems like a perfect gateway to you kicking butt on the big screen. Would you be interested in that kind of role?
Keesha Sharp: Are you kidding me? I would love to do that! We don’t see a lot of Black women doing that. I would love to start that trend; well, not it just being a trend but turn into something where people look at us and see us in a Marvel [film] or as a superhero or a kick-ass fighter in an action film. I would absolutely love that.
BlackDoctor.org: As an actress, does your hectic traveling schedule and filming in different locations pose any challenges to your diet and exercise regimen? How do you stay committed?
Keesha Sharp: In terms of food, it can sometimes [pose challenges] but if I go somewhere and I can’t eat (I have a lot of allergies), I’ll keep it simple and just eat a salad. The challenge then is that you may eat boring meals a lot, but I’m okay with that because I don’t want to feel bad. In terms of working out, no matter where you are, you can walk. You can get out and run. You can get out and walk around the neighborhood you’re in. When you’re in a hotel, they have a workout room or a gym. You have to stay committed because it’s important to you. For me, it’s not necessarily “Oh I have to work out because I’m worried about weight”; I work out because it makes me feel good. It raises endorphins. It’s literally a “high.” It makes me feel good.
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BlackDoctor.org: You’ve been on many red carpets and television and film sets throughout the span of your career. When it comes to diet and nutrition, does the food in craft services throw you off at all? Are there enough healthy options for you?
Keesha Sharp: I’m rarely at the craft table. I don’t even know where it is half the time. But in general, I’ll bring my own snacks and meals because of my allergies and because I care about what’s in my food. It is really important for me to know that it’s organic and that there are no additives. I like to eat as clean as possible so a lot of times, it just means I have to bring my own snacks.
BlackDoctor.org: Are there ever any special accommodations made for cast members?
Keesha Sharp: They are accommodating. If you tell your producers, “Hey, this is the kind of food I have to eat” or “I have allergies,” they’ll buy stuff for you or have snacks in your room. They’re really good at taking care of you.
BlackDoctor.org: Speaking of nutrition, I’ve read where you’ve considered a second career in nutrition? Is this something you’re pursuing?
Keesha Sharp: Yes and no. It’s something that I wanted to have as knowledge for myself and also knowledge for anyone who asks me—that I have some kind of certificate because people are going to take you more seriously when they know you’ve studied it in some way. I didn’t want to be a nutritionist, but because I’m a health nut and I’m telling people about nutrition all the time, I wanted that certificate because I just think it’ll have more weight if they know I [actually] studied it.
BlackDoctor.org: From comedies to drama, you’ve shown your versatility as an actress; however, even given the health risks that are sometimes involved, would you ever put on weight for a role?
Keesha Sharp: I’m such a method actress that yes, I guess I would for the right role. But I would put the weight on the right way—I would find ways to put on healthy weight. It’s actually hard for me to put on weight so I don’t know how it would really work, but for the right role, I would.
BlackDoctor.org: You and your husband created Fishers of Health, where you present and share information and knowledge you’ve gained as you both continue your “journey to better health.” Tell us more about it.
Keesha Sharp: The website is another reason I wanted to have that [nutrition] certificate. [Fishers of Health] is compiled information that I’ve learned over the years; we just want to tell people “this is what I’ve learned” or “this is what worked for me.” This is very important to us; when Jesus talked about “fishers of men,” we wanted to go with fishers of health. We’re always searching for ways to be better. I feel like without your health, it’s really difficult to be the best you can be. It’s not impossible, but it can be more difficult. If you take care of your body, your mind and your soul, and you’re healthy, you can go after your purpose in life. We want to help people as much as we can with that.
BlackDoctor.org: In addition to season two of “Lethal Weapon,” what’s next for you?
Keesha Sharp: Marshall is coming out in October and I’m really excited about it. I just think it will compel people to really know who Thurgood Marshall was—not just as the first African-American Supreme Court Justice and not just [for his landmark work] with Brown v. Board of Education, but also because he was a force to be reckoned with early in his career for the NAACP. I don’t think he gets enough recognition, to be honest. I’m very excited about this story.
LaShawn Williams is a freelance writer and editor from Chicago, Illinois. She is an arts and entertainment enthusiast who has a serious thing for stand-up comedy, music and dance. Follow her on Twitter:@MsWilliamsWorld.
