In The Mirror with Keith Hamilton Cobb
By Keith Boykin, in pop culture
Friday, October 6 2006, 12:04AM
I first remember seeing Keith Hamilton Cobb some time in the 1990s. He was on television even then. A tall, attractive, physically imposing man, he was memorable for his looks alone. When I found out we had the same name, however, I remembered that as well. Over the years I casually followed his career from the soap operas to the sci-fi shows, and most recently to Noah's Arc. I've even downloaded some pictures of him from the Internet in the past.
So of all the actors in this season's Noah's Arc, it's not surprising that I'm most intrigued by Keith Hamilton Cobb. It's not only who he is, but the character he plays that interests me. The character is a guy named Quincy, a black gay author, media personality, activist and blogger. If that sounds familiar to you, it's supposed to, as I found out when I spoke to Keith this week for my final interview in the Noah's Arc interview series.
INTERVIEW WITH KEITH HAMILTON COBB
BOYKIN: Hi Keith. Thanks for doing the interview. So let me get started. What made you become an actor?
COBB: I didn’t become an actor. I just was one. It was more a matter of realizing what your purpose is on this planet. And I didn’t really realize that that’s what I felt the need to do until after high school and through the first couple of years of college, quite some time ago.
BOYKIN: Tell me, have you watched the show this season, and what do you think about it?
COBB: I’ve seen very little of it because I don’t have a TV in my house…I watch films on my laptop and that’s about it. I got to see a little bit of the episodes when we were looping…but any feedback or exposure to it has come from people out in the world calling to say I’ve seen the show.
BOYKIN: That’s weird for an actor. You really don't have a TV?
COBB: You do the work. You do a take and you do a second one and they move on, so you just assume as an actor that they got what they wanted. I’ll see it when I need to see it.
The interesting thing is that you know that you [Keith] are the prototype for the character. So I would ask you if I am in any way flattering to that side.
BOYKIN: [After chuckling for a moment.] Yes, I knew that but I didn’t know that you knew that. Patrik told me that.
COBB: Yeah they told me, 'Well this is who he is and this is what he does.' I had never seen you or read the column or the blog. So I just sort of went for it. I hope it was flattering. It seems like Quincy was a very positive character…It seems to me he had a lot to bring to the table…
BOYKIN: Yes, it was very flattering. Thank you very much. You did a great job. So tell me, what made you decide to get involved with this project?
COBB: Patrik asked me and Patrik’s work had been established in Punks and we are friends and I know that he has artistic sensibilities that are integral to who he is, that he’s going to attempt in the least case to stand by. And I just wanted to be working on something that had value. No one else was saying please come do this with us. That’s what actors want to have happen. They want to be valued enough that someone reaches out to them.
BOYKIN: Have you ever played a gay character before?
COBB: No. I can remember doing scene study work from college in plays, things like The Normal Heart...[but never on TV or film].
BOYKIN: Do you think there’s a stigma in Hollywood for actors who play gay roles?
COBB: I’m sure there is Keith, but I don’t give a shit. There’s a stigma for everything if you look for it. I’m too fucking tired…I’m just acting. I’m acting. And I’ll act anything if there’s some depth to it, something to explore, some payoff.
In terms of my personal growth as a performer, as a person, there’s a stigma playing anything. There’s a stigma playing soap operas. There’s a stigma playing action heroes…So how much do you care is always the question. Is the work good?...Is there service in it? This show has been greatly appreciated by the community it serves..and the character as well…given that, how much should I care about the stigma in Hollywood?
BOYKIN: What did you think about your character?
COBB: I just wished that given all the things that he was set up to be, all the character imperatives that he had…his depth, his physicality, his politics, his outward gay sensibility, his sensitivity, it would just be great to tell a bigger story, that’s all.
Again, when I bring it back to the level of acting, you hand an actor all these things and say these are the points of your character, and the actor is going to take that to the nth degree, and you’re going to have…he really is a slightly shallow vehicle to perpetuate story. His potential is there…but it is a half hour. It’s not an hour. There’s only so much story you can tell. And all the characters are somewhat truncated…I like him. I like what he represented.
BOYKIN: When Noah was gay bashed, did you think Quincy was a self-absorbed media whore or a sensitive boyfriend who was trying to help Noah in the way he knew how?
COBB: I think that Quincy’s media whoredom is something that he embraces as a tool to service that community that he calls his own, and he cares very deeply for this young man and saw an opportunity to levy that power, use those tools for the betterment of this young man’s cause.
He’s absolutely a media whore, but to what end? He saw an opportunity to use the tools he had and did very well, I thought.
BOYKIN: What other projects are you working on now?
COBB: A couple of things that are really difficult to talk about. An independent film that I’m doing with a buddy of mine Bobby Razak. And that’s going to be something…He’s a documentarian by trade. In fact, he’s off in Japan doing one right now. But we’ve been working on something that moves him into the feature film arena about something that is not explored enough in Hollywood.
BOYKIN: From what you’ve seen, do you think gay relationships are pretty much the same as straight ones?
COBB: I think they’re absolutely the same in terms of people’s attraction for one another and sexual desires as human beings. It’s just the objects of those loves and desires that change. So I’ve never seen a difference. I think in terms of the show…you remain on the surface of all those relationships. The themes are short and really punching the most obvious aspect of our emotional and sexual attraction. And I think everyone is left longing to go deeper, and I don’t know if that can be done or not, not being a producer.
BOYKIN: How have your friends reacted to your playing this role?
COBB: Many have seen it and mostly women have seen it. I don’t think a whole lot of men who aren’t gay would have LOGO on their TV. They seem to think that I’m doing a fairly authentic job. So I take that as positive.
BOYKIN: You've done film and TV. Which are you most comfortable doing?
COBB: In film, Keith, at least [if a] feature film has a decent budget, you have the time to rehearse and create a scene from nothing and shoot it and shoot it and shoot it so it’s the scene you want. And in TV and in low budget filmmaking you just don’t have that luxury. And it shows when you watch a show you can really see the evolution of a theme, how it must have come together. In television, in something like Noah’s Arc, you really have to have everything planned in advance so as there is not nearly as much room for creative…for the actors.
BOYKIN: So that means you prefer films?
COBB: I would certainly prefer to do more feature films for just the reasons I described. You have more time to indulge your creative muses. You have a greater luxury to rehearse and create a scene….
BOYKIN: You’ve been quoted as saying that it was very easy to kiss Darryl Stephens, who plays Noah. Was that an accurate quote and what did you mean?
COBB: He’s beautiful. He’s lovely. Look at him. When I go to work in this venue as an actor I have to find in the same way I would about any character what is the same about that character and me….I’m looking at this person as the object of my sexual and emotional attraction, and any other attraction perhaps…and they offered me…they could have given me some actor who was uptight, unprofessional, smelled bad…All I was saying is that he was easy to be attracted to…the person he is on and off set..the way he carries himself..his general beauty…it’s not a hard leap to make.
I’ve played romantic relationships with women in my life that were more difficult because they just weren’t showing up in the same way, or they weren’t nice people, or they were more concerned with something other than being in the scene.
BOYKIN: I remember when I was a child I was implicitly taught that guys were not to say positive things about other guys' looks. And I still see that a lot in the larger society, especially among black men. So to hear you say openly that you think Darryl is attractive is a refreshing change from the norm?
COBB: Well good. The African American community at some point is going to have to give up its bias and its issues. It’s allowed because it's deeply rooted, but eventually it's going to have to go away and it will. But in the meantime I’m not here to be dictated by it…We’re people, man. We’ve gotta love first. And if we can’t, we can all just go to hell. Or stay in hell, however you perceive it.
BOYKIN: What do you do for fun?
COBB: I’ve got a dog. I power walk my dog everyday. That’s fun. I like doing renovations to my house. I take photographs. I build furniture….
BOYKIN: Did you say you build furniture? You literally build furniture?
COBB: Yes. I'll send you a jpeg if you'd like...
I like fast cars and motorcycles...[He explains that he finds the question about "What do you do for fun?" to be odd.] It seems like life should be fun. There ain’t nothing like oxygen. That’s fun.
BOYKIN: How do you stay in such great shape?
COBB: Weight training and aerobics.
BOYKIN: I know it’s an old question, but what made you cut your locks?
COBB: I had been wearing them from in LA from 1996 until 2003 and it was the only way any one knew me. And I had been in Vancouver…and I thought when I came back I needed to look more like something people wanted to hire. And I don’t know if that made a difference or not. I miss them...
BOYKIN: And last but not least. I do a series on my web site called "My Favorite Things." Can you tell me five of your favorite things?
COBB:
1. the plays of William Shakespeare
2. long coats
3. classical music
4. Montgomery Clift
5. available and kind hearted people
BOYKIN: Available and kind hearted people?
COBB: My perception is that we are often closed off in our relationships. It’s so sort of shocking when you meet people and they are available in that moment…that’s the way I try to be. It’s not easy so I don’t blame anybody for not living there. But when you see it someone who is…it’s quite beautiful.
BOYKIN: Thank you very much.
COBB: You’re welcome.
The Complete Noah's Arc Interview Series
- Interview with Jensen Atwood (Wade)
- Interview with Darryl Stephens (Noah)
- Interview with Christian Vincent (Ricky)
- Interview with Rodney Chester (Alex)
- Interview with Doug Spearman (Chance)
- Interview with Keith Hamilton Cobb (Quincy)
Comments conceal
The Empress
October 6 2006, 12:17AM
Beautiful man.
Thank Keith!
BLK_PHD
October 6 2006, 12:35AM
We are both up late doing work! Great interview! Mr. Cobb is a great thing on which to end a long day....he is handsome man!
Jaye
October 6 2006, 1:01AM
I like this dude a lot! Very genuine and real. Great interview!
Terrence Says
October 6 2006, 1:06AM
Great interview. I definitely agree with his assessment of African-American sensibilities. I really like Cobb's confidence.
Okay....now all I am waiting for is your interview with Gregory Kieth and I'm set.
theeunuch
October 6 2006, 1:32AM
WHY DIDN'T YOU ASK HIM IF HE WAS GAY?
Otherwise, great interview. He seems to be a gutsy guy who doesn't care what every one thinks. Great actor. I never knew his character was based on you.
Sexbox
October 6 2006, 1:47AM
I loved the interview, but I wish you had asked him about his time on The Young and the Restless! He played a pretty important character while he was on the show. He also worked a lot with Victoria Rowell who of course played Vonda on Noah's Arc. Her character berated him for dating outside the race. I liked it, it was a nice realistic touch.
I hope they have Quincy back next season. I enjoyed both him and Baby Gat, but it seemed kinda pointless because you know Noah is getting back with Wade.
I also agree with him that the show would work better as an hour.
Jeff Hobbs
October 6 2006, 5:21AM
What a great guy. Love the furniture! I have a nephew that builds furniture as well Maybe they need to hook up!:)
Cocoa Rican![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
October 6 2006, 6:49AM
Confident. Real. Genuine. My hat off to Keith. A man who appears to know who he is and knows where he's going. I was inspired that he is true to himself. He IS a powerful and welcome new character to Noah's Arc. I hope Patrik really keeps him on...he gives the show credibility and substance. Good luck to him... the gay community does have the power to give a performer staying power with their continued support and I hope Keith realizes he he new-found fans that will be there for him in the future. Boykin...this was the most true and substantial interview of the NA series you've done! Great job!!
KM
October 6 2006, 8:33AM
In a word? Fascinating. "There aint nothing like oxygen. That's fun." LOL I love that! That's something to think about.
KC
October 6 2006, 8:36AM
Of all the interviews I have read on your site-Julian Bond, Keith Cobb and Dr.Malabranche [hope I spelled it correctly] I have to say Keith Cobb's interview topped them all. However, not to take away anything from the other interviews done but I was just taken into another world reading this man's interview.
To have someone whom I have always thought was genuine speak their mind and be in touch with who he is - genuine, confident, real, talented, intelligent - dang did I forget anything? If I did I am sure he's got it so no need to blow it up further, so I am assuming you get the point.
But, the interiew was awesome and Kudos to you for the questions posed, else these answers would not have been revealed. Keith you are my new hero :-) I too like Edward Montgomery Clift, Shakesspeare, Classical Music -hmm!
Thank you so much KB for the interview with KC! :-)
Blue
October 6 2006, 9:42AM
I always liked him ... such a class act. Nice job Keith.
Marlon
October 6 2006, 9:47AM
Great, he's an acknowledged TV nonconformist. And my friends think I’m crazy living without a TV for the past six years.
OK, watching Girlfriends, CSI or Cheaters isn’t my idea of excitement. How long has Bonanza be cancelled? And where is HeeHaw!? :-)
As Cobb stated, “life should be fun. There’s nothing like oxygen.” Kudos Cobb! Great interview!!
memory lane:
http://bonanzaworld.net/
http://www.heehaw.com/
patrick
October 6 2006, 10:01AM
wow, a truly evolved human!
Joaquin
October 6 2006, 10:22AM
Keith Hamilton Cobb must be one of the easiest interviews that I have ever read besides Oprah’s interview of Ms. Amanpour. He is so introspective and reflective that he is quite ostensibly one of the clearest minds that I have had the opportunity to witness on the page. So my only question for him would have been--"Are you gay?"
I think that he would have responded to that with an honest answer. You seem to have dropped the ball with that question Mr. Boykin. But, all in all I was intrigued with your ease of tone throughout the whole interview. Nothing was stiff or truncated……………… Bravo!!
Jeff
October 6 2006, 10:23AM
Something told me Quincy was loosely based off of you Keith. Great interview with KC. I like everything he's said here. It's nice to see someone so free in his thinking.
Rockinrob
October 6 2006, 10:39AM
I have this coffetable book on Dreadlocks and he's in it. He had the most beautiful head of locks of anyone in the entire book....and it's a very large book.
Now, I don't know him, never met him and will probably never meet him, but I've always sensed something about him that he confirmed and that I can now appreciate even more....Being available in the moment. I know EXACTLY where his head is when he says that. Moreso, I, too, love classical music and long coats.
Great article. PEACE.
Donald![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
October 6 2006, 11:22AM
*SCREAMS!*
Tallawah
October 6 2006, 1:03PM
One of the things Mr. Cobb fails to comprehend, (which
probably explains why he is happy to have a role on
a minor cable channel and Samuel L. Jackson is in major
motion pictures) is that fans, or proto-fans do not have
to 'deal' with anything.
A live audience can get up and walk out.
A television audience can click the remote.
Mr. Cobb can play a rhinocerous for my part.
I won't watch him; I don't like his arrogance.
He is nobody.
If one simply looks at the fan base of a new
comer like Darryl, it dwarfs Cobb's.
Yes, Cobb was popular as Tyr Anasazi, but that
popularity largely died in 2004.
Perhaps he should google himself more often
and learn that fame is fleeting.
He need not give a shit what the public thinks,
simply because, the vast majority of the audience,
does not give a shit about him.
Mark Norris
October 6 2006, 3:10PM
Some people just live bitter lives that they have nothing better to do but......HATE. What a sad life! Tallawah: while your wasting time hating on KHC why don't you try spending time complimenting things you do like. Oh sorry, that might be too big of a stretch for you.
Anyway, I have always enjoyed the works of Keith Hamilton. I never really got a chance to know what was going on inside of him, but since Noah's Arc I have. He is the kind of actor that will always enjoy his work cause he does it for himself. And that is the first and foremost things anyone should consider while chosing or working in their career of choice. To live by others rules and approval is no life for a person who wants to live a happy joyous and free life. And to bring general principles in as a way of having fun was superb. I am sure Mr. Cobb like all of us has his flaws, but this interview showed me a person who knows what life is about and want he wants out of it.
Kenneth
October 6 2006, 3:47PM
What's up dudes and people? I think Keith is a bomshell and a bag of chips. I would love to get a hold of that ass! Boy could I be one big daddy!
chris-leo
October 6 2006, 4:08PM
...and now, keith, it's time for my "I TOLD YOU SO" dance.
"I TOLD YOU SO." "I TOLD YOU SO."
okay, i'm dancing now. you can't see me, but i'm dancing. lol.
...K.H.C. seems like a cool guy. his furniture's really quite good, i think.
LaFontaye
October 6 2006, 4:24PM
Well I'm glad, for me, that the disconcerting mystiique I held of Mr. Cobb's' persona has been lifted finally. For some reason, I too have always thought this gentleman to be rather an arrogant brotha, not to mention a bit strange and aloof. Admitedly, these unfounded notions were simply baseless conjecture on my part, (though not nearly as in such a hateful and shrewish manner as that of this Tallawah character.) However, after this soul-stirring bit, I'm now at a positive peace with this beautiful brotha. What an outstanding and appealing Soul he's proven himself to be! I share in the delight of Mr. Cobb with which the overwheming majority here came away with too after reading the interview.
Jay
October 6 2006, 4:29PM
Fascinating. Intriguing. Inspiring. Beautiful. I like this guy!
HWashington
October 6 2006, 6:54PM
After reading that interview, I can say I see Mr. Cobb in a new light. His honesty, self confidence, and fearlessness has garnered nothing but respect from me. He's got my admiration.
On another note, I don't think Keith asked him if he was gay because Mr. Cobb is known to be straight. After his choosing to act on Noah's Arc and the fearless honesty he has shown in the above interview, I think it's almost quite natural to wonder if he is gay or bisexual. But as wonderful as that would be, I think the reality is he is a confident heterosexual man and would more than likely have no problem expressing otherwise if it were true.
finebrownframe
October 6 2006, 7:27PM
Why???? In the name of humanity, Why????
C.Lee
October 6 2006, 7:36PM
He sounds like a beautiful person with a wonderful spirit. What a pleasure to read that interview.
Riddler
October 6 2006, 8:48PM
***WOW*** I've read interviews with KHC before and I've always found him to be a forward thinker. This was the best of the best. Thanks, Keith.
Most of the comments about the interview were all in praise of the talent, humanity and thoughtfulness of this actor. I am in agreement and wish him continued success.
-Tallawah, please get your precription filled. You have obviously missed you meds.-
bubba
October 6 2006, 10:31PM
Keith is always an intriguing presence. I watched him on All My Children and the Young & the Restless. It would be nice if these guys didn't come off as Mr. Perfect in the interviews, though. Their answers are impossibly Zen.
pc
October 6 2006, 11:39PM
what a beaurtiful spirit he has! loved his acknowledgement of darryl's beauty. it is not to be denied. thanks for a wonderful interview.
Langston
October 7 2006, 2:57PM
To bubba. "impossinbly Zen?" What response do you want him to give? His or the one you drumed up in your head. Whether he is gay or not gay, either way is is a courageous act to take on a role especially in the Black community and in Hollywood, where most are gay yet cater to a produce films and t.v for heteros. For the record KHC I am no fan of KHC, yet what he says he has to live by and it's for us to casually accept it. It's just entertainment not politics. What KHC and other celebs lie or tell the truth about rarely changes the price of milk.
bubba
October 7 2006, 3:37PM
It looks like you have a preconceived notion of what my responses ought to be, Langston, so I guess we're of the same ideology. I think you nor the Noah's Arc clan has a sense of humor, but maybe Keith just didn't bring that out in those interviews.
tcameron
October 8 2006, 8:40AM
I too compliment Boykin on a great interview. Hamilton Cobb is a beautiful brother in all respects. I understand why Boykin didn't ask him if he was gay. Even today many actors/entertainers probably have an interview stiuplation as to what questions they absolutely won't answer. Keep in mind that Luther likely NEVER permitted anyone to ask him about his love life.
Besides my good people, do the math. 1. Hamilton Cobb is an extremely open-minded brother and wished the African-American community would get over its hang-outs. 2. He didn't mention that one of his past-times was "spending quality time with my lady...my wife." 3. He freely conceded that he found Darryl (Noah) to be a beautiful man who it was easy to "act" as though he was physically attracted. Hmmm. So he's at least one of our close allies, right? grin.
PS: I kind of would have liked to have seen the look on Boykin's face when Cobb Hamilton says he likes "available people." grin.
Ms. Robinson
October 8 2006, 11:44AM
I enjoyed this interview, I also enjoy you performance on the show Noah's Arch. KHC you are a brilliant Actor and I wish you nothing but love, health and happiness, so you will continue to entertain me, and the rest of your fans. God Bless you sir. Your doing a fine job.
ShawnQt
October 8 2006, 4:49PM
I thought the same thing when I saw the character... he is so Keith Boykin! :)
algie
October 8 2006, 7:35PM
i hope i'm wrong but he was talking like his role is already over on the show and i hope thats not the case because he is an amazing sight to the show.
Ty A. Allison
October 8 2006, 8:25PM
Talk Show Names
----------------
The Boykin Hour
The Keith Boykin Show
Keith Boykin Interviews
Interviews with Keith Boykin.
Living Out Loud with Keith Boykin
The Boykin Show
Talking It Out with Keith Boykin
Who is Keith Boykin?
"This Ain't Montel" with Keith Boykin.
"We're All Queer Folk" hosted by Keith Boykin
Keith Boykin Show
44:18 with Keith Boykin
So Not Keith Boykin
Full On with Keith Boykin (I sort of really like this one)
------------
I'll keep thinking
Al
October 8 2006, 10:59PM
A great interview With Keith Hamilton Cobb. His confidence and comfort with himself really radiates in the interview and it always informs his work. He's a terrific actor, I've been a fan since Andromeda, and I'll checkout whatever he's in.
Great interview Keith!
Doug Cooper-Spencer
October 9 2006, 4:44PM
Refreshing!
Langston
October 10 2006, 12:44AM
Bubba , I do have a sense of humor, I just thought the "MR perfect part was interesting." Anyhow it's all opinion. It's hard to tell when an actor has stopped acting and is bing genuine-authentically zen (oops I mean them). ;)
tony
October 10 2006, 4:19PM
fellas, does it really matter what sexuality he is? that is his business and no one else's unless you share a bed with him. as far as i'm concerned, the brotha is great and just by agreeing to do OUR show, he is showing great support for our community, i'm sure he wasn't paid millions for this. i've read every single comment and like Langston said earlier, it won't change the price of milk! LOVE
Hamilton
October 11 2006, 8:31PM
Keith,
Likewise, I took to keith because he uses is full middle name which is my first. I enjoyed the interview and thought it was on of your most interesting ones. This guy is deep and genuine. Keep up the good work.
Peace
Hamilton
L. Saunders
October 12 2006, 2:51PM
Both Keiths are beautiful people!!!!!
shione123
January 13 2007, 5:32PM
Keith,
You have always to me been an outstanding,confident man. I wish you continued success and you are one actor that I would like to always have a project in the works. I hope that you are never "out of work".
Much love,
shione123
Currently watching: Howard Hewitt: Intimate DVD
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