Why Leah Remini Says Kevin James Ruined Her For Life

The List
2 Dec 202103:36

TLDRLeah Remini and Kevin James, known for their on-screen chemistry in 'King of Queens', had a special bond that Remini describes as having 'ruined her for life'. Despite the rigors of a weekly sitcom, Remini cherished the experience, particularly her relationship with James, her first leading man. She felt safe and supported by him, as he often sought to enhance her role in the scripts. Their close relationship extended to their personal lives, with James supporting Remini's departure from the Church of Scientology. They reunited in 'Kevin Can Wait', where Remini appreciated the opportunity to work with James again, highlighting the unique chemistry they shared. Although the show did not have a long run, Remini remains grateful for the second chance to work with her co-star, hoping for future collaborations.

Takeaways

  • 📺 Leah Remini and Kevin James had a strong on-screen chemistry during 'King of Queens', which was a popular TV show for nine seasons.
  • 🎭 Remini's statement that James 'ruined her for life' refers to the high standard of their working relationship, which she doubts can be matched.
  • 📚 In her book 'Troublemaker', Remini expressed her love for the sitcom, despite the challenges of weekly production.
  • 🤝 Remini felt safe and supported while acting with James, highlighting his generosity in improving the scripts for both of them.
  • 😂 James was known to enhance the humor in their scenes, even suggesting funnier lines for Remini, which was uncommon in the industry.
  • 🧍‍♀️ Remini compared their dynamic to a married couple, with arguments and reconciliations, reflecting their close bond.
  • 📺 The pair reunited in James's sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', where Remini appreciated the opportunity to work with James again.
  • 🤗 Remini has spoken positively about their shared experience, even after 'Kevin Can Wait' was canceled after two seasons.
  • 🛕 Despite differences in religious beliefs, James supported Remini when she decided to leave the Church of Scientology.
  • 😢 The cancellation of 'Kevin Can Wait' was hard for Remini, but she remained grateful for the chance to work with James again.
  • 🌟 There is hope that Remini and James may work together again in the future, continuing their successful collaboration.

Q & A

  • Why did Leah Remini say that Kevin James 'ruined her for life'?

    -Leah Remini said Kevin James 'ruined her for life' because she felt that the exceptional chemistry and the relationship they had during 'King of Queens' set a high standard that she doesn't believe she can replicate with any other leading man.

  • What was the nature of Leah Remini and Kevin James' relationship on the set of 'King of Queens'?

    -Leah Remini and Kevin James had a close, collaborative relationship on the set of 'King of Queens'. They fought and made up like a long-term couple, and James often made efforts to improve the script for both of them.

  • How did Kevin James support Leah Remini in her decision to leave the Church of Scientology?

    -Kevin James provided friendship and support to Leah Remini as she left the Church of Scientology. He reached out to her, expressing his pride in her decision and offering his help if she needed anything.

  • What was Leah Remini's experience like working with Kevin James on 'Kevin Can Wait'?

    -Leah Remini enjoyed working with Kevin James on 'Kevin Can Wait'. She appreciated the second chance to star with him and mentioned that she laughed every day on set, which she would miss the most after the show's cancellation.

  • How did Kevin James contribute to making the scripts of 'King of Queens' more comical?

    -Kevin James contributed to making the scripts of 'King of Queens' more comical by finding ways to improve the jokes and even suggesting that the writers give funnier lines to Leah Remini, despite being the show's star.

  • What was the public's perception of the chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James?

    -The public perceived the chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James as undeniable and a significant factor in the popularity of 'King of Queens'. Their on-screen dynamic was likened to that of a married couple, which added to the show's appeal.

  • How did Leah Remini describe her experience on the set of 'King of Queens'?

    -Leah Remini described her experience on the set of 'King of Queens' as enjoyable, despite the challenges of making a weekly sitcom. She loved the audiences, the crew, and the everyday-ness of the job.

  • What was the impact of their different religious beliefs on Leah Remini and Kevin James' relationship?

    -Despite not sharing the same religious beliefs, Leah Remini and Kevin James maintained a close relationship. Remini mentioned that their differing faiths did not affect their friendship or professional collaboration.

  • How did the Church of Scientology attempt to influence Leah Remini's relationship with Kevin James?

    -The Church of Scientology tried to push Leah Remini to convert Kevin James to their faith. However, she resisted these attempts, respecting James' Catholic faith and his lack of interest in Scientology.

  • What was the reaction of Leah Remini to the cancellation of 'Kevin Can Wait'?

    -Leah Remini expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Kevin James again on 'Kevin Can Wait', despite its cancellation after two seasons. She posted on Instagram about how thankful she was for the chance and the joy she experienced on set.

  • What are the future prospects for Leah Remini and Kevin James working together?

    -While there's no current project announced, the strong chemistry and shared history between Leah Remini and Kevin James suggest that they may collaborate again in the future, potentially creating more successful primetime television.

Outlines

00:00

📺 Chemistry of 'King of Queens'

The first paragraph discusses the successful nine-season run of the show 'King of Queens', highlighting the exceptional on-screen chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James. Despite the demanding nature of producing a weekly sitcom, Remini expresses her love for the show, the audience, and the crew in her book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology'. She particularly cherishes the everyday aspect of her job and her relationship with James, who she feels has set a high standard for future co-stars, making her feel safe and supported during their work together. Remini also acknowledges James's generosity in improving the scripts and offering her funnier lines, a rare act of selflessness in the industry. Their close bond is likened to a married couple, with arguments and reconciliations off-screen mirroring their on-screen personas. This connection led to Remini's inclusion in James's later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', where she was eager to work with him again, emphasizing the unique and inexplicable dynamic they share. Their relationship transcended religious differences, with James providing support as Remini left the Church of Scientology. Although 'Kevin Can Wait' was not as long-running as 'King of Queens', Remini remains grateful for the opportunity to work with James again, cherishing the laughter and the second chance at a meaningful collaboration.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡King of Queens

A popular television show that aired for nine seasons, featuring the on-screen chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James, who played a married couple. The show was a significant part of Remini's career and is central to the theme of the video, as it discusses the impact of the show and her relationship with James on her life and career.

💡Troublemaker

A book written by Leah Remini in 2015, titled 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology,' where she reveals her experiences and feelings about working on 'King of Queens.' The book is significant as it provides insight into Remini's perspective on her career and her relationship with Kevin James, which is a key element in the video's narrative.

💡Chemistry

The term refers to the strong on-screen rapport between Leah Remini and Kevin James, which was a major factor in the success of 'King of Queens.' In the context of the video, chemistry is highlighted as a crucial element that not only contributed to the show's popularity but also deeply affected Remini's professional and personal experiences.

💡Complaining

Referred to in the transcript as one of Remini's favorite pastimes, despite her love for the show. It illustrates the duality of her feelings towards her work – she enjoyed it but also found aspects to complain about. This adds depth to her character and shows a relatable human side, which is part of the video's exploration of her personality and work ethic.

💡Leading Man

Kevin James is described as Remini's first leading man, indicating the importance of their professional relationship. The term is used to emphasize the unique bond they shared, which Remini feels has set a high standard for her future collaborations, thus affecting her career moving forward.

💡Script

The written text of a play, movie, or show that serves as the guide for actors' performances. In the context of the video, the script is mentioned in relation to how Kevin James would work to improve it, even suggesting funnier lines for Remini. This highlights his collaborative nature and the dynamic between the two actors.

💡Married Couple

A term used to describe the close and complex relationship between Remini and James, both on and off the screen. Their relationship is likened to that of a married couple, indicating a deep level of familiarity, occasional disagreements, and mutual respect, which is a key aspect of the video's exploration of their professional and personal dynamic.

💡Kevin Can Wait

A later sitcom that featured both Leah Remini and Kevin James, which is mentioned in the video as an opportunity for them to work together again. The show's mention underscores the ongoing professional collaboration and personal friendship between the two actors.

💡Second Chance

Referred to by Remini when discussing her opportunity to work with James again on 'Kevin Can Wait.' The term signifies the value she places on the chance to revisit a successful professional relationship and the gratitude she feels for such opportunities, which is a central theme in the video.

💡Church of Scientology

Mentioned in the context of Remini's personal life and her decision to leave the organization. The Church of Scientology is significant as it represents a major life transition for Remini and is connected to her professional life through the support she received from James during this time.

💡Catholic

Relates to Kevin James's religious affiliation, which is mentioned in the video as a reason he was not involved with the Church of Scientology. The term is used to highlight the difference in religious beliefs between the two co-stars and how it did not affect their professional relationship or friendship.

Highlights

Leah Remini and Kevin James had amazing chemistry on 'King of Queens' that lasted for nine seasons.

Remini stated that James 'ruined her for life' due to the unparalleled professional relationship they shared.

Despite the demanding schedule, Remini enjoyed making the sitcom and loved the everyday-ness of the job.

Remini's co-star, Kevin James, made her feel safe during their acting scenes together.

James often suggested giving Remini funnier lines, showing his gracious nature.

Their on-screen relationship in 'King of Queens' mirrored their off-screen dynamic.

Remini was brought onto James' later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait' due to their undeniable chemistry.

Remini expressed a strong desire to work with James again, highlighting the special bond they share.

Their close relationship extended beyond work, with James supporting Remini in her decision to leave Scientology.

Despite 'Kevin Can Wait' not having a long run, Remini cherished the opportunity to work with James again.

Remini's gratitude for the second chance to work with James is evident in her Instagram post about the show's end.

The possibility of Remini and James starring together again in the future is left open.

Remini's book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology' reveals insights into her experiences and relationship with James.

James' selfless behavior on set, offering to give Remini jokes, was rare in the industry.

The Church of Scientology allegedly tried to persuade Remini to convert James to the faith.

Remini's and James' differing religious beliefs did not affect their professional and personal relationship.

Remini's daily laughter on set with James is something she will miss the most post-cancellation.