In the first couple episodes of the new HBO sitcom, “Vice Principals,” actor Sheaun Mckinney’s moments on screen are short, but sweet.
Oh, and funny. Very, very funny.
SHEAUN McKINNEY podcast excerpt: "My character on ‘Vice Principals,’ Dayshawn, is the voice of reason for Danny McBride’s character. Dayshawn’s allegiance is always to Danny. I agree with his core principals, but I don’t agree with his tactics. Dayshawn kreeps it 100% with him."
Mckinney plays the cleverly named “Deshaun,” a cafeteria worker at North Jackson High School who is upbeat, professional, and may be the only one on the school’s staff who sees its two vice principals, played by Danny McBride and Walton Goggins, for the assholes they are.
It’s the kind of role where Mckinney’s character may represent the audience watching the show, raising an eyebrow or cocking his head askew at the mayhem the veeps get into.
The show airs Sundays on HBO at 10:30 p.m.
SHEAUN McKINNEY podcast excerpt: "I came back to L.A. for what I thought would be four or five days. My friend said, 'Let's go to church.' I'm always game; my faith is very important to my life. A guest speaker gave a sermon. He kept saying, 'It's time for you to make a move. It's time for you to ACT on your faith.' I get that you can listen to any sermon and think, 'Oh, my God, Jesus is really talking to me!' But certain things stuck out."
For me, it’s really cool to see Mckinney back in action. He made his first appearance on Mr. Media back in late 2007 as the star of an indie hip-hop film, Nemesis – later re-released as Know Thy Enemy. I’m guessing “Vice Principals” is the big break he’s been waiting a decade for.
Key interview moments:• 4:00 Sheaun Mckinney, co-star of the new HBO sitcom “Vice Principals” with Danny McBride and Walton Goggins, tells how a chance visit to an LA church — and the literal earthquake that followed — changed his career;
• 8:40 This is the story of how not getting a part in WGN’s “Manhattan” led to bigger and better things;
• 14:56 Mckinney breaks down his character’s importance to Danny McBride’s character.
