“The Varnell Hill Show,” a “Martin” spinoff, reads like a beloved series about a TV host tapping into a new fan base through this TikTok era.
Tommy Davidson reprised his role as Varnell Hill. But as co-creator and executive producer, Lawrence knew only one woman could keep Varnell in line.
Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson portrays Varnell’s executive producer, Rachel Perkins, on the show. Meanwhile, Lawrence takes on a new persona as Mr. Dri after his classic Martin Payne character.
The spinoff reunites Robinson with Lawrence more than 21 years after filming 2005’s “Rebound.”
In an exclusive interview with Atlanta Black Star, she got candid about working with Lawrence and the one thing he hasn’t changed in more than 40 years in business.
The decades speak for themselves, and so does Robinson when it comes to her work. From the moment she steps on set, the energy is magical. She brings the funny, the serious and everything that’s needed in between.
The former actress from “The Steve Harvey Show” says she’s learned a lot working and watching Lawrence navigate the industry since the late 1980s.
“He’s the one who recommended me for this role, and he’s very aware,” Robinson told ABS. “His circle is very small. He’s not all over the place. So it’s very grounded. He’s the core of who he is right now. And with that comes an inner strength that is just so powerful.”
She said they hadn’t seen each other since working on “Rebound” more than 20 years ago, but the reunion felt genuinely warm.
Like many, she’s admired how Lawrence keeps himself “grounded” in an ever-changing Hollywood industry.
“The Game” actress says she admires most that Lawrence “allows everybody else to shine,” not just himself.
“That’s what’s amazing,” Robinson shares. “He’s not monopolizing the conversation or the scene or this, that, and the other. And it’s like, ‘I hired you to do X, Y, and Z. So do it, take up space.’ And that’s what brings this.”
“The Varnell Hill Show” follows Varnell Hill, the beloved TV host Tommy Davidson first played on “Martin,” as he taps into a new generation of fans. The spinoff brings his larger-than-life personality into the TikTok era, where viral moments, social media culture and a changing audience create fresh opportunities for comedy.
Robinson delivers, including the raw, explicit banter that blurs generational lines.
She said the demanding production “wasn’t easy” and required filming two shows a week and a fast pace.
“We had to move really, really fast. [Lawrence] wanted this dream team. [I’ve been] working with Kym Whitley. We go back over 30 years from doing stage plays together. And then Tommy, having his legacy,” she explained.
She went on to praise the diverse writers’ room, adding that everyone brought their best to the project because of Lawrence.
“He just allowed everybody to bring their A-game and just shoot. And it’s a blessing,” Robinson added.
“The Varnell Hill Show” airs new episodes on Tuesday nights on Paramount+.
