Disney+’s The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is back for a second season. In true fashion, Season 2 premiered on Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month, picking up with its entertaining and laugh-out-loud stories, while highlighting culturally specific experiences of the Black community and addressing universal topics. Kyla Pratt is back in her role, voicing the eldest child and lead character, Penny Proud.
It’s been a long but fruitful journey for Pratt, who first landed the role when she was just 14 years old. She’d already been working in the business for several years, starring in projects such as Love & Basketball, Dr. Doolittle, Smart Guy, and even in an episode of Family Matters alongside her Proud Family TV mama, Jo Marie Payton. She’s one of the most beloved actors and has seamlessly transitioned from child star to a booked and busy in-demand actress of today.
Ahead of the Disney+ release, Shadow and Act spoke with the 36-year-old on the show’s revival. She also discussed a possible reboot of her hit sitcom One on One, how her two daughters take in her work as an actress, balancing being a public figure while wanting to keep her private life personal, the death of Leslie Jordan, and more.
Pratt says the show wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of its fans
The original ran on Disney from 2001-2005. A reboot was announced in 2020 and debuted in Feb. 2022, with the original cast reprising their roles. For Pratt, it was a no-brainer to participate the second time around. And she gives all the credit to the fans.
“I feel like the Internet really helped us out a lot with Twitter and Instagram because it really showed that people cared about The Proud Family and that they wanted to see it, and needed to have it,” she told us. “The fact that we got the opportunity to revive it, and just being a part of it with Bruce Smith and Ralph Furquar, who are our creators, and knowing they were going to be a part of it was like an absolute must for me. It shows the real essence of the original show while also keeping it modern because we are in a different time. That’s why so many people are connecting so much to the new version. We’ve updated it to align with the newer generation so that they can connect to it. Now we’re making episodes that are helping and guiding my kids, and I love it. The reception has been amazing. “
On how she’s maintained longevity in the business
Pratt began landing roles at the age of 11, and it’s been a non-stop show since then. She says the thought of doing anything else never crosses her mind.
“I love what I do I love performing. I love creating. I love developing characters. I love entertainment. I love being a part of it,” she gushed. “And I don’t think I’ll ever stop. I fell in love with it at an early age, and people talk about retiring from their jobs all the time, whereas I have a job that I don’t ever have to retire from. I can pop in and be somebody’s grandma one day. I love what I do and I love watching great content in entertainment. I love watching great movies and films and rooting for other actors and actresses. I think it’s enough room for all of us to win. And I am excited to keep playing.”
Check out the full video interview below:
