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,' share a unique bond that Remini says has 'ruined her for life.' In her book 'Troublemaker,' she expresses her love for the sitcom and her co-star, who made her feel safe and supported her with graciousness and humor. Despite their different religious beliefs, their friendship remained strong, even as Remini left the Church of Scientology. They reunited in 'Kevin Can Wait,' where their undeniable chemistry continued to shine. Remini's gratitude for the opportunity to work with James again was evident when the show ended, and fans hope to see more of their magic on screen in the future.

Takeaways

  • 📺 Leah Remini and Kevin James had a remarkable chemistry during their nine-season run on 'King of Queens'.
  • 💔 Remini said James 'ruined her for life' because she doesn't think she'll ever find another co-star with whom she can have the same relationship.
  • 📚 In her book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology,' Remini shared her love for the sitcom despite the challenges.
  • 🤣 She appreciated the audience, crew, and the everyday nature of the job, and even enjoyed complaining about it.
  • 🌟 Remini felt safe acting with James, who was her first leading man and someone she could not compare to others.
  • 😂 James was known for making the scripts more comical and was generous in offering Remini funnier lines.
  • 🎭 Their relationship was likened to a married couple, often fighting but always reconciling, much like their on-screen characters.
  • 📺 James invited Remini to join his later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait,' where they had another opportunity to work together.
  • 🤝 Despite not sharing the same religion, their close relationship endured, and James supported Remini when she left the Church of Scientology.
  • 😢 'Kevin Can Wait' was canceled after two seasons, but Remini expressed gratitude for the second chance to work with James.
  • 👏 Remini's Instagram post about the show's end highlighted her joy and the laughter she shared with James during their time together.

Q & A

  • What was the name of the popular television show that starred Leah Remini and Kevin James for nine seasons?

    -The popular television show was called 'King of Queens'.

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

    -Leah Remini said that Kevin James 'ruined her for life' because she doesn't think she'll ever be able to replicate the unique and special relationship she had with him, which made working with him so enjoyable and memorable.

  • In which year did Leah Remini publish her book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology'?

    -Leah Remini published her book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology' in 2015.

  • What did Leah Remini appreciate about working on 'King of Queens'?

    -Leah Remini appreciated the audiences, the crew, and the everyday-ness of the job on 'King of Queens'. She also enjoyed the process despite her complaints and felt safe acting with Kevin James.

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

    -Kevin James contributed by finding ways to improve the scripts and even asked the writers to give Leah funnier lines, despite being the show's star and having the opportunity to keep the laughs for himself.

  • What was the nature of the relationship between Leah Remini and Kevin James, as described by Remini?

    -Leah Remini described their relationship as similar to that of a married couple, with the two of them often fighting like a long-term couple but always making up.

  • Which later sitcom did Kevin James invite Leah Remini to join?

    -Kevin James invited Leah Remini to join his later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait'.

  • How did Leah Remini feel about getting the chance to work with Kevin James again on 'Kevin Can Wait'?

    -Leah Remini loved the opportunity to work with Kevin James again and expressed that she would have taken any opportunity to do so, as she found something special in their chemistry that was hard to explain.

  • What was the reaction of the Church of Scientology when Remini was asked about her co-star's religious beliefs?

    -The Church of Scientology denied pushing Remini to convert her co-star, Kevin James, despite her statement in a 2017 interview that they had tried to get her to do so.

  • How did Kevin James support Leah Remini when she decided to leave the Church of Scientology?

    -Kevin James provided friendship and support to Leah Remini, reaching out to her and expressing his pride in her decision, and offering help if she needed anything.

  • What did Leah Remini express on her Instagram post about the end of 'Kevin Can Wait'?

    -Leah Remini expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Kevin James again, stating that she laughed every day on set and would miss that the most, feeling thankful for the second chance at something that meant so much to her.

  • What is the hope for the future regarding Leah Remini and Kevin James working together?

    -The hope is that Leah Remini and Kevin James will star together again in the future, potentially creating more memorable moments in primetime television.

Outlines

00:00

📺 Chemistry of 'King of Queens'

The first paragraph discusses the success of the sitcom 'King of Queens', highlighting the chemistry between co-stars Leah Remini and Kevin James. Leah Remini, despite her complaints about the grind of making a weekly sitcom, expresses her love for the show, the audiences, and the crew. She particularly cherishes her relationship with James, who she says has 'ruined her for life' because no other leading man has compared to him. Remini appreciates James's generosity in making the scripts more comical and his support as she left the Church of Scientology. Their close relationship led to Remini joining James in his later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', and even though it didn't run as long as 'King of Queens', Remini remains grateful for the opportunity to work with him again.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡King of Queens

A popular American television sitcom that aired for nine seasons, featuring the on-screen chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James as the central theme of the show. It is significant because it is the show where Remini and James first worked together and developed a strong professional and personal bond.

💡Chemistry

In the context of the video, chemistry refers to the strong interpersonal and professional connection between co-stars Leah Remini and Kevin James. Their chemistry was a key factor in the success of 'King of Queens' and is a recurring theme in discussions about their working relationship.

💡Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology

This is the title of a book written by Leah Remini in 2015. It provides insights into her life and career, including her experiences with the television industry and her involvement with the Church of Scientology. The book is relevant as it contains Remini's personal reflections on her time on 'King of Queens' and her relationship with Kevin James.

💡Complaining

Referred to in the transcript as one of Leah Remini's favorite pastimes. Despite her complaints, she still expresses love for the show 'King of Queens' and the process of making it. This term is used to highlight the paradox of enjoying a job while still finding aspects to critique, which is part of Remini's candid personality.

💡Leading Man

In the context of the video, a leading man refers to the male actor who plays the central character opposite the female lead, in this case, Kevin James playing Doug Heffernan opposite Leah Remini's Carrie Heffernan. The term is significant as it underscores the professional relationship and dynamic between Remini and James.

💡Gracious

This term is used to describe Kevin James' character, highlighting his willingness to make the show better by suggesting funnier lines for Remini even though he was the show's star. It illustrates the supportive and collaborative nature of their working relationship.

💡Married Couple

Remini likens her relationship with James to that of a married couple, indicating the depth and familiarity of their partnership. This analogy is used to convey the level of comfort, conflict, and resolution they experienced, mirroring their on-screen roles in 'King of Queens'.

💡Kevin Can Wait

A later sitcom featuring Kevin James, in which Leah Remini was also brought on to star. It represents a second opportunity for the pair to work together and is a testament to their enduring professional and personal chemistry.

💡Second Chance

Referred to by Remini when discussing her opportunity to work with James again on 'Kevin Can Wait'. It signifies the rarity and value of being able to revisit a successful professional partnership and the personal significance it held for her.

💡Church of Scientology

Mentioned in the context of Remini's personal life and her decision to leave the organization. It is significant as it shows the support James provided to Remini during a challenging time in her life, further emphasizing their close relationship.

💡Catholic

This term is used to describe Kevin James' religious affiliation, which was a point of difference between him and Remini, who was involved with the Church of Scientology. It highlights their ability to maintain a close relationship despite differing religious beliefs.

Highlights

Leah Remini and Kevin James had amazing chemistry on 'King of Queens', making it a popular TV show.

Remini said James has 'ruined her for life' due to their unique and irreplaceable professional relationship.

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

Remini's experience with James made it hard for her to find a comparable leading man in other shows.

James was supportive, often suggesting funnier lines for Remini even as the show's star.

Remini felt safe acting with James, highlighting his gracious nature as an actor.

Their on-screen relationship in 'King of Queens' mirrored their real-life dynamic, like a married couple.

James invited Remini to join his later sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', continuing their on-screen partnership.

Remini cherished the opportunity to work with James again, acknowledging the special chemistry between them.

Despite different religious beliefs, their close relationship endured, even through Remini's departure from Scientology.

James provided friendship and support to Remini as she left The Church of Scientology.

Even after 'Kevin Can Wait' was canceled, Remini expressed gratitude for the chance to work with James again.

Remini's fondest memory of working with James was the laughter they shared daily on set.

There is hope that Remini and James may star together again in the future.

The Church of Scientology allegedly tried to convert James through Remini, but he remained Catholic.

Remini's book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology' reveals behind-the-scenes insights into her career and personal life.

James' selflessness on set made him a unique figure in an industry often dominated by ego.

Remini's experience with James set a high standard for future professional relationships in her acting career.