Kevin James Talks Weight Loss, Faith, and 'Here Comes The Boom'
Starring in the new sports comedy "Here Comes The Boom," actor Kevin James has opened up about his weight, glorifying God, and becoming a better man.
James, 47, is best known for his role on the sitcom "The King of Queens" and has starred in several hit films including "Hitch" alongside Will Smith and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" with Adam Sandler.
In theaters last Friday, "Here Comes The Boom" follows James as Scott Voss, a middle-aged biology teacher. When his school suffers financial crisis, Voss volunteers to train to become a mixed-martial arts fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and raise money as an attempt to prevent extra-curricular activities from being cut.
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Real-life MAA fighters inspired James, who co-wrote the screenplay for "Here Comes The Boom," including his longtime friend and retired mixed martial artist Sebatiaan "Bas" Rutten.
"They aren't these brutal gladiators, they are guys with families and trying to put dinner on the table," explained James while speaking to The Christian Post.
James added that his recent weight loss was not intentional- he trained especially hard for 14 months after having received a "blessing from the UFC" for his role as a mixed martial artist in the film.
"I had to promise them I'm going to make this thing as real as possible," said the actor. "It's going to be something that [fans] haven't seen in me before."
The actor admitted that his weight fluctuates, and his work for "Here Comes The Boom" has since worn away.
"I'm back [to my pre-training] weight," James laughingly divulged.
"Here Comes The Boom" also stars actress Salma Hayek, who said in a recent interview with the U.K.'s Bazaar that she was "on the limit of chubbiness."
When CP asked James about Hayek's comment, the actor quipped, "If she's chubby, I'm a sandbar!"
On a more serious note, James credited his Christian faith for not just helping him in his career, but in all aspects of life.
"My faith helps me in everything, it shapes me and I always try to glorify Him in movies," said the actor. "We all make mistakes, and if I played an angel every time I'd be out of the business. There are faulted people and there is good and evil."
Moreover, James explained the film's title and that "Here Comes The Boom" refers to being the best person you can be.
"It means bringing the best of you to the table, in life, in whatever you're doing," James told CP. "As an employee, as a father, and to not become complacent in your life because it effects those around you."
"Here Comes The Boom" will surely not be the last fans will see of the actor. James shared that he and comedian Kevin Hart are working on a film, "Valet Guys," which is in early stages.
