Bentley Kyle Evans is a well-known writer, producer, and director. He was born in Oakland and raised in Los Angeles. He started his career as an actor in the 1990 film House Party. Soon after, he found his true calling behind the camera.
Evans became a leader in TV comedy. He worked as the showrunner for hit sitcoms like Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show. He also co-created The Jamie Foxx Show and created Love That Girl!. His writing and creative work helped shape Black television.
His career kept growing. He co-wrote the film A Thin Line Between Love and Hate with Martin Lawrence. He later created Family Time, Bounce TV’s first original show. He also created other Bounce TV hits like In the Cut and Grown Folks.
Evans continues to lead in the industry. He produced Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! on Netflix. He teamed up with rapper MC Lyte to create Partners in Rhyme on ALLBLK. He also produces Millennials on ALLBLK. In 2022, he co-produced Martin: The Reunion on BET+.
His success is also a family story. His wife is an art director and set decorator. His son is an actor and starred on one of his shows. His daughter, sister, and nephew are also writers and producers.
Evans is proud of his family business. He enjoys golf and pickleball. He is a NAACP Image Award nominee. Later this year, he will release a book called The Hollywood Blueprint. It shares his story and advice for people entering the industry.
Behind the Scenes: Bentley Kyle Evans on Building a Family Business and Shaping Black Television
Q: You’ve had quite a journey in the entertainment industry. Let’s start at the beginning. How did it all begin for you?
Bentley Evans: I actually started in front of the camera. My first role was in House Party back in 1990. That experience showed me the energy of being on set, but I quickly realised I was more interested in what happened behind the scenes. I wanted to tell stories, create characters, and shape what people saw on screen.
Q: What led you to make that shift from acting to writing and producing?
Bentley Evans: I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. After House Party, I kept thinking about how shows were made. I started learning about scriptwriting and production. Eventually, I got my first big opportunity with Martin. That show changed everything. It allowed me to work closely with talented people like Martin Lawrence and really dive into comedy writing. Once I got behind the scenes, I knew that’s where I belonged.
Q: Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show became iconic sitcoms. What do you think made them resonate so much with audiences?
Bentley Evans: Both shows were authentic. We pulled from real life—our humour, our culture, the everyday things we all deal with. Martin was loud, fast, and silly, but it had heart. The Jamie Foxx Show had a different style, but it was still rooted in family, ambition, and relationships. We never tried to copy anyone else’s formula. We just told the truth as we saw it, with a bit of comedy added in.
Q: You’ve been behind some of the most recognisable sitcoms in Black television. How do you see your role in the industry today?
Bentley Evans: I see myself as a builder and a guide. When I started, there weren’t many people who looked like me in leadership roles in TV. Now, I’m focused on creating opportunities, not just for myself, but for others. I’ve been fortunate to help shows like Love That Girl!, Family Time, and In the Cut get made, but it’s not just about creating shows—it’s about building careers and opening doors.
Q: Your company has a unique angle because it’s a family business. How did that come about?
Bentley Evans: It happened naturally. My wife, Valicia, is an art director and set decorator, so we were already in the same world. My son, Bentley Jr., acted on Family Time. My daughter is a writer. My sister works with me as a producer and writer. My nephew also writes and produces with us. We work as a team, and it makes the creative process more personal. There’s trust and honesty because we’re family, but it also keeps us all grounded.
Q: Many people say working with family can be tricky. How do you manage it?
Bentley Evans: Communication. We’re honest with each other about what works and what doesn’t. At the end of the day, we all want the project to succeed. It’s not about egos—it’s about making the best show possible. We’ve had disagreements, sure, but we leave it on set. When we go home, we’re just family again.
Q: Your recent projects, like Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! on Netflix and Partners in Rhyme on ALLBLK, show that you’re still very active. What keeps you motivated after so many years?
Bentley Evans: I love what I do. Storytelling never gets old. There are always new voices, new challenges, and new platforms. Shows like Millennials give me a chance to work with younger talent and hear fresh perspectives. Plus, I’ve learned to adapt. The industry has changed, and streaming has opened up a lot of opportunities. I enjoy finding ways to stay current while keeping my core style.
Q: You’re releasing a book soon, The Hollywood Blueprint. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Bentley Evans: It’s part memoir, part guidebook. I share the ups and downs of my career—the successes, the mistakes, and everything in between. It’s also full of advice for people trying to break into the business. I’ve seen a lot over the years, and I wanted to pass on some of those lessons. It’s not a glamorous story—it’s honest. The industry can be tough, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can make it through.
Q: Looking back, what’s been your proudest achievement so far?
Bentley Evans: Honestly, it’s the fact that I’ve been able to build something lasting with my family. The awards and shows are great, but nothing beats working with the people you love and knowing you’ve created something together. That’s the legacy I’m most proud of.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Bentley Evans: Be patient, be humble, and stay consistent. Don’t chase fame—chase the work. Learn every part of the process and always be ready to adapt. And never forget that relationships matter—both in business and in life.
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Bentley Kyle Evans Talks Legacy, Lessons, and Life in Television
