How Lizze Broadway brings the laughs in Netflix’s Kinda Pregnant.
Lizze Broadway plays Shirley in Netflix‘s Kinda Pregnant, which is now streaming. The film follows Lainy, who, jealous of her best friend’s pregnancy, wears a fake baby bump — and accidentally meets the man of her dreams. I had the chance to ask the actress about the comedy genre, what attracted her to the movie, and her Gen V character.
Q: What do you think is the most challenging aspect of comedy overall?
A: Honestly, I think this is a better question for Amy Schumer. Look, this being my first big comedy, I’m still learning myself. I’m here, throwing jokes into the void like a toddler with a bucket of Legos —sometimes they land perfectly, sometimes it’s a pile of sharp plastic on the floor. You just have to be cool with face-planting a little. If you’re not embracing the chaos, are you even really doing comedy? Probably not.
Q: Did being in Kinda Pregnant give you a new understanding of the genre that viewers might not realize while watching?
A: I think comedy really clicks when the chemistry between the cast just hits. The audience will definitely feel that because, honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point we all got matching tattoos — no joke. Personally, I’m still hoping for a cool tramp stamp, not even gonna lie. But seriously, for comedy to really land, it comes down to how well the cast vibes with each other. I see a lot of big actors working with the same people over and over again, and now I totally get it. When you find someone you flow with, you just flowwww.
Q: In comedies, why do you think it’s also important to have heart when it comes to the story?
A: I think every story needs heart, whether it’s a comedy or a drama. At the end of the day, the DNA of storytelling is love. I know, I sound like I’m about to slap this on a bumper sticker, but it’s true. To really connect with something, love is the strongest vibe. Wow, now I feel like I’m giving a TED Talk or maybe a therapy session — but hey, cue the classic “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles…
Q: The film has a great cast involved. Who was the hardest not to break character around?
A: Literally all of them. I’m not even taking the easy way out because the other questions I wrote a paragraph. All of them. [Very serious tone and dramatic pause.]
Alllll offff themmmmm.
Q: When it came to your character specifically, what was your favorite aspect to play with as an actor?
A: She talks first, thinks later, and regrets nothing — exactly how I wish I could live my life.
Q: I imagine it’s always fun to show your range when you do new projects. What do you hope stands out about your performance in this one?
A: Honestly, I just want people to enjoy the movie as a whole. The world is a lot right now and I just hope people give themselves permission to have some joy. Comedy should be a break from everything else, you know? Also, I’m working with comedy legends, so mostly I’m just trying to keep up as the baby of the group. Seriously, I’m just over here taking notes and trying not to trip over my own feet.
Q: When you first read the script, what was the first thing that stood out to you?
A: Amy Schumer. Adam Sandler. Schumer. Sandler. Jillian. THE Jillian Bell. Damon Wayans Jr. Yeah, when I got the audition sides, it wasn’t necessarily the character that pulled me in at first — it was the chance to just be in the same room, or even breathe the same air, as these legends. I was like, “Wait, I get to work with these people? Sign me up!” The character was just a bonus at that point.
Q: When it comes to your Gen V character, what is your favorite part of getting to reprise a role rather than closing the book on her story?
A: What Emma was going through, I was going through. So, season 2 is a little more personal to me —maybe even a bit too raw. I think I owed it to myself and to her to explore more this season. There’s a lot I can’t say, but let’s just say it felt like the right time to take her story further, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to do so. It’s not just about the character anymore — it’s about what we both need to face.
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Sophia Soto
Sophia Soto is a writer and interviewer with a passion for all things entertainment. She is a Senior Reporter at The Nerds of Color and contributes to Awards Radar, What to Watch, Screensphere, Nerdtropolis, and Temple of Geek. You can see her past work on Den of Geek, Yardbarker, Remezcla, Young Hollywood, Looper, Paste Magazine, Primetimer, Soundsphere, Brit + Co, and Starry Constellation Magazine. Her current favorite TV shows include Outer Banks, Tell Me Lies, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Additionally, she is a complete Marvel nerd! Connect with her on X (@srsoto26) and Instagram (@srsoto264).
