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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

LAist Interview: Kenny Johnson from 'The Shield' & 'Saving Grace'

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Kenny Johnson has been in a ton of movies and TV shows over the last couple decades but he's currently best known for his roles as Detective Curtis 'Lemonhead' Lemansky in FX's "The Shield" and as Detective Hamilton 'Ham' Dewey in TNT's "Saving Grace". We were pleased to see Johnson reappear on TV in "Saving Grace" almost immediately after 'Lem' was dramatically assassinated by 'Shane' in "The Shield" and we've been more than pleasantly surprised by the quality of the show, its great writing, and superb performances.

Tonight marks the winter premiere of "Saving Grace" at 10pm on TNT. Kenny told us what it's like on the set, along with some great anecdotes of working with executive producer and star, Holly Hunter. We did manage to sneak in some discussion about the morality behind his roles on both "The Shield" and "Saving Grace", and how fortunate it is to be involved with such game-changing television programs.

We do have to note that Kenny Johnson should be nominated for some kind of "Friendliest Guy in Showbiz" award, because after being up before dawn to be ferried around to various radio stations, he managed to be super accessible and charming to us, despite the fact that we were one of several more in-person interviews he had to do that day.

For more info on "Saving Grace", check out TNT's "Saving Grace" site. Kenny also has his own website with FAQs and other info.

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