Actor Kevin Hart ascended from shoe salesman to one of the funniest comedians in the business. Hollywood has taken notice of his unique comedic style, and the funnyman currently stars alongside notable legends Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro and Barbra Streisand in “Little Fockers.” BET.com sat down with the energetic actor to discuss his role in the movie, and Hart also sounds off on the Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj beef, who he would play in a biopic, and the cult classic, “Soul Plane.”

The movie, “Little Fockers,” is hilarious. How did you get the role of Nurse Louis?
I can honestly say through relationships. I’ve known Ben Stiller for a minute. One of my first movies was “Along Came Polly.” I was asked to meet with the producers of the movie; after our meeting they loved me for the part of Nurse Louis. I also enjoyed the part.

What was your experience working with Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro and Barbra Streisand?
All of them have an amazing aura. To be around greatness was cool. Barbra Streisand has accomplished so much and Dustin Hoffman as well. They are down to earth and approachable. I admire that. 

You've been in the film industry for nearly 10 years. How do you still manage to get work?
You have to stay relevant. You have to constantly stay in people’s faces. For me, the way I stay consistent is through stand-up comedy. Stand-up comedy is a big plus for me. I tour as well. I put out comedy specials and through the success of those projects, they manifest into movie parts and other endeavors.

Let's go back to 2004's “Soul Plane.” It has a cult following but was heavily critiqued for what some said was a stereotypical portrayal of Black culture.  Did any of that criticism bother you?
With anything positive, you’re going to get negativity, that’s just the nature of the business. I’m thankful for the movie. If you take that movie away then I wouldn’t be in my current status, where I can showcase my talent in a variety of forms.  “Soul Plane” put me in a position to succeed. I’m glad I had the opportunity to be the lead man.
 
If you could play someone in a biopic who would it be?
I admire a lot of people, though I have to say Floyd Mayweather. I would do a great job portraying him in a biopic. Nobody can come as close as I could to Floyd’s physical stature and his attitude.

Outside of being on stage, when you meet people do they always expect you to be funny?
Uh, yes. [Laughs] It’s kind of an automatic thing. I don’t knock anyone for it. At the end of the day, they are fans. When they need a good laugh, they expect a laugh from you. Giving two seconds out of my life is not going to hurt me to entertain somebody. Handshakes and hellos go a long way.

Who in hip-hop and R&B are you listening to right now?
Young Jeezy, T.I., Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Dirty Money and Nicki Minaj.

What's your take on this whole Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj beef?
I think any kind of beef is stupid. We’re getting paid to do what we love, so it’s dumb to put any type of negativity into it. I don’t entertain it. I think it’s dumb.

Why should the BET audience go see “Little Fockers” this weekend?
It’s the third movie in a great franchise. I have some scenes where I come and do my thing. Go support me. It’s a great holiday family movie, also one of the best comedies that’s in theaters right now. 

Little Fockers" is in theaters nationwide today.

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Quassan Casto is an entertainment and news writer.