The Laugh Button interview with Jonathan Kite

We recently spoke with Jonathan Kite best known as the short order cook Oleg from the the popular CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. Kite is also an alum of the prestigious Second City. We got a few moments to speak with Kite about his his background in improv, his A.D.D., and well, because of these, he didn’t really answer any of our questions truthfully. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

To begin, as the years go by on 2 Broke Girls, what do you learn from season to season?

I am constantly learning what it takes to be successful. Success is measured in many different ways and is sometimes measured in failure. I’ve also learned that I can write fortune cookie papers if this whole acting thing doesn’t pan out.

How has the training of Second City helped you in your acting?

Improvisation in general helps to keep me in the moment so that I can react naturally which is vital considering I have terrible A.D.D. – BTW, did you watch the finale of Game of Thrones? Crazy right? Love Peter Dinklage. X-Men movie was amazing! I just read the comic books when I was younger. I always wanted to be a superhero. If you could be a superhero what would your powers be? What time is it? Anyway, what was the question…?

How much do you get to improvise on 2 Broke Girls?

The writers have created such a specific rhythm that improv would actually take away from the process and overall structure of the scene. However, we are allowed to pitch jokes in between takes. Not to brag, but I’ve gotten a few on, so I kind I consider myself a hobbyist writer on the show of sorts. Nobody else does, but baby steps, you know?

Do you still continue to do improv?

The other day, I used it to get out of a parking ticket.

When did you first find out you were good at impressions and who was it?

I used to imitate my teachers growing up and it wasn’t until years later that I realized I could apply that same skill to celebrities. It is a good thing because I don’t think my old English teacher, Mr. Shot, is ever going to get famous enough for me to make money off of mimicking him. Be fair to him, he’s still waiting to hear back about this call back, but I think they “went another direction.” He’s taking it pretty rough. That Activia spot could have been big for him.

Tell us about the charities you work with.

Most recently, I met a stripper named charity. I wouldn’t say worked TOGETHER…

What are your passions outside of comedy and acting?

I like collecting antique furniture. My goal is to one day live in a museum of sorts and turn my second bedroom into a gift shop.

Besides the finale of 2 Broke Girls, what’s next for you?

I’m traveling a lot. I was recently in Europe aggressively hitting on women and cooking food… As research for the show, obviously. What can I say, I’m a workhorse.

You can catch Jonathan Kite Monday nights on CBS’ 2 Broke Girls. You can also keep track of his movements through life on Twitter @jbkite.

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