An Interview with Nyambi Nyambi from ‘Night Court’

NIGHT COURT -- "Wheelers of Fortune" Episode 211 -- Pictured: Nyambi Nyambi as Wyatt -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)

Nyambi Nyambi is an accomplished actor that has graced our television screens and the silver screen often over the past few years. Currently, he stars as Wyatt in the hit NBC series, Night Court, and we recently had the honor of sitting down with Nyambi to talk about all things Night Court.
 
John Betancourt: What does it mean to you to be part of such an iconic franchise?
 
Nyambi Nyambi: It means so much to me to be part of an iconic franchise. Night Court was a show that I grew up watching, loving. You know, my way into it was weird. I was a big fan of Police Academy. So, I saw all these cops, whatever, you know, doing their thing. And then I see a character on Night Court, that's also a cop, you know, but not a cop, but like a bailiff, but like dressed the same way, because I'm a kid. I didn't know the difference between cops and bailiffs. But like, but then Marsha Warfield killed it every time I saw her and so like, loved Marsha Warfield growing up.
 
So that was my way into the show and loving the show. And then I got a chance to then watch all nine seasons right before doing this show. And then watching the first season. And then of course, stepping on set and seeing the sets and then meeting John Larroquette for the first time was quite amazing, intimidating, at the same time, because I just watched nine seasons of him. But really 10 seasons of him. But yeah, it's been it's been amazing. I think my childhood self would giggle at the idea that I'm on, on the show that I was watching as a kid.
 
John Betancourt: You know I had a similar sentiment. I watched it growing up as well, and I was talking to my girlfriend this morning about how surreal it was to be covering the show now. But that aside, you bring up a good point about how there is a little pressure that comes with the history of the show. How do you handle that as an actor?
 
Nyambi Nyambi: Oh, for me? Um, it’s interesting… for this show. I don't feel as much of the pressure or intimidation on screen. Literally for me and John, it was just more of like, because I was like, “How do I approach him? How do I talk to him about all those years. Because I have so many questions. I want to know what Charlie Robinson was like, I want to know what Selma Diamond was like, I want to know what Florence Halop was like, you know, I want to know what Markie Post was, like, you know, I want to know what Richard Moll was like, I would like to, like, I have all these questions, right? And then of course, I asked none of them. (Laughter)
 
But you know, it's, for me, I think my experience on Mike & Molly was so invaluable. And then, of course, getting to work with a lot of the people I've gotten to work with over my career on stage and then on camera. The Good Fight all the amazing guest stars that are coming through on The Good Fight has allowed me to be on this set, to be fully, like who I am and just play and not worry about being funny and trusting that. That if, if it's not funny, it's not my fault. (Laughter) No just kidding. Like, it allows me to just play and just, you know, bring whatever I think is funny, as opposed to what do I think, they think, is funny. I'm like, “No, no, let me bring what I think is funny.” Which is I think, is more daring for me and to be able to be okay with doing that has been liberating.
 
John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today. If you had to sum up your Night Court experience in a single world. What would it be?
 
Nyambi Nyambi: Yes… and.
 
John Betancourt: Oh, a "to be continued" yes. I like that.
 
Nyambi Nyambi: No, a single word, I’d say… freeing.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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