*By Carlo Versano* Comedian Keegan-Michael Key has a full calendar. In addition to several high-profile film and television projects ("Predator," Netflix's "Friends from College," teen romance "All the Bright Places") Key is lending his celebrity to former first lady Michelle Obama's "Get Out the Vote" campaign ahead of the midterms. Although he's known primarily for his sketch-comedy series "Key and Peele," with Academy Award-winner Jordan Peele, Key told Cheddar in a wide-ranging interview on Monday that "if Michelle calls, I'm there." He said the deeply partisan divide in America has inspired him, both politically and artistically, to tell stories as an actor and producer about multi-dimensional characters to show that we're not as different as we seem. "Media has the opportunity to help us show the world all the facets of a person," he said. Part of that mission includes a role in the forthcoming film "All the Bright Places," which is based on the popular YA novel of the same name. The story follows two teens facing depression and isolation in a small Indiana town. Key said the adaptation attempts to show certain ways that young people cope with mental health issues in the modern age. "How is the world we're living in affecting teens today different from how it would have been in the 80s...or the 50's?" he asked. As a black actor, Key said he is also committed to telling stories that don't focus explicitly on racial issues, per se, but include diverse characters with "a little extra spice." "What do you call a black astronaut?" he joked. "An astronaut." For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/why-keegan-michael-key-made-the-switch-to-stream).

Share:
More In Culture
Gene Simmons on End of the Road World Tour
After over 50 years of record-breaking global tours, it is the end of the road for one of rock and roll's most influential bands, Kiss. The legendary Gene Simmons spoke with Cheddar News to reflect on his career and how Kiss became a staple of American culture.
Gingerbread House Inspiration
Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri, owners of Bea's Bakery, joined Cheddar News to show people how to take the creation of gingerbread houses to the next level.
Wendy's Frosty Key Tag Promotion
Wendy's announced it's bringing back its Frosty key tags for promotion, which gives customers a whole year's worth of Frosties for just $3, with proceeds going to children in foster care.
On The Scene: The Museum of Broadway
Julie Boardman, co-founder of The Museum of Broadway, joined Cheddar News to discuss the history of theater in New York City, showed some of the gallery exhibits and gave a behind-the-scenes tour of how some of the shows are produced.
Roc Nation and Social Justice Reform
Dania Diaz, managing director of Roc Nation and one of the founding members of its United Justice Coalition, joined Cheddar News to discuss how the organization helps to address violence in Black and Brown communities and what they expect to talk about at an upcoming summit.
Load More