When people hear my name, they usually connect it to shows like Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, Love That Girl!, or Family Time. And I’m proud of that body of work—it represents years of hard work, creative collaboration, and dedication to telling stories that reflect our culture. But what a lot of people don’t see behind the scenes is that many of these projects weren’t just built by me. They were built by my family.
Yes, I’m talking about my real-life family—the ones I sit down with at the dinner table, not just my work family. My wife, kids, sister, and even my nephew have all played major roles in the stories I’ve told and the productions I’ve run. In fact, you could say we’re not just building a career—we’re building a creative legacy together.
How It All Started
Back when I was hustling my way into the industry, I had no idea I’d eventually run a family business. I was focused on breaking in, finding my voice as a writer and producer, and making my mark in Hollywood. Like most people, I assumed my work and home life would be separate. But somewhere along the way, those worlds naturally came together—and once they did, everything just clicked.
It wasn’t forced. It wasn’t planned. It happened because everyone in my family has talent, and more importantly, a strong work ethic. It started small—my wife Valicia working as an art director and set decorator on some of my shows. Then my son, Bentley Jr., stepped into acting and ended up starring in Family Time. My daughter KyLee is a gifted writer, and now she’s part of the creative process too. My sister is not only family but one of the most trusted writers and producers I work with. And my nephew? He’s right there in the trenches with us, producing and writing alongside me.
Working With Family Is a Blessing
Now, let me be clear—working with family isn’t always easy. Just like any team, we have disagreements, creative debates, and different styles. But there’s a level of trust and honesty that comes with family that you can’t find anywhere else. We can speak freely, challenge each other, and still know at the end of the day that we have each other’s backs.
That trust allows us to take creative risks. We’re not afraid to try something new or push the envelope, because we know we’re all in it for the right reasons. There’s no ego. Just love, loyalty, and a shared mission: to tell authentic stories that represent our community and uplift our culture.
There’s something powerful about walking onto a set and seeing your wife coordinating the design of the space, your son preparing for a scene, your daughter giving script notes, and your sister helping you shape the storyline. It’s not just a job—it’s a family legacy being built in real time.
Passing Down More Than Just Credits
What’s really special about working with my family is that I get to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. I’ve been in this industry for decades. I’ve seen the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, I get to pour that wisdom into my kids, my relatives, and hopefully, help them avoid some of the pitfalls I had to navigate the hard way.
But I’m also learning from them. The younger generation brings a fresh perspective. They’re tapped into new trends, new ways of storytelling, and new platforms. They push me to evolve, stay current, and think differently. It’s a two-way street, and I love that dynamic.
Family as the Foundation
In an industry where so much feels temporary—shows come and go, trends shift overnight, and people move on fast—my family keeps me grounded. They remind me who I am outside of the studio or the writers’ room. When I’m with them, I’m not “Bentley Kyle Evans the showrunner,” I’m just Dad, husband, brother, or uncle. That balance keeps me sane and fuels my creativity.
And the truth is, when you’re building something as meaningful as a television show or film, it helps to have people around you who truly get you. People who know your history, your heart, and your sense of humor. That chemistry makes its way into the work. It’s part of what gives our shows that realness and that warmth.
Building a Legacy That Lasts
I don’t just want to create content that lives for a season or two. I want to build a legacy that lasts. A body of work that stands the test of time. A path that my children and their children can follow if they choose. That’s why running a family business means so much to me—it’s not just about keeping things “in-house,” it’s about passing down purpose, creativity, and ownership.
Ownership is key. In this industry, too often we see talented Black creators produce groundbreaking work without getting their fair share of control or profit. My goal has always been to not only create but to own what I create—and to teach my family to do the same. Whether it’s writing, acting, or producing, I want them to understand their power and value in this business.
Hollywood is full of glitz, glamor, and a lot of noise. But for me, the real gold is found in the moments I get to share this journey with the people I love most. We’re telling our stories, in our voice, on our terms—and doing it together.
I’m proud of every project we’ve worked on, but I’m even more proud of the way we’ve done it: as a family. That’s the legacy I care about most. And we’re just getting started.