It’s been nearly 30 years since Ice Cube and Chris Tucker’s cult classic Friday hit theaters in 1995, but Kathleen Bradley — forever immortalized as the sultry, slow-walking Ms. Parker — continues to feel the love from fans old and new. A groundbreaking performer, Bradley became the first permanent African-American model on The Price Is Right before stepping into the role that made her a pop culture icon.
In a candid, reflective conversation, Bradley opens up about her time on the Friday set, memories of late co-stars Bernie Mac and John Witherspoon, and how being Ms. Parker never gets old — even decades later.
“Ms. Parker! Ms. Parker!” — An Iconic Role That Keeps Giving
If you’ve ever heard that line shouted across a neighborhood, you already know the cultural weight of Bradley’s role. On Friday, she played the alluring neighbor who turned heads and stopped hearts, especially that of Bernie Mac’s character, Pastor Clever.
So does being recognized as Ms. Parker ever get old?
“No, it doesn’t,” Bradley says with a laugh while on today’s episode of the Scoop B Radio Podcast.
“And I am just elated to be able to be a part of such an iconic movie and such a wonderful character. Especially after Halloween — everybody’s emulating Miss Parker, always wanting to try to be me — and the men want me, so what more can you ask for?”
Even today, fans approach her with admiration, quoting lines or mimicking her famous strut down the sidewalk. It’s a rare feat for a one-film character to make such a lasting impression, but Ms. Parker, played with effortless confidence and charm by Bradley, was unforgettable.
The Long Road to “Last Friday”
For years, there has been speculation and hope among fans that Ice Cube will deliver one more film in the Friday series — a final bow to tie up the story of Craig and his neighborhood crew.
A new Friday movie, tentatively titled Last Friday, is in the works and has longtime fans of the franchise buzzing with anticipation. Designed to be the final chapter in the iconic series, the film aims to reunite original characters while honoring the legacy of those no longer with us, such as John Witherspoon, Bernie Mac, and Tiny Lister. While the project has faced delays due to creative differences between Ice Cube, the studio Lionsgate, and the writers, there’s growing optimism that the film will eventually come to life. Ice Cube has expressed his commitment to making Last Friday a proper send-off.
According to Bradley, it’s not just a rumor.
“There will be a Last Friday forthcoming,” she affirms on today’s episode of Scoop B Radio.
But the journey hasn’t been easy.
“It’s been quite a challenge with Lionsgate, Ice Cube and the writers. They’ve been butting heads about what it should be like.”
While she hasn’t seen a script, she’s heard talk behind the scenes. One thing she’s certain of?
“Of course Ms. Parker must be in the movie,” she said.
And fans across generations would agree — it wouldn’t be Friday without her.
Moments with Bernie Mac: “I Wish I Could Go Back in Time”
Kathleen Bradley holds a special place in her heart for the late, great Bernie Mac, who played the comically unfaithful Pastor Clever, hopelessly obsessed with Ms. Parker.
“Oh my, you know I just wish I could go back in time,” she reflects warmly. “He was at a certain pinnacle in his career then, but he got more famous afterward. We spent some time together on set for the scene we did — he was just wonderful to talk to, to work with, and funny.”
Their scene, while brief, is one of the most quoted and rewatched in the movie — a testament to the chemistry and comedic timing both actors brought to the screen.
One Shot, One Opportunity: Low-Budget Hustle on Set
While Friday may feel like a Hollywood staple now, the film was anything but a big-budget affair when it was shot. Bradley recalls how lean things really were.
“You know, not that many takes because we never really had that kind of money to keep going over and over in every scene,” she says, when asked about the memorable moment where a brick is thrown through a car window. “We were on a very strict budget, so we kind of had to do one or two takes of almost everything. We didn’t have that luxury.”
The constraints forced the cast and crew to be efficient, creative, and focused — a grind that ultimately made Friday feel even more real.
Beyond Ms. Parker: Bradley’s Ongoing Journey in Entertainment
While Ms. Parker remains her most famous role, Kathleen Bradley has never stopped working. She’s continued acting in indie films, shorts, commercials, and has stayed active in the entertainment industry for decades.
“I did a movie called A Day of Trouble, which was nice,” she says.
“I just finished and wrapped a film called Something About Mother. Actually, we had a premiere. It’s a movie short, and there’s several other things I’ve done.”
And when she’s not on set? You can probably find her on the golf course.
“I enjoy getting out playing golf. It’s always such a nice thing to be here at the Gordy Foundation for this most memorable golf tournament,” she says. “I just love playing golf and getting ready to get out here and have a good time.”
Remembering John Witherspoon — “He’s So Missed”
Though Bradley didn’t share scenes with John Witherspoon on Friday, she holds deep respect and affection for the man behind the character of Mr. Jones.
“I never really worked with him on the set because I didn’t have any interaction with him,” she admits. “But I do know his wife very well, Angela Robinson Witherspoon. She and I just played golf, as a matter of fact, a couple of weeks ago.”
Of Witherspoon himself, she says with emotion, “He’s such a funny man, and he’s always just been so heartwarming and kind. He’s so missed right now, I can tell you that.”
A Lasting Legacy
Whether it’s being stopped in the street, celebrated at Halloween, or referenced in hip-hop lyrics, Ms. Parker lives on — and so does the vibrant career of Kathleen Bradley. She’s not just a character actor from a beloved movie; she’s a trailblazer, a working artist, and a woman fully embracing her legacy while continuing to build her future.
As fans wait for Last Friday, one thing is clear: Ms. Parker — and Kathleen Bradley — will always have a place in Hollywood history.
Make Sure To Check Out The Full Interview of Kathleen Bradley on Scoop B Radio Here!
