Regina King says ‘American Crime’ is ‘an opportunity to start a conversation’

In a career that has spanned three decades, Regina King has amassed a vast gallery of characters in numerous projects ranging from the police drama “Southland� to the films “Poetic Justice� and “Jerry Maguire.�

But the latest milestone in her career has been ABC’s “American Crime,� about the racial and cultural tensions erupting from the brutal attack on a white couple in their suburban home.

King’s role as a Muslim woman consumed with her quest to save her drug-addicted brother accused of the crime was one of the highlights of the series, which also starred Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton.

During an Emmy contender chat with The Envelope, King said she was proud of the series, which mirrored the furor over the recent shootings of several young black men by police.

“It’s been an amazing ride,� King said when asked about the impact of “American Crime.� “It couldn’t have come at a better time. A lot of things we tackled in the show have been going on for a long time. It’s been an opportunity to start a conversation.�

Check out the video above to hear her comments on other projects and her recent experiences as a director helming episodes of “Southland� and “Scandal.�