Serena Williams Tries TV Acting

Tennis sensation Serena Williams has gone Hollywood with a guest spot Wednesday night as a kindergarten teacher on ABC's "My Wife and Kids."

"I've never considered tennis as my only outlet," the world's top-ranked player told the Los Angeles Times, adding that she performed as a child in plays written by her sister, Venus.

"I've always liked doing different things when I was younger. I just never really liked focusing on tennis. I do see myself as a crossover."

Serena and Venus have won four Grand Slam titles apiece, and Serena has won the past three majors.

But Serena also has been working with acting coaches, and signed on with agent Jill Smoller at the William Morris Agency, which also represents "My Wife and Kids" star Damon Wayans.

The 21-year-old Williams, whose family lives in Florida, is living part-time in California.

On the "My Wife and Kids" episode, her kindergarten teacher confronts series co-star Tisha Campbell-Martin's character, accusing her of being too strict with children in a school play. Wayans helped her with the scene by drawing on her experience as an athlete, Williams said.

"He said, `Like when you're on the court, you're reacting to her.' That's how it has to be. You just have to keep reacting," she said.

"I've had lots of (acting) opportunities. It's just that other career that I have - that other small career that's putting a hindrance on my acting," she said with a smile.

Williams isn't giving up tennis, of course. She's competing in the WTA Championships, which start next week in Los Angeles.