Dance Flick was your first major part. Did you feel a lot of pressure? How did you deal?
The Wayans were so great about not letting us feel like we were under pressure and creating a fun environment. While we all knew that pressure was there, it was such a relaxing and welcoming set. Everyone was just having fun.
It looks like you had a great time, but what was the best part of making Dance Flick?
Watching Marlon Wayans film his scene as the drama teacher. He was a riot. That scene in the original script was only a couple of lines. It wasn’t anything like you see in the movie. That was all Marlon coming on the set and working his comedic magic. It was so cool watching him and being able to learn from that.
What is your dream role?
I’ve always said, I want to work alongside the greats: Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt. When I have the opportunity to work with people like them, those will be my dream roles.
When you meet people who also want to get into performing, what’s the first thing you tell them?
Work with your community theater. Get your foundation and comfort level up, wherever your home is. I learned so much from doing theater in my hometown. Be true to who you are. That’s what Hollywood is really about: finding the next thing that they don’t have. So don’t be what they already have. Bring who you are and what is unique and beautiful about you. Show them why they need that.
Have you met a lot of people who don’t get that there’s hard work involved?
Yeah, but I don’t blame them. I used to watch a lot of shows that made it sound like [fame and success] happen overnight. You rarely hear about the five years someone was out here, working hard. It takes work. I had someone tell me, for every minute you are not practicing, there is someone getting one minute ahead of you in practicing. Pretty soon, that becomes years. The ones who are practicing while you’re watching television or chilling are the ones you’re going to see excel.
Your home page describes you as “vibrant, bubbly, and smart,” and the characters you’ve played are that way too. How do you stay upbeat, even when the going’s tough?
I’m a very positive person in general. That’s the way I was raised. We all have our days where we’re feeling down. I always tell myself, this too shall pass. What can I learn from this moment? What am I never going to do again, if it’s a negative moment? Know that tomorrow this will be my past, not my present.
You also work with a few charities. Why do you think it’s important for us to share ourselves with our communities?
I’m working with this really great organization called Interface. It’s all about bringing education, women’s rights, and food to Third World countries. It revolves around the millennium world goal and gets businesses, charities, and celebrities connected so they can [create] a bigger impact. I think it’s important to give voice to people who need help. It doesn’t have to cost you money; you can give time.
What will your IMDb resume say in five years?
Oscar winner. It’ll show movies, television, and Oprah.
