Victoria Rowell
Victoria Rowell | |
---|---|
![]() Rowell in 2012 | |
Born | Victoria Lynn Rowell May 10, 1959 Portland, Maine, U.S. |
Occupation(s) | Actress, director, writer, producer |
Years active | 1987–present |
Spouses | |
Children | 2 |
Victoria Lynn Rowell (born May 10, 1959)
Rowell has had a number of roles in feature films. She starred alongside
Early life
Victoria Lynn Rowell was born in Portland, Maine, on May 10, 1959. Her biological mother, Dorothy Rowell, was of English descent and a Mayflower descendant, and her birth father, whose surname was Wilson, was of Jamaican descent.[citation needed] Rowell knew very little about her father. Dorothy, who suffered from schizophrenia, took a taxi to a hospital to give birth to Rowell, leaving a son and two small daughters unsupervised. When she was 16 days old, Rowell, along with her two sisters, Sheree and Lori, were surrendered to child services.[2]
While living in Maine with foster parents Agatha C. and Robert Armstead,[citation needed] Rowell, then eight, began ballet lessons. She became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, an African-American Greek-lettered sorority. After dancing with the American Ballet Theater II and the Juilliard School of Music Dance Extension program with Antony Tudor, Rowell accepted guest-artist teaching posts in New England.[3]
Career
In the 1980s, Rowell became an in-demand runway and catalog model.[4] Rowell made her film debut in the 1987 comedy film Leonard Part 6 opposite Bill Cosby and later had a recurring role on The Cosby Show[4] In 1988, she also had the recurring role of Nella Franklin on the CBS daytime soap opera, As the World Turns.
In 1990, Rowell was cast as street urchin-turned-ballet dancer Drucilla Barber on the CBS daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Rowell became a fan favorite and was nominated for three
From 1993 to 2001, Rowell starred as
In 1990s, Rowell co-starred in several films. She had the role of Eddie Murphy's character's love interest in the 1992 comedy film, The Distinguished Gentleman. In 1994, she played FBI agent Beth Jordan in comedy film Dumb and Dumber. She co-starred opposite Mario Van Peebles in the science-fiction crime film Full Eclipse (1993), and had a major role in the box office failure action film Barb Wire (1996) with Pamela Anderson. In 1997 she appeared in the critically acclaimed drama film, Eve's Bayou. In the 2000s, she appeared in the number of small films, such as Motives and A Perfect Fit. In 2006, she co-starred as Samuel L. Jackson's character wife in Home of the Brave. She also had the recurring roles on Single Ladies and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
In spring 2009, Rowell signed a six-figure deal with
Rowell created, directed, produced and starred in the comedy series The Rich and the Ruthless. The series premiered in 2017 and ended in 2021. In 2018 she also created miniseries Jacqueline and Jilly for Urban Movie Channel.[13] In 2020 she made her feature directorial debut with Everything Is Fine.[14] She later directed films A Rich Christmas (2021) starring Bill Bellamy for BET+,[15] Stranger Next Door (2022) starring Vicky Jeudy and Skyh Black for Lifetime, Montross: Blood Rules (2022) for TV One,[16] Catfish Christmas (2022),[17] and Blackjack Christmas (2022) for BET+.[18] In 2022 she made her return to CBS with a recurring role in the medical drama Good Sam.[19] In 2024 she co-starred alongside Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard in the comedy film Summer Camp.[20]
Legal issues
In February 2015, Rowell filed a lawsuit against CBS,
In September 2018, in the wake of Les Moonves' resignation as the chairman and CEO of CBS due to sexual misconduct allegations, Rowell took to her Twitter account to directly accuse Moonves of hindering her career. Partially quoting Moonves' statement denying the accusations that he attempted to damage the careers of certain women, she tweeted:
"And I have never used my position to hinder the advancement or careers of women," Moonves responded. #LIAR. Your loafer heel has been on my neck for over 11 years all because I cited a lack of substantive of diversity at CBS behind the camera #MeToo #RetaliationIsIllegal #Bully [28]
Personal life
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Maj._Gen._Nadja_West_Honored_by_Essence.jpg/170px-Maj._Gen._Nadja_West_Honored_by_Essence.jpg)
Rowell's first marriage was to Tom Fahey in 1989. They had a daughter, Maya, and divorced the following year. Rowell had a long-term relationship with musician Wynton Marsalis; and they had a son, Jasper.[29] In May 2008, Rowell announced her engagement to Radcliffe Bailey, an Atlanta artist, at her annual High Tea at Noon fundraiser. Rowell and Radcliffe married on June 27, 2009, in Dublin, New Hampshire. On January 2, 2014, Bailey filed for divorce from Rowell.[30]
Work with foster children
In 1990, Rowell founded the "Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan,"
In May 2006, Rowell was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the
In March 2008, Rowell was the first recipient of the Gift of Adoption Celebration of Adoption Award, an award given to individuals or groups who are helping to unite children with adoptive families.
In March 2012, Rowell's book, Tag, Toss & Run: 40 Classic Lawn Games, co-authored with environmental activist Paul Tukey, was released.[33]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1987 | Leonard Part 6 | Joan Parker | |
1992 | The Distinguished Gentleman | Celia Kirby | |
1993 | Full Eclipse | Anna Dire | Television film |
1994 | Secret Sins of the Father | Yolanda Seeley | Television film |
Dumb and Dumber | FBI Agent Beth Jordan | ||
1995 | One Red Rose | Rose | |
1996 | Barb Wire | Dr. Corrina 'Cora D' Devonshire | |
1996 | Dr. Hugo | Stevie Hobbs | Short film |
1997 | Eve's Bayou | ||
1998 | Secrets | Delia | Short film |
1999 | Fraternity Boys | Ellen | |
A Wake in Providence | Alicia | ||
2001 | Feast of All Saints | Josette Metoyer | |
2002 | A Town Without Pity | Dr. Amanda Bentley | Television film |
2003 | Without Warning | Television film | |
Black Listed | Patricia Chambers | ||
2004 | Motives | Detective Mary Pierce | |
2005 | A Perfect Fit | Sheila | |
Midnight Clear | Angela Pressmore | Short film | |
2006 | Home of the Brave | Penelope Marsh | |
2007 | Polly and Marie | Rebecca McCaw | |
2008 | Of Boys and Men | Aunt Janay | |
2011 | Death in the Family | Vicky Turner | Also producer |
2013 | Marry Me for Christmas | Stephanie | Television film |
2014 | I Love You | Barbara Mutch | Also producer and writer |
The Fright Night Files | Alexa | Television film | |
2015 | What Love Will Make You Do | Sheila Boston | Also producer |
2016 | Soul Ties | Maybelle | |
You Can't Hurry Love | Ms. Joyce | ||
2018 | Water in a Broken Glass | Aunt Jo | |
Chandler Christmas Getaway | Stephanie | Television film | |
2019 | Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta | Catherine | Television film |
Twas the Chaos Before Christmas | Hazel Mitchell | Television film | |
I Love You | Barbara Mutch | ||
2020 | Black Kids White Mama | Clair LaFree | |
Birdie | Catherine Cooper | ||
Everything Is Fine | Director and producer | ||
2021 | A Rich Christmas | Director and producer | |
2022 | Montross: Blood Rules | Elaine Montross | Also director and producer |
2022 | A Christmas Gift | Marie | |
2022 | Stranger Next Door | Director and producer | |
2022 | Catfish Christmas | Director and producer | |
2022 | Blackjack Christmas | Director and producer | |
2024 | Summer Camp | Evelyn |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1988 | As the World Turns | Nella Franklin | Recurring role |
1989–1990 | The Cosby Show | Paula | Episodes: "Cliff's Wet Adventure" and "Theo's Dirty Laundry" |
1990 | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Mimi Mumford | Episode: " Clubba Hubba "
|
1991–1993 | Herman's Head | Susan Bracken | Episodes: "Bracken's Daughter" and "I Wanna Go Home" |
1995 | Deadly Games | Courtney Lake | Episode: "Divorce Lawyer" |
1993–2001 | Diagnosis: Murder | Amanda Bentley-Livingston | Series regular, 163 episodes |
2001 | Family Law | Ms. Wilkes | Episode: "Moving On" |
2006 | Noah's Arc | Vonda | Episodes: "Desperado" and "Give It Up" |
2007 | All of Us | Dr. Deborah Cooper | Episode: "He's Got Game" |
1990–2000, 2002–2007 | The Young and the Restless | Drucilla Barber Winters
|
Series regular |
2010 | Ghost Whisperer | Ms. Adrienne | Episode: "Living Nightmare" |
2012 | Let's Stay Together | Anita Barnes | Episode: "Creepers" |
Single Ladies | Veronica | Recurring role, 3 episodes | |
2013–2014 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Judge Delilah Mae Hawkins | Episodes: "Criminal Hatred" and "Comic Perversion" |
2017 | The Bay | Judge Iris Hopkins | Recurring |
Mann & Wife | Mrs. Delores Hobbs | Episode: "Ressured by the Mann" | |
2017–present | The Rich and the Ruthless | Kitty Barringer | Also creator, director and executive producer Indie Series Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy (2018–19) Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy (2018) Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Directing – Comedy (2018) Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Writing – Comedy (2018) |
2019 | Jacqueline and Jilly | Jacqueline Mitchell | Also creator, director and executive producer |
2022 | Good Sam | Tina Kingsley | Recurring role |
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1992 | 8th Soap Opera Digest Awards | Outstanding Female Newcomer: Daytime | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
1994 | 10th Soap Opera Digest Awards | Outstanding Scene Stealer | The Young and the Restless | Won |
1994 | 26th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
1995 | 11th Soap Opera Digest Awards | Hottest Female Star | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
1996 | 27th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
1996 | 23rd Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
1997 | 24th Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
1997 | 28th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
1998 | 25th Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
1998 | 29th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
1999 | 30th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | Diagnosis Murder
|
Nominated |
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won | ||
2001 | 31st NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
2003 | 34th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
2003 | 18th Soap Opera Digest Awards | Favorite Return | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
2004 | 35th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
2005 | 19th Soap Opera Digest Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role | The Young and the Restless | Nominated |
2005 | 36th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
2006 | 37th NAACP Image Award
|
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series | The Young and the Restless | Won |
References
- ^ "Victoria Rowell". Yahoo Movies. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ a b "Role Models, Boston Globe, May 5, 2007". Archived from the original on October 10, 2012.
- ^ "DiagnosisMurder.co.uk | Victoria Rowell". Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.
- ^ a b "Victoria Rowell". TV Guide. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "Victoria Rowell: Why I left the Young and the Restless". Black Press Magazine. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "About Y&R: About the Actors – Victoria Rowell". Retrieved July 23, 2016.
- ^ "Victoria Rowell Not Ruling Out Return to The Young and the Restless". Retrieved June 3, 2012.
- ^ "Ex-Young and Restless Diva Victoria Rowell Says Les Moonves and Steve Kent Don't Want Dru Back!". Daytime Confidential. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "Victoria Rowell Slams 'Young and the Restless' Over Lack of Diversity: Not One Black Exec Producer – TheWrap". TheWrap. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ results, search (May 1, 2008). "The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir". William Morrow Paperbacks. Retrieved October 19, 2018 – via Amazon.
- ^ Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva: A Novel. Atria Books. Retrieved October 19, 2018 – via Amazon.
- ISBN 978-1451643831.
- ^ "Jacqueline and Jilly | A Days Ferry Production". Jacquelineandjilly.
- ^ Silver, Carly (July 25, 2020). "WATCH: Victoria Rowell Discusses Directing "Everything is Fine": "Mental Health Is Mental Wealth"". Daytime Confidential.
- ^ Bennett, Anita (November 4, 2021). "A Rich Christmas Star Bill Bellamy Gets Real About Giving Kids Too 'Damn' Much".
- ^ "Breaking News - TV One's New Drama, "Montross: Blood Rules," Premieres Sat. Oct. 1 | TheFutonCritic.com". www.thefutoncritic.com.
- ^ Inc, Vision Films. "Vision Films Set to Release Black Cast Holiday Rom-Com 'Catfish Christmas' from Director Victoria Rowell". www.prnewswire.com (Press release).
{{cite press release}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "'Blackjack Christmas' brings family ties, addiction and hope to the holidays". Yahoo News. December 22, 2022.
- ^ Petski, Denise (February 18, 2022). "Victoria Rowell Joins 'Good Sam', '9-1-1' Casts Bryce Durfee".
- ^ America, Good Morning. "Victoria Rowell on the new movie 'Summer Camp'". Good Morning America.
- ^ "Former The Young and the Restless Star Victoria Rowell Files Lawsuit". Deadline.com. February 11, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
- ^ "CBS Responds to Rowell Lawsuit". Thewrap.com. February 11, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
- ^ "Victoria Rowell Claims She Suffered Racially Charged Attacks On Set of Young and the Restless". Thewrap.com. June 30, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
- ^ "Judge Dismisses ex-Young and the Restless star Rowell's Lawsuit". Deadline.com. November 11, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
- ^ Gradner, Eriq (December 20, 2016). "Days Producer Looks To Beat Retaliation Lawsuit". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
- ^ Gardner, Eriq (June 24, 2016). "Rowell Allowed to Advance Lawsuit". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
- ^ Gardner, Eriq (February 13, 2017). "Rowell Ends Lawsuit Against Soap Opera Producers". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
- ^ Rowell, Victoria (September 13, 2018). "Victoria Rowell Accusation Against Les Moonves". Twitter.com. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- ^ "Victoria Rowell with her two children". Archived from the original on March 9, 2009.
- ^ "Young and the Restless Star Divorce". January 2, 2014.. TMZ.com. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
- ^ "Zentrum für Kindergesundheit und Entwicklung". cochranechildcare.org. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012.
- ^ "Y&R's Rowell: The Real Reason I Quit". Soap Opera Weekly. February 27, 2007. pp. 2–3.
- ^ "Tag, Toss & Run by Paul Tukey & Victoria Rowell". August 27, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2018.