Roz Ryan , a versatile and talented actress and singer as well as one of the original members of
Black Pages Today.com dropped by for a chat with our publisher, Loo Oates Jr.. Roz Ryan talks about the show and her career:
BPT: What did you bring to this role?
RR: I believe I bring the true
black mother and wife to this role... I have been both. I use memories the strong beautiful black women in my
own family and the me raising my own son.
BPT: When did you first know you wanted to be a entertainer?
RR: When
I was about 13 although my Mom says I sang in the womb.
BPT: How do you like working with Anthony Anderson and veteran actor John Amos?
RR: I adore them both... John is brilliant and Anthony reminds me of my own son. They went to college
together in real life. Howard University
BPT: Who are some of the people whove helped and/or influenced you?
RR:
I started as a nightclub singer at the tender age of 16. I was privileged to see Sarah Vaughn, Betty carter, Nancy Wilson
and a few others at that tender age. I knew then this was my life. Acting came later My parents helped me and still do...
Their support made my life possible.
BPT: Is there a lot of politics in the entertainment business?
RR:
Uhhh Yes it's 10% Show and 90% business. Sometimes or should I say most times the politics get in the way of the art.
BPT: If so, describe the politics and share your strategy for dealing with it?
RR:
Well, lets just say it's not about talent as much as it is about the right contacts and marketing. My way of dealing with
it is to knock on doors and if they don't open KICK em down. Humor helps....
BPT: Who are your favorite entertainers?
RR: Stevie Wonder.Phalicia
Rashad. I'm reflecting because a lot of my favorites have passed. Billie Holiday, Gregory Hines, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen
Macrea, Marvin Gaye, Bette Davis, Gene Kelly, although I must say Anthony Anderson :-) John Amos have become two
of my favorites.
BPT: Whats the hardest part of being on a weekly show?
RR:
Getting up in the morning but once I am up and out it's not hard. The hours are sometimes long but the reward makes it worth
it and I am not speaking financially....
BPT: Who were some of the people who inspired you?
RR: The people
I listed above, but most of my early inspiration came from my parents and God.
BPT: Did you like to read as a child?
RR: I mostly read BIO's
of black female singers, I find the struggle interesting from Ma Rainey to Me....
BPT: Were near the end of this interview.
RR:Say it isn't so
BPT: What advice would you give to young aspiring entertainers?
RR:
I would advise them to finish school, because one must be good at math to count your money and good at English to read your
contracts and watch your agents and business managers. Know where all the bodies are buried. Have a plan B and be sure
this is what you want because the sacrifices can sometimes be costly and lonely. Traveling on the road can get old so if you
don't love the life don't do it.
