Like her legendary character, Drucilla Winters, on the 'Young and the Restless,' actress Victoria Rowell doesn't bite her tongue. The NAACP Image Award Winner had no problem filling the BV Newswire in on her discontent with the show's direction, her next book project and why we need to hold CBS accountable for the representation of African Americans on television.
"I introduced a story line about foster care five years ago that was very authentic," Rowell disclosed.
Rowel says she asked CBS to hire a black actor because black men are the predominant race in foster care. The story line was a huge success, garnering the show an Emmy, an NAACP Image Award and Congressional recognition, but Rowell said she is unhappy with the recent direction it has taken.
"About some weeks ago, they had the young foster son sleeping with his father's girlfriend, and it did not sit well with a lot of people, predominantly black women because African American women make up the 'Young and the Restless' audience," she said.
"I take this very serious, and I think that a sterling story line that received so much positive attention just hit a cord with a lot of people, and this is not the Bill Bell legacy."
"I'm devastated," she continued. "I put in 16, 17 years and doggedly tried to bring in effective change so that the new generation of actors wouldn't say who's going to do my hair...It's 2009 and the show has been on the air for 37 years. We had a cast of eight black actors and now you're down to two. Come on NAACP and Urban League, speak up. Who's asleep at the wheel at CBS?"
First off, we acknowledge that 'sexiness' is extremely subjective, but since when has that stopped anyone from offering their opinion? It certainly hasn't kept us from taking note of the women who have served it up to us over and over again on the silver screen. That kind of consistency deserves recognition. That's why Black Voices took time out to compile a list of the top 30 sexiest actresses of all time. Although many of the women on our list have excelled in various media throughout their careers, we decided to rank each actress based on their "sex appeal in feature films, roles and scenes." Whether you agree or disagree with our rankings, we want to hear your opinion. Why not give us your own top 30 sexy actresses list? Please post your thoughts, comments and/or opinions in our community message board. Let the sexiness begin!
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Rowell's character fell off a cliff into shallow water, but her body was not discovered. Fans of the actress have started a grass roots campaign, urging for Drucilla's return.
"White actors in daytime are brought back from the dead all the time. Why does it require a national campaign to bring back perhaps arguably the strongest black actress in daytime?," she questioned. "What is that about? Let's evaluate what's keeping the show on the air -- the sponsors, the black hair products, black women clutching detergent bottles. Who's pimping who?"
Despite Rowell's frustration, the Portland, Maine native has a lot of other fabulous things in the works.
She recently tied the knot with visual artist Radcliff Bailey. The couple honeymooned in Spain and spend their time between Los Angeles and Atlanta.
After an international book tour for her New York Times best-selling tome 'The Women Who Raised Me,' Rowell is working on her next book, 'Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva', which will be out next year. The novel is one hundred percent fiction, but Rowell says there are hints of her struggle in its story.
"It's about a protagonist from Mississippi who migrates to Hollywood with no formal training," Rowell said. "She struggles with the disparity that exists for black actresses."
When the book launches, there will be a one-woman show with a limited run, "Whoopi Goldberg-esque," Rowell adds.
Although cities and dates are uncertain right now, Rowell has confirmed there will be an Atlanta show at the Southwest Arts Center.
Comments: (132)
Add a comment
By: Urbnaprincess on 9/13/2009 12:42PM
I loved Victoria Rowell's part of Drucila. A very intelligent, beuatiful, actress. I missed her when she went off the show? Now that Neil (her husband) doesn't have a current wife/girlfriend, this will be a perfect time for Ms. Victoria to come back on the show. A lot has been going on with Patty (Jack Abbots' ex) Nicki missing (Victor's wife), and pregnant Sharon (with Nick Newman's baby). Hopefully, when all settled down, The Young and The Restless will bring her back and be by her daughter Lily who was diagnosed with Cancer side and get back with Neil. Now, if she is going to come back Malcolm, (Lily's biological father) should also come back on the show. THIS IS MY #1 SOAP OPERA!
Just like what Ms. Rowell had said about, holding CBS accountable for the representation of African Americans on television. CBS needs to get with the program and make some changes! I wish Ms. Rowell lots of success on her next book and Best Wishes on her marriage.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: dj on 9/15/2009 11:42PM
Its always because they are black isnt it?
Why is that?.....Because Im black I cant return to a soap?.....PULEEEEZE!
Always an excuse....Well, Im white, so I need to get what I want! HA!!!!!!!
Report This
By: LadyJNewYork on 9/14/2009 11:14AM
Yippeee!!!! I certainly hope Drucilla returns, Y&R has become "stale." Need some Drucilla to spice things up and give back to Neil the "true" love of his life!! :)
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Kelli on 9/15/2009 11:53PM
NO!!!!!! She is bossy, loud & and thinks she gets whatever her big head desires......To go to NAACP just to prove blacks have rights.....geesh!!!!
Get over it rowell, noone wants you!
Move on, and stay off our soap!!!!!
Report This
By: rprice57 on 9/14/2009 10:13PM
Why is everything based around RACE? Seems to me people, no matter what the skin color is, but seems people don't want it to rest and just get along. It's always that poor me attitude--like Charlie Brown. I guess they should have called him Charlie asian,white,etc. Just like the Kayne West was. That was litterlt a LACK OF CLASS because his black friend didn't win the award, I don't care if he had been drinking, if he was that bad off they should have never let him on stage, luckly had Beyonce who is whole alot more smarter than him to help get things straighed out to make things somewhat right for this young lady. There's no need for him to show his prejudisness like that afterall everyone already knows he is. I guess at least this president is safe with him.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: DJ on 9/15/2009 8:55PM
We (Blacks) bring up race because whites are afraid to. And everytime we bring it up, "some" whites get offended that we would have the nerve to speak up about the injustices that we have and continue to endure to this day at the hands of the racial ideology of entitlement fostered by "some" whites. Most blacks don't want the forty acres and the mule we were promised, we just want credit for the work we put in building this country. And for "some" whites to quit acting like the forgot the history. Then maybe we might quit bringing it up.
Report This
By: lizziliddy on 9/15/2009 8:58PM
Blacks have been given more advantages than whites will ever have, so consider reparations made. Quit continuing to enable and foster segregation by CONSTANTLY throwing up the race card. America as a whole is getting sick of that. I never owned a slave, neither did my parents or grandparents. I owe no one land or a mule. Move on!!!!!
Report This
By: Linda on 9/15/2009 10:36PM
I am sick of everything being about race. Who cares what color your skin is. The only ones who care are the blacks. Whites don't bring up race constantly because we are not the racists! It has nothing to do with being afraid to bring it up, it has no bearing on the subject, so why bring it up. The only reason blacks bring it up is to keep it in the forefront so if anyone disagrees with them, they can try to label that person a racist. It's to the point of REDICULOUS. Nobody in the world today was a slave and nobody in this world today owned one. GET OVER IT!!!
Report This
By: R on 9/15/2009 10:37PM
Your comment, brings up a thousand good points, but should have been limited to one...it comes of tangential.
I do back you up on the idea that the race card is pulled all too often.
The other 999 points are too jumbled up to make sense.
Report This
By: Katie on 9/15/2009 11:07PM
You know, enough. I am white and I step up to the plate every single time my white race is maligned. I love Victoria Rowell and she has done a lot for the show HOWEVER, I have been watching it the whole 37 years it's been on TV and blacks have not made it what it is today. White viewers made this show at the top of the food chain. Victoria would make you think it's a black show but it's not. I agree about trashing better story lines, but please, stop over crediting what you've done for the show.
As for black and white: White people listen up! You hear blacks trashing you, saying sh*t? Making you mad? Knock that chip right off their shoulder. Speak your mind. Enough is enough. They charge you with discrimination in the workplace, at home, in public? Turn that smile upside down on their faces and file a Federal Civil Rights Violation Suit! Turnabout is fairplay and if you are tired of being brow beaten by blacks - time to stop whinning and stop winning!
How's THAT for a white not being afraid to speak her mind?
Report This