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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2013)
Arts & Entertainment Angell Conwell:The Young and Restless Angell Angell Conwell was born in Orangeburg, South Car- olina on August 2, 1983, but raised in nearby Columbia. At 17, she made her big screen debut in the gritty, John Singleton drama Baby Boy opposite Tyrese, Taraji P. Henson and Snoop Dogg. She followed that outing with well-received support- ing roles in such feature films as The Wash , Soul Plane and 24 Hour Love. More recently, Angell enjoyed a starring role on the TV-One hit series “Fam- ily Time” with Omar Good- ing, as well as a recurring role as Kevin Hart’s ex-wife on the hit BET series “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Her TV credits include guest starring roles on such shows as “NYPD Blue,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Moesha,” “That’s So Raven” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.” She has also appeared in the music videos “Batter Up” and “Ride Wit Me” and Usher’s “Confessions.” In her spare time she enjoys reading inspirational books, days at the beach, walks with her dog Xeena and giving back by helping to serve at MyFriend- sHouseLA.Com. Here, she talks about her upcoming independent movie 4Play with Wesley Jonathan, and about playing Leslie Michaelson on the daytime drama, “The Young & the Restless” which just cele- brated its 40th Anniversary on the air. Kam Williams: Hi Angell, thanks for the interview. Angell Conwell: My pleasure, Kam. KW: What interested you in doing a soap opera? AC: Being on a daytime drama never crossed my mind until the breakdown for the character “Leslie” was released. She was described as a strong, spit- fire legal shark. It’s rare that an opportunity comes to play such a character, and to play a lawyer? AC: As far as the legal lingo, I Googled most C ELEBRITY of the terminology and I NTERVIEW started to try to use it on a daily basis so that it would begin to sound by Kam normal coming out of my mouth. It’s not Williams every day talk for me, so I had to get used to that. Once I learn the material, it’s mainly all Restless is not only the #1 about helping to give Leslie daytime drama overall, it’s some spice and life. The also the #1 daytime drama writers put it all on the within my family. They’ve paper. My job is to bring it. all been watching since KW: Are there any before I was born. After being that The Young & The sure, but as time goes on, I realize that all you can do is do your best at any given moment. KW: You’re also on another hit show, the Real Husbands of Hollywood, where you play Kevin Hart’s wife. How is acting on a fake reality show dif- ferent from appearing on a soap opera? AC: Two words: one take! For the most part, we shoot everything in one take on The Young & the Restless, which makes it unlike any- thing I’ve ever worked on. It’s a great adrenaline rush! KW: In your upcoming movie, 4Play, you share the screen with a couple of for- mer child stars in Jaleel White and Wesley Jonathan. How was it working with them? AC: Jaleel has fantastic comedic timing. He is clear- ly such a pro. Wesley and I worked together on the NBC morning show, City Guys. We’ve been friends since, but haven’t worked together in over 10 years. It’s great being able to be on set again with him. considering all these things, it made complete sense. KW: Tell me a little about your character, Leslie. AC: Leslie Michaelson is an attorney. She has a pas- sion for what she does. She’s a stand-up woman who has been through many terrifying situations in life, but has turned them to her advantage. She loves her younger brother, Tyler [played by Redaric Williams], with all of her heart, and she stands by her man, Neil [played by Kristoff St. John], without being smothering. She’s quite a lady! KW: How did you prepare upcoming developments you can share about Leslie and her love interest, Neil? AC: Plenty of Neil and Leslie’s relationship has revolved around Gus, Rose, a mysterious blogger, and figuring out the different connections. So, I’m hoping that we may get to see another dynamic to their relationship soon. Maybe more romance and passion, but honestly, I have no idea. KW: “The Young and the Restless” has endured on TV for 40years. Do you feel any pressure to live up to that record of success and to honor the show’s long lega- cy? AC: I used to feel pres- KW: What message do you think people will take away from the movie? AC: It’s a great movie about maturing in life. We all come to a point where we realize we need to change in order to become better. This movie high- lights that we either remain stagnant in life and love or face our fears and grow. KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? AC: Um... who let the dogs out? [LOL] No, not that I can think of. KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy? AC: I’m happy in this moment, but I feel that hap- piness comes and goes. Joy and peace may be more valuable because they’re with you no matter the weather. Hot Chili Peppers. KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? AC: About an hour ago with a friend and make-up artist, Tai. KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you? AC: Work! Travel! To love and be loved. KW: What is your guilti- est pleasure? AC: Carbs upon carbs upon carbs. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? AC: I make a mean grilled cheese. KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer? AC: That’s tough. I don’t have one yet. I’m in love with the clothes I design in my imagination. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? AC: The Four Argu- ments—for the fifth time. KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best career decision? AC: Sticking with it. KW: The music maven Heather Covington ques- tion: What was the last song you listened to? AC: Something by Red KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? AC: My parents’ child and my grandparents’ grand- daughter. Holiday Special S u i t s 2 0 % o f f H a t s 1 0 % o f f o n S e l e c t e d H a t s Offer Expires 1-2-14 10:30-6:30 M-F • 11-6:30 Sat 5233 NE MLK Jr Boulevard (503)281-7161 December 18, 2013 The Portland Skanner Page 9
