'Hollywood Divas' Season 1 Cast; Elise Neal Gives Advice to Up and Coming Actresses & Describes a Few of Her Leading Men in One Word [VIDEO] [PHOTOS]
Last night (Oct. 8), TV One's newest reality show "Hollywood Divas" premiered. Their newest project follows the lives of some of the most memorable actresses in TV and Film. The cast--made up of Golden Brooks, Elise Neal, Countess Vaughn, Paula Jai Parker and Lisa Wu-- allowed cameras to follow them to auditions, agent meetings, plastic surgery consultations, to dance studios and more. And that was just episode one.
The seasoned actresses gave Lisa Wu, who's known for her stint on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta", the cold shoulder because they now have to compete with reality stars for roles they think they deserve. Though Lisa informed them that she was an actress before, none of the ladies bought it. So, when we spoke to Elise Neal about what it takes to make in this industry, she gave us more of what audiences watched her tell Lisa, last night.
In part two of our exclusive interview with Elise Neal, the Hollywood actress reveals her dream role, gives advice to up and coming talent and even describes a few of her favorite leading men.
GP: What's your dream role? You've played so many but what haven't you done that you would love to do?
EN: I'm glad that you asked that. I've done so much but with this new horror-trilogy that I'm in, "Pillow Talk 187" coming to TV One on Oct. 18, I was able to explore something... I love playing "the bad girl" because I don't get that a lot. Playing her allowed me to be sexy and fun and definitely crazy, bat crazy! And mean and everything! I love parts like that, that allow me to show that I can be fun and sexy-- That I can be evil and mean, and everything. She's everything! There was something very difficult about playing it because it goes to a very dark place.
As a person who is a trained actress, this was something I studied for at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. It's nice to be able to play something that allows me to pull out the training and do all of those things. I think people are going to be completely shocked by what I am able to pull off in my performance, like, "Oh my God!"
GP: Can't wait to see that. What is the one thing that you always tell students or mentees about building a career with longevity, like the one you have?
EN: A lot of people don't take the craft seriously. I know I take it very seriously. It's something that I've studied for and something that's a part of me. You have to understand your craft and know your parts. If you want to do this, and do it for a long time, you've got to study. You can't just be like, "Oh, I'm cute! Let me try..." No. You've got to be trained. Go to an academy, go to your local theater group, anything you can do to get versed in this profession. That will help you, especially if you want to do it for a lifetime.
GP: Great advice. I wanted to play a little game with you before we go! I'm going to give you a few of the male leads you've worked with in the past and you just have to follow up with one word-the first word that comes to mind. Sound good?
EN: Ok!
GP: Duane Martin.
EN: Buddy.
GP: Will Smith.
EN: That's a hard one! Ok... The word is... Love.
GP: Charlie Sheen.
EN: Hilarious.
GP: D. L. Hughley.
EN: Funny.
GP: Marlon Wayans.
EN: Are you talking about that guest spot I did years and years ago? Wow! It's such a blur. How about that, a blur! That's the word.
GP: Adrien Brody.
EN: Sexy.
If you missed episode one, watch it here.
Keep up with Elise Neal on Twitter @TheRealNealE!
Tune in to "Hollywood Divas" on TV One every Wednesday at 10/9c.
Check out more of our exclusives interviews!
Gia Peppers is an entertainment reporter and pop culture connoisseur who resides in Brooklyn, New York but calls Maryland home. To keep up with her, follow her on Twitter @GiaPeppers.
