Diary of a Single Mom is a web based original series, shown on PIC.tv , that stars Monica Calhoun, Valery Ortiz, Janice Lynde, and features veteran actors Billy Dee Williams, Richard Roundtree, and Leon. http://www.pic.tv/singlemom
Diary of a Single Mom, chronicles the lives and challenges of three single mothers and their families trying to get ahead despite obstacles that all single mothers face, such as childcare, health, education and finances. The series is produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Robert Townsend and written by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Cheryl L. West. Diary of a Single Mom is an award winning series–winning Best Indie Soap and Best Guest Actor from the Indie Soap Awards. The Public Internet Channel–PIC.tv– is a FREE site with videos and tools to help everyone live a better life. The videos on PIC.tv are about living healthy, taking control of your diabetes, managing your money, being a single mother, saving money by recycling, and so much more. The Public Internet Channel is a production of One Economy Corp.
One of many reasons Diary of a Single Mom makes a personal statement with their viewers is the accurate portrayal of single motherhood. Any of these characters are women who viewers can relate to. Viewers know and understand these characters–they are their mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, and sometimes themselves. The single mothers on Diary of a Single Mom are played by talented actresses Monica Calhoun, Valery Ortiz, and Janice Lynde.
Many will recognize Valery Ortiz from her starring role as Madison Duarte, in the Teen Nick original teen drama, South of Nowhere. She gained worldwide fame for her portrayal as “Jello”, a spoof of Jennifer Lopez’s role in the Wedding Planner, in the box office hit, “Date Movie.”
In Diary of a Single Mom, Valery’s character is Lupe, a Latina single mother of two children trying to balance single motherhood, love, her own insecurities, while trying to make a better life for her children. Valery discussed her role as Lupe on Diary of a Single Mom and shared a little bit about herself.
1. You born in Puerto Rico and raised in Orlando, where did you discover your passion for acting?
Honestly, it was with my brother. When I was little, I was in ballet and jazz and I wanted to be a ballerina. I was actually a ballerina for my fifth birthday party. My brother would always use my dad’s video camera. He would need someone to be in front of the video camera since he was always behind the camera working on editing and things like that. It started out as play for us and a way not to be bored, but it really stemmed from there.
2. You attended Dr. Phillips High School, the visual and performing arts magnet school for artistically talented students. What can you tell me about that experience? (Famed alumni include Joey Fatone, one of the lead singers from ‘N SYNC and actor/comic Wayne Brady)
Following in my brother’s footsteps, Hector, was accepted to Dr. Phillips High School. It is a theater magnet school and you have to audition to be considered for acceptance into the school. I would see the shows at the school and I loved the shows and the programs. I auditioned for the school and was accepted. In retrospect after I went to college, attending Dr. Phillips High School was like attending mini-college or pre-college. All the courses you took were with the same magnet students. Four years, you grow up with the same students taking theater history, creating plays together, and rehearsing into the wee hours of the morning. It was a great place to develop discipline. It is so necessary to get good training, education, and a start in theater. Due to the school, I had the chance to go to Scotland and perform the summer before my senior year in a French festival. I can’t imagine not being in it! Where would I be right now if I had not been in the magnet program?
3. In the Diary of a Single Mom, you play Lupe, a Latina single mother of two children. What attracted to you that role?
It is so different from my roles of playing Madison Duarte (South of Nowhere) and Jello (Date Movie). This role is different from any other roles I have ever played. She has two kids and she is still young. Although, Lupe can be a little irresponsible at times, she has maturity and a quest for life. She is on a journey and I was so excited to go on this journey with her. I had worked with Robert Townsend, the director and producer, on South of Nowhere. When I found out he was attached to this project, I wanted to be signed up right away. He is one of my favorite directors and he does everything. It is so different to take direction from someone who does it all and understands what to tell you so you can focus on the moment or in the scene. It was very exciting and I love this project. I love what it does on the Public Internet Channel and what One Economy has been doing. What I regret or what I wish is that more people knew about the series. Anytime anyone watches the series they love it. They are inspired by the stories and we just need to get the word out there.
4. I know when I first saw the series I became a fan instantly. I became a fan on Twitter and Facebook, because I really connected with the characters. This is truly a series where anyone can relate to the characters.
Absolutely. Our writer, Cheryl West, is phenomenal. We have yet to meet her in person and I just can’t wait. The writing in the show just flows and you are intrigued with all the characters. It is just like you said, all the characters have this thing were you want them to figure it out. Watching the series, you want to help them get through it and you are cheering for them. It is hard as an actor to be involved in a project that has all of it. In other roles, you might love the character, but then you might wish you had more episodes or that your character was deeper. You feel very lucky to be involved in something that has amazing actors, direction, writing, and is doing something. The show has a message and it’s about helping people.
5. How did you prepare to play Lupe, a Latina single mother of two children?
This is going to sound funny and I don’t want to compare kids to a dog, but that is the only thing I have that requires my complete responsibility–taking care of something that without you will die. I had my first dog when I was 20-something years old so that responsibility helped me a lot. Working on the show, I know a lot single mothers so I was able to relate and talk with them. I have a lot of conversations with Robert and he asks me how do I “get” Lupe. I feel like I could be Lupe and I could have been Lupe at some point in my life. The way I have grown up and different aspects in my life make me understand her. In the beginning of the series, Lupe is focusing on trying to get into the medical field and she is trying to figure out what she wants out of life. You have responsibilities but you are searching for a little bit more. You want to find love in the right place but it’s just not happening these are situations that I think it’s not hard for anyone to relate to. Plus, I love kids so that helped me with my character, as well.
6. In one of the episodes, Lupe expresses that she feels that her only real self value in life is her physical beauty. How much pressure do you feel is placed on young women today to fit in that mold or to be beautiful.
Too much pressure is placed on women. It’s so scary and I know I’am in the industry that creates those role models for women. I love what I do but the media does not always project positive images. In this aspect, you do have to go to the parents to create a strong foundation for a young woman. When I was raised those kinds of things did not matter–I didn’t know who the stars in L.A. were. But it is different now–my little cousin who is 5 years old loves Hannah Montana and wants the wigs and everything. I feel like you can have that but you still need that ground foundation and that starts in the home. Cultural elements come into my upbringing because if I wanted to wear just clear nail polish I had to go show my Dad to make sure it was OK. My parents didn’t allow me to shave my legs until I was 15 years old, which with me being a young girl that was so not cool. It is about being raised old-school and with the old-school mentality. That has been my experience growing up. It is what I know about guiding young women at home within the family.
7. A recent episode showed a very reluctant Lupe going to the clinic for a breast exam due to a lump in her breast. Did you feel this was an important issue for women viewers to see?
Oh, very much so. I think I’am a lot like Lupe in the fact that I’am stubborn. I get that trait from my Dad that unless I feel like I’m hacking and about to die, I will say I’m fine when I’m not feeling well. I think it is very important to get a breast exam or the yearly checkup with doctor because you never really know unless you have an examination. I did a Public Service Announcement (PSA) with Richard Roundtree talking about a friend of mine who had breast cancer at the age of 18. You can’t wait to get yourself examined by a doctor. My fiancée’s mother had breast cancer, but she found out early when she had her checkup. Had it not been for that early detection you don’t what could have happened and she has been 5 years cancer free. She has been a huge inspiration for me to look into my character and relate to my character’s medical issues. There are so many other diseases–breast cancer or diabetes–men and women need to go to the doctor, have their checkup, and not wait.
8. You like to use your celebrity for good causes and you recently took part in the Lloyd Klein fashion show that benefited Sheila E.’s Elevate Hope Foundation. What other charitable organizations are you affiliated with or support?
One of my favorites is Eva Longoria Parker’s PADRES Contra El Cancer (Parents Against Cancer) http://iamhope.org/. I have done a lot of things with them and I fully support their mission. I have been able to participate in a lot of the children events. When Go Diego Go the musical came into town, we were able to be with the kids, color with them, and talk to their parents. We had volleyball games and other events to raise money. There are lots of Latinos involved in the organization so that makes it even more attractive for me. You see these children and the hope in their eyes, despite all of their medical problems. It is truly one of my favorite organizations.
9. In terms of acting, what is your preferred acting genre? Comedy? Drama? Romance?
I have played a little bit of everything and I do enjoy the drama genre. I don’t know if I have these chops, maybe I need to develop them more, but I would love to be in a really good comedy sitcom. I love watching comedy sitcoms and I think women who are funny are awesome! I would like to try every genre because all of it helps you grow in different kinds of ways.
10. You are one of the hosts of American Latino TV. For those who are not familiar can you tell me little bit about it?
I’m very excited about my hosting duties on American Latino TV. http://www.americanlatino.tv
It’s a great show that features Latinos who are making an impact in America. You can find about Latino celebrities to F. Gaviña and Sons, one of the largest Gourmet Coffee businesses that are owned by a Latino family. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. You check for local listing of when American Latino TV will air in your area here: http://www.americanlatino.tv/wheretowatch
11. Latinos actors have faced being typecast to certain roles. Do you think there are more opportunities now available for Latinos to play lead acting roles?
We are getting there, but we are not there yet. I have been blessed with opportunities being in L.A., but there is still so much more room for improvement. It is great to see Sofia Vergara playing in the prime-time show, Modern Family. Hopefully, that will open some doors for other Latino actors. Any minority can relate to the struggles of being accepted as an actor. It’s part of a journey that unites all of us as we are trying to make this happen. I’m ready for it–bring it on!
For More Information: Watch Diary of a Single Mom anytime on: http://www.pic.tv/singlemom
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