GROWING BOLDER WITH
Rosie Perez Rosie Perez spent her childhood bouncing around group foster homes and dealing with her motherâs schizophrenia. Despite the odds, she knew she was destined for greater things in life. âEven as a little child, I always knew I was better than the situation I was placed in. I just needed an opportunity,â she said. âI readied myself for success. I made sure my mind was sharp for any opportunity that presented itself.â That opportunity came at 19 when a âSoul Trainâ scout saw her dancing in a club. Even though she wasnât a professional dancer, she seized that opportunity; and before long, she was choreographing dances for âIn Living Colorâ and music videos for the likes of Janet Jackson and Diana Ross. By 24, Spike Lee cast her in âDo the Right Thingâ and the rest is history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perez was one of the first well-known figures to contract the virus. She was diagnosed with the emerging virus while shooting the HBO Max series âThe Flight Attendantâ in Thailand in late 2019. âI had contracted COVID when we flew to Bangkok,â
56 Perez told the publication Uproxx. âAnd at that time, they were saying âItâs a new respiratory tract infection. We donât really know what it is and what it does. It was terrifying. I remember my manager was with me, and I said, âTarik, donât let me die in Bangkok.ââ Perez recovered and finished shooting the critically acclaimed show after productions opened back up with new safety protocols in place. Perez became an outspoken advocate of wearing masks and even recorded a series of PSAs for the public transportation systems in her hometown of New York City. Today, the Oscar-nominated actress wants other women to know not only are they, too, capable of incredible things, she wants women to celebrate their achievements. âWomen should start patting themselves on the backs, especially the ones who have overcome such great difficulties. I donât want them to shy away from their strength and their courage. Iâm really proud of myself, and I want other women to feel proud, as well,â Perez told Growing Bolder.
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IN E VERY IS SUE : GROWING BOLDER WITH
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