The Best People with Nicolle Wallace

Episode: Rosie Perez is Still Doing the Right Thing
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Nicolle Wallace
Guest: Rosie Perez

Episode Overview

This compelling episode of The Best People features Nicolle Wallace in conversation with iconic actress, activist, and her close friend Rosie Perez. The episode delves deeply into themes of moral courage, the importance of nuance in social and political discourse, the risks of public advocacy, and the ongoing challenges faced by creative professionals in turbulent times. Perez shares personal stories from her activism, her thoughts on recent moments of civil unrest, and insights from her career—including the enduring influence of her breakout in "Do the Right Thing."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rosie and Nicolle’s Origin Story and Friendship

• Building Trust and Advocacy: Rosie and Nicolle recount how their friendship began in a high-pressure, high-visibility workplace, and how Rosie’s early public support helped Nicolle find her footing in unfamiliar territory at "The View."
  • Quote: “I left because I said, if you don’t make her the point person, then I’m out. And then I told everyone they were fucking idiots… I said, she’s gonna be an anchor.”
    — Rosie Perez (03:23)
• Authenticity and Earning Trust: Nicolle reflects on how Rosie’s deep authenticity and discernment in forming close friendships set their relationship apart from the start.

2. The Importance of Gray Areas

• Nuance in Polarized Times: Both women lament the country’s widening polarization.
  • Quote: “It’s funny, though. It’s like we’re talking about not being so absolute. That’s what the problem is right now, is everybody is so polarized and no one can see the gray area. And the gray area is what used to make us great.”
    — Rosie Perez (06:08)
• Nicole adds, “It’s also where, like, 90% of people live, right? Like, most Americans are not able to say, I hate everyone that voted for Trump because ... they have to live in a world.” (06:23)

3. Campaigning and Listening — Ground-Level Perspectives

• What Voters Want: Rosie details her experiences campaigning for Democratic candidates and the common ground she’s found among voters of all affiliations—especially regarding the economy.
  • Quote: “I have learned to stop yelling and I’ve learned to listen more. And…they wanted the same thing. It was the economy, stupid. That was it. Nobody cared about social issues … and I just kept trying to tell the campaign that, and nobody was listening to me.”
    — Rosie Perez (07:31)
• Shifting Attitudes: Rosie notes disappointment from MAGA voters over unmet promises and stresses the need to talk and find commonalities.

4. The Cost and Fear of Speaking Out

• Risks in Public Advocacy: Rosie speaks candidly about industry fear—actors and everyday Americans both risk social, financial, and sometimes even physical harm for standing up.
  • On Risks: "Everyone is terrified right now ... The consequences are real right now. You know, two people are dead right now. There’s been multiple people who have died because of immigration and freedom, of your right to protest and what have you, but to live in fear and not having the wherewithal to push through it is where we are right now…” (10:50)
• Quoting Jane Fonda: “No, I’m not [brave]. I’m not. I’m scared. ... but I’m more scared if I don’t do something.” — Rosie retelling Jane Fonda’s words on activism (11:43)
• Social Media and Tribalism: They discuss the intensified effect of algorithms in making partisanship feel more extreme and stifling dissent within groups.

5. Current Events: Immigration and ICE Enforcement

• Immigration Enforcement Overreach: Rosie expresses alarm at masked ICE officers operating with impunity and the tragic consequences for families and communities.
  • Quote: “Having masked law enforcement is insane…in the United States...we have law enforcement...wearing masks. We can't even tell who they are. And then making statements like, 'raise your voice once again and I'll erase your voice.' ... The insanity just needs to stop.” (13:12)
• Personal Toll: She shares emotional accounts of witnessing children traumatized by these policies, identifying with them as a grandmother herself.
  • Memorable Moment: “When I saw the five year old Liam, that’s what broke me. Yeah, that’s when the tears came. Because I have a grandson, I couldn’t imagine the fear that little kid was going through.” (17:05)

6. Industry Shifts, Fear, and Consolidation

• Media Ownership Consolidation: Rosie highlights anxiety in Hollywood about right-wing influence and mergers, noting threats to creative freedom and the narrowing of decision-makers.
  • Quote: “It’s like fewer people making the bigger decisions … that’s troubling. Everybody in Hollywood is going, ‘Oh my God, what the fuck?’” (24:46)
• Creative Risks: Many actors feel unable to speak or act freely due to contract dependencies and the threat of blacklisting.

7. The Power and Price of Protest

• Minnesota, ICE, and Urban Protest: Both comment on the country’s shift after ICE’s deadly incidents in Minneapolis, connecting it to renewed activism and political engagement.
  • Quote: “The country changed … The price that those two individuals did pay with their lives, ... it has woken up America up.” — Rosie Perez (27:41)
• Voting as Resistance: Rosie and Nicolle emphasize voting and economic boycotts as ways people can exert influence while remaining safe.
  • Rosie: “Whatever you’re doing, you may not have to go out and protest, but you can go out and vote or you can cancel stuff.” (28:47)

8. Culture, Sports, and Political Engagement

• Sports as a Unifying Space: Rosie compares the tribal yet unifying nature of sports crowds to the deeply entrenched silos of political discourse.
  • Memorable Moment: “You are inside a stadium or an arena where you don’t know who the hell has voted for who, right? It doesn’t matter…Everybody’s there just as Americans.” (33:15)
• Democrats and Populist Culture: The lack of Democratic figures who can comfortably inhabit these cultural spaces (unlike Trump) is discussed, with Rosie naming a few hopefuls like Mikie Sherrill and Andy Beshear.

9. The Mechanics and Reality of Campaigning

• Going Door-to-Door: Rosie gives a vibrant, honest account of the stress and dangers of canvassing, especially in working-class neighborhoods, noting new openness to centrist Democrats after prior disappointments.
  • Humorous Aside: “Any Latino will understand. I go, my hair has to be done. I got to do my hair. Leave me alone. And I need lip gloss...” (37:03)

10. Reflections on Activism and Personal Motivation

• Why Keep Doing the Right Thing? Rosie explains her courage comes from people who fought for her as a child, pushing her now to stand up for others, even when afraid.
  • Quote: “Because other people fought for me when I was a kid, and it made a difference in my life.” (43:09)
• On Career and Sacrifice: She recalls nearly losing work due to her AIDS activism and the lasting pain—but also the meaningful progress such activism has achieved.

11. Cultural Legacy and Personal Stories

• Do the Right Thing: Rosie shares memories of being discovered by Spike Lee, her nerves, learning from mentors like Danny Aiello, and staying grounded despite rapid fame.
  • Quote: “My life prior to Do the Right Thing, I was a college nerd … I meet [Spike] in a nightclub and my whole life changes, literally. … If it wasn’t for … Danny Aiello, I don’t think I could have pushed through.” (49:16)

12. Current Projects and Looking Forward

• Upcoming Work: Rosie announces she will narrate a podcast about the "Fania All-Stars" and the history of salsa music, expressing pride and excitement.

• Closing Note on Friendship: The episode closes with emotional mutual thanks between Rosie and Nicolle, emphasizing enduring support and affection.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Rosie Perez on Standing Up for Nicolle:
  • “If you don’t make her the point person, then I’m out. … She’s gonna be an anchor.” (03:23)
• On the Need for Nuance:
  • “That’s what the problem is right now, is everybody is so polarized, and no one can see the gray area. And the gray area is what used to make us great.” (06:08)
• On Activist Fear and Courage:
  • “Jane Fonda goes, ‘No, I’m not [brave]. I’m scared … but I’m more scared if I don’t do something.’” (11:43)
• On Masked ICE Officers and Civil Rights:
  • “Having masked law enforcement is insane … And then making statements like, ‘raise your voice once again and I’ll erase your voice.’” (13:12)
• On the Power of Protest and Voting:
  • “Whatever you’re doing, you may not have to go out and protest, but you can go out and vote or you can cancel stuff.” (28:47)
• Personal Motivation:
  • “Because other people fought for me when I was a kid, and it made a difference in my life.” (43:09)
• On the Culture Divide:
  • “Everybody’s there just as fans. … Politics. Get out of here. I want to see someone get punched in the face.” (33:16)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Rosie and Nicolle’s Friendship Origin: 02:03–04:32
• The Problem with Absolutism & Finding Gray Area: 06:08–07:22
• Campaigning & Listening to Voters: 07:31–08:35
• Fear & Risks of Speaking Out: 10:50–12:51
• Immigration Enforcement and Personal Impact: 13:12–15:13, 17:05
• Industry Changes, Mergers & Media Fear: 24:05–25:24
• Minnesota Protests & Changing the Country: 27:29–28:47
• Voting and Boycotts as Activism: 28:47–30:00
• Sports, Culture, and Political Strategy: 31:07–33:56
• Canvassing Stories & Changing Voters: 36:36–39:23
• Motivation for Activism & Upbringing: 43:09–45:03
• Do the Right Thing Memories: 48:50–51:19
• Closing Reflections & Friendship: 51:56–52:44

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, vibrant, and often emotionally charged. Rosie Perez’s warmth, humor, and unfiltered honesty shine in her storytelling—balancing hard truths with humor and resilience. Nicolle Wallace offers thoughtful, empathetic questions and reflections, creating space for vulnerability and insight.

In Summary

This episode offers an intimate look at the personal convictions and experiences behind Rosie Perez’s reputation for “doing the right thing”—from Hollywood to the streets of Minneapolis. Blending personal anecdotes, industry commentary, and social critique, Perez and Wallace illuminate the risks and rewards of speaking out, the crucial value of nuance in public life, and the necessity of both courage and connection in fraught times.