INTERVIEW: Rosie Perez On Making Her Name In Hollywood, 2Pac Friendship, Love For Boxing + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Rosie Perez

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosted by DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God, Rosie Perez joins the show to discuss her illustrious career in Hollywood, her friendship with the late Tupac Shakur, and her new role as a commentator for the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match.

Celebrating 60 Years Young

Rosie Perez opens up about her 60th birthday, expressing both surprise and gratitude for reaching this milestone.

Rosie Perez [04:08]: “Yes, I am 60 years old. And everyone keeps telling me I'm 60 years old, but it's all good.”

She reminisces about her intimate birthday celebration, initially expecting 40 guests but pleasantly surprised when 82 friends attended, highlighting her preference for close-knit gatherings over large parties.

Rosie Perez [04:14]: “At first it was supposed to be like, 40 people, and I thought that was a lot. But 82 people showed up.”

From Marine Biology to Hollywood: A Journey of Passion

Rosie delves into her transition from studying biochemistry in college to pursuing a career in dance and choreography, eventually leading her to acting.

Rosie Perez [11:09]: “I was in college to be a marine biologist. I was studying biochem.”

She shares the pivotal moment when she met talent scouts and was encouraged to teach hip-hop dance to artists, despite facing skepticism and resistance from her father.

Rosie Perez [12:18]: “He was very upset with me on Soul Train, and that's the reason why I stopped dancing.”

Breaking Barriers in Hollywood

Rosie discusses the challenges she faced as a Latina in the entertainment industry, including battling typecasting and overcoming discrimination.

Rosie Perez [07:04]: “I was the only person of color in the casting room, and it was all just a sea of white ladies.”

She highlights her perseverance in securing diverse roles and the importance of staying true to her identity, even when faced with backlash from within the Latino community.

Rosie Perez [08:38]: “I just kept focus and just kept pushing through and just showing up.”

Iconic Roles and Collaborations

Rosie reflects on her breakthrough role in Do the Right Thing and her collaboration with director Spike Lee, which solidified her passion for acting.

Rosie Perez [13:09]: “I met him in a nightclub and we got an argument, and he said, this is fate.”

She recounts the emotional impact of seeing the final product of her work, which reaffirmed her commitment to the craft.

Rosie Perez [14:11]: “I was sitting in the theater. Tears were going down my eyes.”

Friendship with Tupac Shakur

One of the highlights of the interview is Rosie’s heartfelt account of her friendship with the iconic rapper Tupac Shakur, shedding light on their bond and mutual respect.

Rosie Perez [30:22]: “Yes, we were very close.”

She narrates how their friendship began on tour and the genuine camaraderie they shared, including memorable experiences like attending events together.

Rosie Perez [31:47]: “We rolled out in there like we a couple, and it's gonna kill him.”

Transition to Boxing Commentary

Rosie reveals her exciting new venture as a commentator for the high-profile Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, detailing how she was approached and prepared for the role.

Rosie Perez [35:22]: “I got a call. I couldn't believe it.”

She describes the rigorous training process, including test runs with seasoned commentators, and her enthusiasm for bringing her unique voice to the boxing world.

Rosie Perez [35:23]: “We did a test run and it was me, Mauro Ranallo, and Roy Jones Jr.”

Rosie emphasizes her respect for Mike Tyson and her commitment to providing insightful and entertaining commentary, balancing her passion for boxing with her professional integrity.

Rosie Perez [40:16]: “It's going to be a real fight. And I think it was a very, very smart thing for those two companies to put on.”

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Rosie candidly discusses the misogyny and challenges she faced as a woman in the entertainment industry, sharing personal anecdotes about standing her ground and maintaining her professionalism.

Rosie Perez [18:24]: “Everyone wants me to say his name, but I'm like, his life is shit now, so it's okay.”

She underscores the importance of resilience and self-belief, encouraging other minority women to fight for their place in the industry.

Rosie Perez [22:26]: “I develop a reputation, and it was to my benefit, you know, they're like, oh, my gosh, she's such a bitch.”

Reflections and Advice

Throughout the interview, Rosie offers valuable insights into her career longevity, attributing her success to discipline, professionalism, and the ability to adapt.

Rosie Perez [06:27]: “And I go, I've been doing something different. That's your limitations that you're not able to see that I have been doing something different.”

She advises aspiring actors and dancers to embrace auditions, remain punctual, and stay prepared, emphasizing that persistence leads to opportunities.

Rosie Perez [06:27]: “Be on time, be professional, be courteous, and be prepared.”

Conclusion

Rosie Perez’s interview on The Breakfast Club is a testament to her enduring spirit and multifaceted talent. From battling industry biases to forging meaningful friendships and embarking on new ventures, Rosie embodies the essence of resilience and reinvention. Her upcoming role as a boxing commentator showcases her versatility and commitment to exploring diverse avenues in her career.

Notable Quotes

Rosie Perez [04:08]: “Yes, I am 60 years old. And everyone keeps telling me I'm 60 years old, but it's all good.”
Rosie Perez [07:04]: “I was the only person of color in the casting room, and it was all just a sea of white ladies.”
Rosie Perez [14:11]: “I was sitting in the theater. Tears were going down my eyes.”
Rosie Perez [30:22]: “Yes, we were very close.”
Rosie Perez [35:22]: “I got a call. I couldn't believe it.”
Rosie Perez [06:27]: “Be on time, be professional, be courteous, and be prepared.”

Key Insights

Resilience in Adversity: Rosie’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance in overcoming industry challenges and personal setbacks.
Diversity and Representation: Her experiences highlight the ongoing struggle for minority representation in Hollywood and the significance of staying true to one’s identity.
Versatility and Reinvention: Rosie’s ability to transition from dance to acting and now to sports commentary exemplifies the power of adaptability in sustaining a long-term career.
Mentorship and Support: Contributions from industry veterans like Spike Lee and Raul Julia were pivotal in Rosie’s career, emphasizing the value of mentorship and community support.

Conclusion

Rosie Perez's candid and inspiring discussion on The Breakfast Club offers listeners a deep dive into her personal and professional life. Her stories of triumph, friendship, and continuous reinvention serve as powerful motivation for anyone striving to make their mark in the entertainment industry or beyond.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Rosie Perez

Introduction

Celebrating 60 Years Young

Rosie Perez opens up about her 60th birthday, expressing both surprise and gratitude for reaching this milestone.

Rosie Perez [04:08]: “Yes, I am 60 years old. And everyone keeps telling me I'm 60 years old, but it's all good.”

Rosie Perez [04:14]: “At first it was supposed to be like, 40 people, and I thought that was a lot. But 82 people showed up.”

From Marine Biology to Hollywood: A Journey of Passion

Rosie delves into her transition from studying biochemistry in college to pursuing a career in dance and choreography, eventually leading her to acting.

Rosie Perez [11:09]: “I was in college to be a marine biologist. I was studying biochem.”

She shares the pivotal moment when she met talent scouts and was encouraged to teach hip-hop dance to artists, despite facing skepticism and resistance from her father.

Rosie Perez [12:18]: “He was very upset with me on Soul Train, and that's the reason why I stopped dancing.”

Breaking Barriers in Hollywood

Rosie discusses the challenges she faced as a Latina in the entertainment industry, including battling typecasting and overcoming discrimination.

Rosie Perez [07:04]: “I was the only person of color in the casting room, and it was all just a sea of white ladies.”

She highlights her perseverance in securing diverse roles and the importance of staying true to her identity, even when faced with backlash from within the Latino community.

Rosie Perez [08:38]: “I just kept focus and just kept pushing through and just showing up.”

Iconic Roles and Collaborations

Rosie reflects on her breakthrough role in Do the Right Thing and her collaboration with director Spike Lee, which solidified her passion for acting.

Rosie Perez [13:09]: “I met him in a nightclub and we got an argument, and he said, this is fate.”

She recounts the emotional impact of seeing the final product of her work, which reaffirmed her commitment to the craft.

Rosie Perez [14:11]: “I was sitting in the theater. Tears were going down my eyes.”

Friendship with Tupac Shakur

One of the highlights of the interview is Rosie’s heartfelt account of her friendship with the iconic rapper Tupac Shakur, shedding light on their bond and mutual respect.

Rosie Perez [30:22]: “Yes, we were very close.”

She narrates how their friendship began on tour and the genuine camaraderie they shared, including memorable experiences like attending events together.

Rosie Perez [31:47]: “We rolled out in there like we a couple, and it's gonna kill him.”

Transition to Boxing Commentary

Rosie reveals her exciting new venture as a commentator for the high-profile Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, detailing how she was approached and prepared for the role.

Rosie Perez [35:22]: “I got a call. I couldn't believe it.”

She describes the rigorous training process, including test runs with seasoned commentators, and her enthusiasm for bringing her unique voice to the boxing world.

Rosie Perez [35:23]: “We did a test run and it was me, Mauro Ranallo, and Roy Jones Jr.”

Rosie emphasizes her respect for Mike Tyson and her commitment to providing insightful and entertaining commentary, balancing her passion for boxing with her professional integrity.

Rosie Perez [40:16]: “It's going to be a real fight. And I think it was a very, very smart thing for those two companies to put on.”

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Rosie candidly discusses the misogyny and challenges she faced as a woman in the entertainment industry, sharing personal anecdotes about standing her ground and maintaining her professionalism.

Rosie Perez [18:24]: “Everyone wants me to say his name, but I'm like, his life is shit now, so it's okay.”

She underscores the importance of resilience and self-belief, encouraging other minority women to fight for their place in the industry.

Rosie Perez [22:26]: “I develop a reputation, and it was to my benefit, you know, they're like, oh, my gosh, she's such a bitch.”

Reflections and Advice

Throughout the interview, Rosie offers valuable insights into her career longevity, attributing her success to discipline, professionalism, and the ability to adapt.

Rosie Perez [06:27]: “And I go, I've been doing something different. That's your limitations that you're not able to see that I have been doing something different.”

She advises aspiring actors and dancers to embrace auditions, remain punctual, and stay prepared, emphasizing that persistence leads to opportunities.

Rosie Perez [06:27]: “Be on time, be professional, be courteous, and be prepared.”

Conclusion

Notable Quotes

Rosie Perez [04:08]: “Yes, I am 60 years old. And everyone keeps telling me I'm 60 years old, but it's all good.”
Rosie Perez [07:04]: “I was the only person of color in the casting room, and it was all just a sea of white ladies.”
Rosie Perez [14:11]: “I was sitting in the theater. Tears were going down my eyes.”
Rosie Perez [30:22]: “Yes, we were very close.”
Rosie Perez [35:22]: “I got a call. I couldn't believe it.”
Rosie Perez [06:27]: “Be on time, be professional, be courteous, and be prepared.”

Key Insights

Resilience in Adversity: Rosie’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance in overcoming industry challenges and personal setbacks.
Diversity and Representation: Her experiences highlight the ongoing struggle for minority representation in Hollywood and the significance of staying true to one’s identity.
Versatility and Reinvention: Rosie’s ability to transition from dance to acting and now to sports commentary exemplifies the power of adaptability in sustaining a long-term career.
Mentorship and Support: Contributions from industry veterans like Spike Lee and Raul Julia were pivotal in Rosie’s career, emphasizing the value of mentorship and community support.

Conclusion