My Years on “FAME” The TV Series!

Production number at the Apollo. Very special. Some of my classmates from Cal Arts are in the band... what a day!!! https://youtu.be/T0jaVlJRFfk

Leroy keeps his promise and took Dusty to the Apollo. On the day we filmed in New York, we didn't get to go inside the actual building. I never did find out exactly why, but even outside, you could feel the power of the talent that came before us. https://youtu.be/lSO2zwb-KdQ

I've shared before that much of my character, Dusty was taken from my actual life and like Dusty, I did not know as much as I should have about being 'Black in America'. The wonderful producers on FAME helped me catch up. I did know Martin Luther King, because of the holiday (so grateful for that)...

Happy Holidays.  May God continue to bless you and yours!!!   https://youtu.be/1qjNYgYCAto

Jessie's real father attended a live performance where Jessie and I sang this song. He came up to me afterwards and paid me a compliment I will never forget. The way he described how well we handed the material and the deliverance of the music... I knew he had to be a great singer himself. Jessie...

Some days I still pinch myself, knowing I had an opportunity to do a scene with Kevin McCarthy. Before we shot the scene I asked him if we could run lines. He felt it would be better to just do it fresh on camera. He was right. In the scene, he made me (the actress) feel worthy and special. I pray...

The writers and producers deal a harsh blow to Dusty. Just before we shot this scene, the writer/director, Donald Reiker pulled me aside and made me open up to all the fear and doubt that I (the actress) had been struggling with since I joined the cast... then we rolled tape.  ...

In this episode, the writers have Dusty try out for the Lead. I'm still in awe about how accurately they portrayed the feelings I, the actress was experiencing, but then again, that was the beauty of "FAME".   https://youtu.be/GLteiCr5BFU

In this episode, Danny sneaks us in to the Tavern on the green to perform for a famous agent. This tribute to Prince has Dusty dancing in Pink overalls!   https://youtu.be/V6AVZ-pKOFM

The "FAME" producers and musical director gave me a chance to create a medley on the spot that would accompany Leroy's character while he danced. They wanted a light jazzy feel and I couldn't wait to do it. The sound track was amazing and I could see where I wanted to go in it. We did it in 2- 3...

Each summer, the FAME production would fly us to New York to shoot the outside shots. One of the funnest days for this shoot... and yes, it takes all day, but what a blast! https://youtu.be/pabnM4X7Vpc

In this clip, Dusty mentions the New Edition. At the time I was close friends with Johnny Gill, so it cool to get to do that.   https://youtu.be/enauXrBWUqo

In season 6 of FAME the writers/producers had the brilliant idea to form a girl band. I played drums. Had a drummer come in and give me the basics. For weeks I walked around with sticks practicing the licks. Got pretty good and tossed in some baton twirls too. 😉  ...

Every time I play this clip, I can feel the power of how the FAME film editors, director, camera crew and staff worked together to elevate this story. Jesse's focus on set was undeniable and Nia's performance had me crying with her. So proud to be a part of it! https://youtu.be/vMO4EpwhUP0

So many great story lines on FAME and one of my many favorite episodes featured Jessie and Nia in "Savage Streets". Carefully crafted writing and powerful performances came together to tell an impactful story. Dusty's comedic interjections were sprinkled in the right places....

The final production number for this episode brought us back to where we should be. Celebrating life! https://youtu.be/fk736ZffbiM  

I have to say it again, the FAME writers were bold and sensitive at the same time when handling a tough subject like race. Dusty's indecisiveness pretty much matched my own. I grew up in Pueblo where the black population was 3%. Until high school, I didn't think about my color. (so to speak) The...

GLEE and FAME, better known as GLAME (Pronounced GLAM as in glamorous) is the hottest new celebrity couple for game night on "Stars in the House".  We had so much fun supporting the Actor's Fund.  This amazing organization provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals. ...

Back to the episode, "River To Cross". The FAME writers were very good at sharing how people of different backgrounds can learn to appreciate their differences and even become friends. Carlos and Gene Anthony Ray were also close friends in real life.