Do They All Dance Like That?
(Part 2) - That's when I found out, CalArts was a clothing-optional school. I froze and freaked out at the same time. I knew my father was going to make me pick up my bags and take them to the car because I was going right back home. Instead, he looked at me in a way I had never seen before and...
Not What He Was Expecting
In this episode, Dusty's father, the minister does not like what he sees at the school, but my personal experience was more shocking. When I chose to leave CSU and attend CalArts my father, who was the pastor of our church, helped me move into my dorm room. It faced an in-ground swimming pool. My...
Daddy’s Coming
Dusty's character was inspired by my real life, so when the writers, Christopher Gore and Hollis Rich introduced Dusty's dad, played by Albert Hall, he was minister, like my real dad, Rev. F. L. Chandler from Colorado. In this clip, Dusty is preparing for his arrival....
FAME UK Reunion
You got big dreams....? Me too! Can't tell you how excited I am to celebrate our 40th anniversary of the FAME series. Three Fame U.K. Reunion concerts will take place from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 September 2022 at Birmingham Town Hall. I heard tickets, including VIP packages area available now...
Debbie and Dusty
In the previous video, I shared the production number scene for the episode, "Judgment Day". It was a dream sequence that reflected the report "Dusty" wrote after her trip with "Leroy". For those who may not have see the episode, "Leroy" is accused of discriminating against the white students when...
At The Apollo
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
He Kept His Promise
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 Been In Colorado
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)...
A Dream Worth Waiting For
Do you remember Janet Jackson's song "Let's Wait A While"? Yeah! It's a good one. That song was written by a dear friend of mine, Melanie Andrews. Melanie also co-wrote three songs for the Legendary Band, “Earth Wind & Fire. We were close friends at the time. We hung out in recording studios,...
I Want To Merge
Some of you may already know that Theater is my first love. I enjoy live performing more than film work and did a lot of it after "FAME". Here is a clip of me performing at a famous club in Santa Monica, CA called, "At My Place". My older brother, David was the producer and performed too. (More to...
Holiday Around The Word!
Happy Holidays. May God continue to bless you and yours!!! https://youtu.be/1qjNYgYCAto
Easy To Believe
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...
Song Bird
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...
Dusty’s Pain Was My Pain
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. ...
Dusty wants more!
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
Dusty’s Pink Overalls
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
Leroy Dances, Dusty Sings
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...
The “Cuties” Perform in New York!
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
Tribute To Carrie Hamilton (Reggie)
Carrie wrote the song "Living East of Eden" for this episode. So much talent. Her time on this planet was way too short. Miss you!! https://youtu.be/Jly0M-P-oiQ
What About the New Edition?
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
Dusty’s A Drummer Now!
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. 😉 ...
Back On The Savage Streets
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
Dusty Wants To Be Carmen
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....
Crossing Over!
The final production number for this episode brought us back to where we should be. Celebrating life! https://youtu.be/fk736ZffbiM