GROWING BOLDER WITH

Rosie Perez

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Rosie Perez spent her childhood bouncing around group foster homes and dealing with her mother’s schizophrenia. Despite the odds, she knew she was destined for greater things in life.

“Even as a little child, I always knew I was better than the situation I was placed in. I just needed an opportunity,” she said. “I readied myself for success. I made sure my mind was sharp for any opportunity that presented itself.”

That opportunity came at 19 when a “Soul Train” scout saw her dancing in a club. Even though she wasn’t a professional dancer, she seized that opportunity; and before long, she was choreographing dances for “In Living Color” and music videos for the likes of Janet Jackson and Diana Ross. By 24, Spike Lee cast her in “Do the Right Thing” 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 “The Flight Attendant” in Thailand in late 2019.

“I had contracted COVID when we flew to Bangkok,” Perez told the publication Uproxx. “And at that time, they were saying ‘It’s a new respiratory tract infection. We don’t really know what it is and what it does. It was terrifying. I remember my manager was with me, and I said, ‘Tarik, don’t let me die in Bangkok.’”

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.

“Women should start patting themselves on the backs, especially the ones who have overcome such great difficulties. I don’t want them to shy away from their strength and their courage. I’m really proud of myself, and I want other women to feel proud, as well,” Perez told Growing Bolder.

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