CENTERSTAGE By Freelance Writer, Michael P Coleman
E
ven if your math skills aren’t that great, it’s easy to see that Wendy Raquel Robinson is a triple threat.
She has been an accomplished actor, dancer, and choreographer. But anyone who knows Robinson knows one thing: she’s just getting started!
“The characters that I’ve played have allowed me to be my alter ego,” Robinson said. “I’m really shy, believe it or not. I’m kinda quiet — unless you know me! And then it’s on! But I’ve hidden behind a lot of my characters who have allowed me to be outspoken and ballsy and brassy. That’s what I love about acting!”
With all of her subsequent professional success, Robinson has never lost her “THE CHARACTERS connection to her community, and THAT I’VE PLAYED HAVE she’s committed time and financial ALLOWED ME TO BE MY resources — literally putting her ALTER EGO. I’M KINDA QUIET money where her mouth is. She’s — UNLESS YOU KNOW ME! the co-founder of Amazing Grace AND THEN IT’S ON!” Conservatory, a theatrical training ground and dance studio for teens in South Central Los Angeles.
Robinson made a name for herself on The Steve Harvey Show, delivering a three-time NAACP Image Award-nominated performance over the sitcom’s six seasons. Well before that, she appeared in several stage plays including The Vagina Monologues, Black Women’s Blues, Agnes of God, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Colored Museum, and Vanities.
The Sac Cultural Hub is THRILLED to welcome Wendy Raquel Robinson to this year’s Exceptional Women Of Color conference! n
She’s starred in several feature films, including A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Two Can Play That Game, Something New, and The Game.
As a kid, Michael P Coleman used to talk to strangers and get punished. Today, the freelance writer talks to strangers and gets published! Connect with him at MichaelPColeman.com.
Young folks should know that with Robinson, success was a process. During an interview with DL Hughley, Robinson recalled having been kicked out of high school! “I was a lot,” Robinson laughed. “I went to Hollywood High School, and it was before… medicinal purposes…marijuana…,” she said. “I got caught up! I was ahead of my time! I was hanging with the wrong people, and to all of the young people, I want to say DON’T DO DRUGS!” Because of the characters for which Robinson has become known, fans assume that the actress is brash and outspoken. Not so, according to a conversation she had with Wendy Williams.
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FALL 2020
