Erica Hubbard Interview: From Akeelah & The Bee to A Cinderella Story

[00:00:00] She made us laugh, cry, and feel seen for years. From the small screen to the movie screen, Erica Hubbard first hit our screens in the late 90s and never looked back, building a career filled with memorable performances that became part of so many of our favorite movies and shows growing up. Today we're taking her back to the beginning and revisiting the early roles that first introduced us to her talent.

[00:00:22] Welcome to the No More Late Fees podcast. I'm Jackie.

[00:00:39] And I'm Danielle, and we're just two best friends and ex-blockbuster employees rewatching some of the best and worst movies from the late 90s and early 2000s. This week on the No More Late Fees podcast, we're joined by actress Erica Hubbard, whose career spans television and film favorites that so many millennials grew up watching. From Chicago-based projects early in her career to teen classics and beloved television shows, Erica has been part of some truly defining pop culture moments. So buckle up, sit back, and join us in the past.

[00:01:09] As we get to interview this wonderful actress. So let's go ahead and start at the beginning. What first sparked your interest in acting? Ooh, what first sparked my interest in acting? I was acting, but I wouldn't say my interest was sparked in it until I get to the theater stage. And I was about eight or nine years old. And I was so nervous. My heart was beating. And I had one line, one line. And I kind of peeked out at the audience and it was crowded. So I was just like, oh, oh.

[00:01:39] Oh my gosh. And the adrenaline was rushing. And I was, I didn't know what that was called back at eight or nine, but it was something. It was a lot of pressure. And I went out there with all my nerves. I said the one line in the audience exploded. They were so excited. And I was like, whoa, now my interest is sparked in acting. Cause I liked that feeling, that feedback with theater. Cause you get it instantly. And I said, I like this. I'm like, this is what I want to do.

[00:02:06] So thrilling feeling of being a theater kid. And some of your earlier projects like ER, early edition, light it up, were filmed in Chicago. What was it like getting to work professionally in your hometown so early in your career? I'm going to tell you guys a story. I don't even know if people know this story. Ooh, love that. Oh.

[00:02:30] When Save the Last Dance came to town, I was like, no way this huge film is going to be here and I'm not going to be in it. I'm a Chicagoan and they're filming it in Chicago. Yep. You know, so I was just like, no way. So I went and auditioned and they liked me. And then I said, I said, do I get a call back? And then they were like, well, no. And I'm like, no, they're going to pass. Oh no.

[00:02:55] So then I found out about the second audition, which was the callback. And I snuck in. Yes, I did. I signed my name like I was supposed to be there.

[00:03:03] And so I got in there and the casting person called my name and I wouldn't suggest this to anyone. I was, I don't suggest doing that, but she was kind of heated. She was like, wait, your name's not on my list and you're here. She was like, don't you ever sneak into my auditions again. I said, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, but I'm here. I'm here. Just give me one more shot. Give me one more shot. Please. I'm here. We're right here. She's like, I know.

[00:03:29] No, I'm so sorry. I apologize, but I'm ready. I'm so ready to go. And guess what? I set the lines and she loved it that time. I ended up booking the role. I ended up booking the role. So it was amazing. Yes, it was. It was amazing. I got to set and I knew it was going to be a classic because the energy of the film, the writing, just the storyline.

[00:03:55] I was like, wow. I saw what was taking place and I was like, oh, this is going to live on in people's hearts forever. And it really, it really did. I really enjoy watching it. Even to this day, it's a classic film, you know, and it's shot right here in Chicago. I heard the cast got to go out dancing like almost every night. Did you get to go with them?

[00:04:18] Yeah. Well, on set we danced. Shout out to Fatima Robinson who choreographed Save the Last Dance. Brilliant. On the set too, we just danced just to dance. It was like shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot. And it was fun. And we kind of got lost in the whole rhythm. And I was excited because, you know, it was so many people in that club scene. And so I was like, wow.

[00:04:46] When the crane came over, the crane shot came over. I was like, really? I used to try to dance and then that part made it into the movie and I was excited. What was it like? It was only been two times where we've been on a set where the crane shot, you know, it's a big budget when they have the crane come out. That was Save the Last Dance and Cinderella Story. We had a crane shot on the field coming over our head.

[00:05:15] And then they brought in fake rain too. And that was cool when they rolled in those fake rain machines, you know, at the end when she kisses him and stuff. That was, oh my gosh, that was extraordinary. Extraordinary. So I love it. I love it. I just love those classic films. Like Cinderella Story is a classic too. Yes, definitely. Do you remember your first audition or booking?

[00:05:39] Yes. My first, my first audition and booking was for Sears. Sears. I was a model before they did the theater and I was nervous. They were like, if you could fit these clothes, then you'll become a success. And I was like the perfect size 10. And I just like posing and modeling and stuff. And I guess I had the personality and I was, I'm just felt so fortunate that people gravitated toward me and they just kept booking me.

[00:06:09] So I was, I was with Ford Models for a long time. I ended up being the Noxzema girl and I've just had a nice modeling career before I transitioned into commercials. I did Chick-fil-A, McDonald's and, you know, T-Mobile and then transitioned into voiceovers. A lot of people don't know. I did voiceovers when I was really, really, really, really young.

[00:06:32] But then as I matured and became an adult, I ended up booking the replacements on Disney Plus where I played two characters. Oh, wow. It's still, you know, on air. People don't know that's my voice, you know. Yeah. But I play Abby on the replacements. The little squeal voice, that's me. And then I also was playing Claudia. I was like, oh my gosh, the really proper girls. I played the urban girl and the proper girl.

[00:07:03] I mean, they're like, oh my gosh, yeah. So, but guess who I got to meet, you guys? And to this day, I'm so happy I crossed paths with her. Nancy Cartwright. She was on the series. I know. I was like, no way. Bart said. I was like, no. She's like, hello. She knows like a gazillion different voices. I was just like, oh my gosh. So just to work with her. It was just a joy. It's a joy. That's amazing.

[00:07:33] Since you were so young when you started, were there any actors or actresses that you felt like a connection to or that mentored you along the way that helped guide you where you were going? So, you guys probably won't know who the mentors that I look up to, but I will shout their names out just in case they watch this. Thank you so much for being, inspiring me as an actress.

[00:07:58] But Cy Richardson, Dan Martin, Art Evans, rest in peace. Chadwick Boseman, rest in peace. Even Richard Roundtree, rest in peace. Angela Bassett, Lawrence Fishburne. Those are the talents, the thespians that I look up to when I say thespians because a lot of them come from theater. So I love stage actors and actresses.

[00:08:22] You just named so many legends and the fact that so many of them you've been able to work with is amazing. Thank you. And I do think it's something that is wonderful about acting when you have some of the older castmates that can embrace you and help you grow in your craft. You know, that's just a wonderful thing to see.

[00:08:50] I mean, they just let me get in the camera. They which I appreciate you in case they see it. They're into technique. And so a lot of times actors bring their personalities. Everybody has a nice personality. It's lovely. But there are some techniques, old school techniques that they tell me about. And then I trained and then I also see them doing. And I just like respect that. Yeah.

[00:09:20] Where do you get that from, you know? And just recently talking about for us in the 90s and 2000s, especially for me, seeing we saw like a lot of representation. I think it was like an era where things had shifted politically and socially. And then in movies where we were seeing more black actors being in larger productions or more majority white productions.

[00:09:45] And so growing up, it felt like we were getting representation and it was wonderful. But that now, like looking back, we realize it was not as fully developed characters as we would have liked to see. How was it being able to maneuver in that in those situations?

[00:10:04] You were an actress, but you were in a black actress in these movies and having to navigate still being your authentic self, but having the roles be limited and making your mark. Yeah, the roles were limited. So that's when I got into more character work as a woman of color.

[00:10:27] So you'll see my later work where I'm on Cold Case or CSI Miami or Everybody Hates Chris. And they're all so different because they're different character work. Now you don't really see that that much. People are just being themselves. But I think that's where the true work lies is if you can kind of do what people do in the movies as they're playing roles, but you could do it on TV. So I just saw what people did in films and I implemented that work in television.

[00:10:55] And I think that's what kept the longevity of my career going because they're like, oh, she's the nerd. Oh, she's the popular girl. Oh, she's the doctor. Oh, she's the girlfriend. Oh, she's the, the, you know, and it was the, the, the, the. They could never figure out where to place me. People don't want to get bored by the same things that you see. You keep seeing the same people do the same thing over and over and over again. I think you become bored. But I was saying the question I get is who are you more alike? Are you like Akilah and the Bee?

[00:11:27] Because she's different than a Cinderella story character. So I don't want to say per se, who do I connect with? I kind of connect with a lot of different characters because at the end of the day, it's, I think everybody's multifaceted and you play, play, be different personalities, you know? Yeah. And that, the, despite the cadence or your inflections and whatnot. But though, I just finished Family Business New Orleans about a year and a half ago.

[00:11:55] And I really connected to that character. And I had the whole New Orleans dialect. How is that? That I, I would imagine that's a hard dialect to do. Is it? Extremely challenging. I can't believe I did it. And I, I, I look back at that work and I'm just like, wow, I can't believe it. But my fear was how does the audience feel about it?

[00:12:21] And then all my apprehension was taken away when people started contacting me saying they loved it. You know, a true depiction on how, you know, a person sounds coming from their state. And so I did the audience well. That's all I want to know. Like every time I do a project, did they enjoy it? Whether it's a comedy, did it make you laugh? Did it make you feel good? Or if it's a drama, did you connect to it and why? And so the feedback that I've been getting has been really good.

[00:12:47] And so my job is not to, is to look within myself with the character, but to look outside myself to see how my audience feels about my work. Because I really genuinely care about what people think because that's my job is to entertain. I want to make sure, you know, you're entertained, you know, what else more can I do? That you didn't let the industry or any characters really box you in and that you were able to, even if it was just a guest role or a lot, you know,

[00:13:17] a character that was on multiple times that you were giving that energy. I, you're right. So many actors sometimes phone it in and us as an audience, we can feel that. So yeah. Yeah. That's why your character is so memorable, like in a Cinderella story. What was it like being on that set? You talked about that a little bit. No, Cinderella story. It was a dream come true. Literally. It was a dream come true. That was about four auditions. Oh my goodness. Really?

[00:13:47] Yeah. Yeah. They, they weren't playing with who they selected. I have to tell you. So back then we did chemistry test and chemistry test is forget the lines, forget what's going on in the scene. We're going to let you improv, make up some dialogue just to see if you and the other person connect. Okay. So I got in there and shout out to the Duff family. I love them. They were so inviting and welcoming to me.

[00:14:15] So they made me feel very at ease. And when I went in there, I was nervous. I mean, it's Warner Brothers. It's Warner Brothers. And they're phenomenal, remarkable. Even to this day, all the movies they produce. I'm just so happy that I have a film with a Warner Brothers film, but I was so nervous and I can't tell you who I saw get cut. A really, really, really famous actress. You see her all over everywhere, everything, but she said something to Hillary and then they just didn't connect.

[00:14:45] And next thing you know, she was gone. So I'm like, oh, wow. And then I started getting nervous again. Like, oh. So I just tried to stay present in the moment when they called me back in and do more improv and ad-libbing. I was just present in the moment and focused. And I think I want to contribute that to, I took some theater courses, a lot of theater courses at Columbia College where I trained. And so shout out to Columbia College theater students.

[00:15:15] They taught us how to read a monologue like that, like real quickly, and then express yourself and what's your motivation, what's your who, when, where, where, how. So, and then also I took classes to improv. I went to Groundlings. I got trained from people from Improv Olympics, Second City, Goodman Theater. So these are all my training experience. And when I got in the room for Cinderella Star, I was ready. Even when Akilah and the Bee was lines, I was, I was just ready. I was ready. And I want to contribute.

[00:15:44] Me even playing in the independent films, when they give you 90 pages, they're like, here, learn this in two weeks. And you're like, oh my gosh. I, I, I want to contribute that to my training at Columbia and rest in peace to Sheldon Patinkin, who was the chairman when I was going there of the theater department. He would literally say here, here's this monologue. Okay, go memorize it to the best of your ability. Come back, perform it.

[00:16:10] And I had to like, you know, no hiccups, no hiccups. So that's, that was kind of what prepared me for a Cinderella story, you know? So it was, it was an awesome experience. It was just awesome. I feel like it must've been really fun to be on those sets when there were a lot of people around the same age, you know? Yeah. Sometimes when you're on sets, you're like, maybe there's a handful of younger people. But when everybody's around the same age, I don't know. Oh, it was fun.

[00:16:39] It was fun. We were on there and everybody, everybody was just, everybody was friendly. Sometimes you go on these sets and everybody's not as friendly. And I think that's what made it another success too, that people can feel the warmth of the film and all that, those, those auditions they did, they nailed it. They nailed it. So I was just happy to be Madison, one of the cheerleaders. And one thing I have to say is that they prepped us.

[00:17:09] They prepped us very well. So even with Sister Traveling Pants, I had a small role in that, but next to Blake Lively. But I want to say when I did that, they shipped us out and trained us for soccer for like a month or so. I mean, we were, we just didn't show up and, you know, like the, the, the bougie actors and drinking water and say, put my, put my stunt double in. No, a lot of that stuff, a lot of stuff we did.

[00:17:37] We, we were out there in the heat, kicking that soccer ball around and we put in the work. Had you played, play soccer before or was that your first time? That was my first time. Hey, you made it work. Thank you. Did you know they ask you that? Yeah. Do you play soccer? Oh yeah.

[00:18:01] We did the mighty ducks and the, we found out like 90% of that cast said that they knew how to skate and they did not know how to skate. So you're not the only one. I was like, no way I'm passing up this film. Oh my gosh. You play soccer? Yes. Yes. No way. Now there have been films where I'm like, I got called by my agent two days ago and they

[00:18:31] said, do you want to work with pit bulls? A whole bunch of them. You're like, what? I mean, they'll have a trainer and all, you know, on, on, on set to kind of, you know, keep them tamed. And I was like, whoa. I think that's a lot. They were like, the person in this scene loves pit bulls. And I'm just like, yeah. Yeah. And dogs know when you're nervous. Like, yeah, you can't play with that. Right. Right.

[00:19:01] And then he started laughing. He was like, is this a pass? And I'm like, that might be a pass because I don't. Mm. So, I mean, I can, I can, I can deal with one, but they said this character loves them all around. Like a whole bunch of them. I was like, mm. Big television series, huge television series. Yeah. It's a spinoff. But I'm just like, yeah. But I feel, I feel elated that I'm getting those phone calls.

[00:19:29] So I don't ever feel desperate anymore where if I pass on one opportunity, I don't feel desperate where another opportunity won't happen. Right. I feel, I feel comfortable where it'll come. Things come. Things come to you. And I'm, you know, I feel I'm a believer that the energy you put out, the calmness you put out and the peace and being optimistic, it comes right back to you. So, yeah.

[00:19:56] Having a scarcity mindset can cause all sorts of mayhem. So, yeah. So I think that's great. Yeah. I think it, I think it shows up in your work. I think a lot of times people show up in your work and people can tell. They're like, how was it to work with such and such? She comes off or he comes off like this. And I'm like, yep. But that's all I say because people can tell in your performances. Maybe like, and I'm just like, wow. Camera, the camera doesn't lie.

[00:20:26] Nope. Camera picks up everything. If you're like a little nervous or if you're just like this or the camera can tell. 100%. So talking about your television legacy first, have you seen the viral clips from your stint on Everybody Loves Chris as Yvette the Lion babysitter? Oh my gosh. I didn't even know it was going to go viral like that. Oh my gosh. Now I'm nervous. No, you're good.

[00:20:55] It's funny because you were just talking about how, what you bring to these roles, even if it's a guest star, that's one that is like cemented for so many people that they remember you from that episode. Yeah. They, they, I walked down the street and people were like, the babysitter. So I got to tell you guys the, the story behind that audition. Woo. I didn't, I didn't think I was going to book it.

[00:21:25] I didn't think I was going to book it. I went in there with braids and I went in there looking on ripped, ripped up jeans, looking all modern. And I was like, yeah, overly confident. And it was total opposite from the character. And when I booked it, they didn't really give me like changes to do. They was just like, no, no, no. This takes place in this era. So I took the braids out. I started, I did my hair different, you know?

[00:21:53] And then of course wardrobe was there to help me figure out the outfits. But I said, this character's not really confident. She's kind of clueless. Gotta play this totally different. So I, I never liked to say a word where, okay. So, you know, some people play the word. I don't believe in that. Like, oh, she's shy. So people kind of play shy or she's clueless. So people kind of play dumb. I didn't, I kind of had that in the back of my head, but then I kind of layer it with other words.

[00:22:23] So she's, she's not like, she's more innocent where they're trying, the character's trying to figure out who they are versus you telling the character what the character is. Because then I think that's tricky. You'll see people play that. And I'm just like, eh. But sometimes we don't know who we are. We don't know that I'm this and that moment or this and that moment. So you can't play the obvious. But that one right there was more, am I like this? Am I not? Well, wait, I'll be right back. Or maybe, oh, did this work? Or maybe did this work set?

[00:22:52] It just, it went over well. And people loved that. I say innocence. Of the character. So her trying to figure out her life, you know. So people like that. People like it. People like that. So I guess I'll be right back. Be right back. What do you remember most about that set? Oh. Oh.

[00:23:19] I want to say everybody was dedicated to the craft. And you don't see that a lot nowadays. Everything's kind of rushed. And everything's kind of microwave. People just kind of say the lines, blah, blah, blah. But everybody. Everybody was like top notch with their performances. Tyler. Oh my gosh. He was a star back then. He's a star now. And he was just a kid. But he was locked in. And everybody. The dedication to the arts. I want to say I love that.

[00:23:49] Everybody kind of. Can I be honest with you guys? Yeah, of course. I think a lot of times people are out for just the fame and the money. Right. And they just there. Certain people care. And they're really passionate about translating this character to other people. And that's what they did. I think that's why it made it so popular. Right. Everybody really cared about their work. The passion. The passion reads through.

[00:24:19] Yeah. Your work. Definitely. And it lasted for so long. So yeah. It did. It did. And it's global. I have people in other countries speaking their language. Somebody I'll be right back. And I have to hit on the Instagram translate. And I'm like, oh, I'll be right back. It's. You know, that show is huge in Brazil. Like. I get so many messages from that. I didn't even know. Yeah. It's insane. Like. Oh my gosh.

[00:24:48] I always have to hit translate. And I'll always say I'll be right back. And I'm so thankful. I'm so thankful. So. It's crazy because. Depending on what role resonated with people. I know exactly. Because they'll say my line. You know. Yeah. They'll say, oh, you's all up there. You're nothing cracking in. That's the last dance. Or she was saying, gee. Oh, she cheated. Oh, that's a key letter to be. No, Dan, you can ask Cassie. You know. So. That I'm like, okay. So. I'm just.

[00:25:18] I'm just happy that people connect with my work. Yeah. Definitely. Especially with Lincoln Heights. That show meant so many to so many young people. As well as adults that could watch it with their children. What was the best part of being on that show? I want to say working with Robert. It was such a joy to work opposite with him for all those seasons. What we brought to the screen. It was just like. It was magical. And I want to say it was magical.

[00:25:46] Because how often does that happen where you just connect with your. The opposite person that you've never met. And then you've got to pretend like you're in love. Right. And it works. It was just like. Wow. A dream come true. It was literally magical. And then to see the performances from Russell Hornsby and Nikki Michaud. It was just a dream come true. And Russell comes from. I saw his one man show. Before I booked the show. And I was in awe of his work beforehand.

[00:26:14] So I didn't know that we would cross paths again. Actually we crossed paths twice. I saw his one man show. And then I had a reading for a film. And he was there at the table read. And lo and behold. He ends up playing the dad of Cassie on Lincoln Heights. And I'm just like. Wow. This man's brilliant. So I learned a lot. From working on that set. Oh. And the directors.

[00:26:42] They brought in top notch directors every week. Oh and another thing. That people are really doing now. Production value. Yeah. You know people. The production values are a little bit lower. The cameraman. The equipment. The steadicams. And the operators. They had first and second team. That means. They had first and second unit. That means they had a whole other unit. And another unit was shooting at the same time. And we would go back and forth. And that's how many people was on the crew. They had two crews.

[00:27:11] At the same time going. Nowadays you don't see that. And they're like. Okay. Two takes. Skeleton crew. You know. Okay. Which is easier. I mean. Everything's easier now. Back then. We used to take our time. So we shot. One episode was shoot for one week. One episode. Now they do one episode. Two episodes in like a day. And also we don't get the standard. You know.

[00:27:40] 22 episode seasons anymore. Thank you for mentioning that. Yes. And also somebody was talking about. The Devil Wears Prada. How there's the new movie. And they were doing the comparison. People have been complaining. The lack of color. In the 2000s. Everything just was like bright. And jumped off. The screen. I mean. A lot of people say. Oh it's because we switched from actual film to digital. And I saw this woman talking about it on TikTok. She was like no.

[00:28:09] Like there's so many other things. The clothing. And the production of the sets. If you look. They would put so much effort into who this character was. And making sure that the surroundings of that space. If their room or their house. Yeah. Had color in it. And we just don't see that. In the same ways anymore. Yeah. You know what? When I shoot my independent films.

[00:28:37] I make sure we go above and beyond in certain areas. Sometimes I'll bring certain props to set. To fill in the gaps or the space. And I'm like what is this? Oh this is for the scene. I'll do that. Because I feel like it's a collaborative effort. If something's lacking or if I feel a department is not up to par. And I'll just bring in extra stuff to fill in that gap. Because overall like you said. A film is just not about the actors. It is about the ambiance.

[00:29:07] The ambiance plays such a big role. How things smell. And that's when we get into sense memory too. Because certain furniture can spark up something in the actor. Or it's just you got to be in every department as an actor. And I think sometimes actors just think it's about their lines. It's not. It's yeah. What is she wearing? What color nail polish? You know? How's her makeup? Oh why is she wearing this hat today? You know? Is her hair short and long? The clothes.

[00:29:37] Is her clothes baggy? Are they snug? You know? Is she the light? If she's in a room with the light. Just so that fills in the different tension of the scene. And sometimes people are just there. That's my line. That's a wrap. And you're like. Whoa. Wait a minute. So everything does play. You know? Even in the jewelry. Everything. Everything. She keeps biting her lips. Everything. Every nuance. Everything. The color of the walls. Like you said. You know? Does she have flowers in the scene? Cooking.

[00:30:06] Okay. You guys. You know. I'm a workaholic. You're like. Everything. And what all the crew's doing. And the whole. But like you said. I come from the old fashioned world. Where we're building a scene together. Yes. But I also think that's the difference in some actors. How they're easily able to transition into directing. Yes. Or being a producer. Yes.

[00:30:34] Because the wheels in their brain work that way. Absolutely. Absolutely. So I don't think it's nuts. But some people. Yeah. Some people. Some people aren't passionate about that. I am passionate about producing. And that's why I joined the PGA. And just to make magic of the whole thing. You know? Sometimes I'm in the lighting department. Like hey you guys. The light or shadow. Or can we. You know? Or. Definitely. Yeah.

[00:31:04] Well we talked earlier a little bit about how. You brought up Angela Bassett. And you got to work with Kiki Palmer. Yes. On Akilah the Bee. Yes. What was that process like? You know? That film. I think. When I think about it. There's not a lot of really good movies. About girl. Black girlhood. And that. That one was really. I don't know. It just spoke to my heart. Especially.

[00:31:33] What was that process like? The process. Here we go. So. So. Back in the day. I love this. Because. It made me who I am today. I had. We had to go in the room. Now. A lot of stuff is self-tape. So. I think. A lot of times. It's not as memorable. Because. These. You're seeing these people on self-tape. And that's it. When you go in the room. You're getting a feel of the person. Yeah. They're talking to you. Like. Dude. Sometimes you'll ask you extra questions. Because you're in the room. And.

[00:32:03] How's your day? Or you know. Oh. You know. You were late. Or you know. I like your outfit. So you get a feel of the person's personality. And then you're like. Oh. This person's personality matches with the character. Back then. At the. For Lionsgate. Superb. Yeah. It was all the network. All the executives. All the studio heads. All the suits. We used to call them suits. They were all there in the room. So. Of course. I was nervous. It was. It boiled down to two of us. And it was.

[00:32:32] The competition. Was there. And then. I was her competition. It was competition. We were friends though. So I knew her work. She knew my work. Which was cool. So it wasn't catty. But it was just between two and I. We went in the room. And. They would say. Okay. I need you to ad lib. I need you to improv. Because back then. It was. I want to see. If you could. You know. Get a feel. If you were a feel of this character. Not just the lines. And. It was so many people in that room. And. I ad libbed. Because you know. I had that training. From Columbia College. I had libbed about 15, 20 minutes. They said.

[00:33:03] And I was like. I can go on. About. You know. Making baby formula. Because she had a baby. Yeah. But here's the thing. I've never said. This is what I'm going to tell you guys. So I came back out. And. I kind of knew I booked it. Because they were like. That was extraordinary. That was extraordinary. And then. When I got the call. First of all. I was. I was. I was like. Oh my gosh. They made you wait like a week. And then I got the call. But I seen the girl. Who I was. We were up against each other. And she says. Why did you book that? I should have booked that. I'm on a hot TV show now.

[00:33:33] And I wasn't. On a hot TV show. At that time. My TV show was growing. She was on a hot TV show. And I said to her. Well. I guess it's kind of method for me. Because. I have a baby. And she said. She didn't know I was a young mom. Oh. Wow. Yeah. Nobody knew. You guys. When I was on Lincoln Heights. How. Oh wow.

[00:34:02] Nobody knows that. Right. So. A little bit differently about life. Right. Because I'm going home. And everybody knows me as Cassie Sutton. And treating me like. Oh Cassie. And a little kid teenager. But I'm at home at night. Like. Okay. You got to go to bed. I got to go to work. It's 15 hours tomorrow. Here's the bottle. And changing diapers. So my life was totally different. Yeah. From what I was portraying on. On. On screen.

[00:34:32] With Lincoln Heights. Until. I got to. Akeelah and the Bee. So. I was. I was ready. Yeah. You know. I was ready. Because I mean. They gave me a baby in the movie. And I was like. Okay. So. I told her that. And she said. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. You deserve that role. Okay. Good luck with motherhood. And I was like. Thank you. Yeah. She bit. She bit her tongue with that one. She did. You never know. What a person is going through. Right.

[00:35:02] So. I was like. I make bottles all the time. Every day. I change diapers. So. Oh my goodness. That's amazing. Yeah. I. Did. So. Working against Angela Bassett. How nervous. How nerve wracking was that? Oh. It was very. I was very nervous. Until she. She pulled me aside. And she whispered in my ear. And gave me some advice. As far as how to handle my character.

[00:35:32] And it was life changing advice. And. Hmm. I was like. Wow. I'm so thankful. And grateful. And appreciative. Yeah. Of crossing paths with her. Yeah. A lot of the stuff that I do in my work. You know. Especially my independent films and stuff. When people are like. I like doing this film. I like doing this film. She. She helped. She helped me. That's. That's wonderful. That's amazing. Did you get to spend any time with Lawrence Fishburne at all on that set? Or. Oh. He's.

[00:36:02] He's. He's. He. He. He's in character. He was in character. He was in character. So. Every time he came on set. I was like. Wow. Now what I did do was. I was hanging out with them for lunch. Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne. And. I heard them talk about the business. Yeah. And so I was like. Eavesdropping. What about the business? You know. Yeah. So. I did find out. That is a whole. Another conversation. To talk about. Oh. You know. Okay. From the. The arts.

[00:36:32] Yeah. Yeah. And we had Lee Thompson Young on that set too. Famous J. Jackson. Rest in peace. Yeah. You know. He was on Lincoln Heights. He played my boyfriend for a little bit on Lincoln Heights. Oh. And he made Charles. He made Charles Robert Adamson jealous. You guys don't understand. I was in love with him. Oh. I was in love with him. He was just. He's such a great person. He was such a great person. When I got that phone call. Oh my gosh. That. That was.

[00:37:02] That was heartbreaking. So. Yeah. He's talented. Very talented. Definitely missed him. And. I think a lot of people have been talking about like the Mount Rushmore. Of Disney Channel. And I forgot. If it was Hillary Duff. Or. No. It was. Raven Simone. She was talking about who was on her Mount Rushmore. And she included him. Because. Yes. He was one of the first. Ones to have. Like a TV show. On. Disney Channel.

[00:37:32] And. The famous. Yeah. Yeah. Lee Thompson. Yeah. He was. He was the person that was. I was on set. And I'd be like. So when do you want to go out to date? When do you want to go out? I was. He was just handsome. Yeah. I was just like. What? So where are we going to go? Whoa. Him. Oh. And somebody else. I can't even say. Hey. You got to shoot your shot. Yeah. Yeah. Because. Woo.

[00:38:01] But he was so talented. And. He brought so much to the acting world. And his dedication. I want to say. When he was on set. Was extraordinary. He's just. He's just. His endurance for the scene. Because he would stop the scene. And. He would say. Did I do good? Is that good? Can I do more? And a lot of people are just like. Okay. I'm moving on. I'm tired. And he never did that. He always wanted to give it his best shot. And keep going. And going. And going. And that's. That's what I like. It was just like. If he's.

[00:38:31] He's at the end of the race. He's going to push faster. To cross that line. He doesn't slow down. And that's what he brought to the industry. And. His legacy lives on. His legacy lives on. Because when you see his work. You most definitely. It's like. You cherish it. You know? Yeah. Definitely. Do you have a favorite. Behind the scenes memory. From. You know? One or. Multiple projects. That you've been a part of. Do I have a favorite memory.

[00:39:00] Behind the scenes. That I've been a part of. Ooh. That would be almost everything. I have a favorite moment. Because I'm the type of person. That energy you bring to work. It kind of. It can be contagious. So I like to keep up the whole morale. And. You know. I think it's contagious. So. Let me see. The favorite moment. Okay. One of the favorite moments. Was on a Cinderella story. And. We got so much free stuff. Just being on that movie set. One time.

[00:39:29] They put in a whole. Expresso truck for us. And we're just all laughing and dancing. On one of our breaks. And we're drinking expresso. We were off the whole night. Oh my gosh. And it was just so amazing. I was like. Wow. So. Am I loud? That's how joy. That's how joy. See. That's just jogging my memory. But I was like. That's so. That's the one time. I'm just like. Wow. This is great job. Yeah. This is a great job.

[00:40:00] Wait. And then when I got to the premiere. And. I've been to film premieres. You know. On Hollywood Boulevard. But. I. I found out who Hilary Duff was. Really. Really. Really. Because they shut down the whole. Three. Four. Five blocks. And I was like. What? It was amazing. That was. I thank you. The Duff family. For hiring me. Thank you so much. Because that experience. Is just truly. A treasure. In my heart. That lives on. And on. And on.

[00:40:29] And I'm just so happy. I got to experience it. Did you know. That all that. Hilary Duff. Versus. Lindsay Lohan stuff. Was going on. During that time. Oh yeah. Oh. Do you want me to tell you the gossip? Oh yeah. Spill the tea. Yeah. Let's hear it. So you guys already know. That he was in the other film. And then she wanted an other film. And then such and such. And it was like. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That was going on. As we were. He was in that.

[00:40:59] And then that. Because it was like that. And I see. Why he's such a. He's such a charmer. He's such. He's such a joy. Handsome person. To be around. I could see why he was in. You know. In everywhere. And then. Guess what? The guy came to me. And was like. Hey. Erica. And I'm like. Yes. He was like. I just got a job. Oh. You get jobs all the time. Congratulations. Okay. He's like. No. I just got a job. I have to pack up and move.

[00:41:28] And he told me how much he's getting paid. For his relocation fee. And I was like. That's not a lot. But then he told me how much he's getting paid. A week. When he first started first season. I'm like. Move. Oh my God. Move. He was talking about One Tree Hill. Wow. Yeah. Awesome. He had booked that job. While we were filming. And going through negotiations. And when he told me how much he started. Where else I go. It was crazy. Astronomical. So. I mean.

[00:41:58] I was there. When all of that was. You know. Happening. And I'm just so fortunate. That I got to be there. With such talented people. Such talented people. Oh. Such a good time. Yeah. Was there ever a moment on set. Where you realized. This is really special. Yeah. Yeah. You're like. When? Because he came to me. And he said.

[00:42:27] He said. Erica. You know. Everybody's looking at you on the football team. Because they had a whole bunch of football players come in. And I was like. No. They're not. God. He's like. Erica. Oh. The guys are like. I was like. This feels special to me. Oh. I was so oblivious. I was so oblivious. And so he told me. And I was just like. Oh. Wow. You know. And then a couple of guys came up to me. And was like. Wow. You're here. And da, da, da. And then it kind of all dawned on me. Wow. I am here.

[00:43:05] When something happens. And it's magical. You feel it. But then you sit back. And you kind of relish in it. And you're like. Wow. This is really happening. You know. So. I'm still like that though. Even when I book now. And somebody calls me. I'm like. Wow. Because. It's just always like a blessing. Just to book. You know. And work. And just like. I'm just always in awe. That somebody wants me to bring that magic.

[00:43:35] Magic. To set. And I get to create. Because that's what it's all about. People to create. And people to connect to your. What you're creating. A hundred percent. Well. I know we took a walk down memory lane. Yeah. But what are some things. That are coming up for you now? Oh. Sure. Sure. Oh. You guys. So. A lot of my older work. People are just seeing now. And I got a lot of stuff on Tubi. And I have this series out. That people are really connecting to. I'm so shocked.

[00:44:04] Because I'm like. Wow. People connect to that too. That's exciting. I'm so excited. So on Tubi. I have a series called In the Shadows. Where I do my own stunts. I'm solving all these crimes. These mysteries. It's global. Kicking down doors. And that's exciting for me. Because. It's not too many projects that are written. For a lot of women. Where they get to do their own stunts. Yeah. And this particular one. They allowed me to do that. And to handle all these missions.

[00:44:33] So it was eight episodes. It's a limited TV series. But it's called In the Shadows. And I'm playing Chloe. Chloe Fieldman. So I'm excited to play her. As a spy. That is fun. And I did see on Instagram. That you have a film coming out. Oh yeah. The Deadly Type film. Oh yeah. And you're going to be at the Charlotte Black Film Festival. Thank you for listening. Yes.

[00:45:04] I did also see that you're co-starring with Mark Taylor. And let me tell you. Hold on. Let me tell you. If you have seen the movie 17 again. Yep. Everybody had a crush on Mark Taylor. And he still do. They still do. I posted him on the Instagram page. And people are coming in like. Whoa. Ooh. Everybody. He's such a good. He's such a good person. He's such a sweetheart. To work opposite of him.

[00:45:33] And his longevity. In the industry. Yeah. And he was with Tia Mori. Tia and Tamera. Tamera. When they were like 15, 16. Yeah. So. He can act. This film is good. There is so good that. I don't even know if they want to release it. They keep doing film festivals. Because when we screen it. Oh my gosh. People stood up. They applauded. They stood around. They had questions. And me and Mark was like. Yeah.

[00:46:02] It was such a dream come true. To work with him. I'm just like. Wow. So that's another. Wow. Wow. Moment. This is really happening. You know. And then also. I have another film. Coming out. That's called. The Deadly Surrogate. So. I'm into a lot of thrillers. A lot of thrillers now. I like that. I like it. Yeah. Jackie and I worked at Blockbuster. So. We're going to put you in the hot seat. Really quick. Before we let you go. Okay. So. We're going to ask you.

[00:46:31] For your employee pick. So. As Blockbuster employees. We got to recommend. People. Movies to people. People. So. Tell us three of your favorite. Comfort movies. That you would recommend. That people watch. Oh my gosh. Comfort. I can't say they're comfort. Well just any movies that you like. Okay. Just any movies. Yeah. You guys are ready? Yeah. Ready. I like Forrest Gump. Okay. I like Shawshank Redemption. Classic. And. Terms of Endearment. That's a good one.

[00:47:00] I like Scarface. I like Scarface. I was going to say that. I like that comfort. I'm like. It's like. Those can't be comfort. Yeah. Rainy Sunday. Like it. You put it on. And it just makes you feel. Good. And connected to the film. Like. I love. I'm a movie buff. Yeah. So I like good stories. Good stories. The thick plot lines. Stuff you got to figure out. You got to think. Yeah. Up on your seat. Up on your toes. I like those films. So. But okay.

[00:47:30] Let me think. Let me think. Comfort. Comfort. Comfort. Can I. Can I just say. A key one to be. No. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Why not? Yeah. That's a classic. It's so good. My Cinderella story. Say the last dance. Go ahead. No shame promoting your own. And there's not a bad one in that bunch. There really isn't. Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you so much. Absolutely.

[00:48:00] And we thank you so much for joining us. Taking time out of your evening. For being part of so many projects that help shape our generation. And taking your time to talk to us today. We really, really appreciate it. Oh, this is like the best interview ever. Thank you guys. You guys. You're so nice. It was great going down memory lane and then up until now. So yeah. Thank you guys so much. Well, thank you. It's been so special revisiting these projects and hearing your perspective on them.

[00:48:30] So. Absolutely. Thank you. Thanks. As always, be kind and rewind.