LeToya Luckett talks For Richer or Poorer

LeToya Luckett talks For Richer or Poorer
by Wilson Morales

April 14, 2012

Coming out this weekend on GMC TV is ‘For Richer or Poorer,’ starring Rockmond Dunbar, LeToya Luckett, Angell Conwell, Karen Clark Sheard, Chris Spencer, Buddy Lewis, Clifton Powell, Regina McLeod and Vonna Woodard.

“For Richer or Poorer” makes its world television premiere exclusively on GMC TV on Saturday, April 14th at 7:00 P.M. ET with encore broadcasts at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

“For Richer or Poorer” tells the timely and compelling story of Kya (Luckett) and Aubrey Wilson (Dunbar)—a blissfully married couple whose four years of wedlock have been remarkably conflict-free. But the couple’s union is profoundly tested when Aubrey suddenly loses his six-figure job after a company audit reveals his boss was embezzling funds. Kya blames Aubrey for not knowing about his boss and for failing to invest more to secure their future; Aubrey blames Kya for her lavish lifestyle and not saving money for a rainy day. With no new high paying job in sight for Aubrey, the couple is forced to downsize: Kya must quit interior design school and kick her shopping habit. Aubrey has to take a job at a fraction of his last just to bring something into the household. With their marriage crumbling under the financial strain, Kya considers moving back home, triggering Aubrey’s distrust. It will take friends, family and an act of God to bring these two back together to work through what it takes to make a marriage last.

Blackfilm.com recently spoke with LeToya Luckett about her role in the film.

What was the attraction to do this?

LeToya Luckett: Well, it was something different. I had never done the whole play/TV thing. I’m a big fan of the Gospel Music Channel as well and the script was really good. I was excited about and it was a challenge for me because I never thought in my life that I would do 97 pages in one day. I wanted to see if I could it.

What was it like performing on stage, knowing it’s for the small screen?

LL: The set was so much fun because we’re all goofy. I’m one of the most goofiest people you’ll ever meet. On top of that, Clifton Powell, Rockmond Dunbar and Chris Spencer were just hilarious. They were just cracking up and even though we were pressed for time and trying to get so much done in such a short amount of time, time flew by and we got everything done.

How was working with Rockmond, Clifton and the rest of the cast?

LL: They made it really easy for me on the set, especially Rockmond. I admire him. He came in and basically learned everything that day. He was shooting something else and basically had to switch up and get into that character the day of. He was ready to go before they yelled “action.” With Clifton, I’m so used to seeing him play comedic roles but this is a serious role for him here. He plays my father and he was awesome.

What’s the message behind this production?

LL: There’s a lot that one will get from watching this. My character Kai is a spoiled brat and comes from a wealthy family. She’s married to a man that has given her everything that she wanted and needs. To watch her go through cutbacks and not be able to get that bag or go on a shopping spree because he lost his job is something that’s part of today’s climate. People are losing jobs everyday and you learn something from watching this. Because it was a test to their marriage, I think a lot married couples should watch this.

How was working on HBO’s Treme?

LL: I’m still working on it. I’m having to go back and forth to New Orleans and it’s pilot season, so I’m also going on auditions like three times a week and I’m working on a new album. I try to get at least one day a month where I don’t do anything. No music. No films or auditions. Being in the editing room can you drive insane. It’s a lot but I love what I do. It doesn’t matter to me because I want to get it done.

How was working on ‘From the Rough’ with Taraji P. Henson?

LL: She’s just a great woman. I’ve watched her from the beginning of her career to blossom into this beautiful actress with no limitations or boundaries. She’s doing roles that a lot times you wouldn’t see a black woman in, but her conquering is awesome. I admire that and to be on the same set and watch her work, she’s just a beautiful person. She’s like a big sister to me.