Work ItAn Interview with Rochelle Aytes
by Wilson Morales
January 10, 2012
Currently starring opposite Ben Koldyke and Amaury Nolasco in ABC’s new sitcom ‘Work It’ is the lovely Rochelle Aytes.
“Work It” is a high-concept comedy about two unrepentant guy’s guys Lee Standish (played by Koldyke) and Angel Ortiz (played by Nolasco) who, unable to find work, dress as women to get jobs. Not only do they pull it off, but they just might learn to be better men in the process.
Aytes plays Vanessa, Manager at Coreco Pharmaceuticals where Lee and Angel.
For Aytes, this wouldn’t be her first time working on a project that dealt with a cross-dresser. In 2004, the New York City native was featured opposite Shawn and Marlon Wayans in the hilarious comedy, ‘White Chicks,’ and 2006 she was part of an ensemble cast in Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea’s Family Reunion.’
Over the years, Aytes has also appeared in numerous commercials, and other TV programs such as the Fox drama series ‘Drive’ with Nathan Fillion and Emma Stone, and ABC’s ‘The Forgotten’ opposite Christian Slater. She has been a recurring character on several series, including ‘Desperate Housewives,’ ‘Detroit 1-8-7,’ ‘Dirt’ and ‘House of Payne,’ and has guest-starred on many others, including ‘White Collar,’ ‘NCIS,’ ‘ER’ and ‘Las Vegas.’
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Aytes about her current TV series ‘Work It’ and why the TV world affords her more opportunity that the film world.
Rochelle Aytes: I play Vanessa Warner, who runs the pharmaceutical company where the two lead guys come looking for unemployment. My character is professional and driven, but she’s also motherly and kind and throughout the season you’ll start to see the different layers of her character. She’s silly and fun and tries to a part of the group.
As someone who’s done various work on TV, what was the draw to doing this series?
RA: First and foremost, I enjoy working. I’m not at that level where I can pick and choose anything. When I get hired, I take it and I’m like, “Let’s go!” I was drawn to the show because the writers are very funny. I loved ‘Friends’ and it’s that type of comedy and I laughed. I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with them and do sitcom.
How’s working with Benjamin and Amaury?
RA: From the day we did the table read, and I heard them read and act their lines, it was just hilarious. They really brought characters to life and gave them a really sense of humanity. It’s just been wonderful working with them. They are great people and they’re funny. I’ve learn a lot from watching them.
This is not your first time working on a project that had to do with crossdressers.
RA: This seems to be a running theme with me. Between ‘White Chicks’ and ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ they are all equally funny and horrible looking in these costumes. With these three projects they look like men in dresses and you just have to have a suspension of belief because it’s all the same. Who wears it the best? I couldn’t even tell you. It’s a three way tie.
Between doing a comedy series or a drama film or series, what works best for you?
RA: I love it all. It’s hard to say because with ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ that was comical but my role was very serious. I think the serious roles impact people the most. I really like the fact that I was able to touch someone who’s been abused because it affects them and may change their lives for the better. In that aspect I enjoyed doing that film. Personally, I enjoy being funny and silly in life, so it was a great opportunity to portray that on the big screen.
Tyler Perry gave you a big role on the big screen, and you’ve done your share of work on TV. How challenging has it been to get roles, whether it be on film or TV?
RA: It’s very difficult. I was so lucky and blessed to have gotten ‘White Chicks’ so early into my career. I didn’t really how difficult and challenging it would be. The movie roles have so far and few between. Thank God for television. I’ve been able to consistently work in television even when people say, “Oh my God, I haven’t seen you since this film or that project.” At least I’m working. It’s very difficult to get that next movie role. I’m grateful to have the television world accept me.
What makes ‘Work It’ worth watching?
RA: Because it’s laugh out loud funny. I don’t care what anyone else says, it will tickle your funny bone. If you’re having a bad day and you just need something lighthearted and funny to watch, you should watch our show. We’ve had such great feedback from the audience. People are enjoying it. Because of unemployment and the recession, the show brings that to life and a lot of people can relate what these characters are going through.
Work It airs on ABC TV on Tuesdays at 8:30
