Tichina Arnold Talks A Day Late and a Dollar ShortPosted by Wilson Morales
April 18, 2014
Premiering this Saturday, April 19, at 8pm on Lifetime TV is the adaptation of Terry McMillan‘s New York Times bestseller ‘A Day Late and a Dollar Short,’ starring Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost, The Color Purple) and Golden Globe winner Ving Rhames. The film also stars Mekhi Phifer, Kimberly Elise, Anika Noni Rose and Tichina Arnold.
‘A Day Late and a Dollar Short’ is the uplifting story of a mother who tries to help her dysfunctional family through life’s ups and down.
When irascible matriarch Viola Price (Goldberg) learns that her next asthma attack will likely kill her, she is determined to fix her fractured family before she leaves this world, from her relationship with her husband to the lives of her four children and grandchildren. While on this quest, she must contend with sibling rivalry, teen pregnancy and drug addiction – and that is only one child. Additionally, her jailbird son needs to learn how to be a better father, her granddaughter is in bigger trouble than her daughter is willing to admit and Viola’s estranged husband needs saving from his scheming younger girlfriend. It’s the kind of meddling that the Price family hasn’t experienced from Viola in decades, and she won’t have an easy time bending her loved ones to her will.
Playing the role of Charlotte, the older sister who oftens argues with every one is the veteran actress Tichina Arnold. For nearly 30 years, the Queens, New York native has been a staple on television with several projects to her credits. From soap operas Ryan’s Hope and All My Children to her memorable role as Pam on the hit comedy series ‘Martin’ to Rochelle on ‘Everyone Hates Chris,’ as well as film roles in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and ‘Wild Hogs.’
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Arnold talks about her role in ‘A Day Late,’ working with the cast, and durability in this business.
How would you best describe Charlotte?
Tichina Arnold: She’s a firecracker I would say, to say the least. What I like about the role is that out of all the siblings, she’s most like Whoopi’s character Viola, and Viola refers to that. That was fun and bringing that element to it. Out of all the siblings, I possess the most characteristics that Viola has as a mother, but trying to do everything opposite of what Viola did. I loved the dynamic of that and just to be able to work with these amazing actors. All of us knew each other but I had not worked with any of them other than Whoopi; and to be able to worked with everyone that I have just known for so many years was awesome.
Had you read the book prior to the film?
TA: No. What’s strange is that when I did The Lena Baker Story, I don’t like to read the book first because I don’t want to get tainted to what I think the character should be. I wanted to wait until I did the film and I know it sounds weird because most actors do the opposite but I wanted to bring something fresh to Charlotte and not have any ideas on what I think she should be. I don’t even watch myself. I know I’m really critical and I didn’t want to be too critical of myself. I rather be directed with a new approach to Charlotte.
When folks see Charlotte’s persona, will they a bit of what they are used to seeing in some of the roles you have played?
TA: They will see a bit of the same. In watching it, they will see a bit of Rochelle (from Everybody Hates Chris) and I saw a bit of myself as a mother and how I deal with my daughter at times. I saw my mother in the character. I liked it because there’s a lot more drama sort of speak in this script, which I liked. It was a nice stretch from Everyone Hates Chris and Martin of course. Whenever I can get into anything I can sink my teeth my into that’s drama mixed with comedy, I welcome it with open arms because it allows me to stretch a little in terms of the depths of acting.
What do you think will make this film stand out from other family dramas folks may compare this to?
TA: I think the honesty and the acting. Everyone’s acting stepped up. Whoopi is a given. She always brings such an amazing natural sensibility to whatever she acts in and we have the amazing Ving Rhames, who envelops whatever role he’s in. Mekhi, Anika, and Kimberly and the acting are just awesome. I’m really blown away by what everyone contributed as an actor in this film. It’s a great story. Terry McMillan depicted this family so well because so many families are dysfunctional and a lot of times, we don’t see our dysfunction; especially with African American families. A lot of us tend to sweep things under the rug and ignore them and I think this new generation is actually getting a little better at facing the problems and dealing with the problems head on as much as needed. With my own daughter, I have a lot of characteristics from my own mother. My mother comes from an era where you don’t tell your business, you don’t have family meetings and family discussions. When I was raised, children didn’t have a voice. Children should be seen heard and not heard. I think that stigma is being broken and this film definitely conveys that.
You mentioned The Lena Baker Story, which probably didn’t get as much attention back in 2008.
TA: Unfortunately that’s true, but it’s on video and it’s still out there. Once it’s on video, it will be there forever. People are slowly gravitating to it. I really enjoyed doing that film. That was my first dramatic, starring, leading role that I’d ever done. I’m really critical of myself, but I was proud of that one.
Were you able to parlay that performance to other projects so that people could see your range as an actress?
TA: I didn’t parlay it because it didn’t get the legs that it should have got, but I always talk about it and tell people to go watch or buy it, and pick it up for themselves if they want to see me in a dramatic role. I’m not really good at promoting myself. I leave that up to the publicist and social media.
For someone who’s been at this game for a long time, from Ryan’s Hope to Everyone Hates Chris, you’ve constantly been working. What does it take to have durability?
TA: Well, I always say that you have to start off loving what you do. This is my model. Show business is like a boyfriend. Are you’re going to love him when he’s not giving the love back? I think a lot of people look at the results of show business as opposed to what the results could be, and that could a ton of money or being in the limelight or going to the parties or all the hoopla, but it’s the work that it takes to go into that. I’m all about the process. I think it’s because I started out in show business as a child so I used to work for free. I used to sing for free and dance for free. I did it because I didn’t know any better. I had the love and passion for it. When it doesn’t feed you or it doesn’t take care of you the same way you are taking care of it, it’s like a relationship. It’s not always going to be 50-50, but you have to be willing to take the knocks and the punches and bruises that come with it. I don’t look at show business to be a star. I look at it to leave a legacy of good work and that’s all I really care about. The stardom, glory and the accolades all come from the work and not from something that you are seeking after.
What are you working on next?
TA: I just landed a role in LeBron James’ new project, which is Starz’s new original comedy series ‘Survivor’s Remorse.’ I’m happy that it’s with my old boss Chris Albrecht, who’s now in charge of Starz network and he will do amazing things there that he did at HBO. ‘Martin’ was at HBO IP (Independent Production) and Chris believed in me a long time ago, so it’s good to be in the company of the likes of him. The series has been picked up for six episodes and will shoot in Atlanta. I play Cassie, the mother to Jessie T. Usher’s character, Cam.
