Zulay Henao talks Love Thy NeighborBy Wilson Morales
July 3, 2013
Currently playing on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network is Tyler Perry’s new TV series, ‘Love Thy Neighbor,’ which stars Patrice Lovely, Palmer Williams Jr., Kendra C. Johnson, Andre Hall, Zulay Henao, Jonathan Chase, and Darmirra Brunson.
Love Thy Neighbor is a half-hour sitcom revolving around diner owner Hattie Mae Love and her middle class family’s daily triumphs and struggles. The show is set at Love Train Diner, an old locomotive car converted to a diner that serves up all of Hattie Mae’s old recipes. It is the neighborhood hang out spot that, along with great food, serves up a whole lot of fun and offers advice to its customers in all walks of life.
Playing the role of Marianne, Manager of the Atlanta office of Beagal and Steve, where Hattie’s grandson Danny (played by Hall) works is actress Zulay Henao, whose known for her film roles in ‘Feel the Noise,’ ‘Fighting’ with Channing Tatum, and ‘Takers’ with Idris Elba, Chris Brown, Jay Hernandez and Zoe Saldana. Her TV credits include guest-spots on ‘Army Wives,’ ‘Law and Order: SVU’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ among others.
In working on ‘Love Thy Neighbor,’ the Colombian native gets to work with Tyler Perry from a different perspective. In 2014, she will be starring along with Nia Long, Eddie Cibrian, and William Levy in ‘Tyler Perry’s Single Moms Club.’
Blackfilm.com caught up with Henao as she talks about her role in ‘Neighbor,’ working with Perry, and her role in ‘Single Moms Club.’
How would you describe Marianne?
Zulay Henao: She’s the voice of reason amongst everyone. She’s smart, professional and living life in the most dignified way. She brings everyone back down to earth and keeps things moving along
What was the attraction to doing the TV show?
ZH: I’ve always wanted to do TV. I feel that it’s a different venue for me. I’ve done a lot of guest starring roles but I have been in a format where you go to work everyday with the same cast of people. I finally understand when people say that it feels like a family and the work ethic just grows because everyone is so close and they want to put their best foot forward. It’s also a really good opportunity for me. This collaboration that Tyler Perry has with Oprah Winfrey is fun and interesting and happy to be part of one of the first scripted shows on OWN.
How’s working with Tyler from a TV perspective?
ZH: That’s a good question. I feel that it’s the same. The pace is a lot different. When you are doing a movie, there’s a lot more time and we’re shooting on location. It’s just a different thing; and with TV, everything is so fast and the way he directs. The studio he has flows so organically. Everything is ready when you get on set. You go to work and you are there from beginning to end. Working with Tyler Perry is really amazing. His comedic side comes alive when he’s on set. The script is actually like a skeleton.
You’re starring in one of his next films, ‘Single Moms Club.’ What’s your role in that film?
ZH: I’m one of the single moms of the Single Moms Club and everyone has their own piece of drama. My storyline is that I’m one of these ex-wives that is being supported by ex-husband. She’s still being very much controlled by him. She hasn’t dated much because he threatens to take away the financial support and there are a lot of women in that situation. I know some myself who are being manipulated and controlled by their ex-husbands. They want to control their personal lives. In the film, I play a woman who meets these strong independent women who are going through the same thing one way or another. They help each other out and realize that life is short and that you have to do what you want and you have to go out there; and even if you have to piss some people off, you have to grow through that and get your life back. I’ve never been married and I have no kids. I thought about my mom a lot because she’s divorced. I thought about her struggles and what she went through when I was a kid, so it was fun to explore that with her. I also had some conversations with different moms. The actress who plays my daughter in the film really added a lot to my character because she was really defiant and wants to do her own thing. Tyler also took the stress out of me. We had a lot of in-depth conversations about my life and past relationships. It was a lot of fun on that film.
How was working with William Levy?
ZH: Working with William was so much fun. First of all, he’s a complete professional and talented. He’s also the most fun guy and would have everyone on set laughing. He’s just a fun person to be around. I’m really happy that I got a chance to work with him. He’s going to go around and do amazing things. We became friends and the chemistry was amazing. I can’t say enough about the guy.
Although you have been working for some time in the industry, do you feel with a TV show and an upcoming film, that your moment to shine is now?
ZH: I don’t think about making my mark. I just want to continue to work. I want to do films and do films that inspire people and move me. That’s what I told my agent and manger to put me on set with people who I can learn from and be inspired by. I’m hoping this show will be a positive thing for me.
What’s a good reason to watch ‘Love Thy Neighbor?
ZH: It’s really. There were times when I was on set where I couldn’t hold my laughter. We have some strong comedic actors on the show and it’s a lot of fun.
