Usually it’s a journalist’s job to put their subject at ease. Yet, upon first speaking with Denise Vasi, her sincere and heartfelt nature becomes contagious and leaves me in that state instead. From inquiring how I managed to keep a 917 cell number, to the shared sorrow over the closing of Junior’s Cheesecake – a cultural institution in her native Brooklyn that announced its closing the day of this interview – Vasi is centered and relatable, yet still exudes a certain fiery determination. Throughout our conversation she uses the phrase “shine a light” when referring to her approach and aims at various things in life. As we chat about everything from her show Single Ladies to why platanos still appear at family dinners (not to mention advice for all you single ‘LLEROs out there) it’s easy to see that her own light exudes warmth, inspiration and contentment that resonates with everyone around her.
‘LL: First off congrats, viewers have clearly connected with the show. Why do you think that is?
Denise: What I think is so special about Single Ladies is its relatability factor. It’s a show [about] women of different ethnicities, having careers, running around having personal relationships with others and themselves; sometimes agreeing, sometimes disagreeing but always being there for each other as friends. It’s super relatable, similar to Sex and the City. Women at home feel like “ohh, I’m a Raquel, but I wish I had a little more sass like Keisha, or I’m soo April.”
‘LL: Where would you like the direction of Raquel to go?
Denise: I’ve just enjoyed watching her grow this season and getting to play the growth. It was interesting because we had new writers and did not know what to expect. For me it was exciting as Raquel has evolved and changed and I got to know her and the character has changed as far as what she is looking for and how she is going to find her happiness. I really like where Raquel is right now because she is stronger than where she was last season. I’d like to see more of her and the character of Terrence because the audience is invested in it, so I’d like to see more of how it evolves.
‘LL: You seem to always been in demand, from modeling to acting. What’s on the horizon in terms of current or future projects?
Denise: I’d really like to do something action [related]. I’d love to be the bad ass girl who runs around and sets people straight (laughs). I’d like to play a little more Brooklyn, but to be honest, I am a person that takes it step-by-step, and counts my blessings as they come in.
‘LL: Most people don’t know that you’re Latina. How do you feel about that? Do you think your ethnicity has hurt or helped you in Hollywood?
Denise: I don’t think about it really, except perhaps when people bring it to my attention. My family is very mixed, we eat Greek leg of lamb, with rice and beans and platanos. We’ll have a gyro with pernil. For me it’s about the role. If there is a great role I am gonna for it no matter the ethnicity of the character. As long as they enjoy my work that’s all I care about. When I go home there is Spanish, English and Greek all in the same sentence. I’m close to my culture, I know that and that’s what’s important.
‘LL: You volunteered in relief efforts during Hurricane Sandy and have raised money for other charitable causes in the past. Is there a specific cause that’s near and dear to your heart?
Denise: I’ve always wanted to dedicate a good amount of time to an initiative for single mothers. I’ve also spent time in Uganda with Invisible Children. I spent 10 days there and met with a lot of the women affected by Kony and documented their stories and my husband photographed them, so we’re working on doing a project with those images and stories.
‘LL: In past interviews, you’ve had some pretty interesting advice for single ladies on finding love. What would you recommend to single men?
Denise: Single guys, whoa…guys please step it up (laughs). What I mean is how you treat a lady. Some guys have found comfort in cell phones and social media and what that’s done is killed courtship and what it means to court a lady. Pick up the phone and call, don’t text. It takes bravery…I get it, but let’s have a conversation. Put that extra effort in. If you can’t afford a great restaurant that’s fine, then try cooking a meal. Think about things that are exciting and will have you engaging, bring originality to the date. On my first date with my husband he taught me how to ride a bike.
‘LL: How would you define a caballero?
Denise: Well, mmm, a true gentleman understands courting a lady and understands there is a process in dating. I think a real gentleman remembers what things used to be like, from a time way before our generation or even my mom’s generation. Where a guy might take you out and pick a flower for you or leave you a note. Those little things that are thoughtful. [Also] a man who knows how to engage with a women for enjoyment as far as conversation and spending time together and isn’t rushing to get to the next base with you.
‘LL: Worst pick up line you’ve ever heard?
Denise: Oh my god, there so many bad ones. One was “Are you tired because you’ve been running through my mind all day.” The worst pick up line is anything you’ve ever heard before. Just be genuine. It’s not about what you say, but how genuine you are when you say it.
There you have it gents. Sage and well-intentioned advice. See more of Denise in the upcoming season of Single Ladies set to air on the Centric Network this March.
Credits:
Photographer: DeWayne Rogers
Makeup: Porsche Cooper
Hair: Ursula Stephen
Stylist: Darryl Brown