by: Lanee Smith
J. Vaughn is one of the most talented actresses of our time that is more than just a pretty face, she is the founder of a non profit called "Take Wings Foundation," She also has a documentary coming out called Angels Cant Help But Laugh and just wrapped up a movie called Three Can Play That Game with Vivica A. Fox. Terri is an Youth Advocate Honoree of the 7TH Annual Salute to Youth Leadership Benefit that was presented to her Los Angeles on October 6th. Terry took the time out of her busy schedule to talk with Enfluenz about what inspires her and how she inspires others.
TJV: A friend of mine told me about a the Miss California Pageant that I became involved in, I met a producer of a play there who asked me to audition for a play that he was working on in Berkeley, I didnt know anything about acting so I brought a snapshot and resume with me to the audition. I waited for them to call my name and they gave me the script to read, after I read the script, he asked me to read it again but do it sassy and I did. I got the role and did it for two years.
LS. Did you have any actresses that you looked up to?
TJV: I loved Halle Berry! It was during the time Boomerang came out. I think I loved her so much because we were both wearing short hair styles at the time.
LS. When was your first big break?
TJV: My big break was the Steve Harvey Show. I had been living in LA and looking for work for five years which is not a long time compare to others trying to make it. I ran around LA auditioning for different roles. I found out about the Steve Harvey Show. I went out and auditioned for his show and got the role.
LS: How long did the show run for?
TJV: It ran for six seasons.
LS: Are you working on a movie right now?
TJV: We finished filming a movie 3 Can Play That Game in August with Vivica A. Fox.
LS: Whats your characters name?
TJV: Her name is Linda! This is one of my most favorite roles because playing Linda was so much fun because shes a romantic. Linda took advice from Shante Smith (played by Vivica A. Fox) a relationship expert who specializes in helping the ladies get what they want out of their relationships. Linda loved Shante because she helped her get her man back. LS: What do you like to do most tv or movies?
TJV: I love to do tv shows because you get an instant reaction from the audience. Also, whenever I am working on a tv show I like to come home to my son at the end of the day and spend time with him.
LS: Tell us about your new documentary. I decided to do a documentary called Angels Cant Help But Laugh because work for black actresses is digressing in Hollywood so I decided to put this documentary together and talked to 25 actresses to find how they deal with being in the entertainment industry today. This documentary will be showing at the Oakland Film Festival on October 24th.
LS: You have a wonderful non profit called Take Wings, what inspired you to start it?
TJV: Being that I am from Hunters Point I wanted to give young ladies a chance to succeed in life, my non profit provides young ladies with mentoring, scholarships and other opportunities living in low income communities around the Bay Area. Some young girls feel like they are not good enough because of some of the choices they may have made in their lives, but I am the voice that says that they are good enough and that the things that they may come across is a normal part of life.
LS: You have saved and changed thousands of these girls lives which make you a hero, when you sit back and think about it how does it make you feel?
TJV: When I think about it I feel that I am being obedient to God, because he told me what to do. When I think of it, I say God your plan is working.
LS: Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
TJV: I want them to know that I appreciate the blessings and support from them over the years.
LS: Where can your fans find you?
TJV: www.terrijvaughn.com