(BLACK PR WIRE) Victoria Rowell… Actress, mother, advocate…



An actress, advocate, mother, a former foster child and now a best-selling author, Victoria Rowell is currently on a national whistle-stop book tour for the release of her new memoir, “The Women Who Raised Me,” published by William Morrow/An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. (William Morrow/An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. The memoir received The African American Literary Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations in the literary category, and she walked away with a statuette for Outstanding Literary Work/Debut Author.



A versatile actress of theatre, primetime, daytime and feature films, Rowell is known around the world for her various roles. She is an icon in daytime television as the feisty Drucilla Winters on CBS's highly-rated daytime series, "The Young and the Restless." She has been nominated twice for a Daytime Emmy and awarded 12 NAACP Image Awards. She also co-starred in the CBS hit primetime television series “Diagnosis Murder” with Dick Van Dyke for eight seasons while simultaneously continuing her role in daytime.



“FAME: I Want to Live Forever”



Born in Portland, Maine, Rowell was raised in foster care for 18 years. At the age of eight, Rowell received the Ford Foundation scholarship to the Cambridge School of Ballet under the auspices of the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. After eight years of training, she flourished as a dancer, garnering scholarships to both the School of American Ballet and the American Ballet Theater by the age of 16.



After dancing professionally with various companies – that is, the American Ballet Theater II Company, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Contemporary Ballet, Twyla Tharp Workshop and the Julliard School of Music Dance Extension Program with Anthony Tudor – Rowell accepted guest-artist teaching posts in New England.



While teaching, the opportunity presented itself for her to pursue a career in modeling. Soon, she began gracing the pages of various magazines, including Seventeen and Mademoiselle before auditioning for her first television role.



Rowell’s Big Break



Rowell auditioned and landed a role on the highly-rated NBC sitcom, “The Cosby Show.” In fact, Bill Cosby was so impressed by the young actress's poise and talent that he cast her as his daughter in the feature film “Leonard 6.” He also gave her a recurring role on “The Cosby Show” as the character of Paula, the biological mother of Olivia Kendall, portrayed by Raven-Simone.



Giving Back

"Growing up a foster child, little did I dream that someday I would have my own nonprofit organization dedicated to helping foster children."



Having spent eighteen years in foster care, Rowell became a passionate voice for children like herself. In 1990, she founded the Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan (RFCPP), which enriches foster children through artistic and athletic expression. In addition to facilitating job opportunities with Viacom television productions, she assisted youths in getting jobs with other companies, including BMG and Oxygen. For more information about her charity, visit www.rowellfosterchildren.org.



RFCPP partners with many other philanthropists, charities, foundations and businesses, including Sony, CBS Television, the “Dr. Phil Show,” the Magic Johnson Foundation, the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Cedric The Entertainer, Lorna Kyles, Sharon Stone, Camp to Belong, the California Endowment, and many others.



On The Scene



Victoria, who was recently in Miami for the Miami Book Festival to promote her new book, agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to chat and interview with Maddie Jomolca of Sonshine Communications, as well as visit His House Children’s Home, arranged by Jomolca; a visit that would prove to be a blessing and result in many cheerful smiles and elated hearts.

She began her visit with a sit-down, sumptuous breakfast prepared by the HHCH staff; and proceeded with a morning spent perusing the 4-acre shelter grounds, stopping at each dormitory to greet and chat with the children, teens, and their house-parents. She signed their journals, listened encouragingly while they played their instruments and shared their stories, and read to them from her book... It was an emotional day for all!

Maddie Jomolca asked Victoria the following questions:



MJ: How did you come to know the Lord?



VR: Just by the title of my book, “The Women Who Raised Me” that says it all.



MJ: Does your relationship with Christ affect your career as an actor? How so?



VR: Yes it does… with Humility, Courage, Strength, Perseverance, Faith, and Hope…



MJ: You were evidently blessed with a positive foster care experience, do you think this is rare, or is it the prevailing circumstance in foster care cases?



VR: I don’t think it was as rare as we are led to believe, there are 100’s of thousands of people who go unheard – “unsung heroes” while dedicating there lives to someone else’s children.



MJ: Do you feel that Christians in Hollywood are making an impact in some way? How so?



VR: Yes, thru Faith based groups such as West Angeles Church in God, FAME, Brooklyn Church, and through the community with mentoring in foster care and the community.



MJ: You are a mother now-- -- has your childhood within foster care affected your parenting?



VR: Yes – I understand the importance of providing a home and lots and lots of hugs – structure and supporting what my children’s interests are.



Among her many attributes, Rowell has been recognized for her contributions in educating and supporting foster children. We at BPRW recognize and honor Vicky for her many talents, her fervor, and her ongoing contributions to many communities!