UB Interview: Cocoa Brown Talks “The Single Moms Club,” New Season of “For Better or Worse” & More
(Photo Credit: Scott Herbert)
Actress and comedian Cocoa Brown can be seen as a lead in Tyler Perry’s latest film, The Single Moms Club. She can also be seen in another Tyler Perry project – his critically acclaimed comedy series “For Better or Worse” on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network returning for season 4 on April 9th.
A career that began as an advertising associate for Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus and a writer for various sketch comedy shows proved confining for the dynamic performer. She honed her writing and creativity to pursue her dream of being a stand-up comic. A decade later Brown had nearly mastered the art of comedy. She harnessed its essence and purpose, performing on top rated comedy shows including BET’s “Comic View” and “One Mic Stand”, and “Showtime at the Apollo”.
Today, she exemplifies mind-blowing humor, daring drama and contemporary reality wrapped in a boundlessly energetic package. Whether she is performing in honor of the incomparable Richard Pryor or acting in films such as “Lakeview Terrace” with Samuel L. Jackson, Brown exudes skill and discipline. With a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild award under her belt, Brown has her sights set on an Oscar, an Emmy and a Pulitzer Prize. She is writing a revealing autobiography and producing her highly anticipated one-woman show, “Confessions of a Suicidal Diva”.
Cocoa Brown spoke to UrbanBridgez.com about her latest film “The Single Moms Club,” the new season of “For Better or Worse,” her college days, her start on “Comic View” and “Apollo,” what’s next and much more!
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UrbanBridgez.com: What was your favorite part about playing Lytia in The Single Moms Club?
Cocoa Brown: Being able to use that experience as a learning lesson in what it may feel like to being a single mother because while filming my marriage was ending & I was indeed becoming a single mother. I also truly enjoyed working with such a talented & giving group of actors.
UrbanBridgez.com: Being you’re a single mother right now, what’s one of the most rewarding things about that for you?
Cocoa Brown: Truly being able to see the world through my sons eyes. His excitement & wonder at the simplest things makes my heart just burst!
UrbanBridgez.com: While filming with Nia, Tyler and Terry, as well as the rest of the cast, which one did you learn the most from while making this movie?
Cocoa Brown: I would have to say Nia. She had been a single mother & she became a great teacher in how to use what I was going through in my depiction of Lytia & in my real life.
UrbanBridgez.com: Let everyone know why they should go out and see The Single Moms Club and support it.
Cocoa Brown: It’s a great movie that celebrates the resilience of single mothers & single parents. It’s not a whoa is me film but am uplifting & real depiction of the challenges single mothers face & how it truly takes a village to raise a child. Plus me & Terry together was comedy magic honey!
UrbanBridgez.com: What can you tell us about the upcoming season of For Better or Worse this season, that starts April 9th? Cocoa Brown: People are going to be picking up their bottom jaws a lot! Honey hell hath no fury than a women scorned or cut off from the bank accounts!
UrbanBridgez.com: You guys come off really close as an ensemble, do you guys hang out outside of work at all?
Cocoa Brown: Yes we do! My For better or worse castmates are my family. We are friends & support each other. We’re actually meeting up in a few weeks to catch up.
UrbanBridgez.com: You have a masters in Secondary Education, in your collage days did you ever imagine such a shift change later on?
Cocoa Brown: No! I came from a traditional southern family. You went to college, you graduated, got a good job, got married, had some babies & lived your life. But thankfully when I decided to become a stand up & pursue an acting career my family was very supportive. I guess they we ok with it since I have a few degrees under my belt therefore a back up plan. But if you told me in undergrad I’d be here I would’ve called you crazy.
UrbanBridgez.com: Take us back to your appearances on Comic View and Apollo and what you remember loving the most from this experiences?
Cocoa Brown: The love I received from the crowds. Knowing that my point of view & my material resonated with them & made them laugh truly let me know I had a gift.
UrbanBridgez.com: Tell fans about some other upcoming projects you have coming up?
Cocoa Brown: I’m currently touring all over the country with my one funny momma comedy tour. Your readers can find out where at my website www.cocoabrown4life.com. I also will be appearing in the new Sitcom Braddock & Jackson with Martin Lawrence & Kelsey Grammer on FX this summer. I play a 59 year old woman named Ms. Precious opposite Telma Hopkins. People will definitely be in for a treat. And of course I’ll be reprising my role as Jennifer in the next season of For Better or Worse. I love playing Jennifer. She is a melting pot of too many folks I know!
