Sherri Shepherd has been tabloid fodder since her departure from “The View,” news of her rocky divorce from Lamar Sally to the surrogacy battle. But, this writer decided to speak with the Chicago native about career moves for public consumption. The actress, comedienne, entrepreneur, television personality and future children’s book author plays Chris Rock’s ex, Vanessa, in the romantic comedy Top Five. Here, she shares why Top Five, which comes out on Blu-ray on March 17, is a must-buy, as well as her other ventures.
What was it like filming Top Five under Chris Rock’s tutelage?
It was a lot of fun. Being a comic and being in the presence of a bunch of other comics, is your greatest dream and worst nightmare because nobody is under control. It’s whatever flies. It is literally how it was and is a testament to Chris Rock that he was able to corral all these comics.
I am really excited about the scenes that you didn’t get to see on the big screen that you will see on Blu-ray; [it has] 45 minutes of bonus features.
Does this open this doors for people of color to reach their next level in Hollywood in terms of getting their projects produced?
No, I think it is still very hard, very very difficult for people of color to produce their own films. Remember this is Chris Rock. He has a reputation and there are certain doors that will open for Chris because he’s proved himself. You’re not talking about Jamahl White (pseudonym) who has a script. I am being real honest. I hope it inspires people to keep pushing and trying to get their scripts in front of the powers-that-be.
What do you have on your entertainment plate?
I am doing a live episode of “Soul Man” which airs this Wednesday. J.B. Smoove is a guest star on “Soul Man” so we are all working together again this week, which is crazy because we just finished filming this movie.
I have a dramatic lead in this movie Woodlawn, which comes out in September.
I am shooting some more scenes for Ride Along 2 with Kevin Hart.
I have a wig line and I am working on a kid’s book. I am just a Jamaican all around.
You’re an entrepreneur with a wig collection. How is it working in the beauty industry?
I have always worn wigs because in this business, and just in general, I am a busy mother, always running around and don’t have time to sit in a beauty shop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I wanted wigs that I could wear myself and not break the bank. I have human hair wigs and they’re expensive to purchase and maintain. I wanted to create a line of really wonderful wigs that you could pull out of the box and put on. Right now I am sitting here wearing my natural hair. I can go out to a red carpet and wear my wig and I don’t have to stress and worry about my hair. There are too many other things to stress about. The wig line is doing very well. I am on QVC on June 19, with my line of wigs, Sherri Shepherd NOW.
Where do you currently live, New York or Los Angeles?
I am back-and-forth. I live in New Jersey with Jeffrey, my son. I am back-and-forth in L.A. working on “Soul Man.” I will be back in New Jersey working on a show I am executive producing for the Food Network. I will be traveling for a minute.
