Wendy Raquel Robinson has entertained audiences with her wit and humor for over 20 years. From playing Regina Grier on “The Steve Harvey Show” to most recently Tasha Mack on the hit-series “The Game,” she continues to be a staple in Black entertainment.
She recently sat down with rollingout to discuss her upcoming role in the Disney movie Descendants and the series finale of “The Game.”
What can we expect from your role in the new Disney channel movie Descendants?
Well, it came to me after several auditions (laughs). They called me back for the role of Cruella De Vil which, for me was a much greater fit and instead of watching the movies, I studied the cartoons, former Disney characters, and I just went in and played my specific character. This was the first time that I allowed myself to play, and be free and I just had a ball. I had know idea that it would do much fun.
What was it like playing a villain in a movie?
Once we got to the set we did a walk through. The actual location was a dilapidated warehouse. Everything lent itself to be disgusting, evil, and dark. Also we had so many hair, makeup, and wardrobe adjustments, but once the wardrobe came on, there was no way that you couldn’t be in character at all. The outfit was very uncomfortable which probably explains why she is so evil (laughs). But honestly living in their world and space and being with the other actors. The way the director worked, Kenny Ortega, he was so masterful on how he brought us all together. It was a no-brainer once we started rehearsals. Everything came together very easily.
What are your feelings now that “The Game” is approaching its final season?
It’s really bittersweet. It’s been such a ride with that show, and its been such a journey as well because everybody became family and we all became very close. Tasha was a wonderful character that I had the opportunity to play and she had so many layers and dimensions, so it’s going to be really hard and the next project that occurs has to be special.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from being on “The Game”?
To never judge a character, to let go, and to trust that the writers know what they’re doing. One thing I can say about Mara Brock Akil is that she knew exactly where she wanted these characters to evolve and morph into. Tasha was the type of character that required you you to be either in, or out and that was the biggest takeaway for me.
Considering the fact that you attended Howard University, what are your thoughts on importance of HBCUs?
I can say it changed my perspective on a lot of things. Going to HU really gave me the wherewithal to give back, be more proactive, and also help people in a different kind of way. If I hadn’t gone to an HBCU, I probably wouldn’t be doing the things that I’m doing in the community, my non-profit, or with my school, “Amazing Grace Conservatory.” HU just really gave me a sense of self in regard to who I am as a person, and as an African American woman. I feel like without Howard, it would be really interesting to see who I’d be and what I’d be doing with my life.
Descendants premieres Friday, July 31 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
-andre j. ellington (@TheSuitMastor)
