Vanessa Bell Calloway
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In this heartfelt episode of *You Might Know Her From*, host Anne Rodeman and Damian Bellino welcome the legendary Vanessa Bell Calloway for a deep dive into her four-decade career spanning film, television, theater, and dance. From her breakout role as Jackie in the 1993 biopic *What's Love Got to Do With It* to her iconic performance as Princess Imani in *Coming to America*, Calloway reflects on the full-circle moments in her life—like reuniting with Tina Turner on set decades after dancing in her music video, and being cast in *Bebe's Kids* through the legacy of Robin Harris, whom she knew personally. She shares candid stories about her early days in New York, training with Alvin Ailey and joining the original Broadway cast of *Dreamgirls*, where she recalls the electric moment Jennifer Holliday first sang. Calloway also opens up about the challenges of being a working actor—navigating low-budget films, the rise of influencer culture in Hollywood, and the importance of professionalism, punctuality, and respect on set. Her journey from soap opera star to matriarchal powerhouse in shows like *Shameless* and *One of Them Days* underscores her enduring presence and authenticity. The episode closes with a touching tribute to her love for theater, her commitment to mentoring young talent, and her joy in being part of culturally significant projects that continue to resonate across generations.
Vanessa Bell Calloway’s career is a masterclass in versatility, spanning Broadway, film, TV, and voice acting with iconic roles in *Dreamgirls*, *What's Love Got to Do With It*, and *Bebe's Kids*.
Her journey from a young dancer in New York to a Broadway original cast member and award-winning actress highlights the importance of resilience, preparation, and seizing unexpected opportunities.
She emphasizes that no experience is wasted—whether it’s soap operas, low-budget films, or viral dance videos—each contributed to her craft and professionalism.
Casting directors and studio heads can make or break careers; Calloway shares how Peter Roth saved her career by canceling a show so she could join *What's Love Got to Do With It*.
She advocates for respect, punctuality, and preparation on set, especially when working with non-traditional performers or influencers who lack formal training.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Vanessa’s Philly Pride & the WNBA as a Queer Affinity Space
“If you're a queer person that likes to date other like queer people, I think that women's sports is like a great place. It's like a great if you're out looking for other queers, like it's a great dating ground.”
From Dance to Drama: Vanessa’s Broadway Origins
“When Jennifer Holliday when we got to the end and the first time as a company we heard her sing and I'm telling you it was like people were crying I mean you had chills it was like and that's when I said oh my god I'm in a hit.”
The Making of Jackie: A Role Built on Empathy
“I said, listen. Because I had done stuff in soap operas. And I was like, I can do this. This can let me because it's going to be a better payoff for me with the adrenaline if I, you know...”
The Soap Opera School: Training Ground for a Legend
Vanessa reflects on her early career in soap operas like *All My Children* and *Days of Our Lives*, calling them the best acting classes she ever attended. She emphasizes how they taught her rapid memorization, adaptability, and professionalism—skills that carried through her entire career.
The Power of Professionalism: Dealing with Influencers
Vanessa shares her no-nonsense approach to working with non-traditional performers or influencers who lack formal training. She stresses the importance of knowing lines, being on time, and treating every role with respect—values she upholds as both actor and director.
“When Jennifer Holliday when we got to the end and the first time as a company we heard her sing and I'm telling you it was like people were crying I mean you had chills it was like and that's when I said oh my god I'm in a hit.”
“I said, oh my God, Robin, you were serious. You really wanted me to be Jamaica. That's the story. That's so cool.”
“If you're a queer person that likes to date other like queer people, I think that women's sports is like a great place. It's like a great if you're out looking for other queers, like it's a great dating ground.”
Hosts
Guest
Vanessa Bell Calloway
person
What's Love Got to Do With It
media
Dreamgirls
other
Tina Turner
person
Robin Harris
person
Coming to America
media
Bebe's Kids
media
Kenny Leon
person
El Bravo
other
Unrivaled
other
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