The cameras loved Garcelle Beauvais in her role as Francesca “Fancy” Monroe on 90’s sitcom, The Jamie Foxx Show. Although the show featured her as a supporting actress to Jamie Foxx, Garcelle made the small screen her own by being funny and ‘fancy’ all at once.
Now, as a mother of three and a big screen actress, Garcelle is focused on using her influence to make a difference in society. BCK recently caught up with the busy actress to talk about her ambitions as a mom and movie star, and to discuss her I AM children’s series, which will be released on August 7th.. Check out what the celeb had to say!
Give us insight into your upcoming book, I AM Mixed. What inspired you to write it?
“I was inspired to Write I AM Mixed because of my children. We are always looking for books to read and I couldn’t find one that my kids could see themselves in, and characters that celebrates diversity. It’s about being proud for what makes you, YOU.”
How did you manage to get Halle Berry to write the forward?
“It was really organic, since she is biracial and raising a beautiful mixed daughter, she agreed right away. I feel she saw how important a book like I AM Mixed is.”
What do you hope to accomplish through publication of your I AM series?
“My hope for I AM series is that it helps children feel accepted, have self love, and I hope it starts a conversation between kids and parents.”
Tell us more about the twins. What are their hobbies? What are their favorite subjects in school? Are they into sports?
“My boys are active (as boys should be) so we stay busy. The boys both take karate, and play T-ball. We are at parks a lot throwing football or playing basketball. When we’re home we’ll swim. Jaid is my animal guy, he loves bugs, and any small creatures. I’m not crazy about that. Jax is my sports fanatic, he watches football like he’s got money on the game.”
Tell us about your big screen ambitions in White House Down. How did it feel to work alongside Jamie Foxx in such a dramatic role?
“I love Jamie so it’s always fun to be around him. Being on set In Montreal felt like old times, except now he’s an Academy Award Winner! White House Down will be a fun ride.”
You’re a starring actress in the upcoming film, And Then There Was You. Can you tell us more about that?
“The movie is about my character Natalie a preschool teacher who is putting her life back together after the rug has been pulled from under her, when she finds out that her husband has a family outside of their relationship.”
With so much going on, how do you find time to balance your career with motherhood?
“It’s a juggle, and have to be organized, but like most mommy’s my first priority is my kids. So if I can, I try schedule meetings or personal errands between hours of school drop off and pick up so I can be the one to get them. I also get help from family, friends. It takes a village!”
In what ways do your kids support your career as an entertainer?
“Well, I have to work to support my household but the boys know I would rather be with them before anything else. So when I say I have to work they get it.”
Where do you and the family love to take vacations?
“We don’t always do big vacations but we’ll take quick trips to palm desert or San Diego for the Zoo and if it’s a big trip we’ll go to Miami and visit family or to NY.”
What fun activities do you and the kids do at home? Any arts and crafts?
“We play games at home like Connect Four, or Headbanz, or card games. We play a lot of hide and seek.”
What parenting advice can you give working moms trying to do it all like you?
“Take a little time for yourself; even if it’s a bath. Happy Mommy, Happy Home.”
Garcelle is the proud mom to three sons: Oliver, 22, and twins Jax and Jaid,5.
Photos for use on Blackcelebkids.com courtesy of J Squared Photography/MLC PR
