Actress Mahogany Raspberry: “From Mobile to Mainstream: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity”
Actress Mahogany Raspberry discovered her passion for entertaining early on, beginning her journey in Mobile, Alabama, at just 21 years old. Initially drawn to music, she soon recognized her potential on the blues circuit but sought greater opportunities in Atlanta, GA. There, she explored modeling, which led her to acting, a career path where she felt truly at home. Her versatility shone through as she ventured into hosting “Ms. Mo’s Intimacy Talk Radio,” a show cherished for its candid discussions on life, culture, and current events that ran successfully for 4 years. She further honed her craft on regional theater stages and expanded into various productions, TV shows, and web series. Along the way, Mahogany has trained under esteemed mentors such as director Marishka Phillips and actor-director-producer Javon Johnson, continually enriching her skills alongside notable figures like Clifton Powell, Stevie Baggs Jr., and Genice Shelton.
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Voice IT Interview
Can you tell us about your journey from Mobile, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, and how it influenced your career in entertainment?
The journey was definitely challenging, but I was determined. Let me give you the fast-forward version. I didn’t have a job or a place to stay. I left my kids with my mom to finish the school year; they had roughly 2 months left. The day I was leaving, one of the movers that was helping load my things stole all of the cash I had, but again, I was determined. So I pushed on. I faced a lot of challenges,, and people kept telling me that I would be back. So I had to prove them, as well as myself (most importantly), wrong.
What sparked your transition from music to acting, and how did you discover your passion for hosting your own radio show?
To be honest, I’ve always been very animated as a child, having done a few commercials and some plays. I got into some runway work, was asked to host, and was then invited to audition for a movie role. So I did and I booked it. After the audition, I was asked to stick around. The casting person said they liked the way I presented myself and asked if I would be interested in radio. I had always wanted to do radio, being around it with my uncle Ray Ray from 93BLX back home in Mobile, Alabama, so I was like, Hey, yeah. He then goes on to say, “You have one week to put your show together.” I then laughed because I thought it was a joke. Fast forward to “Ms. Mo’s Intimacy Box Talk Radio” for 4 years.
Could you share some highlights from your radio show, “Ms. Mo’s Intimacy Talk Radio,” and what you aimed to achieve with it?
It was four women with similar but different backgrounds talking about life and events throughout the year. My focal point was to empower women not just to love themselves but to fall in love with themselves. Being able to meet some of my favorite celebrities, not to mention creating characters like “Auntie Bertha,” “Sylvonna Simone, The Cuban Sex Therapist,” and “Good Hair Becky,”
You’ve had the opportunity to work in various entertainment mediums, such as regional plays, TV shows, and web series. How do you approach each different form of entertainment?
I approach each with the question, “How can I use this character to help someone overcome something, get through something, or adjust to something in life? If I can make you laugh to escape something painful for a moment, then that’s my goal. I want each role that I take or have taken to be able to help heal, overcome, or adjust in life.
What has been the most rewarding experience in your acting career so far?
The most rewarding for me is being able to have done radio, the runway, stage, and screen with my kids. I set out to show them that there is more to the world than just itty-bitty Mobile, Alabama. I wanted them to have access to more than I did, and I achieved that.
How have your training and collaborations with renowned figures in the industry, like Marishka Phillips and Javon Johnson, influenced your approach to acting?
Working with Marishka Phillips was like no other. There is a difference between acting for fun and acting to tell a story at its best. If it is in you, trust that Ms. Phillips is definitely the one to pull it out of you. Intense training with her was like a full-body workout when done. You would leave her class with so much to apply to your craft and your everyday life.
Winning “Best Supporting Actress” at the Atlanta Deem Awards must have been a significant milestone. How did you feel about receiving that recognition?
Receiving that award was so surreal for me. Having gone through so much to make a difference in my life and create a better life for my kids, this moment solidified for me that I am clearly on the right path. I had never received an award before, and, in most cases, felt that the odds were against me, but that very moment screamed, “Girlfriend, keep going.” And that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Could you share your experience of being crowned Queen Ngozi of the Igbo Tribe and its significance to you? My first reaction was “wake up.” How is it that this small-town country girl could be Queen Ngozi, But then I realized that I pride myself on peace. So how do we change the narrative we all ask for?
We become a part of changing within ourselves in order to change our surroundings. It’s a domino effect.
Finally, what upcoming projects are you excited about, and what can fans expect to see from you in the future?
There are several projects on the way, but the one that I am most excited about is “The Preparer” series, written by yours truly, Mahogany Raspberry, and it is the kickstarter of what’s to be known as MR22 Productions.
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