SO2 April 2
First…
Vice-President of the United States of America Kamala Harris surprised Ghanaians when she stopped at local recording studio Vibrate Space accompanied by two SO faves: British actor Idris Elba [his mum is from Ghana] and multi-award-winning Jamerican actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Harris — the first woman of colour to serve as vice-president of the United States — leaned into her heritage during a recent three-nation trip to Africa to strengthen US relations on the continent. Her week-long trip began in Ghana on Sunday, March 26. Tanzania and Gambia were also visited.
Then…
Though upwards of 60 soap stars of the past and present gathered at historic cathedral-turned-event venue Vibiana in LA on the night of Friday, March 17 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the soap opera The Young and the Restless (Y&R), most eyes were peeled on Rock-habituée Y&R alum Victoria Rowell who stunned in a look from vintage and archival house The Cutorial Dept by Wendi Weger.
Y&R devotees have long awaited the return of the believed-to-be-dead character, Drucilla “Dru” Winters, played by Rowell, from 1990-2007 who was last seen going over a cliff back in April of 2007. And, though they did not get their wish, fans were happy to her out for the milestone celebrations.
In an exclusive chat with SO2, Rowell who earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for the role, shared, “Success starts with family. My children, Jasper (painter, composer, musician) and Maya (events, production) are a driving force in my life. Love is at the core. There were long days away from home filming, time you can never get back, but we reaped the benefits and still do. All I can say is, it was my honour to have performed for an international audience for 14 years. Many still tell me, my Y&R character, Drucilla, represented someone who was more than aspirational, but rather inspirational to often marginalised communities and globally from India to Africa, the Caribbean, and the US. I’ve won many awards for portraying Drucilla Barber Winters; however, chief among them, is the enduring audience approval — that person who still calls out, “Dru!” at an airport, a supermarket, or on the street. I always get tickled! I love people and I stop to say, ‘Yes, it’s me and thank you!’ Sometimes the person will ask, “Why are you thanking, me?’ I reply, ‘without you, I wouldn’t have had a career.'”
