TANJAREEN THOMAS
“If you stay in touch with the people you meet and offer to help them with their goals, you’ll be amazed at how your own life will flourish.”
Smart, sassy and sexy totally sums up actress Tanjareen Thomas, both on camera and off.
‘Smart’ because this actress doesn’t allow herself to be pigeon-holed into a specific type of role. Tanjareen has gone from the saucy Cinemax series, ZANE’S THE JUMP OFF, to her current recurring role on Bounce TV’s family-friendly comedy series, FAMILY TIME. ‘Sassy’ because she often brings her fun-spirited attitude to the characters she portrays. Her latest example is in urban filmmaker Christopher Nolen’s upcoming romantic comedy, ZODIAC SIGN. And, ‘Sexy’ because – well, have you seen Tanjareen?!
Tanjareen recently took time out of her busy schedule for an interview:
What can audiences expect from the third season of FAMILY TIME?
TANJAREEN: Season 3 is honestly our funniest season yet! We have a storyline about a trip to Las Vegas that leaves us forever changed. There’s also a really comical 80s party where I come dressed as Grace Jones! (If you ever wanna know how the writers feel about you, wait till they tell you you’re gonna be Grace Jones! lol) And there are some realistic issues like adultery, parenting, social media, and finances that we tackle in a humorous.
How do you think ‘Rachel’ has evolved (or not evolved) over the seasons?
TANJAREEN: In season 1, Rachel was just one of the sisters who bickered with her siblings all the time. Funny and sassy, but you didn’t know a lot about her personal life. In season 2, our lesbian Rachel was finally shown with a girlfriend. That was a nice peek inside her character and lots of fun to play with. Now in season 3, Rachel seems to be more prominent in instigating challenges, ideas, and fun shenanigans. I’m enjoying her a lot this season! Although I’d love to also explore her dating life even more. With all the recent progress being made in the LGBTQ community, I think the viewers would enjoy seeing more of Rachel’s love life as well.
We heard you get to work with some fun guest stars this season – what can you reveal about that?
TANJAREEN: Yes! We had amazing guest star performances this season from Jason Weaver, Mark Curry, Clayton Thomas, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, and international rap sensations Salt N Pepa. In fact, the episode with Salt N Pepa is sure to be a fan favourite. The old school references on that show are hysterical! And wait till you see the dance moves!
The show marked the first original scripted series on Bounce TV, the nation’s first-ever over-the-air broadcast television network for African Americans – what’s that been like?
TANJAREEN: Being one of the “pioneer” actors on Bounce makes me very proud. It’s interesting that many of us didn’t even realize there weren’t any Black broadcast channels until this one was finally created. I love telling people about the channel, its creators, and all the wonderful content it has. And that it can all be enjoyed for absolutely FREE with a digital antennae. Nothing feels better than getting rid of monthly bill! I want to spread the word as much as possible so more and more homes across the country can enjoy Bounce…and Family Time.
You’re also starring in Christopher Nolen’s new romantic comedy film, ZODIAC SIGN – tell us about this project.
TANJAREEN: Zodiac Sign stars Caryn Ward Ross as Diane, a divorced woman who has been single for 5 years. Her 2 best friends (Tammy Townsend and Tanjareen) are tired of seeing her lonely. So my character Tasha comes up with the idea of having Diane purposely date guys who are astrologically compatible. Throughout the film, my character is a hilarious mess-talker who blurts out whatever she’s thinking. Fun and romance ensue from the various dates Diane goes on with such actors as Carl Anthony Payne, Timon Durrett, and Keith Robinson.
How did you get into acting?
TANJAREEN: I did my first acting job in a school play in the 1st grade, and I was hooked. I took acting classes and did many stage plays throughout my school years. But it wasn’t until I did an internship at Paramount Pictures that I started networking with co-workers and landed my first speaking part on an MTV sketch comedy show. That same year, I modeled bikinis on a daytime talk show and earned my SAG union card and then I was on my way to joining the audition world!
Can you share the biggest piece of advice you either did or wish you would have followed?
TANJAREEN: My biggest piece of advice for anyone in any industry is to constantly nurture relationships with others and come from a place of generosity and gratitude. If you stay in touch with the people you meet (regardless of what field they’re in or what they can do for you) and offer to help them with their goals, you’ll be amazed at how your own life will flourish. I also keep a daily gratitude journal to celebrate all the mini victories I experience each day. The more grateful we are, the more The Universe gives us things to be grateful for!
We can’t let you go without asking…what makes you laugh?
TANJAREEN: Haaa haaaa! That’s a great question! I produce comedic projects so I’m around comedians almost every day. Therefore its not easy to make me laugh. Toilet humor and slapstick don’t do it for me. Subtle dry humor is my absolute fave. Its the little things that are said under the breathe that crack me up! Oh, and my husband. He’s a comedian and he keeps me laughing super hard from the gut when he’s not even trying.
