You may recognize her as the sultry sexy flight attendant in Soul Plane or the ride or die chick by Sweetpea’s side in Baby Boy. If you’re a soap opera junkie, you know her as attorney Leslie Michaelson on Young and the Restless. Beyond her roles, she’s simply Angell Conwell. Hailing from South Carolina, Conwell (who bears a striking resemblance to Jennifer Hudson) has worked alongside a bevy of former up and comers (Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson), but now it’s her time to shine. Vixen caught up the Hollywood vet to talk beauty secrets, working with Kevin Hart and what’s up next.—Kandice Lawson
On working with Kevin Hart:
“I feel like Kevin is exactly who he was then as he is now: just a nutbasket. I just look at him like, ‘Why are you so silly for no reason?’ And he was obviously a ball of fun and he has so much energy. He’s just a good, warm hearted all around guy. What you see is what you get. He says what’s on his mind and whenever he says something, there’s always a tone of comedy to it.”
On Soul Plane:
“It was him [Kevin Hart], Method Man, and everybody; it was a lot of laughs on that set. I don’t care what people say because you know some people have their opinions about the big purple plane and everything, but we definitely had a ball filming that movie. That was one of the best times I’ve ever had on a set.”
On her role in Baby Boy:
“I was like 17 years old. I was really young and I remember there was such hype around the project from the second it came out and before it came out there was hype about the movie. I was happy I got the opportunity to read for John Singleton. I was good. I was in awe that I was even there. I originally auditioned for Peanut but I ended up playing Kim.”
On her role on The Young and the Restless:
“They film so much and so fast, sometimes two shows in one day. By the time 5 p.m. rolls around, we’ve probably filmed a whole show. Once you’re on soaps, its kinda like your whole life revolves around it because if you’re not on set, you’re reading lines for the next scene because you don’t want to be the one fumbling lines and causing a hold up. It’s been one of my most challenging jobs. It’s definitely a step up to the plate.”
On being one of a few African-American actresses on a soap opera:
“I’m honored. I’m definitely in an elite group of women and so many great actresses have started on soaps and some are still there. I’m just honored to be in this group of women that ever graced the daytime drama scene. No matter what, you always want the support of your people. I just hope that I’m representing and I’m definitely doing my best and happy to be one of the representatives. I think it’s moving in a progressive direction for sure.”
Someone she would like to work with:
“Comedy wise I would like to work with Martin Lawrence. Chiwetel Ejiofor. He’s been in so many films and he stands out. If I ever get the chance to work with him, that would be awesome because he brings so much into his scenes and his character. Director wise, I would love to work with John Singleton again. There are so many great people coming up.”
Photo Credit: M. Brown/Getty Images
The Jennifer Hudson Comparison:
“I totally get that all the time. I see it, too. I’ll be driving down the street and see a billboard and I’ll be like “Whoa, when did I blow up like that?” And then I realize it’s her and I’m like “Oh not me. Not yet.” It’s definitely not a bad compliment.”
On her favorite beauty products:
“Besides the good ol’ H20, I don’t think people understand how cleansing and therapeutic water is for you’re skin, not only for your body inside but you skin as well.It helps your skin glow. The more water you drink, the more clearer your skin will be and I make sure I take my vitamins. I like this product by Derma E. It’s made with all natural product and its not harsh on my skin. So Derma E is a face wash I love, but I feel water and vitamins is the most overlooked beauty products out there.”
Beauty tips:
“Steaming you face. You can get these little steamers from Wal-Mart or your local stores and you put a towel over your head and get under the steamer for about 10-20 minutes about 3 times a week. It helps unclog your pores and leaves your skin glowing. I think a lot of people sleep on the steamer.”
Favorite Fashion Finds:
“I love the gladiator sandals. I don’t know how everyone else feels about them, but I care not what anyone says. I will rock them and I love them. I like the over sized handbags; I’m just digging the fact that a lot of the old school ways of dressing are coming back.”
Photo Credit: howwelive.biz
Her Hair:
“Right now I wear hair hats on a regular basis. I love hair hats. I love the versatility of a wig. But I also wear my own hair so when I’m not filming I can let my scalp breath. I wear my own hair and blow dry and wear it like that or pull it back in a ponytail. I’m bold, too, ’cause I definitely have a big ol’ forehead. I‘ll do that quick. Clips are cool, too. They’re real simple and easy to use and add fullness to your hair really fast, and it’s really easy to put in.”
Who she’s listening to:
“I’m so old school. I keep some old school Dr. Dre in my CD player. I like Kendrick Lamar. I like what he’s got going on right now. I can’t move past some of the old music. A friend of mine just hipped me to Big K.R.I.T.”
Her dream role:
“I appreciate roles that have range and where I can tell a solid story that in same way, shape or form can transform somebody’s life or at least change someone’s perspective. I like roles that are vulnerable and strong at the same time. I don’t necessarily have a dream role, but those are elements that I would like to see in the future role that I play.”
The Future:
“I’ve been focused on the Young and the Restless for the past year but also did a show called ‘Family Time’ with Bentley Kyle Evans. Bentley is the executive producer of Martin and the creator of The Jamie Foxx Show and Love That Girl. So we’ve got a show called Family Time and they’ve aired about six shows already on TV One. So definitely keep your ears and eyes open for it.”