Photographer: Dean Foreman
Hair: Robert Steinken
Makeup: Motoko Honjo Clayton
Watch Actress Alise Willis. Stars in season 2 of Ruthless on BET. She can also be seen in the film, Coming 2 America with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall now available to watch on Amazon Prime.
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Had you been a fan of the first "Coming to America" movie? How excited were you to be about being a part of "Coming to 2 America with such a huge diverse fan-base ?
I don’t think there is a person alive who isn’t a fan of the original Coming To America! It is a hilarious, funny, timeless movie. It’s just as funny today as it was over 30 years ago. I remember seeing it countless times as a kid. To say that I’m honored to be a part of such an iconic project is an understatement. I’m completely blown away at how many talented actors are in connection to the new "Coming 2 America". To be attached to this knowing that it will be a part of movie history is just astounding!
I'm so grateful.
I’m still in awe.
How was it working with Eddie Murphy, the legendary icon?
I play the Royal Bather, so my duties are to tend to the soon-to-be prince of Zumanda. Jermaine Fowler is playing the prince-that's who I was mainly working with.
Who would be your ideal co-star and director for future projects?
There are so many! If I had to choose one, my ideal costar would have to be the immensely talented Viola Davis. I would love to be directed by Ava DuVernay and Steven Spielberg. What TV show or movie that has already been out you watched and sod "darn, I couldn't have been great in this! Issa Rae’s Insecure. I'm sure being on that set is so much fun. It’s such a relatable funny show. Black Panther is another project that will go down in history. I remember watching it in theaters and feeling proud and empowered.
I don’t think there is a person alive who isn’t a fan of the original Coming To America! It is a hilarious, funny, timeless movie. It’s just as funny today as it was over 30 years ago. I remember seeing it countless times as a kid. To say that I’m honored to be a part of such an iconic project is an understatement. I’m completely blown away at how many talented actors are in connection to the new "Coming 2 America". To be attached to this knowing that it will be a part of movie history is just astounding!
I'm so grateful.
I’m still in awe.
How was it working with Eddie Murphy, the legendary icon?
I play the Royal Bather, so my duties are to tend to the soon-to-be prince of Zumanda. Jermaine Fowler is playing the prince-that's who I was mainly working with.
Who would be your ideal co-star and director for future projects?
There are so many! If I had to choose one, my ideal costar would have to be the immensely talented Viola Davis. I would love to be directed by Ava DuVernay and Steven Spielberg. What TV show or movie that has already been out you watched and sod "darn, I couldn't have been great in this! Issa Rae’s Insecure. I'm sure being on that set is so much fun. It’s such a relatable funny show. Black Panther is another project that will go down in history. I remember watching it in theaters and feeling proud and empowered.
I could totally see myself in Wakanda!
What is your personal style? Any designers you can't live without?
What is your personal style? Any designers you can't live without?
Trends you like?
I don’t really have a particular style. It’s changes so much, depending on my mood. Lately I find myself wearing vibrant colors and flowing pieces.
Do you cook? If so, what your specialties?
I don’t really have a particular style. It’s changes so much, depending on my mood. Lately I find myself wearing vibrant colors and flowing pieces.
Do you cook? If so, what your specialties?
If you don't cook what's your favorite dish?
I do not cook, but that is one of my New Year resolutions. The one dish that I know how to make and absolutely love is Chili.
I do not cook, but that is one of my New Year resolutions. The one dish that I know how to make and absolutely love is Chili.
How do you feel about acting now in such scary times?
Scenes like kissing and touching, how do you stay safe?
I don’t feel afraid acting during these times at all. When I worked with Tyler Perry on the set of Ruthless last summer, his team did a phenomenal job keeping the actors and crew safe and protected while filming. I had a kissing scene and I didn’t feel unsafe one time. If future projects that I work on take the extra care to protect the actors and crew like Tyler Perry and his team did, then I would have no worries or concern whatsoever.
I don’t feel afraid acting during these times at all. When I worked with Tyler Perry on the set of Ruthless last summer, his team did a phenomenal job keeping the actors and crew safe and protected while filming. I had a kissing scene and I didn’t feel unsafe one time. If future projects that I work on take the extra care to protect the actors and crew like Tyler Perry and his team did, then I would have no worries or concern whatsoever.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
There are a few things that I do daily to stay motivated and inspired. I am a spiritual person. My relationship with God is extremely important to me. My faith keeps me inspired. Another thing that keeps me going is making sure the artist inside me is fed. It keeps my passion burning. I feel most alive when I’m on the journey of discovery and uncovering who I am as an artist. I’m also a believer in what you say, feel, and think will manifest, so I make it my full time job to empower myself. Self-care has been my mantra.
What's a day in your life like?
Start from beauty to working out etc…
First thing in the morning after I freshen up and of course take my dog out, my routine is to pray, read, meditate, and do my affirmations. Once as my self-care is out of the way, I incorporate some type of work out. Since we’ve been in quarantine, I either go for a run or workout in my living room. Then I get straight to any auditions I have. Doing the work on them then putting them on tape usually takes a huge chunk of my day. I finish the night off reading. No day is ever really the same. Some days I have acting class, photo shoots, and I’m also involved in the charity Los Angeles House Of Ruth. Every day is truly different.
How can fans reach out to you via social media?
Instagram : sheisaliseshaunte
Facebook- AliseWillis
First thing in the morning after I freshen up and of course take my dog out, my routine is to pray, read, meditate, and do my affirmations. Once as my self-care is out of the way, I incorporate some type of work out. Since we’ve been in quarantine, I either go for a run or workout in my living room. Then I get straight to any auditions I have. Doing the work on them then putting them on tape usually takes a huge chunk of my day. I finish the night off reading. No day is ever really the same. Some days I have acting class, photo shoots, and I’m also involved in the charity Los Angeles House Of Ruth. Every day is truly different.
How can fans reach out to you via social media?
Instagram : sheisaliseshaunte
Facebook- AliseWillis