Actress Looks For Roots Here
by Brandi North for THE CHARLOTTE POST Listening to the soft, mellow voice flow from actress
Samaria Graham's full lips evokes a feeling of cool summer days, sweet lemonade and relaxing jazz music. She is friendly, open and talkative, all surprising considering she was born and raised in New York City.
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Samaria Graham
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Graham's relaxed attitude is a product of her strong Southern ties - ties that are linked directly to Charlotte. Graham says her grandmother, mother, father and brothers were born here and one
of her brothers still lives here. "Charlotte reminds me of apple pies, peach cobbler and
summertime. Charlotte is like my second home. I am having fun here visiting family and doing some root searching."
Graham is not here just to visit family and research her background. She is also filming the new CBS mini-series "Shake, Rattle and Roll" (airing November 7 and 8). "Shake, Rattle and Roll" is electric," says Graham. "It encompasses
the time period between 1955 and 1968, highlighting the unique rock 'n roll culture and the relationships that are a part of this culture."
Co-starring Brad Hawkins (Tyler) and Bonnie Somerville (Lynn), Graham says she is sure CBS will be pleased with the final product and viewers will be surprised by the incredible
performances, including musical performances by K-Ci and Jo-Jo, Jesse Powell and Rahsaan Patterson, who play a doo-wop group. Other musical celebrities include Chante' Moore and B.B. King. "After viewing Shake, Rattle and Roll you will understand where the pain, joy ...the
emotions in the music produced during rock 'n roll's reign is coming from," said Graham.
"Shake, Rattle and Roll" is not the only many mini-series that Graham has starred in. Starting out at age 9 as a model for Maxwell House coffee, Graham's performances include a
two-season run as Shelly on the hit sitcom Blossom. She has also made guest appearances in Law and Order, NYPD Blue and Beverly Hills 90210. Graham was featured in "Nothing
to Lose" (as Lisa, Martin Lawrence's wife) and in "Renaissance Man" with Danny DeVito and Gregory Hines.
"Working with them (Martin Lawrence, Danny DeVito and Gregory Hines) has taught me to respect my audience," said Graham.
"I've learned to respect the things that they've gone through....I don't limit myself in the roles that I go after; I go after black or white characters. I try to just serve my character."
Acting is hard work and challenging, says Graham, but like many veteran actors and actresses, Graham uses her personal experiences to assist her in making her character come
alive. She is also motivated by others' struggles.
"I am inspired by people that have achieved beyond what others have allowed them. I admire Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan for the things they have endured to reach their destination." Graham also acknowledges Richard Pryor when speaking of people that have influenced and inspired her craft.
 "His work is like butta," says Graham of Pryor. "A lot of people
slight comedians, but he is both an actor and comedian. His stand-up is tight and he is an excellent actor. I have much respect for him."
If imitation is truly a form of flattery, Pryor should be tickled pink. Graham has recently been accepted into an improv comedy group The Groundlings.
Graham says her association with The Groundlings has taught her to be willing to take risks.
"It is so much fun. I get to play games and make mistakes. I have also met some of the nicest people in my classes, including Tyce, one of Janet Jackson's featured dancers." Graham loves to write and as she begins to look toward her future, she hopes to do some conceptual collaboration for movies, mini-series, etc.
"I want to work with writers and designers, giving them the concepts and ideas, letting them
work on the piece and then assisting in coloring the work to fit my concept."
Look to see much more of Samaria Graham in the future. Upcoming activities include a role in Pros and Cons starring Tommy Davidson and Jerry Seinfeld. The movie is scheduled to
be released at the end of this year or beginning of next year. Graham's smooth and relaxed Southern attitude coupled with her Northern sense of business is working, and indeed, she will surely fulfill her dreams.
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