The Breakfast Club - INTERVIEW: Rosie Perez On Making Her Name In Hollywood, 2Pac Friendship, Love For Boxing + More

Episode Date: November 13, 2024

The Breakfast Club Sits Down With Rosie Perez To Discuss Making Her Name In Hollywood, 2Pac Friendship, And Love For Boxing. Listen for More!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey, y'all. Nimini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Executive produced by Questlove, The Story Pirates, and John Glickman, Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop. -♪ Flash, slam, another one gone, fast bam, another one gone. -♪ The cracker, the bat, and another one gone.

-♪ The tit, but a cap, there's another one gone. Each episode is about a different inspiring figure from history, like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Check it. And if you get with me, did you know,, did you know I wouldn't give up my seat

And I am up before Rosa He was Claudette Goldman Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records because in order to make history you have to make some noise. Listen to Historical Records on the iHeart Radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you

get your podcasts. Hey everyone, I'm Madison Packer, a pro hockey veteran going on my 10th season in New York. And I'm Anya Packer, a former pro hockey player and now a full Madison Packer stan. Anya and I met through hockey and now we're married and moms to two awesome toddlers, ages two and four. And we're excited about our new podcast, Moms Who Puck, which talks about everything from pro hockey to professional women's athletes to raising children and all the messiness in between.

So listen to Moms Who Puck on the iHeart radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The missions close on December 8th. Hey, you've been doing all that talking. It's time to get rewarded for it. Submit your podcast today at iHeart.com slash podcast awards. That's iHeart.com slash podcast awards. Hey everyone. This is Courtney Thorne-Smith, Laura Leighton, and Daphne Zuniga. On July 8th, 1992, apartment buildings with pools were never quite the same as Melrose Place

was introduced to the world. We are going to be reliving every hookup, every scandal, and every single wig removal together. So listen to Still the Place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hello, my undeadly darlings. Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We got chills, thrills, and stories that'll make you wish the lights stayed on. So join me, won't you? Let's dive into the eerie unknown together. Sleep tight if you can.

Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, Fight fans. We got an absolute insane matchup between one of the GOATS in the sport and a new rival on the scene. This Tyson Paul fight is going to be electric. Now who do you got? Who you have? If you're looking to get even closer to the action, you gotta check out my partner's Draft

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Wake that ass up in the morning. The Breakfast Club. I'm feeling great. You guys show me a birth certificate or some ID or something. I refuse to believe you 60 years old. It's no way. I refuse to believe that you just turned 60 in September. I refuse to believe that you just turned 60 in September. I refuse to believe that you just turned 60 in something. I refuse to believe you 60 years old. It's no way. I refuse to believe that you just turned 16 in September.

I refuse to believe that. Yes, I am 60 years old and everyone keeps telling me I'm 60 years old, but it's all good. Wow. What did you do to celebrate your 60th birthday? My husband gave me like a really amazing party. I'm a homebody.

I don't like to really do a lot of stuff and I have a small group of friends. And at first it was supposed to be like 40 people and I thought that was a lot. And. You thought 40 people was a lot? Yeah. You like I don't need one though.

Okay. I come from, I don't know if you know this about me, but I come from the hip hop world first. And I got so tired of partying and so tired of crowds. I'm just over it. But 82 people showed up to my party and I was walking around like, who the hell are you? Who invited you? And it was so funny when my daughter was like, you need to calm down.

I was like, no, I don't. I'm 60 years old. Damn it. Right. Get out of my party. By the way, they only bring you up your age because you don't look it, no, I don't. I'm 60 years old. Damn it. All right. Get out of my party. By the way, they only bring up your age because you don't look it. No, not at all. They'd be like, oh, congratulations. You turned 60. That's it. You know what I mean?

That's the only reason. Well, thank you. You know what I think it is also, what a part of it is. I was straight edge until I was 24 years old. Didn't drink, didn't smoke, only had coffee, water. That was it. And I just think that it benefited me in the long run. Absolutely.

Absolutely did. You have an iconic career. You stay booked and busy for years. You've been, but how is that? I just keep, I just, you know what it is? It's like, I love boxing and I believe in that champion spirit. And anytime I got knocked down, I just brush it off.

I'm like, okay, let's go. You know what I mean? Like my life was hard as a child. You know, not getting a role, that's not hard. That's just part of life and it's fine. And I also think it's because many other actors are listening. Don't be afraid to audition. Don't think you're above it. Yeah, that's bullshit.

Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry. You know, you OK. OK. OK. And because I was a choreographer and all the dancers that didn't want to audition for me didn't get the job. Like I had to see what you had. Yeah. You know, I mean? It may be different. I know you're a great dancer, but it may not fit the video that I'm that's what I'm working for right now.

So it's like that. And also be on time, be professional, be courteous and be prepared. And so I think that that has offered me longevity as well, you know, because people will say, OK, she works really, really hard. Go ahead and hire her. Yeah. What was your big acting break? I know everybody always talks about you want to live in color.

But what was the acting break? Like, what was the role that caused everything to take off for you? What was my first role? It was do the right thing. OK. But what really, really set it off in my opinion was white man cancer. Okay, absolutely. Yeah, and I fought hard for that one. I fought hard. I was the only person of color in the casting room

and it was just a sea of white ladies and I was like, oh dear God. You know? And- You killed it. Yeah, but it's just like that. It's like, all right, it's another championship round. Let's go, Let's go and

And man that I have to talk myself down from the edge. It was it was really tough But yeah, I think that was the one that really did it How difficult was it back then because we all love your accent But back then, you know when you're going into these rooms, they might be like well, who was this accent? You know, she sounds to New York. Was that ever a problem? All the time. All the time it was a problem. And then I would bring up other actors.

I was like, you don't have a problem with this accent. She's French. Why you don't have a problem with her? But this person is British. Why don't you have a problem with her? Is that your racism showing? I'm like, yeah, I said it. And that's who I just was.

That's who I am. You know, and I would challenge them on it and and everything. And sometimes it didn't work out, but a lot of times it did. And when I first went into the industry, the backlash that I really got was from the Latino community. Really telling me, shut up, sit down, stop rocking the boat. And I was like, rock in the boat. I was like, what are you talking about?

All the struggles that you had and have done for me. Let me relish in it. You know what I mean? Like, what are you talking about? Why aren't you celebrating the fruits of your struggle? Why? And I don't want to be in that boat. Yeah, my own boat. You know, and it was so that was really hurtful. That was something I had to that boat. I was in my own boat. And it was, so that was really hurtful.

That was something I had to push through. And it was just difficult. People don't understand how difficult it was for me. But I just, like I said, I just kept focused and just kept pushing through and just showing up. And it's crazy because you don't realize it until you get older. You were kind of the only one back then.

But we didn't realize that. We just saw you on you were kind of like the only one back then. But, you know, we didn't we didn't realize that. We just saw you on TV and I thought, oh, that's Rosie Perez. But yeah, you were like the only one back then. I was the only one. I was the only one. And it was hard also to fight against repeating performances. Like, I want you to do what you did in do the right thing. No, I don't want to do that. And then it was OK, I want you to do what you did in White Man Can't Jump.

No, I don't want to do that. And then it's like OK, I want you to do what you did in White Man Can't Jump. No, I don't want to do that. And then it's like I get fearless. That was another oh, my God. Talk about. They made me audition four times for that role in Fearless, and it was a dramatic role. They didn't want me. They wanted an Irish American woman, which was screwed up because it was based on a real story. And the real character was Asian American.

Right. And so they were saying we we think that the interracial aspect between you and Jeff Bridges is a concern. So we actually were supposed to have a love scene in that movie. And they cut it. They thought that the audience wouldn't be prepared for it or ready for it. But. It was. audience wouldn't be prepared for it, ready for it. But it was, it just was really, really hard.

Like people don't understand, it was really, really hard and I just kept, you know, you want me to audition four times, I'm gonna audition four times. I'm not gonna let you see me sweat. I probably would go home and cry about it and then the phone would ring, they want you back. I'm there, I'm there, let me get on the plane. I'm there. I'm there. Because I really wanted it.

You know, I really, really, really wanted it. And then when Fearless came around, they're like, oh, my God, you could do something different. I said, I've been doing something different. I've been doing something different. That's your limitations that you're not able to see that I have been doing something different. And throughout my career, every single role that I've had, they always go, this is such a different role for you.

And I go, you said that last time, and the other time before, and the other time before. And you know, it just is what it is. And I tell other people, whether they're Latino or not, if they're a minority in this country, I was like, fight for what you want. I mean, don't wait for you to see it at the table. You know what I mean?

Prepare your own table. I wanna know where you got the start from, right? Because you just weren't an actress. You were a dancer, a choreographer. What was the start to say, this is what I wanted to do? What did you see that said, you know what, I wanna be in that business? Because you could have did anything.

You could have said, I want to be an astronaut. I want to be a doctor. I want to be an attorney. But you wanted to go into that. What got you into that and who pushed you towards that, especially back then? Well, actually, I was in college to be come a marine biologist. I was studying bio camp. And then I meet the casting the talent scout for Soltrain didn't take it seriously.

I just thought it was fun until my father made me quit, Galrez Sissel. Then when I met Louis Silas Jr., Galrez Sissel, he was an A&R guy at MCA Records, and he said, he came to Soul Train and he goes, why aren't you dancing like that on the camera? I said, Don Cornelius doesn't like it. He goes, what's that?

That's hip hop, right? I said, yeah, that's hip hop. He says, I want you Don Cornelius doesn't like it. He goes, what's that? That's hip hop, right? So, yeah, that's hip hop. He says, I want you to teach that to an artist I have. He's going to lead this boy band. I said, who is it? He goes, I'm not going to tell you to show up. And I said, well, I'm not a choreographer. He goes, I'll pay you 1600 a day. I said, I'll see you Monday.

That's right. And so when I got there, I didn't know I was supposed to show him a routine. I made up the whole thing on the spot, right? And it was pretty bad what I made up and everything. And that was Bobby Brown. So I was my first. Still, I went back to school. And it wasn't until Spike Lee came into my life.

But what video was it for Bobby Brown so we could go back and look? I did two videos was Don't Be Cruel and My Prerogative. I'm the one that hired heart and soul for him. Wow. And those are two big videos. Yes. His biggest. And then when every little step I take, he didn't hire me and I was heartbroken. And but he hired heart and soul and I was happy for them. And and I had to I told them I called them up.

I was like, y'all killed it, man. I hate to say it, but you know, and and it became his most iconic video, those guys. How did Spike Lee, you met Spike Lee, how did you meet Spike Lee, how were you? I met him in a nightclub and we got in an argument and he said, this is fate, and I thought he was trying to hit on me

and I was like, you wish. And he just kind of stopped fracking up. And he was like, no, no, no, I'm a director, film director, and I was like, what? And it was my girlfriend, my college buddy, Marion Wade. I went to throw out his business card, and she went in the garbage and took it out. She goes, are you stupid?

Just give him a call. And then he asked me to audition for Do the Right Thing, and I did it. And then after we filmed it, I went back to school. I'm thinking, whatever. And it wasn't until I went to the premiere and I saw the magic all come together. And that was it. I remember sitting,

I don't think I've ever said this to anybody. I was sitting in the theater. Tears were going down my eyes. And one of my half sisters thought it was because of the nudity and it wasn't. It was just like my life has to change. This is what I want to do. And that was it. That was the turning point. One of the most classic scenes in black cinema history though.

That was nothing to cry over. Had a lot of us doing that ice cube move. A lot of us was doing the ice cube move because of that. And what did your parents say when they seen that and you were going college, you were gonna be a marine biologist and now you're doing something that at the time, I would say most parents, especially in our community,

did not understand in the black and brown community like that. My father was very upset. He was very upset. He was very upset with me on Soul Train and that's the reason why I stopped dancing. He was like, no, I don't know who you are coming down that line.

And I was like, oh, my God. And I quit. And everybody was like, why you quit? And I said, my father told me to quit. And being in California, they didn't understand that. They didn't understand the culture. And I was like, my father told me to quit. I have to quit. How old were you? I think I was 19, 20.

And and then when I did through the right thing, I called up my dad and I said, I just want to tell you, it's an artistic film. He goes, OK. And I said, OK. And I thought he understood. And and he had a viewing party in Puerto Rico

and invited the whole entire town. Jesus. And they said that he went into cardiac arrest. He didn't die there. He really went to cardiac arrest? He was like grabbed his heart. They were telling me. I was like, oh my gosh.

And I called him up and I was crying. I was like, I'm so sorry. He goes, next time, next time you tell me. And he says, but you're a grown woman now and I can't tell you what to do and I'll support you but please please don't humiliate me again. What was most enjoyable for you dancing or acting? Like which one is more easier and more enjoyable? I don't know that's a good question. You should be killing it on a dance tip, but then you kill it in the films. So like the dancing, the dancing like.

I don't know. That's that's. That's that's a true love for me. Yeah. I've always been dancing. But the acting. You know, you know, when you get that one lover and you can't get it out of your mind, you can't get him out of your mind. You know, like he just puts it on you and you're like, yes, ma'am, I just had a baby. So I know all about that. Yes, all about that.

Yeah, that's what acting is. OK, I got you. Yeah. I was going to ask, you know, you choreographed so many different videos from Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown, LL Cool J, Diana Ross. What was your favorite and why? My favorite client was Heavy D and The Voice because I loved Heavy. I loved him and I had a lot of fun. My best client was LL Cool J because Todd was the most professional person I had ever worked with.

That's why he's still in the game now. You're right. I had ever worked with. He that's why he's still in the game now. Right. Like he just I mean, at such a young age, he just had his stuff locked down and he was like, this is how we were going to go. But I would say my favorite was Diana Ross. She didn't show up to any of the rehearsals. I was pissed. I was like, I'm going to quit. And then it was like, don't quit, don't quit. And then I was like, when she shows like, I'm going to quit. And then it was like, don't quit. Don't quit. And then I was like, when she shows up, I'm going to tell her something. And and her daughters, Tracy and Chetney came to see me

and like, oh, my God, mom's dying to see you. And I was like, yeah, OK, I'm dying to see her, too. And so they open up the trail, her daughter, she was high. Go. Hi. And I was like, oh, my God, the boss, the boss. And she said, come on in. I said, really? And I just turned to mush and I and then she gets up there. No rehearsal.

She says, let me see that hippity hop. I felt out laughing and I showed her a few steps. Got it like that. Really? Wow. Got it like that. And she was just Got it like that and she was just game. She was like wow. And I just love professionals. I just really love people who come with the A game. I just love that.

How difficult was it being a woman in the industry coming up back then? We hear about so many different stories of men trying to take advances in so many different things. Was that as difficult for you as well? Yes. What was the hardest point? What was one thing that you remember,

you would like, I just remember this moment to this day and I wish that on no other woman. It was a person and everyone wants me to say his name, but I'm like, his life is shit now, so it's okay. He got his comeuppance, but went to an audition and people are like, well, why did you go to so and so's hotel room? That's what they used to do. Like even for Fearless, I met the casting director and the director, Peter Weir,

in a hotel room and you audition for them. And so this one individual wanted me to meet with him. And my first thing was like, why is it so late at night? I don't feel comfortable. Oh, no, no, no. Don't worry about it. Don't worry about it. When I went there, he starts rubbing my shoulders.

And I said, why are you rubbing my shoulders? He said, you're so tight. You need to relax. And I said, OK, but you don't have to rub my shoulders, please. And he goes, you know what? Your career is not going to go far. And I said, why is that? Because you don't even want me to give you a massage.

I said, I thought this was an audition. I don't need a massage. And he goes, we're done. Wow. You know, like somebody else, a different young woman who is not as strong, would have probably caved. You know, people like try to blame that type of woman. That's not the woman's fault. It's that asshole's fault. You know, people like try to blame that type of woman. That's not the woman's fault, it's that asshole's fault.

You know, but it has happened to me, you know, especially in the music industry. Music industry was really tough. The misogyny was enormous, and I had to fight against it all the time, all the time. And God forbid if you actually like somebody in the music industry and you wanted to go out with them, then you would label the whore, like this.

Meanwhile, all the men are screwing everything that walks. And so it was really hard. It was very, very difficult. But I developed a reputation and it was to my benefit. They're like, oh my gosh, she's such a bitch. And I was like, yes, I am. So don't try it. You know, but it was it was hard.

It was very difficult. You feel like you open the door for a lot of people like, let's say like a Jennifer Lopez and dancers and actresses, especially Latino that came in after you. Do you feel like you were the one that opened that door for them? I don't know if I open the door for people. I will say this. I stood my ground and paid a heavy price for it at times.

And I'm glad I did it. If it benefited somebody, I'm very happy about that. You know, there was others before me that, you know, open doors like, you know, you think of someone like Cheetah Rivera or Rita Moreno, Raul Julia. Raul Julia got rest his soul. He was the only Latino actor that supported me when I first came out. And I remember I went up to him and he was at an award show and he says,

I like you, you're good. And I said, oh my gosh. I said, thank you so much. He goes, don't let anyone tell you different. And you know what, don't lose the accent, screw them all. And I said, wow, like I just couldn't believe it. And his wife goes, he really likes what you do. And I went back over to him and I went, Mr. Julia,

he goes, Raul, and I go, Raul, you really think I'm good? And he said, yeah. And he says, and you gotta think you're good because nobody else will think you're good if you don't think you're good. He says, so remember that. And I said, and you gotta think you're good because nobody else will think you're good if you don't think you're good. He says, so remember that. I was always surprised that you, that they, I don't wanna say they didn't force you,

but they never tried to change you as far as your accent is concerned, right? Some roles, some roles, and you know what's so funny about that, like some roles I won't have an accent in because they ask. And I go, all right. If it if it if it's not relevant to the character, I'll say no. You know, we need all space on the screen, too.

You know? But the times that I wouldn't do in my accent, people online would actually complain, oh, she trying to be right now. I'm like, I can't win. You know what I mean? And it's just like, it is what it is. You know, it is what it is. It was there. Clem, was there ever a role that you went out for

that you didn't get that you really wanted? Yeah. That one? OK. A lot. Yeah, a lot of them? Yeah. One was The Matrix. I had the worst condition of my life.

They left me out of the room. Who are you supposed to be in The Matrix? I don't even want to tell you because it was such a humiliation. It was terrible. Skylight Frame is more than just a photo frame. It's the perfect way to keep loved ones close, no matter the distance. With Skylight, you can share the joy of a special moment,

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For a limited time, save up to $80 on your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to au.skylightframe.com slash comedy. That's right, to save up to $80 on your Skylight Frame, just go to au.skylightframe.com slash comedy. That's au.sky-l-i-g-hH-T F-R-A-M-E dot com slash comedy. Sup y'all, this is Questlove, and I'm here to tell you about a new podcast I've been working on with the Story Pirates and John Glickman called Historical Records. It's a family friendly podcast.

Yeah, you heard that right. A podcast for all ages. One you can listen to and enjoy with your kids starting on September 27th. I'm going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records, Nymonee, to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out. Hey y'all, Nymonee here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop. Flash slam, another one gone.

Bash bam, another one gone. The cracker, the bat, and another one gone. The tip of the cap, there's another one gone. Each episode is about a different inspiring figure from history. Like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Check it.

And it began with me. Did you know, did you know? I wouldn't give up my seat. Nine months before Rosa, he was Claudette Goldman. Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records. Because in order to make history, you have to make some noise.

Listen to Historical Records on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? This is Ramses Jop. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show Civic Cipher. That's right, we're gonna discuss social issues,

especially those that affect black and brown people, but in a way that informs and empowers all people to hopefully create better allies. Think of it as a black show for non-black people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence, and we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace, and social circle. Exactly. Whether you're black, Asian, White, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, you name it. If you stand with us, then we stand with you.

Let's discuss the stories and conduct the interviews that will help us create a more empathetic, accountable, and equitable America. You are all our brothers and sisters, and we're inviting you to join us for Civic Cipher each and every Saturday with myself, Ramsus Jha, Q Ward, and some of the greatest minds in America. Listen to Civic Cypher every Saturday on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever

you get your podcast. Hey there, my little creeps. It's your favorite ghost host, Tereza. And guess what? Haunting is back. Drop it just in time for Spooky Season. Now I know you've probably been wandering the mortal plane, wondering when I'd be back to fill your ears with deliciously unsettling stories.

Well, wonder no more, because we've got a ghoulishly good lineup ready for you. Let's just say things get a bit extra. We're talking spirits, demons, and the kind of supernatural chaos that'll make your spooky season complete. You know how much I love this time of year. It's the one time I'm actually on trend. So grab your pumpkin spice, dust off that Ouija board, just don't call me unless it's urgent, and tune in for new episodes every week. Remember, the veils are thin, the stories are spooky, and your favorite ghost host is back and badder than ever.

Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I found out I was related to the guy that I was dating. I don't feel emotions correctly. I am talking to a felon right now and I cannot decide if I like him or not. Those were some callers from my call-in podcast, Therapy Gecko. It's a show where I take real phone calls from anonymous strangers all over the world

as a fake gecko therapist and try to dig into their brains and learn a little bit about their lives. I know that's a weird concept, but I promise it's pretty interesting if you give it a shot. Matter of fact, here's a few more examples of the kinds of calls we get on this show. I live with my boyfriend and I found his pizjar in our apartment. I collect my roommates' toenails and fingernails. I have very overbearing parents.

Even at the age of 29, they won't let me move out of their house So if you want an excuse to get out of your own head and see what's going on in someone else's head search for Therapy gecko on the I heart radio app Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts It's the one with the green guy on it It was terrible. It was terrible. I swear to God. It was Trinity. I don't even want to. All right. All right. But it's funny because the casting director, I was like, I know, I didn't get it.

She goes, no. She's walking me out of the room and the two brothers, they're looking at me. That was great. I said, no, it wasn't. Stop lying. Stop lying. And then they start laughing. And then I was like, anyway, bye.

And she's still laughing. And when I closed the door, I hear, bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye.

Bye. Bye. Bye then they start laughing. And then I was like, anyway, bye. And she's still laughing. And when I close the door, I hear a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Yeah, at 1130 in the morning with a joint and a glass of wine. Right, like feel better, feel better. Shit. Yeah, that was one. Another one was, I forgot the name of the movie, but Drew Barrymore got it. I wanted it so badly. But yeah, I didn't audition for that one.

They were going to meet with me, but then they said, oh, we've already made a decision. And I said, oh, we've already made a decision. Got it. And I said, oh, man. And but I couldn't hate on her because she was so good at it, too, you know? So yeah, so there was a couple. Yeah. Talk to us about before, the new Apple TV series. What is that about?

Oh, that is really it's a psychological thriller. It's really kind of creepy. The kid in it is really fantastic. Billy Crystal is amazing in it. The whole cast is Judith Light, Hope Davis, all the way down. Robert Townsend. Oh, wow. Yeah, he's great in it. But it's about a man who recently experienced the death of his wife

and he's in denial of it and he's not grieving properly. And then he meets this boy. This boy just shows up at his house. And he doesn't understand why this boy is gravitating to him. And I play the boy's foster mother. And he's a very troubled young kid. And so what the real theme is about, the show is about, is that if you don't get past your past,

it will come back and haunt you. And so in this move, in this TV series, it really is haunting the things that he won't deal with. And it's also about past lives. Like sometimes if you don't deal with your trauma, you'll come back to this earth maybe as another person or another being, but that trauma will come and double itself until you deal with it.

So that's what really what the series is about. Was this role a challenge at all? This role was a big challenge. Very different from any other role. Yeah, it is. And it was, it was, I didn't want it at first. And Billy was like, oh no, I got you. Don't worry about it. And he was very supportive. But I gained 20, over 20 pounds during shooting. You know, every time it just got too difficult, I would go over the craft service and go, you know, and watch up a site. It's press. They had to take my costumes out a couple of times, a couple of times

they had to like throw away costumes. Like I thought I was wearing that. You don't fit in that anymore. I was like, oh my God. So it was hard and my husband went through it, come home and just wouldn't wanna talk. And just wanna go to bed and put the covers over my head and stuff like that, so it was hard.

I gotta ask you a hip hop question. You and Tupac were close. Yes, we were very close. How did you become so close and how did you meet we met on tour he and I I was on heavy D I was with heavy D and the boys and digital underground digital yeah did you know the ground yep they they were opening and I also doubled as a roadie meaning I would have to carry their bags. And we're getting off the tarmac and here comes this guy and he's carrying their bags. And he said, what's up? I said, hey, how you doing? What's up?

And like I had my guard up because, you know, the misogyny and everything. He goes, I'm Pac. I said, what's your name? He goes, Pac, like Tupac. And I went to Pac. He goes, Shakur. I said, like the Black Panthers. He goes, yo, me Tupac. And I went, Tupac? He goes, Shakur? I said, like the Black Panthers? He goes, yo, me and you gonna be friends. And you know that, I knew that. I was like, oh.

And I said, will you carry this bag? He says, sure. And he carried the bag and that was it. That was the beginning of a friendship. And then I see him go up on stage, you know? And he's there dancing, doing the Humpty Dum, you know, doing all that. And I was like, this guy's a star.

And I remember telling Heavy that, God rest his soul, I said, he's a star, he's a star, why don't they let him out front? And lo and behold, yeah. Wow, now is it true that you played Wingman with him in Madonna, was that true? So you hooked them up? I hooked them up.

Tell us that story. You know, he went, I was dating a rapper and I promised that rapper I would never say his name to his name. Oh, you knew I was about to ask. Yeah. And we were supposed to go to the Soul Train Music Awards and at the last minute, literally half hour

before we get in the car, I'm like, yo, why are you late? I can't go, why can't you go? Because my girlfriend will see me on the TV screen with you. What? Girlfriend? And I lost it and then Pac hopping to call and he goes, what's wrong? And I told him, I was like,

Stereco on the phone, he's like, yo, F that N word, yo, I'm going with you. I said, what? He said, that's right. He said, fix your makeup, we going, we're word. Yo, I'm going with you. I said, what? He said, that's right. He said, fix your makeup. We going, we're going to roll up in there like we're a couple and it's going to kill him.

I was like, what are you talking about? He's like, yo, I'm telling you, get it together. I'm on my way. We get into the limousine and at that time, nobody knew I smoked weed. There was only a few people that, you know, because it was such a stigma back then. And everything, and we get in there and he goes,

and I'm about to cry, he went, uh-uh. Uh-uh, uh-uh. And we roll out, you know, when the limousine door opened, it was like, it was like a Cheech and Char movie, and he grabbed my hand. And I looked at him and and he goes I said, okay There was so many women in the music industry that wanted to beat my ass

I'm sure oh my god, they were coming up to him like oh, that's you now. That's that's you and I'm like You you fucking her too That's that's you. And I'm like, you fucking her, too. Oh, my God. You know, and I was like, and I was getting mad at him. I was like, yo, man, who else? What are the girls going to come up here? And then he is cracking up. And then this one girl, she was a rapper, too. She came up and she tried to get in my face.

And I and I looked at Park and I said, you better tell her to step off. You better tell her that I'm not the one. You better tell her that I will beat her fucking ass. Right? And then I was like, oh, right? And he was like, yes, my girl!

And I'm like, it's not funny. You know, and I really thought I was gonna get it. So I was like, I don't wanna be around you right now. And so then I go to the bathroom in Madge. Madonna was there. and she's like, are you with him? I was like, no, no, this was all, this is all fake. This is all phony.

She goes, oh, could you hook me up? I went, yes. I just wanted to get away from him. And I went over there and I told him, he was like, yo, what's up? And I was like, she's over there and he left me. He left you and you by yourself. He just left me. He left you and you by yourself.

He just left me. And he went with her. And even like after the show was over, I was like, where is he? He was gone. He was gone. I saw him at the after party. Wow.

Yeah. Yeah. So they had a good time. Yeah, we're just good friends after that. Yeah. That's what's up. Yeah. We've always been good friends.

We've always were good friends and stuff. And you know, we've always been good friends. Yeah, we've always were good friends and stuff. And, you know, you know, we we had our differences every now and then. And but we always stayed pals. He was a good guy. Before we get to the first lady of boxing, I got to ask, there's always been rumors that you and JLo have beef. Is there any truth to that? No.

You know, all I want to say about that is I'm a grown ass woman and I wish her well. I really do. There's no room for that. We're old. We're grown. You know? Now let's talk about the first Lydia Boxxon. You were going to be hosting and being a commentator for the Jake Paul Tyson fight. Yes.

How did that come about? Oh, my gosh. I got a call. I couldn't believe it. First I thought it was Kiki and Mike, Kiki Tyson and Mike Tyson who did it. And I said, Kiki, did you do this? She went, no, I don't even know about it. So it was Netflix, MVP, and the executive producers of the event. They're the ones that came up with the idea.

And I was in shock and at first, I was just supposed to be a co-host with Kate Abdul Scott now. And I was excited just for that because I totally respect this woman. She is so respected in the sports world. She also does soccer, what they call football over there and everything.

And she does really well, very, very fine job with boxing as well. And and then they came back and they said, you know what? We changed our mind. We want you to do color commentary. And I went, no, no, no, no, no. You should leave that to the professionals. And they said, we just want the voice that you have on Twitter, the voice that you have when you are hanging out

with boxing people, that's what we want from you. And so we did a test run and it was me, Mauro Ranallo and Roy Jones Jr. And we watched the fight with the sound off as if we were gonna do it and I was so nervous at first and then as it was going on and on, I'm getting so into it and I'm cracking jokes and I'm like, Oh, did you see that shot? Oh, my God, with the left hook just down.

And so when it was over, I thought they're not going to hire me for this. And my manager Tark was like, we'll hear from them probably on Monday. And he went, he went, Oh, shit, they just hired you for this. And my manager, Tark, was like, we'll hear from them probably on Monday. And he went, bing, he went, oh shit, they just hired you for it. I was like, oh my gosh. And so the pressure's on. The pressure's on. But definitely congratulations. That's amazing. I can't wait to hear you, hear your voice just commentating on a fight. That's going to be so good for me.

Oh, well I- Because you said good for me. Yeah, I'm sure. Good for you, good for me. I love her voice. It's going to be so good for me. Good for me. Because I love her voice is going to be so good. I just hope I just stay with the fun. Yeah. You know what they were telling me, the executive producers are from HBO boxing, HBO boxing at the dock. So I actually know those guys. And what I really love about the boxing world, they they tell you straight.

They don't sugarcoat. They don't, you know, hamper you. He's like, you know, we're doing more rehearsals. He goes, OK, Rose, don't don't do it like that. Now, you know, and so it's like, thank you. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. You know, so I'm very excited about it. I'm ecstatic about it, actually.

And I got to be in the fighters meeting for the first time in my life. That's that was a dream. And fighters meeting is that before the fights, you interview the boxers and you get to ask them questions right before the day of the fight. No, no, no. This is a week before we all had it. And, you know, so being on the on there with Mario Barrios and Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson. Well, actually, I missed the one with Jake Paul because I had to do the Fallon show.

But Andre Ward, I said, make sure you ask him this question for me. And so when I saw the playback he did, he goes, Rose Perez said she has she wants me to ask you this. And he was like, oh, cool. That's what's up. You know, and you know, and I know a lot of people give Jake Paul a lot of crap. I just. I used to, too. of people give Jake Paul a lot of crap. I just. I used to, too. I used to give him a lot of crap like, what is he doing? This is a dangerous sport.

You don't play boxing. You know, and I don't want him to get hurt. And people were, you know, downing him and stuff. But what he did for boxing, what he did for Amanda Serrano, my girl and Katie Taylor and got them paid. Things that promoters and networks that could never happen for women. He goes, really?

Let me show you how to do it. And he did it. He did it. And after the Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor fight, we were leaving the stadium and I was really upset because I thought Amanda won that fight. And I saw Jake coming down the hallway and he had tears in his eyes because his fighter lost.

And I went, you're a really true blue boxing fan. And he went like this and I shook his hand and I said, I respect you, sir. And he says, that means a lot to me. I said, you mean a lot to boxing, I respect you. You really did it. You really put your money where your mouth was and and and. Good shit.

And so it was good. It was good. So who's your favorite on the fight? Who do you want to win? Can you say? Or now that you're a commentator, you can't say no more. I can't say. I can't say.

Because you know, because of course you came. You come from the age of Mike Tyson, right? So I would just have to say you leaning. You're not going to say it, but you've seen the Tyson fights. You've seen the Tyson fights, you've seen him knock people out in the streets. So it's almost like you wanna see Mike just one good time. She can't.

I wanna see how you gonna commentate it. She can't. Get him, Tyson, get him, duck, oh, oh. Yeah, yeah, well, you know. All right, let me try, let me try and get something out of it. All right, you gotta tell us who you want to win or the rapper that you dated. What? Yeah. Why is he doing it?

Oh, you can buy the third one. Go to hell in the jail. Oh, I know. I'm not saying it. All right. Cool. I tried to try to step you up. You know, I could give my opinions on the fight as opposed to who I want to win. So with Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, I think it's going to be. It could go either way. Hey, yo, she got me.

Honestly, because because Jake has his youth. So there's that stamina, a stamina that he has an advantage of. He's been more active. That's a big asset in boxing. You have to stay active. But the latest videos from Mike Tyson on social media, you're like, what? That is not the Mike Tyson who even went up against what was it, four or five years ago against Roy Jones Jr.

in an exhibition fight. Right. So this is a two eight fight, two minute eight round fight. And if he's looking that good, I think Jake Paul should take it very seriously. And in the fighters meeting, he said he is taking it seriously. He's not he believes he can win. He has that champion belief. But Tyson. Interviewing him.

It was eerie. It was eerie because he was not messing around. He was all business because I know Mike. Mike is goofy and he's funny and he's emotional and this he had. Boom. I'm in his fight mode zone. I'm not playing. And I said, wow, everybody on the fighters meeting, we were all like, and even the guy, the executives, anybody else has another question for my

good. So that's why I'm saying, wow, okay, this is going to be a really good one. You know, what are the rules? Just so you know, before you get about here, are the rules change? Because we heard that the gloves are going to be bigger. And at one time we heard that they're going to be wearing a face mask, but that's not true. So are there any rules outside of the normal boxing thing

that people should be looking forward to besides the two minute eight rounds? No, I think is in the bigger gloves. That's it. But I think it's going to be a real fight. And I think it was really smart of MVP promotions and Netflix to have legitimate boxing matches on that card. It's not just no disrespect, not just a bunch of YouTubers or boxers or UFC fighters past their prime. You have Mario Barrios fighting.

He is a real champion and a real contender and he does not play. That man is, people respect him, he's a warrior. And then you have Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor too. Something boxing fans have been waiting for forever for these two hopping, because it was supposed to happen and then the things fell through. So I think that it's gonna do well I thought it was a very very smart thing for those two companies to put on because boxing fans are going

to watch it because of those two and Mike Tyson of course you know I mean and and the world is gonna watch it because of Mike Tyson you know what I mean? And and the world is going to watch it because of Mike Tyson. You know, yes, Jake Paul's going to bring a younger crowd and he always does. That's why he fills the stadium and everything like that. But worldwide people of a certain age, they're tuning in for Mike Tyson. Absolutely. Well, we appreciate you for joining us today. Yes. Oh, thank you. Rosie Perez, ladies and gentlemen, she's going to be commentating the fight this Friday, right?

This Friday, this Friday on Netflix. Now, you don't have to pay Netflix as long as you have a Netflix membership. You can watch it, right? Yes. And also the prelims are going to be on YouTube on MVP's YouTube for free and on Netflix YouTube channel. I didn't even know they had a YouTube channel. It's called to dumb, you know, because of the sound to dumb. So it's called Netflix Tadum,

and you can watch the prelims there. And please watch the prelims, especially if you're a boxing fan, because Shoo Shoo, Bruce Shoo Shoo Carrington is gonna be the opening bout. And he is, that's Brooklyn's own, Brownsville's own. Never ran, never will.

And so that's gonna be an exciting fight. I'm gonna call that one just because I'm such a Shoo Shoo fan. But I'm not gonna call the rest of the, call a commentate on the rest of the prelims. Amir Tyson, Mike Tyson's son is gonna be doing that. Okay. Nice. And then I'll come back for the main card. All right, well we appreciate you

for joining us this morning. Ladies and gentlemen, it's Rosie Perez. It's The Breakfast Club. Good morning. Wake that ass up. Early in the morning. The Breakfast Club. Hey, y'all. Nimmini here. I'm the host of a brand-new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records.

Executive produced by Questlove, The Story Pirates, and John Glickman, Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop. ["History"] Each episode is about a different inspiring figure from history, like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing.

Check it! Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records. I wouldn't give up my seat. Now I'm up before Rosa. He was Claudette Goldman. Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records. Because in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Listen to Historical Records on the iHeart Radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The 2025 iHeart Podcast Awards are coming. This is the chance to nominate your podcast for the industry's biggest award. Submit your podcast for nomination now at iHeart.com slash podcast awards. But hurry, submissions close on December 8th. Hey, you've been doing all that talking, it's time to get rewarded for it.

Submit your podcast today at iHeart.com slash podcast awards. That's iHeart.com slash podcast awards. Hey everyone. This is Courtney Thorne-Smith, Laura Leighton, and Daphne Zuniga. On July 8th, 1992, apartment buildings with pools were never quite the same as Melrose Place was introduced to the world. We are going to be reliving every hookup, every scandal and every single wig removal together. So listen to Still the Place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. or wherever you listen to podcasts. thrills, and stories that'll make you wish the lights stayed on. So join me, won't you? Let's dive into the eerie unknown together. Sleep tight, if you can.

Listen to Haunting on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, I'm Marie. And I'm Sydney. And we're Mess. Well, not a mess, but on our podcast called Mess, we celebrate all things messy. But the gag is, not everything is a mess.

Sometimes it's just living. Yeah, things like JLo on her third divorce. Living, girls' trip to Miami. Mess. Breaking up with your girlfriend while on Instagram Live. Living. Living.

This kind of mess. Yeah. Well, you get it.! Mmm, it's kind of mess. Yeah, well, you get it. Got it? Live, love, mess. Listen to Mess with Sydney Washington and Marie Faustin on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.