Several years ago, I interviewed actress Daphne Maxwell Reid in an interview originally published in Thrive Global. Daphne played the second Aunt Vivian in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Here is an excerpt from our interview:
Adam: What is something about you that your fans don’t know?
Daphne: I like to cook and have dinner parties with interesting people.
Adam: What was your favorite part of the experience of playing Aunt Vivian?
Daphne: My favorite part was the welcome and respect that I received from everyone working on the show. They were so warm, embracing, and professional, that I felt like I had always been there.
Adam: What were the biggest differences between the two Aunt Vivians?
Daphne: The differences were the personalities inherent in each of us that were the difference in the Aunt Vivian character. They were both played from our “truths” that we brought to the role.
Adam: What are the common qualities among those who have been able to enjoy
success in the entertainment industry?
Daphne: Passion, commitment, and quest for knowledge.
Adam: What have you learned through your career as an actress that applies to anyone?
Daphne: Pay attention to the small details of your journey through life; in them lie the riches of joyful living.
Adam: What are your hobbies and how have they shaped you?
Daphne: Sewing – I always have something unique to wear; cooking – I have shared many meals); and photography – it has taken me around the world.
Adam: What is your best advice on the topic of photography?
Daphne: My best advice for anyone who loves photography is to shoot only what interests you and be able to determine why it should be shared with other people. What are you trying to convey? Point it out and capture it with your camera.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Daphne: Never let the successes go to your head, nor the failures go to your heart.
Adam: How can anyone pay it forward?
Daphne: Make one small difference in someone’s life each day, even if it’s just a smile.
