Rosie Perez

Yes, yes, we all know about the voice, but there is so much more to Rosie Perez. The Oscar-nominated actress/Emmy-nominated choreographer made her Broadway debut in Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune and has been seen off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues (which she has performed in all over the place) and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot and has built a film career that defies categorization. (Her credits include Human Nature, The 24-Hour Woman, Do The Right Thing, Night On Earth, White Men Can't Jump, Untamed Heart, It Could Happen to You, A Brother's Kiss, King of the Jungle, Somebody To Love and the unforgettable Fearless.) She's also a producer and a busy activist. Wait, there's more. Perez is making her directorial debut with a documentary on New York City's annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. Did we mention that she's also back on Broadway in Craig Lucas' Reckless? Sure, she's a busy lady, but the always down-to-earth Perez still has to time to answer your questions.

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From Becklynne: Rosie, I've heard you mention in interviews that you get stage fright sometimes. How do you overcome it? I thought you gave a brave, beautiful performance in Frankie and Johnny!

Rosie responds: I go to the bathroom, pee and then I sing various Broadway show tunes. By the way, thanks for seeing Frankie and Johnny.

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From Ruby: Why did you decide to do Reckless?

Rosie responds: I loved the play and I loved the idea of playing someone who doesn't utter a single word.

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From Nick C.: Rosie, you are one of the most successful (not to mention attractive) women ever in the history of Broadway. How do you make time for all of your various accomplishments?

Rosie responds: I make time for various accomplishments by balancing life. I have a wonderful career, and I pick and choose carefully not only based on the material, but I also base it on how much time it will take away from my family and loved ones. This is the most important thing to me: quality of life.

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From Joni Rosen: You are such a diversified actress with so many different roles under your belt. Have you turned down any roles that you wish you hadn't?

Rosie responds: I've turned down only one role that I regret to this day: Boys on The Side, which starred Mary-Louise Parker.

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From Lee: You were hilarious on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart recently. You seem to be a favorite of talk show hosts. Do you enjoy doing them? Do you prepare material in advance? What is it like to do them? Do you have a favorite host?

Rosie responds: I do enjoy doing talk shows; however, they make me very nervous. It's scary to be on the couch knowing that millions of people around the world are watching you. I know that sounds strange coming from and actress, but I suffer from stage fright as well and I love doing theater...go figure. Oh. I don't have a favorite talk show host.

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From Marlene Sanchez: Rosie, do you think the situation of a lack of work for Latino/Latina actors will ever change for the better? Signed, SAG Latina unknown/unemployed actress

Rosie responds: I do think and strongly believe that the situation for Latinos in show business will change. It has been changing over the years but very slowly. We need more of us behind the scenes and more of us doing quality work. Best of luck to you and never give up on your dreams.

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From LisaShowz: Rosie, your role in Subway Stories--where you hooked up with Mike McGlone on the train--was so sexy. What's the most outrageous thing you've ever seen on the subway?

Rosie responds: The most outrageous thing I saw on the subway was an elderly man taking a dump in front of everyone and standing in it as if nothing had happened.

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From Steve from Sutton Place: Any chance of a movie reunion with Spike Lee? You two were electric together in Do the Right Thing! It's one of my favorite films EVER!

Rosie responds: Thank you. I loved Do The Right Thing, however, I do not know if Spike and I would ever work together again but... never say never.

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From Jimmy: I was so scared of flying after I saw Fearless. What was it like actually filming that terrifying crash scene?

Rosie responds: Filming the crash scene from Fearless was exhausting and traumatic. It was pretty realistic and the shaking and the smoke and the screams have stayed with me to this day.

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From Zachary: Hey Rosie! Out of all the roles you have done in your career, which stands out the most that you are proud of and why? P.S. I really love your voice!

Rosie responds: Fearless and Somebody to Love are my favorites. I guess it's because they challenged me the most.

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From Maria: Ms. Perez, is there a role that you're dying to play? Will we ever get to see you dance on a Broadway stage?

Rosie responds: I would love to play a killer and play Carmen Miranda. I would love to sing and dance on Broadway as well. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

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From EvenSteves: Rosie, I know you're a big supporter of New York theater. What have you seen recently that blew you away?

Rosie responds: The most recent play that I saw that blew my socks off was Caroline, or Change. I thought that Tonya Pinkins should have won the Tony. I was delighted for Idina Menzel, but I felt that Tonya's performance was more demanding and she broke my heart. That play was amazing and truthful. I loved it.

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From Jordan: Any funny stories from Frankie and Johnny? Did the nudity frighten you? P.S. Will you marry me?

Rosie responds: There are so many funny things that happened during Frankie and Johnny. I would say that the night I dropped my robe and had to bend over to pick it up with my butt facing the audience and I heard this old man gasp was probably the highlight of them all. It was humiliating at the time, but right after the show, I couldn't stop laughing. Thanks for the marriage proposal, but I'm fine for now.

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ROSIE PEREZ IS NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!