Victoria Rowell

Victoria Lynn Rowell (born May 10, 1959) is an American actress, screenwriter, director, and producer. She began her career as a ballet dancer and model in 1979 before making her acting debut in the 1987 comedy film Leonard Part 6. In 1990, Rowell joined the cast of the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless as Drucilla Winters, her signature and longest role on television, for which she was nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards. She departed from the show in 2007. Rowell is also well known for her role as Dr. Amanda Bentley in the CBS medical crime drama Diagnosis: Murder (1993–2001). From 1993 to 2000, she appeared on both series simultaneously.

Rowell has had a number of roles in feature films. She starred alongside Eddie Murphy in the 1992 comedy The Distinguished Gentleman, and later had roles in the films Dumb and Dumber (1994) and Barb Wire (1996). She is an 11-time NAACP Image Awards winner.

Early life Victoria Lynn Rowell was born in Portland, Maine, on May 10, 1959. Her biological mother, Dorothy Rowell, was of English descent and a Mayflower descendant, and her birth father, whose surname was Wilson, was of Jamaican descent. Rowell knew very little about her father. Dorothy, who suffered from schizophrenia, took a taxi to a hospital to give birth to Rowell, leaving a son and two small daughters unsupervised. When she was 16 days old, Rowell, along with her two sisters, Sheree and Lori, were surrendered to child services.

While living in Maine with foster parents Agatha C. and Robert Armstead, Rowell, then eight, began ballet lessons. She became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, an African-American Greek-lettered sorority. After dancing with the American Ballet Theater II and the Juilliard School of Music Dance Extension program with Antony Tudor, Rowell accepted guest-artist teaching posts in New England.

Career In the 1980s, Rowell became an in-demand runway and catalog model. Rowell made her film debut in the 1987 comedy film Leonard Part 6 opposite Bill Cosby and later had a recurring role on The Cosby Show She also argued the directions of her storylines which were not heard, prompting her to leave. Within the storyline, Drucilla fell off a cliff and was presumed dead as her body was never found. Rowell has openly expressed pleasure in returning, and due to the character's strong appeal and popularity, viewers have begged the series to rehire her. However, CBS has stated that having Drucilla return is not the creative decision they are looking for, which has disappointed fans of the actress. In 2014, Rowell posted a series of tweets criticizing the show for not having enough African-Americans in decision-making positions. "Young & Restless on air for 40 years, loyally watched by their absolute competitive-edge audience (blacks) & not one black Exec producer?" – she tweeted. Her tweets coincided with the series' 41st anniversary.

From 1993 to 2001, Rowell starred as Dr. Amanda Bentley in the CBS primetime series Diagnosis: Murder, opposite Dick Van Dyke, replacing Cynthia Gibb from the original made-for-television movie. For much of Rowell's stint on Diagnosis: Murder, she was working on that show and on The Young and the Restless simultaneously. One episode of Diagnosis Murder centered around murder on the set of The Young and the Restless; Rowell was featured as both Amanda and Drucilla in that episode. The series run from 1993 to 2001, producing 178 episodes and two television movies, aired after the series' cancellation. Diagnosis: Murder has also run in syndication as of 1997.

In 1990s, Rowell co-starred in several films. She had the role of Eddie Murphy's character's love interest in the 1992 comedy film, The Distinguished Gentleman. In 1994, she played FBI agent Beth Jordan in comedy film Dumb and Dumber. She co-starred opposite Mario Van Peebles in the science-fiction crime film Full Eclipse (1993), and had a major role in the box office failure action film Barb Wire (1996) with Pamela Anderson. In 1997 she appeared in the critically acclaimed drama film, Eve's Bayou. In the 2000s, she appeared in the number of small films, such as Motives and A Perfect Fit. In 2006, she co-starred as Samuel L. Jackson's character wife in Home of the Brave. She also had the recurring roles on Single Ladies and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

In spring 2009, Rowell signed a six-figure deal with Atria Books for a book about the world of daytime TV. She released her memoirs called The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir in 2008. She later released Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva: A Novel (2010) The Young and the Ruthless: Back in the Bubbles (2013).

Rowell created, directed, produced and starred in the comedy series The Rich and the Ruthless. The series premiered in 2017 and ended in 2021. In 2018, she also created miniseries Jacqueline and Jilly for Urban Movie Channel. In 2020 she made her feature directorial debut with Everything Is Fine. She later directed films A Rich Christmas (2021) starring Bill Bellamy for BET+, Stranger Next Door (2022) starring Vicky Jeudy and Skyh Black for Lifetime, Montross: Blood Rules (2022) for TV One, Catfish Christmas (2022), and Blackjack Christmas (2022) for BET+. In 2022, she made her return to CBS with a recurring role in the medical drama Good Sam. In 2024, she co-starred alongside Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard in the comedy film Summer Camp.

Legal issues In February 2015, Rowell filed a lawsuit against CBS, Sony Pictures Television, Bell Dramatic Serial Company, and Bell-Phillip Television Production Inc, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. In the suit, Rowell alleges that since 2010 she had made several attempts to be re-employed at The Young and the Restless or employed at sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful, but was repeatedly denied due to her outspokenness regarding the lack of diversity both in front of and behind the cameras at CBS. The same day the suit was filed, CBS released a statement saying that Rowell left the cast of her own initiative, the suit was without merit, and they would vigorously defend the case. In June 2015, Rowell's legal team filed a declaration in furtherance of the lawsuit. In the declaration, Rowell alleges that she was the target of racially motivated attacks on the set of The Young and the Restless, at the hands of former co-stars, Michelle Stafford, Melody Thomas Scott, and Peter Bergman. In November 2015, the judge presiding over the case dismissed the suit without prejudice. Rowell's legal team resubmitted an amended claim that included an allegation against Corday Productions and Sony Pictures Television alleging that she pursued a role on the Sony and Corday produced NBC soap Days of Our Lives, but was removed from the audition list. In June 2016, the judge again dismissed the previous claims against CBS and Bell-Phillip Television Production Inc., allowing Rowell to continue the suit against Corday Productions and Sony Pictures Television. In February 2017, it was reported the case had been settled.

In September 2018, in the wake of Les Moonves' resignation as the chairman and CEO of CBS due to sexual misconduct allegations, Rowell took to her Twitter account to directly accuse Moonves of hindering her career. Partially quoting Moonves' statement denying the accusations that he attempted to damage the careers of certain women, she tweeted: "And I have never used my position to hinder the advancement or careers of women," Moonves responded. #LIAR. Your loafer heel has been on my neck for over 11 years all because I cited a lack of substantive of diversity at CBS behind the camera #MeToo #RetaliationIsIllegal #Bully

Personal life Rowell (left) with Maj. Gen. Nadja West in Washington, D.C. in 2013 Rowell's first marriage was to Tom Fahey in 1989. They had a daughter, Maya, and divorced the following year. Rowell had a long-term relationship with musician Wynton Marsalis; and they had a son, Jasper. In May 2008, Rowell announced her engagement to Radcliffe Bailey, an Atlanta artist, at her annual High Tea at Noon fundraiser. Rowell and Radcliffe married on June 27, 2009, in Dublin, New Hampshire. On January 2, 2014, Bailey filed for divorce from Rowell.

Work with foster children In 1990, Rowell founded the "Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan," which gives emotional support and financial aid to foster children, especially to those who aspire to become actors and dancers – the road Rowell took. In 2004, she was a special guest on the talk show Dr. Phil, in which she gave an emancipated foster child a chance at a job with Sony, dental care, and a scholarship from her foundation.

In May 2006, Rowell was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Southern Maine in recognition of her work for the benefit of foster children. In 2007, Rowell published a memoir of her life that focused on her time in foster care. Entitled The Women Who Raised Me, Rowell discusses all of the foster mothers who cared for her and for her sisters. She also pays tribute to the women in a documentary film, The Mentor, that she participated in.

In March 2008, Rowell was the first recipient of the Gift of Adoption Celebration of Adoption Award, an award given to individuals or groups who are helping to unite children with adoptive families.

In March 2012, Rowell's book, Tag, Toss & Run: 40 Classic Lawn Games, co-authored with environmental activist Paul Tukey, was released.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1987 Leonard Part 6 Joan Parker Spy parody film 1992 The Distinguished Gentleman Celia Kirby Political comedy film 1994 Dumb and Dumber FBI Agent Beth Jordan Road buddy comedy film 1995 One Red Rose Rose Short film 1996 Barb Wire Dr. Corrina 'Cora D' Devonshire Superhero filmBased on the Dark Horse Comics character of the same name 1996 Dr. Hugo Stevie Hobbs Short film 1997 Eve's Bayou Southern Gothic drama film 1998 Secrets Delia Short film 1999 Fraternity Boys Ellen Short film A Wake in Providence Alicia Comedy filmAlso known as Almost Married 2003 Black Listed Patricia Chambers Crime drama film 2004 Motives Detective Mary Pierce Erotic thriller film 2005 A Perfect Fit Sheila Thriller film Midnight Clear Angela Pressmore Short film 2006 Home of the Brave Penelope Marsh Drama film 2008 Of Boys and Men Aunt Janay Drama film 2011 Death in the Family Vicky Turner Short filmAlso producer 2012 Jamaica and the Mystery of the Maroons Herself Short documentary film 2015 November Rule Steve's Mother Romantic comedy film What Love Will Make You Do Sheila Boston Romantic comedy filmAlso producer 2016 Soul Ties Maybelle Drama film 2018 Water in a Broken Glass Aunt Jo Romantic film 2019I Love You Barbara Mutch Drama filmAlso producer and writer 2020 Anticipation Doctor Collins Short film Black Kids White Mama Clair LaFree Comedy film Birdie Catherine Cooper Drama film 2021 A Rich Christmas Marie Family filmAlso director and producer 2022 Montross: Blood Rules Elaine Montross Drama filmAlso director and producer A Christmas Gift Marie Holiday film Stranger Next Door Thriller filmDirector and producer Catfish Christmas Romantic holiday drama filmDirector and producer Blackjack Christmas Family filmDirector and producer 2023 Forgetting Christmas Marie Drama film 2024 Summer Camp Evelyn Comedy film A Christmas Miracle Marie Family film 2025 Forgetting Drama film Jason's Lyric Live Gloria Drama film A Theatre production filmed live The Secret Between Us Maxine Romantic family drama film Love Offside Dr. Hart Drama film

Television films Year Title Role Notes 1993 Full Eclipse Anna Dire Directed by Anthony Hickox 1994 Secret Sins of the Father Yolanda Seeley Directed by Beau Bridges 2001 Feast of All Saints Josette Metoyer Directed by Peter Medak 2002 A Town Without Pity Dr. Amanda Bentley Directed by Christopher Hibler Without Warning Directed by Christian I. Nyby II 2007 Polly and Marie Rebecca McCaw Directed by Ian Truitner 2013 Marry Me for Christmas Stephanie Directed by Roger Melvin 2014 The Fright Night Files Alexa Directed by Russ Parr and R.L. Scott Marry Us for Christmas Stephanie Directed by Drew Powell 2015 Merry Christmas, Baby Directed by Rhonda Baraka A Baby for Christmas 2016 You Can't Hurry Love Ms. Joyce Directed by Ogden Bass and Patricia Cuffie-Jones 2018 Chandler Christmas Getaway Stephanie Directed by Rhonda Baraka 2019 Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta Catherine Twas the Chaos Before Christmas Hazel Mitchell Directed by Terri J. Vaughn 2024 Blended Christmas Lilian Directed by Tamala Baldwin

Television Year Title Role Notes 1988 As the World Turns Nella Franklin Recurring role 1989–90 The Cosby Show Paula Episodes: "Cliff's Wet Adventure" and "Theo's Dirty Laundry" 1990 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Mimi Mumford Episode: "Clubba Hubba" 1990–2021 The Young and the Restless Drucilla Barber Winters Series regular; role held from May 1990 to April 1998 and August 2002 to February 2007Recurring; role held from February to September 20002020–21 Archival footage 1991–93 Herman's Head Susan Bracken Episodes: "Bracken's Daughter" and "I Wanna Go Home" 1993–2001 Diagnosis: Murder Amanda Bentley-Livingston Series regular, 163 episodes 1995 Deadly Games Courtney Lake Episode: "Divorce Lawyer" 2001 Family Law Ms. Wilkes Episode: "Moving On" 2006 Noah's Arc Vonda Episodes: "Desperado" and "Give It Up" 2007 All of Us Dr. Deborah Cooper Episode: "He's Got Game" 2010 Ghost Whisperer Ms. Adrienne Episode: "Living Nightmare" 2012 Let's Stay Together Anita Barnes Episode: "Creepers" Single Ladies Veronica Recurring role, 3 episodes 2013–14 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Judge Delilah Mae Hawkins Episodes: "Criminal Hatred" and "Comic Perversion" 2017 The Bay Judge Iris Hopkins Recurring Mann & Wife Mrs. Delores Hobbs Episode: "Ressured by the Mann" 2017–21The Rich and the Ruthless Kitty Barringer Also creator, director and executive producerIndie Series Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy (2018–19)Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy (2018)Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Directing – Comedy (2018)Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Writing – Comedy (2018) 2019 Jacqueline and Jilly Jacqueline Mitchell Also creator, director and executive producer 2020 The Couch Episode: "Everything is Fine"Writer The Waiting Room Dr. Williams Episodes: "Like, Comment, Subscribe" and "A Long Look in the Mirror" 2022 Good Sam Tina Kingsley Recurring role

Music videos Year Title Role Performer(s) Notes 1985 Are You the Woman Woman Kashif feat. Whitney Houston UncreditedDirected by Luis Aira 1994 On Bended Knee Girl in the Park Boyz II Men Directed by Lionel C. Martin 1997 How Come, How Long Abused Woman Babyface feat. Stevie Wonder Directed by F. Gary Gray

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result 1992 8th Soap Opera Digest Awards Outstanding Female Newcomer: Daytime The Young and the Restless 1994 10th Soap Opera Digest Awards Outstanding Scene Stealer The Young and the Restless 1994 26th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1995 11th Soap Opera Digest Awards Hottest Female Star The Young and the Restless 1996 27th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1996 23rd Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1997 24th Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1997 28th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1998 25th Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1998 29th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 1999 30th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series Diagnosis Murder Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama SeriesThe Young and the Restless 2001 31st NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 2003 34th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 2003 18th Soap Opera Digest Awards Favorite Return The Young and the Restless 2004 35th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 2005 19th Soap Opera Digest Awards Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role The Young and the Restless 2005 36th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless 2006 37th NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series The Young and the Restless