TERRI J. VAUGHN
Terri J. Vaughn has entertained us on television for eight seasons as a series regular. First, she stole America’s heart with her lovable portrayal of Lovita Alizay Jenkins on the WB’s “The Steve Harvey Show,” Vaughn confesses, “I loved playing a character that grew up in the ‘hood and who worked hard to be positive because it was very close to my own life.” After that, Vaughn made her way to UPN’s “All of Us.” With her fun, energetic and wise portrayal of Jonelle Abrams, she once again brought life and laughter to the small screen. But, before Vaughn ever had her first audition, she was growing up in a housing project in Hunter’s Point in San Francisco. Today, this woman is hell-bent on creating positive, inspirational experiences for other young women growing up in the projects. Out of her desire to give back to her community, in 1997, Vaughn started Take Wings Foundation. “We motivate, uplift and inspire young girls, 13 to18 years old, growing up in at risk communities and foster care, in the San Francisco Bay Area, to be positive, productive and successful. It’s truly amazing to watch them soar.”
From her first professional job in a 20-city tour of “Tellin’ it Like it Tiz” to her first sitcom role on the hit show “Living Single,” to a memorable turn as a single mother wrongly accused of abusing her child on “ER,” this San Francisco native has proven herself to be a talent to be reckoned with. Vaughn has been honored with three Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on “The Steve Harvey Show,” and received a nomination for a 2005 BET Comedy Award for her work on “All of Us.”But this multi-faceted thespian doesn’t stop there; she was also nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on “Soulfood,” as Eva Holly, a lesbian, who shocked Showtime viewers by passionately kissing Byrd (Malinda Williams), during her multi-episode guest arc on the groundbreaking series.
Vaughn’s current projects include the Tyler Perry film “Daddy’s Little Girls,” which also stars Gabrielle Union, Lou Gousset Jr., Idris Elba, Tracee Ellis Ross and Malinda Williams. In the film Vaughn gets to flex her acting chops as the bitchy Brenda, who is strongly opposed to her best friend Julia’s (Union) relationship to the not so worthy Monty (Elba). “Daddy’s Little Girls” is due out February 2007. Also, due out December 2007 is the family dramedy, “Dirty Laundry.” In it Vaughn stars opposite Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine and Jenifer Lewis. “Dirty” recently won the ABFF Blockbuster Audience Award for Best Feature, while Loretta Devine won the Best Actor Award. The film’s producer comments, “Screening audiences from across the country have been cheering Terri’s portrayal of Jackie on and loving her.” Also making the rounds in the Independent Film Festivals, Vaughn adds to her list of can-do’s, by producing and starring in the first film, under her own production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment. “Angels Can’t Help But Laugh,” a documentary on black actresses and the climate of the business today, is definitely a labor of love for Vaughn and has been uplifting and inspiring audiences in and out of the business.
Always smiling, unless she’s crying tears of happiness, she’s a girl from humble beginnings who tells everyone to “take wings.” Vaughn’s infectious positive energy and altruistic spirit has enabled her to soar right out of the projects and into the world of Hollywood. Terri J. Vaughn is certainly flying high.
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Terri J. Vaughn is Sharing From the Heart…Naked and Not Ashamed
After more than ten years of supporting, motivating, and being a voice for young at risk girls, through her non-profit foundation, Take Wings Foundation, the lovable, laughable and relatable, award-winning actress, Terri J. Vaughn takes her passions and art of inspiring others to a new level.
Terri has picked up the microphone to expose her journey from growing up in a single parent home, in a gang and drug infested community in San Francisco, to her unexpected career in Hollywood. Terri shares the twist and turns of taking her life into her own hands and navigating through a marriage, a picture perfect life and a successful acting career, that ultimately lead to a painful divorce, streaks of unemployment and finally an awakening that lead her back to her true power: Releasing All To God.
Her testimony is one that is simple, identifiable and ordained by God. Terri, in her obedience, is “Naked and Not Ashamed” as she shares with others that we are not alone in our confusion and insecurities. We are not “Crazy” to seek out that place of peace and fulfillment, in the midst of all that is happening in our lives. She speaks from the heart and hopes to help others to break out of the debilitating and lonely boxes that we often force ourselves to live in. Terri’s honest conversation about her life’s journey is one that is sure to inspire and remind others to “Take Wings” and live life to the fullest.
Terri has inspired teenagers and women throughout our country by sharing her story of challenges, failures and successes as a woman of God, an actress, a mother, a wife and an independent woman. To experience her fun, real and always emotional spirit, at your next event please contact Tricia Conley at 707-330-1534 or tconley@tcpublicrelations.com for booking.
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