Cocoa Brown shines in the indie film Twisted Hearts, revealing new layers of her talent. She talks about tapping into vulnerability, leading a nonprofit, and navigating motherhood and fame with grace.
What initially drew you to the role of the therapist in Twisted Hearts? And how did you prepare to portray such an emotionally grounded character?
What drew me to Dr. Rose was how close the role felt to my real life. A lot of my friends come to me for advice—my back patio basically became a therapy session! I’ve always been the person they turn to, so it felt natural to play a therapist. Somehow, my friends think I’m Oprah! [Laughs]
But also, Dr. Rose was unconventional—a strong advocate for mental health who got results. You know how finding the right therapist takes trial and error? She connected with people on their level. That resonated with me. Plus, I’d never played a character like her before, so it was fun to explore.
The film explores themes of healing and vulnerability. Did you tap into personal experiences to shape your performance?
Oh, absolutely. Except for the couple dealing with bisexuality—thank God, I haven’t been there! [Laughs] But the others? Yeah. Like the mother who disapproved of my lifestyle, or dating someone afraid to introduce me to their family. Cheating, rebuilding trust, loving someone but feeling like something’s off… I pulled from my own past relationships and friends’ stories. It helped me keep Dr. Rose authentic.
You’ve built a diverse career across comedy, drama, and now this powerful indie feature. How do you decide which roles to take?
Now that I’m a mother, every role I consider comes with a deeper level of reflection. I often ask myself, *If my child were to look this up years from now, would they be proud of the person I chose to portray?* It’s not just about taking a job—it’s about taking responsibility for the energy and message I’m putting into the world. The role has to resonate with something true inside me. I don’t want to just act like the character; I want to “become” them in a way that feels honest. Even if the role is completely different from who I am in real life, I ask: “Can I find a connection? Can I understand their choices, their pain, their joy?” If I can see myself in their shoes—even in another life—then that’s when I know it’s right. That’s when I know I can give it everything.
How do you balance motherhood with your career and philanthropy?
People always ask how I ‘do it all,’ but let’s be real – nobody does this alone. After my marriage ended when my baby was just eleven months old, I learned to accept help graciously. My village includes everything from fellow actor moms who understand the crazy schedules to childhood friends who’ll pick my son up from school when I’m on set. But here’s my non-negotiable: when I’m home, I’m fully present. No distractions, no half-listening while scrolling through scripts. Whether it’s helping with homework or cheering at soccer games, that focused time is sacred. My son knows Mommy works hard to provide for us, but he also knows he’s always my priority. It’s not about perfect balance – some weeks work takes over, others family does – but about being intentional with whatever time I have.
Speaking of giving back, what inspired you to start Wigs of Love?
It began to honor a friend who lost her battle with cancer. I’d send her wigs because I love them—they’re fun! When she passed, her daughter returned them, and I thought, How can I help others like her? Through connections, I got stylists to donate wigs. Then I learned my aunt and best friend had lupus—a disease that disproportionately affects Black women but gets ignored. So now, we focus on lupus awareness too.
You’re often called a scene stealer. How do you bring that energy to every project?
I live by the principle that if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. I approach every role with professionalism and a strong sense of preparation. I admit, I can be a bit obsessive about order—I like things to fall into place. When they don’t, I tend to focus intently on setting things right.
I firmly believe in treating everyone with the same level of respect, whether it’s the janitor or the CEO. On set, I make it a point to treat everyone kindly and to be a positive presence. This approach has earned me a strong reputation. Many times, I’ve walked onto sets and heard, “We’ve been dying to work with you! We’ve heard you’re such a joy to collaborate with.” That feedback means a lot to me. I take pride in being known as someone who is easy to work with, adaptable, and pleasant. To me, it reflects my character, my upbringing, and the kind of woman I strive to be.
What’s surprised you most about audience reactions to Twisted Hearts?
People tell me, I need a Dr. Rose! They felt like they knew me. That’s the goal—making characters real.
What changes do you still want to see for women of color in Hollywood?
It’s been amazing to see more opportunities for women of color in Hollywood, but let’s be honest, that glass ceiling is still intact—especially when it comes to pay. We’re just as talented, if not more, and deserve equal recognition. Black women and women of color as a whole bring so much vibrancy and range to the table. We’re not a single note, we’re a whole symphony! Hollywood just needs to embrace that individuality, step away from the stereotypes, and let us shine with all the colorful brilliance we’ve got to offer. Trust me, they’d be blown away.
Any advice for actors using their platform for more than entertainment?
Use your voice confidently and unapologetically. Take the time to learn the business, master your craft, and put in the necessary work. Talent alone is never enough; professionalism, preparation, and a deep understanding of your industry are crucial. Show up ready, know your lines, and conduct yourself with the respect the craft deserves. Remember, you’re standing on the shoulders of those who broke barriers and shattered ceilings, and now it’s your turn to blaze a trail for the next generation. You’re not just walking a path—they’re watching you carve it.
Be’n Original
