Raquel Palmer caught national attention through a billboard campaign focused on working with Tyler Perry. Today, she has not only achieved that goal, but she is a lead in his BET+ series All The Queens Men.
Tell us about the upcoming season of “All The Queens Men” on BET.
“All The Queens Men” is on BET+ season 2, which is the first half of season 2. The second part will come out later in the year, this season we get to see the development of the characters and will continue where we left off which is the cliffhanger from season one. Madam is faced with the decision of her nephew and whether he had stolen money from the club. So, we get to see those relationships blossom and see Madam face a lot of challenges in the mix.
How do you feel about returning to your role as Blue?
I love Blue, she is a character I can relate to as far as her loyalty to Madam. I love her fearlessness and “no nonsense,” she is a character herself. I adore the relationship she has with every character on the show, but she remains the same and treats everyone equally beside Madam. Everyone else is no tolerant but Madam has a sweet spot for her.
Would you say that you and Blue have any comparable characteristics?
Yes, the loyalty; so, me having five siblings and being the baby; we are all so close and it is not to the extent of Blue where she would go kill for Madam. I do not know if I would kill for my siblings, but we are there for each other and loyal to one another. I say that is a similarity between Blue and Madam and me. I and my siblings are each other’s ride-or-die.
It is such an interesting role. What steps did you take in preparation for it?
Well, in my family; I use them a lot in my references because I grew up with them for thirty-seven years of life. So, I know them well. I have a lot of strong women and personalities, my mother being. I look to use those characteristics in preparing for Blue. My mother was a Teacher in North, New Jersey and she was loving but very tough she did not take much stuff at all. I reach for those attributes when putting blue together.
Does Blue differ from any roles you have portrayed?
My roles in comparison to Blue are completely different they are much softer like the wife and mother figure, and they do not cuss as much. Completely different, which I love because it makes Blue so much fun is because I can be a different person than what I have portrayed on television and in my day-to-day life.
How is it working with the cast? Can you share any insights on what fans can expect from your acting counterparts in the series?
I call my cast mates family even when I greet them, I say, “Hey family.” That is what we are, we all came into this with remarkably similar wants. We wanted this to be a great show and collectively to be great in it. We strive for the show to be amazing, there is not one person on the show that does not want it to be great and that is how we come into work. We diligently work and have fun. For my birthday they decided to throw me a birthday party which is cool, all my cast mates from “All the Queens Men” have gotten together to give me a birthday celebration this evening.
What is the experience like working for Tyler Perry, after addressing him to be his next leading lady and eventually becoming one?
The experience started with “Sistas”, after the billboard and then booking the role. We never talk about it, which is something I prefer so when we come together to work it is truly just that; work. There is talk amongst actors where they would come on set and say, “That’s the billboard girl.” As far as Mr. Perry and me, we have not spoken about it, and I like it that way so he can see me as an actress.
Who has played a meaningful role in getting where you are now?
Like I mentioned earlier, my family are my keepers in this life. Without their guidance and love, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I grew up with them for thirty-seven years of life. So, I know them well and if I ever need something I can go to them for guidance and support.
Do you have any other projects that you are focused on currently?
Yes, I just finished doing a project for NBC that I love. I am doing a lot but, the last one I recently finished was the project for NBC.
Deanahi
