Exclusive: Rose Rollins Starring in the New Spectrum Original ‘Long Slow Exhale’ [Interview]

 Rose Rollins is starring in the new Spectrum Original, Long Slow Exhale, premiering on April 4th. 

Photo: Daniel Delgado/Spectrum/BET
Courtesy of Spectrum

Rollins plays the character J.C. Abernathy, the head coach of a competitive women’s college basketball team. Her character soon finds herself in the middle of a sexual abuse scandal which is potentially detrimental to her career. While navigating through the struggles, she has to make decisions that affect her family, her team of young female athletes, and herself. This series touches on the issue of sexual abuse in connection to college campuses and how similar situations are handled. Shows such as these implement taboo topics that promote viewers and fans to have conversations that create safer spaces for victims. 

Rollins has built an impressive resume of prominent roles in both movies and tv shows such as Shonda Rimes’ tv series The Catch, Tasha Williams in the original Showtimes series The L Word, The CW’s Nikita, CBS’s NCIS, etc. She has appeared in numerous big-screen films with talents such as Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible III, directed by J.J. Abrams, the sci-fil comedy Pixels, by director Chris Columbus starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James, and more. She has cultivated an amazing acting career while also prioritizing her family first. 

Rollins spoke with our correspondent Rebecca Eugene about her upcoming role and what viewers can expect to see.

The Knockturnal: When did you start acting? What got you started?

Rose Rollins: I started acting in high school. I got involved with a production that went and performed at various establishments for troubled youth. We wrote and performed plays that brought awareness to current issues affecting teens. I was surprised by how much I loved it. I also loved how deeply acting could affect the audience on the receiving end.

The Knockturnal:  Without giving away too much, what’s your favorite line or scene from the show ‘Long Slow Exhale’? Why? 

Rose Rollins: My favorite scene from Long Slow Exhale is any and every scene where my character is able to laugh or have a good time. She goes through so many struggles and has the weight of so many on her shoulders, laughter is far and few between. It’s much needed when the rare opportunity arises.

The Knockturnal: How do you feel about your character ‘J.C. Abernathy’? What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

Rose Rollins: I love J.C.. My biggest challenge was knowing I had to give my ALL to this role. No holding back. That has never been required of me before for a role. It’s extremely scary. To have to go to such raw places emotionally and yet at the same time to have to the energy to be the emotional support for so many others.

The Knockturnal: What can fans expect to see from your character ‘J.C. Abernathy’ throughout the show? What are you most excited about? 

Rose Rollins: Fans can expect to really get to know J.C. Who she is and what she stands for. She is a force! She makes a lot of mistakes; she’s human. But what’s most important is how she handles those mistakes. The lengths she goes to learn from and correct them. I’m not just excited about fans seeing J.C. , but the show as a whole!

The Knockturnal: The series highlights the touchy but important issue of sexual abuse, specifically on college campuses. Do you feel like the show will open the door for more open discussions surrounding the issue or create a change?

Rose Rollins: I definitely feel this show will help open doors for more discussions surrounding sexual abuse/assault on college campuses. It is very serious issue that has been silently sweeping the nation for decades. So many have been silenced for so long in various ways and it’s time to change that. I think this show will help in giving those silenced a voice.

The Knockturnal: Who is your favorite actor? Why? 

Rose Rollins: My favorite actor? Have to name two. Denzel Washington and Emily Blunt. Don’t think I need to explain. Just watch anything they’ve done!

The Knockturnal: What’s the best advice someone has given you about acting? 

Rose Rollins: Best advice someone has given me was “to listen.” It’s so true. When you act across from a partner you can tell instantly when they are not. And when they do, the connection immediately intensifies. And when YOU listen to them, they affect you differently.

The Knockturnal:  Tell me something most people don’t know about you? 

Rose Rollins: I feel like people don’t know much about me as it is! HA! I am a super private homebody. Oh, people may not know how much I absolutely LOVE to cook! I cook a lot!

The Knockturnal: Where do you hope to be in your acting career in the next 5 years?

Rose Rollins:  In 5 years I pretty much hope to remain where I am now. I am a mom first who loves acting. Being a celebrity scares me because you lose your anonymity and have to sacrifice a lot in your personal life.  I love that I have balance where one love doesn’t have to outweigh the other.