In the world of business, chaos often ensues; this necessitates the involvement of the family. They possess the audacity to confront messy affairs head-on. Presenting a sneak peek into ‘The Family Business: New Orleans.’ Lela Rochon, an actress in the series, prefers to keep her personal affairs to herself rather than indulging in the business of others. Lela takes on the role of ‘Big Shirley Duncan’, the matriarch of the Duncan family, in the newly released series on BET+ titled ‘The Family Business: New Orleans.’
Lela Rochon describes her character as a formidable and influential woman, emphasizing, ‘She is someone you don’t want to cross paths with, a firearms-bearing woman hailing from the South.’ Her life takes a wild turn when the leadership of the Duncan’s gambling establishment, ‘Midnight Blues’, is threatened by a competing mob boss.
As Lela Rochon adds, ‘Conflicts arise that forces Shirley to rally her felonious kin to aid her.’ Fortunately, Yvette Nicole Brown’s presence in the series renders much-needed support to Lela, a typical example of familial solidarity. On-screen, Yvette portrays the role of ‘Monique’.
Yvette Nicole Brown elaborates on her character by saying, ‘Monique brings a dash of humor at times on the show. Nonetheless, she’s the crucial support pole for Big Shirley in times of need; an unyielding confidant for Shirley’s deepest secrets.’ Even though Lela avoids indulging in frivolous activities in the series, she does enjoy testing her fortune in gambling.
Confidently, Lela Rochon reveals, ‘I partake in gambling. Indeed, I have a knack for blackjack. It’s my preferred game, and I cherish my trips to Vegas.’ What about Yvette’s stance on the matter?
Yvette Nicole Brown responds, ‘I would love tips on your strategy. I usually gravitate towards slot machines. I tend to fix a limit between $20-$50 depending on my current circumstances. If I regain my initial amount, I retire, but if I lose, I take my leave promptly. This forms my personal gambling rule.’
Amid the discussions around the on-screen family dynamics, curiosity arose towards identifying the confidantes of these stars when they face difficult times. Lela Rochon shares, ‘I rely on my older sister, Vanessa Bell Calloway, and a small circle comprising Holly Robinson Peete, Tina Knowles, and Vivica Fox.’
Yvette Nicole Brown goes down memory lane, stating, ‘I treasure a handful of friendships — four to exact, with whom I have shared a bond since high school.’
In essence, ‘The Family Business: New Orleans’ portrays the embodiment of the undertakings of a family intertwined with the chaos of the business world. As embodied by the characters portrayed by Lela Rochon and Yvette Nicole Brown, the series addresses both the comedic and the dramatic, reflecting the spectrum of real life in an entertaining and engaging manner.
These complex characters, with their individual skills and attributes, create intricate dynamics that drive the series. The raw humanity and distinct personalities brought to the table by this talented cast make the drama feel genuine and relatable, bringing the viewers closer to the characters and their stories.
From the fearless and commanding ‘Big Shirley’, brought to life by Lela Rochon, to Yvette Nicole Brown’s ‘Monique’, who serves as a source of comic relief and unwavering support, each character adds a unique layer to the plot, making ‘The Family Business: New Orleans’ a captivating watch.
Though the series is set in the underbelly of the New Orleans crime scene, it resonates the importance of family support and friendship, as highlighted by the stars’ off-screen confidantes. Whether it’s navigating through high-stake business scenarios or enjoying a game of blackjack, the strength drawn from their personal circles is a testament to the power of relationships.
Thus, ‘The Family Business: New Orleans’ seamlessly merges elements of crime, family, and individual dynamics, providing an immersive viewing experience that leaves the audience intrigued with its colorful characters and complex storylines.