You’ve Heard and/or Seen Marlene Forte in Film and Television… But You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!
By Bel Hernandez
Marlene Forte
On the big screen, Marlene Forte starts the year with a co-starring role in Marlon Wayans’ directorial debut called A Haunted House, which hit theaters nationwide on January 11. 2013.
A Haunted House, a spooky comedy, is a spoof of such horror films as Paranormal Activity and The Devil Inside. Mike Tiddes is co-directing the new film with Wayans, who also stars in it with Essence Atkins (Are We There Yet?), Nick Swardson, David Koechner and Cedric The Entertainer.
Malcolm and Keisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm – determined to keep his sex life on track – turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghost-busters for help.
Forte steps into the comedic shoes of Marlon’s personal housekeeper “Rosa” who lives a double life.
“This is Carmen on crack”, says Forte of her outrageously funny character.
Speaking about “Carmen,” Forte will reprise her role on Dallas in its second season which premieres tonight, January 28, 2013, on the cable network TNT.
Forte co-stars as a series regular on TNT’s relaunch of the iconic 80s series Dallas, which premiered to 7 millions viewers – the biggest premiere so far this year for any networks. She also has a recurring role on ABC Family’s hit TV drama series The Secret Life of The American Teenager which will air its final episodes in February; and last but not least, she will soon be seen on the big screen again in Tyler Perry’ s feature film Single Moms Club opposite Terry Crew, Amy Smart, Eddie Cibrian and Tyler Perry.
Far from being a flash in the pan, Marlene Forte’s star fast-steadily continues to rise cementing her status as an enduring talent.
It’s no surprise that The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA), the nation’s longest running active arts advocacy organization for Latino actors, recently honored Forte with a HOLA Award for “Excellence in Television” at its Thirteenth Annual HOLA Awards Gala and Benefit. Past recipients include: Antonio Banderas, Alfred Molino, Rosie Perez, Benjamin Pratt, Esai Morales, John Leguizamo and Lauren Velez, to name a few.
More than an actress, Marlene is a “working” actress who has proven Hollywood wrong breaking every rule in the book!
When Marlene turned 30, she decided to become an actress. That’s a late start for most occupations; in Hollywood it’s nearly unheard of. But for Cuban-born girl named for one of Tinseltown’s brightest stars (Marlene Dietrich) perhaps the journey was predestined. Now Forte has carved for herself a successful if unlikely career. She has done it all — she has experienced motherhood, owned a business (video store) and lived a full life before setting foot on a stage. Now with an acting career spanning over three decades, Forte is enjoying a hell of ride carrying now an acting dossier that may very well rival some of the most prominent Latinas in the industry.
The story that lies behind Marlene Forte’s Hollywood success unfolds like a rags-to-riches movie script, but it is certainly a story rarely told and nothing short of Forte’ Tude!
She stands as a successful character actor who has been consistently making her marks on the small and the big screen with recurring roles on such TV shows as Crossing Jordan, The Mentalist, Law & Order, Bones, Daybreak, Castle and House of Payne (to name a few); and whose film appearances include the transporter chief in the 2009 JJ Abrams’ Star Trek reboot, as well as Mrs. Glass in Real Women Have Curves opposite America Ferrera and Lupe Ontiveros. She is also in Our Song opposite Kerry Washington (Scandal).
Her journey from the video counter to the big screen is one of great inspiration and motivation – proving that talent and persistence do pay off.
Marlene Forte is quickly becoming one of the most recognized Latinas having successfully found her niche working as a prolific character actor with roles running the gamut of genres in both television series and films.
Don’t forget to watch Dallas on TNT Tonight at 9/8C , January 28, 2013!
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