Exclusive: Tiffany ‘New York’ Pollard On How She’s The Original HBIC Of Reality!

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with the ONE who started it all with ‘branding’ of the Black reality DIVAS, Tiffany Pollard, AKA ‘New York’.  From her memorable stint on ‘Flavor Of Love’ to her successful spinoffs, Ms. Pollard has solidified her place in reality TV history!  Now Tiffany is tackling another genre of entertainment, acting! She has landed a role in the new LOGO series DTLA and has told me she is staging a reality TV comeback!

Check out my interview with the new Tiffany ‘New York’ Pollard below….

Carlton Jordan: Where have you been all my life? (laughs) 

Tiffany: I’m actually in California! I’ve  been living out here for the past six years. I’m actually planning on going back [to New York] for the holidays to spend some time with the family.

Carlton: At what stage are you in your life?

Tiffany: I’m at a stage in my life where I’m able to trust myself. I don’t compare myself to others. I don’t ruin my race by looking at my opponents. I really strive to my own beat. I accept certain things about myself that used to keep me up at night. I don’t let people put limits on myself.

Carlton: What type of things were keeping you up at night?

Tiffany: You know well the obvious. When your on television it’s a lot of anxiety. There is automatic pressure from being famous. Somebody came up to me at the grocery store. I was putting milk in my cart and a woman just grabbed my arms! The things that’ll keep you up worrying about what the world expected from you. I basically had to let it go and allow the Lord be in control.

Carlton: How does spirituality play a role in your life?

Tiffany: Spirituality plays a really big part in my life. I’d have to say the main portion in my life. I believe in God strongly. I’m not one of those judgemental Christians. I see the love of God. I think that’s what were supposed to receive and give out. The Lord God died to give us life and live abundantly.

Carlton: So how do you feel about the new flock of HBICs (Tamar, Nene, Evelyn and Tammi)? I mean you were apart of the original reality divas that came out – now it’s almost like they’re taking the roots that you established and taking off with it!

Tiffany: Well there is an army of successful reality tv women taking over and taking the world by storm and captivating audiences. I must say there is only one H.B.I.C and that happens to be myself . I don’t think there is an old or a new. I am the H.B.I.C and I don’t think anybody wants to dispute that [laughs]. I just love to see black women doing their thing. I like to see images I can relate too. I like to see how far we can take it as a generation. I like that we have a spot now. I do think I have a lot to do with it. I think Omarasa as well she is a good friend of mine. She was the first woman of color to really get on and show her ass!

Carlton: There was some controversy with Nene Leaks of RHOA being on Ebony magazine cover. People felt like she didn’t deserve to be on a prestigious magazine like that because of what she represented.

Tiffany: Oh my goodness! I didn’t hear about that but I’d like to speak on it. I don’t think we should idolize or hold people in such a high regard that this woman has to carry the whole race of women. I don’t believe in that . I believe she has the right to represent who she is as an individual. I just don’t like the fact that as a nation, whether black or white, that we don’t like the way you do this or that, and you don’t deserve a-b-c because of it. It’s a bully mentality!

Carlton: So tell us about this new Logo series DTLA that you are a part of, and your character?

Tiffany: Well for the most art DTLA is a gay series. There are few character that are bi sexual some straight. As for me we haven’t really gotten into that. I’d say she is straight! The character that I play’s name is Reesie. She is a very compassionate sweet woman but she is really strong minded and strong willed. She just doesn’t take any crap from anybody, especially when it comes down o her family. Family means a lot to her. She makes sure she protects her family,  her nephew which is played by JC Jones of Glee then also my sister Luenell.

Carlton: Luenell, Luenell?

Tiffany: Yes Luenell!! Thas my girl! We’ve have been close and cool for some years now.

Carlton: How did you get offered the role? How did it come about?

Tiffany: Well, I had met the fabulous producer Larry Kennar a few years prior to the project. We had always wanted to a way to fit me into something that he was working on and I think he thought that I would be a great fit and I was obviously honored that he thought about me. I was excited about the role and that’s pretty much how it came about because we already pretty much had a friendship, but we wanted to obviously work together and find me a way to get me back on TV.

Carlton: A lot of actors that are trained and professional are complaining about reality stars taking over roles that were written or meant for them.  How do you respond to that?

Tiffany: You know I had heard some of that going on but I just don’t think anybody has the right to chime in on what an individual has the opportunity to do. Because every opportunity that you’re given in life I think it’s golden and I think you should seize it — and I don’t give a damn what you think about a reality person “taking a real job” because first of all can’t nobody take what’s yours. So it’s up for taking. We’re going to always step up and take it and remind you that reality stars are pretty good actors so they pretty much have to reckon with us (laughs)!

Carlton: Why do you think that reality stars are transitioning so easy from reality to scripted?

Tiffany: Because reality isn’t what it used to be. I think reality was a genre that was looked upon as a flash in the pan or five second of fame type of stuff. But you have people really getting in there making names for themselves, building a brand, and flipping what they used to think of what reality people used to be. Let these people do them because at the end of the day it’s all about making money!

Carlton: How’s the scripted world different from reality tv?

Tiffany: It’s a big difference. I can only speak for myself and what I’ve done. When I do a reality tv show it’s usually me being myself. I like to punch it up a few notches, but it’s totally your own emotions, your own take on the situation. As where, if your doing scripted you have to take reference from a director or a producer. You’re totally led. I think I like to act, but I prefer reality tv because it’s from my point of view.

Carlton: So you’re not acting in reality tv?

Tiffany: The only thing that is different from my day to day is I’m able to act like I’m in my own world. It’s me, my own take on things, but its punched up a few notches. I think I can do on reality television what a lot of people wish they could do on a regular basis. Does that make sense? _laughs__

Carlton: Absolutely. You can do and say as you feel and no one really does that. _laughs_ Did you take acting classes?

Tiffany:  Exactly!! _ laughs_ I honestly do need to brush up. If I have a audition I really want or something that is presented that I really want to add to my resume, I do seek the help of an acting coach or I get guidance from the producer or director of the particular piece – which I think is important because I have a big wall up, that’s just who I am. In acting those walls have to be broke and it just takes me while to take let those down. You have to get in a certain head frame to get in the character.

Carlton: Are there any same sex scenes with you in the DTLA series? Would you do any? 

Tiffany: You now what? I’d probably have to pass because I wouldn’t be able to get through the scence without laughing because that just how I am. If something is outta the ordinary there is no way I could task it. I’d feel bad for the female because my legs would be in the air laughing!

Carlton: What about nudity? You’ re getting into the acting world, would you be open to showing a body part to the masses?

Tiffany: You know what Carlton I tell you like this. If I’m able to drop a few pounds get my stomach together and let me direct that scence I’m open to it!

Carlton: How do you handle topics that go on the show, like homosexuality, that may go against your spiritual life?

Tiffany: Well I was raised in a Penacostal church and I have not strayed from any of those doctrones because that’s what I still use. First of all, I love gay people. I do believe you can be born gay.. I think rather if you’re gay straight. I think marriage has became more legal when it’s spiritual. You’re honoring God when you decide to step inside into marriage. Take it to God, pray on it, ask God to send you someone good  and honor you. AMEN

Carlton: How did you feel about this past election?

Tiffany: I felt very confident about this past election. In fact I was sitting there with my boo and I told him Obama is gong to get it, it’s not gong to be a tight election like everyone thinks it is. His fate is sealed by his faith.

Carlton: Umm, who is your new boo?

Tiffany: [Laughs] Oh thas my new baby. [Avoiding] Hes a good man and very committed to me!

Carlton: How would you like to be remembered?

Tiffany: LOL…that’s a good question. Someone who took her talents, money, time and energy.. everything that she was here to be…someone who took all that and utilized it for the better of man.

Check out season one of DTLA on Itunes HERE.  Also, follow the series through Facebook and ITunes!