Rosalee Mayeux Reflecting on Her Journey
Rosalee Mayeux is an award-winning comedian and speaker whose career has been shaped by perseverance, reinvention, and a distinctive comedic voice. In this interview, Rosalee reflects on her journey from modeling and acting to discovering her true passion for stand-up comedy. She also discusses the inspiration behind her comedy special, Model Mom, which draws from her experiences as a single mother, cancer survivor, and entertainer. These experiences transformed her perspective and strengthened her belief that finding humor in life's challenges can make them easier to overcome. In addition, Rosalee emphasizes the importance of staying authentic to yourself and your storytelling. She also shares details about several upcoming projects, including her second stand-up comedy special for Comedy Dynamics, her first book about her journey in commercial acting, and the continued expansion of her comedy series, Comedy Girls Road Trip. Throughout the interview, Rosalee encourages others to view moments of defeat and adversity as opportunities for growth, with humor serving as a source of resilience. She believes that laughter not only helps people navigate difficult times but also creates meaningful connections with others through shared experiences.
When did you realize that comedy was the path you wanted to pursue professionally?
For me, it was gradual. I originally got up on a mic because a friend signed me up. And when I took the live mic in my hand and heard the sound of my voice, and people laughed, I felt a power I had never felt before. As a model, I had been silent for years, as an actress, I had been given words to memorize and spit out. But this was different. I was the author. I was the pacer, the syncopater, and it was raw and live, and there was no net. After a lot of sweat and unsticking from hiding behind characters, I emerged determined to find out where I could take this new life, what could I and what could I not do. And what did I like and what did I respect? And because I needed a paycheck, I started working on my writing ... hard. That's when I knew.
In the trailer, you reflect on everything from your modeling days to raising teenage sons. Why did you want to share both sides of your journey with audiences?
I had been working on my kid material since I first started; it was fresh in my life and flew off my tongue. I was making fun of all of it, feeling like a total failure all the while trying to be the best version of myself I could be in momdom is pretty ridiculous stuff. But also by then I had won the Columbine Award at the Moondance Int'l Film Festival for a short story about the harrowing tale of raising two teenage boys in Los Angeles in the 90's-2000's, and I realized I had never recorded it. Taping Model Mom seemed like the perfect opportunity to tell the whole story, of how a model became a mom, with all my failings bumping up against hard times.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while filming Model Mom?
Oh definitely not thinking I was good enough. But my director, Gary Robinson, kept after me; he believed it would be a very special comedy special, because it told both the funny and also the tough sides of single-mom life. Working with him made me feel like skipping in dark parking lots. The joy inside changed me. I had found my way through his faith in me.
Now that Model Mom has been released, is there a particular aspect of the special that you're most proud of?
That any special work at all is a miracle. So much can go wrong, and usually does to some degree. But the night we shot was amazing. The fun I was having, the crowd's support, both shows sold out. And the audience told me they were so surprised by the turns the stories took. That felt great. The highest compliment I can get is for my writing.
The trailer highlights how you find humor even in some of life's toughest moments. When did you realize that laughter could help you navigate challenges and hardships?
I learned that really early in my life. My big brother was all-state football, all-state basketball, all-state track. Eight points above genius level. Invited to the Olympics. What was left? The only thing I could be was funny. Entertain my "tauntes" - my aunties. That was the only way to hold my own.
What do you hope audiences take away from Model Mom after watching it?
That there's enormous strength that comes from keeping our sense of humor through adversity. Laughing at ourselves is a harbinger of mental health. Raising boys can be tough, cancer isn't cool at all, but sometimes the darkest times are the funniest.
Your career has taken you from modeling to acting and now comedy. How have you navigated those different chapters and determined where you wanted to go next?
I feel like I was led to every one of these experiences. Usually, by bumping my head against the wall, trying something new or wild I'd fail at, and then a door would open up, and I'd peek through into a completely different possibility than I originally planned. Eileen Ford, the world's greatest modeling agent, said the world will let you know what you're good at. And I found that so fascinating, I just kept looking for the "yeses." Plus, my mom said I couldn't do anything that didn't have a paycheck, so that pretty much sealed my fate into always looking for work, a way to support myself. It took a really long time to call myself an artist, and that a paycheck wasn't the only thing I needed to be happy.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis changed the course of your life. Looking back, what did that experience teach you about yourself?
Mostly, I learned what my voice was. I was facing a dire diagnosis, being told to get my affairs in order, that I didn't have time. But then, miracle, I lived. But I found I couldn't go back to before cancer. It has changed me. I needed to say my own words, not just dialogue in character. It needed to speak from my freak, from my life I had lived, and share what it has taught me. I wanted to pass that along, and hopefully make people laugh and feel seen in the process. To let them know they're not alone on this rock flying through space.
As you look toward the future, are there any projects you're particularly hoping to be involved with?
I'm in love with a show I did on my iPhone 4 - Comedy Girls Road Trip. I've put bits up on YouTube so if you know anyone looking for a project... Well, you have my number. And then, I'm writing my second special for Comedy Dynamics, and my first book on my commercial acting career. All of it, every single bit, is so exciting. I'm having more fun than anyone has a right to at this particular juncture in time on the planet.
As you continue on your journey, looking back, what has been the most fulfilling experience of your career and personal life?
The most wonderful thing is coming to terms with the fact that no matter what your whacky, authentic, beautiful, ridiculous point of view is, it's yours. It's nobody else's. It is unique to you and for that reason it is precious. Nurture it. Nurture the quirk, the deep thinking, the absurdist denial of facts you don't care for. All of it. Adore people and keep loved ones in your heart and if and when they disappoint you, give their license plates to the police and report a crime they didn't commit. It'll be fun. And you'll feel so much better.
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Rosalee Mayeux
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Storm Santos
Fashion Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair + Makeup: Kimberly Bragalone at Redefine Representation
Assistant to Hair + Makeup: Alysha Marcantonio
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ali Rosoff, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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