The Robertson Treatment – Rosario Dawson co-stars in 'Men In Black 2.'

(Jul. 2, 2002) What a difference two days can make. Eight years ago, two days made every bit of difference to a wide-eyed 15-year old girl as she sat on her New York City front porch to watch a commercial spot. As luck would have it, it was during those two days that the beautiful Rosario Dawson was noticed by a director and asked if she was an actress.

"Two days was the difference between where I am and where I could've been," says the now 23 year old, Manhattan-bred bombshell. Where Dawson would've ended up we'll never know, but where she is now is among Hollywood's A-list celebrities starring in soon-to-be-released projects opposite Eddie Murphy, Edward Norton and Elijah Wood.

Currently, Dawson is playing opposite Will Smith in this summer's highly anticipated blockbuster "Men In Black II."

Born and raised in Downtown NYC, it is only fitting that Dawson's look be as unique, diverse and eclectic as the melting pot she still calls home. An exquisite blend of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Native-American, African-American and Irish, she's shown that her on-screen abilities are as broad as her lineage.

Her first feature film role came in 1995 in the controversial film "Kids" in which she played a sexually promiscuous and very outspoken teen. Featured at Cannes, the film was both praised and derided for its depiction of inner-city youths. However, Dawson stood out from the rest of the cast and soon parlayed that role into a string of other appearances including the role of Lala in Spike Lee's "He Got Game," where she played the slick talking, opportunistic girlfriend of an uncommonly talented high school basketball player. Rest assured that Rosario has little in common with many of the characters she plays.

"As an actor, you have to be willing to surrender to the role and do what is required to make it believable," she says.

"He Got Game" went on to be a box-office success and Rosario's career has been on the ascent ever since.

Dawson's latest role will no doubt make her the envy of women worldwide. "Surrendering" alongside Will Smith in "MIB II," a role that required them to not just kiss but "make out."

"It was a little awkward sometimes because Jada (Pinkett -Smith) would come visit the set" said Dawson, "but they're a lovely couple and obviously very secure. Thank God!"

Her biggest movie to date, "MIB II" is sure to have a tremendous impact on what has already been somewhat of a Cinderella story of a career, and starring opposite Eddie Murphy in the upcoming "Pluto Nash," the silver slipper may not be coming off any time soon. In the meantime she's going to take a well-deserved vacation. And how does the red-hot Rosario plan on relaxing between now and her next film? How about a trip around the world that will include participation in the "Running of the Bulls" festivities in Pamplona, Spain. An adventure that may make this fiery Taurus feel right at home.

"I'm not a thrill seeker or anything like that," she says, "but I had a dream about running with them-- so I have to do it." -Marvin Neal

Talk about a busy week. LA was at it again last week as it played host to a bevy of parties built around the BET Awards. Kicking off the week was an intimate reception for "Monster's Ball" producer Lee Daniels at Reign Restaurant in Beverly Hills. Sponsored by Volvo, the event brought out a crowd of well-wishers that included actresses, Dawn Lewis, Monique and Wendy Raquel Robinson as well as Hidden Beach ace Steve McKeever and his lovely wife Candace who handles entertainment affairs for Essence. Following that event many in attendance headed to the El Rey Theatre where Def Jam played host to a private showcase featuring the high-voltage talents of LovHer and Kelly Price.

By now you've all heard about what went down at the BET Awards, but what you may not know is that the party to be at after the awards was not the network's very average post show reception, but the slammin' joint thrown by Universal Records for recording superstar Nelly. Held on a back-lot adjacent to Universal Studios, the affair was attended by a great cross -section of athletes, film and TV stars and VIP's who partied all night to the distinctive styling of the St. Louis rapper.

The next night (hey, when is this going to end), Mary J. Blige kept a sold out crowd on their feet as she delivered a heartfelt set at Universal Amphitheatre. Bolting out of there early, I arrived at the Pacific Design Center to check out entertainment's "everyman" Steve Harvey as he celebrated the release of his debut compilation on MCA Records. Boy, I'm tired even thinking about everything that went on-but it appears that the party will continue now that I'm headed down to New Orleans for the always fabulous Essence Music Festival. I'll tell you all about that the next time we meet. Ciao! --Gil Robertson

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Gil L. Robertson IV / Principal / The Robertson Treatment / Po Box 136 / Beverly Hills, CA. 90213 / 323-292-4010

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