In this article: Back to Who's News

How do you feel about being a part of pop culture for more than two decades?
It's really interesting. Now, it's kids, 18-, 19-, 23-years-old that tell me. "I grew up watching you." I'm such a part of their consciousness -- it blows my mind. I'm proud that it's because of two particular shows. "Taxi" and "Who's the Boss?"

It seems you've segued recently into more serious dramatic roles. Has this been a goal?
I'm pretty serious about this [acting]. Sometimes people love to put you in a box. I never though of it really as a plan -- it's something I always hoped to do one day. I'm still hoping one day to do a musical. That's another one of my long-term dreams. I also have a dream of doing a detective show. One of the great things about my life is that it's all about inflection. It's not [dreadfully], "Oh God, what's gonna happen today?" It's [excitedly]. "Oh gosh, what's gonna happen?!"

What drew you to "Family Law"? Why did you decide to join the show?

It was a no-brainer. The quality was so great, the actors were so great, the scriptwriting was so good. You gotta jump when a chance like that comes your way. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this. You gotta be happy that you're doing such controversial, gripping work. And there's something about having a job that ’s pretty cool too.

Are your cabaret shows a means of showcasing yourself as a natural for a Broadway musical?

I've been doing them for six years [in April]. I've got a big month coming up in June [New York, Las Vegas]. It's such a release. It's so much fun. It's something else to do. I love singing and dancing and entertaining and being in front of a live audience. Take my trumpet, it isn't [just] how much you practice, it's how long you stick with it. It's less about goals than sticking around. I'm really proud of my longevity. I think that's what people really strive for. I got a great break with "Taxi" and I'm pretty proud of myself that I've stuck around. I marvel at it myself.

--Evelyn Poitevent