Issue date: Aug 29, 1999

n the WB's Jamie Foxx Show, Garcelle Beauvais, 32, plays the object of comedian Foxx's unrequited love. An actress on one of the few shows starring people of color, Beauvais sounds off on the state of television today.

Does the lack of diversity in this fall's TV pilots upset you?
"I'm totally outraged by it. I think in this day and age, for them not to have shows that feature black people is ridiculous. We watch TV. We support the sponsors. We buy the stuff they're selling during the commercials. I don't understand why they wouldn't try to appeal to us as well."

Your idea of the perfect show?
"One where color wouldn't be an issue, where people happened to be black or happened to be white."

You're a single mother. Any advice for other single parents?
"Don't be so hard on yourself. Realize that even if you were in a full family, you wouldn't be able to make it to everything."

How's the L.A. dating scene?
"I've been seeing someone for a year now, but I have to say dating in L.A. is horrible. Everyone is so guarded. I had a lot of Saturday nights where me and my girlfriends would rent movies and eat sushi and say, 'Where are the men?' "

Did you enjoy "seducing" Will Smith in Wild, Wild West?
"I got to make out with Will for 14 hours. It was a lot of fun."

Did he make you laugh?
"Oh, yes. We were in a big tank of water and in between shots the two of us would stay in it. There were tons of people around us and he was cracking jokes."