"I still have a fire in me to create": Ingrid Rogers on starring in cop drama 'Bosch' and her journey to stardom
Ingrid Rogers is one of those rare actresses who is able to juggle multiple aspects of her life and still be able to stand above the rest when it comes to hard work and determination. It's because of this dedication that she landed her current role in Amazon Prime's incredible new show, based on best-selling author Michael Connelly's books, "Bosch". Season 4 of the American police procedural released on the streaming site on April 11 and Season 5 has already been greenlit. With all of this going on it is safe to say that Ingrid is a busy woman.
The story of how Ingrid became a seasoned actress starts all the way back in her high school when she worked really hard and managed to land a breakout role in the daytime drama, "All My Children". Since that time, she has worked with accomplished directors such as Woody Allen and Joel Schumacher. She has also had a major role to play in Brian DePalma's film, "Carlito's Way", opposite Al Pacino and Sean Penn. When it comes to TV, Ingrid has acted in "Murder In The First", "Two and a Half Men", "The Cleaner", and many national commercials.
Ingrid was born in Canada and then raised in Jamaica. She is a mother-of-two and has managed to perfectly balance family, a healthy lifestyle, and her career, which is no easy task. The family of four stays in Los Angeles. We spoke to Ingrid to find out just how she's able to live such a perfect life and here's what she had to say:
1. How is your role as Latonya Edgar different from other characters you've played?
Interestingly, this is my first time playing a working, single mom. She’s a strong, independent woman who loves her family and is finding the balance of what she and her family needs.
2. What kind of preparation did you have to do before playing your role in Bosch? What made you want to audition for this role?
I wanted to audition for this role because the writing was SO good. I love dialogue that is sparse but says so much. The writers on Bosch are masters at conveying dimension without being wordy. As far as preparation, early on Jamie Hector was gracious enough to meet up with me outside of our shooting schedule to work on our scenes and build our relationship. That was very kind of him. I also went on a couple ride-a-longs with the Beverly Hills Police Department, which were incredible. I have a new found respect for law enforcement and understanding of what it’s like to be in a relationship with a cop.
3. Who was the co-star you got along with, the most?
Well, fortunately, I can honestly say that I’ve gotten along well with all my co-stars. I really enjoyed working with Laila Robbins on "Murder In The First". Her freedom and playful spirit in the work are infectious. And Jamie is so chill and such a pro.
4. Out of all the projects you've worked on so far, how high up would you rate your own performance on Bosch?
Interesting question. I don’t know that I can rate my performances. I will say that I think it’s the most present I’ve been in my work. I attribute that partly to my own personal growth but also to how welcoming and relaxed the set of "Bosch" is.
5. Looking back at the series now, is there anything about what you did when you played your character that you would like to change?
Nope. It is what it is. On to the next scene.
6. Were you nervous when you acted as Steffie alongside Al Pacino and Sean Penn? Tell us one amazing experience you had with the two of them on set.
I was super nervous during the audition process but surprisingly not so much during the shoot. Except for one of the early scenes in the club when I’m talking to Carlito and DePalma told me it was a really tight frame and I basically couldn’t move. Acting with such restraints was foreign to me. This was my first movie and I was used to the freedom of theatre and soap operas. I remember tensing up. Now I know, the solution is to breathe deeply, put my attention on the other actor and relax. As far as amazing experiences, I mean, it doesn’t get more amazing than working with two icons in your first movie, but one of the experiences that stands out was meeting them both along with Penelope Ann Miller and the rest of the incredible cast at the table read in what I remember to be, a large white room at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens. Just imagine that group of actors in one room…it was pretty amazing!
7. How hard is it to land a role in a good series or film or play in the 21st century? How can young actors put themselves out there?
Well, I think the competition now is ridiculous. The talent shown from young actors is kind of mind-boggling, so it takes confidence in oneself and one’s abilities to land a role in a good production. The good news is that there are also a lot more platforms/productions on which to get a shot. Young actors can put themselves out there by producing and performing in their own content.
8. Could you tell us a little bit about the journey to stardom - any rejection stories, unbelievably odd jobs? Anything funny that stands out?
Well, the journey has been an interesting one filled with many ups and downs and twists and turns. I’m most proud of persisting through it all. I still have a fire in me to create and I believe the best is yet to come. Yes, there have been lots of rejections but I’ve learned to be kind to myself through even those and reward myself with a cookie or something nice. Their loss. I’ve had so many odd jobs. The most unbelievable and funny was dressing up as a French maid and singing "happy birthday" in a French accent to a complete stranger. Yep, I did that!
9. Would you change anything now if you had the power to?
Luckily I do have the power (we all do). I'm kinder and more encouraging to myself and those around me.
10. What future projects can we expect to see you in?
Season 5 of "Bosch" is starting soon so I’m interested to see where the writers take my character. I’m also developing a pilot script with my husband, who’s an awesome writer/executive producer.
11. How would you describe yourself in one word or sentence?
I’m a persistent, loving, talented, juggernaut!:)
12. What is it like being a full-time actress and a full-time mom? Give us some pro-tips on how to juggle the two. What do your children think of the whole acting business?
Well, my boys are grown now, so it affords me more time to dedicate to my career. I think it’s challenging for any mother to juggle raising children and a full-time career. It takes tremendous organization and patience and self-care to do both well. Both our boys have expressed interest in acting. My youngest was told by his professor that he could have a career as an actor if he wanted. I agree but he’s just not sure if he wants to pursue it as a career.