Dominique Fishback shares how the practice of journaling has been instrumental in shaping her life and her career.
The star --whose passion for acting began in elementary school-- has been involved in the entertainment industry since 2014 after receiving minor roles in various projects, including television shows and music videos.
Fishback's career skyrocketed in 2017 when she became a regular cast member on HBO's The Deuce, which aired on the network for three seasons until 2019. The actress' success didn't stop there. In addition to the hit series, Fishback solidified her spot in the entertainment industry through her critically acclaimed roles in The Hate You Give, Project Power, Judas and the Black Messiah, and most recently, Swarm.
In the cover story for Essence magazine, Fishback recalled her life journey, the struggles she faced before becoming an actress, and how journaling each moment helped manifest her dreams into a reality.
Dominique On Journaling
During the June interview, the 32-year-old shared that her love for the arts began in second grade after discovering TADA!, a theater company for children. Fishback revealed that although she auditioned numerous times to join the program, she got denied.
Despite the rejection, Fishback continued to look for other ways to accomplish her goals. One of which included applying to LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York when she was 15. The Night Comes On star's efforts again fell short when she didn't get into the prestigious school.
Instead of giving up, Fishback searched online for "free acting programs in New York City." After finding a company that met her requirements, she began attending classes. Fishback claimed that the overall experience would ultimately change her life because she went on to study theater at Pace University and graduated in 2013.
Throughout this journey, Fishback journaled everything from the setbacks to what she wanted to achieve in her career. In the discussion with Essence, the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts star disclosed that having the physical proof of what she aspired to be and speaking it into existence showcases how powerful words are.
"There's something about having proof that you spoke your life into existence or you manifested your dreams," she said.
"It's one thing to tell people, 'Oh, yeah, I thought about this. I talked about this when I was a kid,' but it's another thing to have the evidence, in written form, that you did speak into being the specific thing that you are now experiencing. It just contributes to the power of the mind, the power of the written word, and it's also a tool to reflect and say, 'See where I've grown, and how I've grown?'"
Dominique On Why She Also Journals About Her Characters
As the topic shifted to Fishback's memorable roles, including Dre in Amazon Prime's seriesSwarm and how she connects with those characters to bring them to life onscreen, the actress explains that she goes through the entire process by journaling.
Fishback claimed that she often tries to find similar interests between herself and the characters but said it was difficult in her recent role in Swarm -a psychological thriller about a crazed fan-- because the pair had different morals.
"I approach all my characters similarly—I try to find the through line of what I have in common with them. But Dre is harder because we morally don't agree," she stated.
Fishback added that despite the differences between her and Dre, she tried to connect with her by focusing on what the character loves.
"So I had to discover another connection—which is love. I know what it's like to love my sister. I know what it's like to love an artist. Not in the way that she does, but love is still love," she said. "If I can grab onto that, that means that the audience can grab onto that. I also had to journal, as myself, to remove any blocks or fears that I had about playing this character—because I didn't want the camera to pick up a war between Dominique and Dre."
Toward the end of her interview, Fishback also shared that another thing that has been helping her deliver the true essence of her characters is by praying.
"Every time I take on a role. I always pray that I can be a vessel, a clear vessel for the energy and truth of that character to come through," she stated.
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Lenny quickly explained why he named his home after The Jeffersons star. “It was her dream to come live in Paris,” he explained. “She wanted to retire after doing 11 seasons of The Jeffersons and she never got to do it. So I’m doing it for both of us.”
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
The “American Woman” artist, Lenny, revealed that he had been residing in the house for 22 years. During this time, he has amassed a collection of unique pieces and crafted custom furniture that adorns every corner of the home.
From African artwork to Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Lenny’s home is a true spectacle. “This house continuously pays tribute to my ancestors,” he said.
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
Most rooms in the house feature photographs of prominent Black figures, such as the renowned photographer Gordon Parks and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The petit salon, which he refers to as the Roxie room, is adorned with his mother's photos.
“I found a bunch of photographs my father had taken of my mother in the late ‘60s and got them framed by the same framer that does a lot of framing for the Louvre," he said. “I just wanted to have a room that was surrounded by her image.”
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
He shared that one of the first pieces he designed under his company, Kravitz Design, was the Swarovski crystal chandelier in his grand salon. He often finds many of his unique pieces by browsing the local flea market and small boutiques.
When it comes to his bedroom, the “Fly Away” artist takes a minimalistic approach. Focusing more on creating a calming vibe. He finds comfort in the Moroccan rugs that cover the floor, occasionally even sleeping on them.
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
The father of one ended his tour in the basement, which was designed to be a club. Check out the full tour below.
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Feature image Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot