Denise Boutté Talks ‘Stan Against Evil’ and ‘Meet the Browns’ [Exclusive Interview]

Best known for her role as Sasha Brown on the hit Tyler Perry series Meet The Browns, Denise Boutté is keeping busy in a number of incredible ways.

In addition to working on creating her own culinary empire, with a cookbook in the works and her own line of seasoning blends, Boutté is also currently starring as Lara Bouchard on the IFC series, Stan Against Evil.

I had a few questions for Boutté about her role on Stan Against Evil, her culinary projects, and what she misses most about her time on Meet the Browns.

Tell-Tale TV: What was it that drew you to want to be a part of Stan Against Evil, initially?

Boutté: When you combine awesome writing, a gifted cast, and filming in Atlanta (my home-away-from-home) with my long-standing desire to add creating in the magical world of CGI and special effects, to the resume… Deal!

Tell-Tale TV: What’s your favorite thing about your character, Lara?

Boutté: Lara’s a Boss! I fell in love with her strong, mysterious, invincible qualities and admired her vulnerabilities.

That’s what true artists do. Dana Gould generously layers his characters; it’s not about what you think you see on the surface, but rather the layers underneath.

Tell-Tale TV: What would you say is the biggest challenge for you in playing this role?

Boutté: Stan Against Evil marked another milestone. The first time I jumped into Season 2, [it was a] well-oiled machinery of a very talented cast and crew.

When you’re jumping onto a moving train, you’ve got to be ready to “play ball” and have some fun! Thanks to the warm reception received from all sides, I was enabled to do just that.

Tell-Tale TV: You’re also known for your role as Sasha Brown on Meet the Browns. What do you miss most about working on that show?

Boutté: My Meet the Browns family. When you’re blessed with the opportunity to create as a series regular on a long-running series, you’re with these folks day-in and day-out. In order for the true magic to happen and create a fan-fave, there has to be chemistry, trust, synergy, and love for what you’re a part of.

For an actor, an experience like this is like lightning in a bottle. Trust and believe that Meet the Browns was my first series, but certainly not my last.

Tell-Tale TV: When it comes to performing, who inspires you the most and why?

Boutté: Life. Authenticity. “GODfidence.”

Tell-Tale TV: You’ve also got some exciting things coming up in the culinary world. What can you tell us about your upcoming cookbook?

Boutté: When I met Chef Wells, our conversations centered on our families and reminiscing over dishes from our Southern upbringings. This often evolved into how we’d managed to modify those dishes, careful to maintain flavor while opting for healthier, alternative ingredients. The inspiration, for our cookbook Southern Modified.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you?

Boutté: In addition to producing my own film and television concepts, I’m in the thick of creating a Culinary Empire! From Weeziana Girl Seasoning Blends, to cookbooks, Southern Modified up first, to heat-&-eat meals and desserts… I’m just getting started folks!

Be sure to catch Denise Boutté on Stan Against Evil, airing Wednesdays at 10/9c on IFC.

You can also stay connected with Boutté on social media:

• Facebook: Denise Boutte
• Instagram and Twitter: Denise_Boutte

*Featured image credit: Birdie Thompson @birds_eye_photo
Hair: Sylvia, @sjshairdesign, MUA: @niehlao

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