JENIFER LEWIS, ANTHONY ANDERSON, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS

9 Fun Facts from Tracee Ellis Ross About ABC’s black-ish

Disney disclosure


Did you know that Tracee Ellis Ross, Rainbow Johnson on black-ish, is the daughter of Diana Ross? Once you know, and you look at Rainbow on the show, you can totally see it! It’s one of those, “how did I not realize that” types of questions you ask yourself. But, after walking through the set of black-ish with Tracee Ellis Ross, I actually discovered several other fun facts about both her and the show that I could share!

me and Tracee Ellis Ross

Fun Facts from Tracee Ellis Ross About black-ish

First, I have to point out the obvious, Tracee Ellis Ross is fabulous and simply beautiful! She met us before the tour and shook each one of our hands, asking our names, and then repeating them back to us. It showed just how extremely personable and friendly she really was. Afterward, we were on our way to the set of black-ish to hear all the fun facts she could give us about life on the set. She was a ball of energy and told us so many fun things!

Tracee Ellis Ross hides scripts
Photo Credit: ©ABC

Here are 9 fun facts about both Tracee herself, as well as life on black-ish:

  1. Tracee showed us how she hides scripts and her cell phone in various kitchen drawers to use during takes. There were two in different drawers during our visit from the last episode they shot.
  2. The beds on set have signs that ask the cast and crew to keep off, but she and Anthony Anderson take naps on them whenever they are not filming.

    black-ish do not sleep on set
    Photo Credit: ©ABC
  3. Tracee came up with an idea one night while lying in bed to keep Miles Brown focused during filming, based on his love for basketball. She will ask him, “Who has the ball?” This helps him stay in the scene and “in the game.” Focused.
  4. Even though others might think it takes considerable less time, it actually takes about 4 days to shoot one 22 minute episode.
  5. After working together over a year and a half, the cast has a genuine, natural connection to one another and there’s a sense of safety and connection.
  6. In the episode, “Charlie in Charge“, Tracee, Yara Shahidi and Anthony did not go to Brown University to film. And, although Tracee is an actual alumni, she did not know the “Brown song” she sings out in the show.

    YARA SHAHIDI, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
    Photo Credit: ©ABC/John Fleenor
  7. Unlike her character Bow, Tracee wears heels, accessories and more make-up on a regular basis. She tries to keep Bow authentic to the “styled from the closet” look most people would typically do.
  8. One of Tracee’s pet peeves is actresses who wake up with lip gloss and full make-up on, yet it’s not on the pillow. She truly believes in keeping it all authentic (and I LOVE this about her)!
  9. Tracee’s top three favorite episodes so far include “Churched“,  this season’s Halloween episode:”Jacked o’ Lantern“, and the season premiere, “The Word“.
JENIFER LEWIS, ANTHONY ANDERSON, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
Photo Credit: ©ABC/Kelsey McNeal

I had to agree with her top 3 choices — all from the current season, by the way. She even explained why she liked each one:

  • Churched” — direction was great and little moments between the kids was perfect
  • Jacked o’ Lantern” — kids were magical when they attacked their cousins had her in hysterics
  • The Word” — writing-wise the subject was handled well and they were able to make it funny by introducing it through Jack

All in all, we had a great time with Ms. Ross. She was charming, down-to-earth, and vivacious all at the same time! Since we are already fans of the show, it was easy to agree with her when she told us that she loves that “you can watch it with your kids and it’s really fun.”

YARA SHAHIDI, MILES BROWN, MARSAI MARTIN, MARCUS SCRIBNER
Photo Credit: ©ABC/Michael Ansell

Watch Tracee Ellis Ross in black-ish on Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC. Tonight’s (12/2) episode is called “Man at Work.”

Dre has always looked out for the crew he grew up with, but when his childhood friend Sha (guest star Faizon Love) comes to stay at the house for a few days, Bow thinks he is taking advantage of Dre’s generosity. Meanwhile, Daphne Lido (played by Wanda Sykes), the now ex-wife of Stevens & Lido’s founding partner, gains control of half of the company and wants to start inserting herself in company business. When Daphne starts to question Charlie’s work ethic, Dre must decide who he remains loyal to.