On the hit show The Equalizer, Lorraine Toussaint’s Aunt Vi is the heart and soul of the series. "Aunt Vi is like a modern-day Auntie Mame," Lorraine shares exclusively with Closer Weekly. The character offers sage advice to the sometimes conflicted vigilante Robyn (Queen Latifah) and Robyn's teenage daughter. Aunt Vi brings a unique blend of fun and wisdom to the show, making her an indispensable part of the family dynamic. "Every child needs an Auntie Mame like Aunt Vi," Lorraine explains. "She might have questionable maternal instincts at times, but she's the person you can talk to about anything, and her unconditional love is unmatched."
At 61, Lorraine Toussaint is a seasoned actress who has been working steadily since graduating from the Juilliard School in the early 1980s. Her illustrious career includes acclaimed roles such as Rene Jackson on Lifetime's Any Day Now and Vee on Orange Is the New Black. "I love what I do, and I've been incredibly fortunate to have this career for many decades," she says with enthusiasm. "I approach every project with gratitude, and when I'm on set, it feels like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."
Stick around to hear more about Lorraine’s incredible journey, the legendary actors she’s worked with, and the life lessons she’s picked up along the way!
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Working with Queen Latifah on The Equalizer: A Dream Collaboration
When asked about her experience working with Queen Latifah, Lorraine beams with admiration. "It's been an absolute joy. I've been a fan of Queen's since her hip-hop days, and watching her evolve into the powerhouse she is today has been nothing short of inspiring." She continues, "Queen is not only incredibly talented but also one of the most generous and professional people I've ever worked with. She brings a unique energy to the set, and it's been a privilege to collaborate with her."
Back to Filming: The Excitement of Resuming Production
After a long hiatus due to unforeseen circumstances, the cast and crew of The Equalizer were thrilled to get back to work. "We were eagerly waiting for the green light to return," Lorraine recalls. "Once we finally got the go-ahead, it was like a breath of fresh air. There's nothing quite like the excitement of being back on set and continuing to tell these compelling stories."
Discovering a Passion for Acting
Lorraine's journey into acting began early in her life. "It was like a lightning bolt at the age of 11," she recalls. "I knew this was what I wanted to do, and I was lucky to have a supportive mother. She understood the artistic soul and encouraged me every step of the way. My mom was my rock, teaching me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on my dreams."
The Importance of Support
Having a supportive family is invaluable, and Lorraine feels incredibly fortunate to have had her mother's unwavering encouragement. "She believed in me even when others doubted. She taught me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Her lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and life."
Big Breaks in Acting
Lorraine considers her big break to have occurred in the theater right after graduating from Juilliard. "The day I graduated, I hopped on the subway and started rehearsals for my role as Lady Macbeth," she reminisces. "It was exhilarating and set the tone for my career."
Television Success
Her television breakthrough came with A Case of Deadly Force, where she worked alongside the legendary Richard Crenna. "He was a mentor and a guiding light. He taught me so much about the craft and the industry," she says fondly. "Then, of course, there was Hudson Hawk, which has now become a cult classic. Working with Bruce Willis was a memorable experience."
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