Evan Ross Update & Correction

Says he's in love but not married...
Interview: Life is Hot for Evan Ross
By Clay Cane

Evan Ross was Hollywood royalty before his first movie. The son of Diana Ross can look to Michael Jackson and Berry Gordy as friends of the family and was a firsthand witness to his mother becoming a pop culture icon. Therefore, it’s no surprise the 20 year old has the acting chops of his Oscar nominated mom. In his short career, Ross has consistently received rave reviews for roles in 2007’s “Life Support” and 2008’s “Gardens of the Night.”

Now, Evan Ross is tackling the role of Romeo in the intense addiction drama “Life is Hot in Cracktown,” which opens in select cities Friday, June 26. This is a Ross you have never seen in a movie that is haunting, truthful and strikingly raw. In addition, there is the phenomenal Kerry Washington who plays a transsexual prostitute with a drug addiction.
Here, Mr. Ross talks to BET.com about the new film, potential music career and clears up those Internet rumors that he is married—without a prenup! I think his mama taught him better than that…
What was your reaction to your character, Romeo, when you first read the script?
I thought it was exciting. I was taken aback by the script in general; I was surprised they were able to make something like this, especially right now. It’s hard to get films made that are that dark. I thought it would be exciting to have the opportunity to play somebody I’ve never met. I didn’t go into the role with anybody specific in mind. I could create somebody that had these vulnerabilities and wasn’t the stereotypical gangster.
You didn’t grow up in a drug-ridden world like the characters in “Life is Hot in Cracktown.” What part of your life can relate to the characters in this film?
There are always parts of characters that I think everybody can relate to. Of course I never experienced anything like that, but there’s times when you feel like there are no happy endings. All the things you believe don’t make sense because things are bad at some points—if you lose somebody, whatever it may be. I wanted to bring that out, show somebody that doesn’t see any hope.
What part of the movie resonated with you the most?
I would have to say Kerry Washington’s character and just her in general in the film. I was so taken aback by her mannerisms and different things she was doing. You can tell she wasn’t thinking about it at all, it was so precise and amazing.
Are you more attracted to the independent, raw films versus the big Hollywood films?
If the “big” right film came up, I think it would make sense. A lot of these smaller films, because right now they are harder to be big films, but the pieces are right. Also, luckily, I don’t feel like I need to do things for money—that’s a blessing. A lot of times that becomes something that skews your judgment. I’m able to do things because I love it.
Do you feel like you have to prove yourself more being that you are the son of an icon?
There’s a great deal of respect toward my mom and the work she’s done. I look at her in such a high respect that I got to take a great deal of responsibility in whatever I do. What she’s done is amazing and the more I get older I see that. I feel like there is a great deal of responsibility behind that. I’ve had an amazing mother and I got to respect what she’s given me and do the best I can. I’m creative, that’s just what I do and that’s all I can really focus on.
Is it true you are working on an R&B pop album?
[Laughs] I don’t know if it’s R&B pop but I’ve been working on music my whole life. I’ve been working on a CD that at some point I plan on putting out. I’ve been working with Dallas Austin. I’ve been singing my whole life. I grew up where I wanted to sing and perform. It’s not my focus right now. I think the music industry is tough because it’s a lot of business more than anything else. I’m doing music because I love music so I’m working on it like that. It’s not something I’m trying to rush. I want it to be done the way I want it to be done and I don’t want everybody messing with it. [Laughs] I just want to do it.
What is the craziest Internet rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
I hear things from other people more than I see things. As time goes on I’ve just decided to not look at it much. Even on this film when my hair was long, people were talking all kinds of stuff—I’m Michael Jackson’s son. [Laughs] I love Michael, that’s family, but I’m of course not his son. So many things… they said I was married just a little bit ago. I got this girlfriend that I’m always with and now I’m married! [Laughs] What are you going to do? That stuff doesn’t bother me much. I’m in a good place where I’m enjoying my life, having a great time and being young.
So, it’s not true—you are not married to anybody, that’s false?
No, I’m not married. I am in love right now, I’m enjoying that, but I’m not married. I’m just enjoying life and they’re like, “Oh, he doesn’t have a prenup!” People are just hilarious. [Laughs] Life is good and I’m not mad.
What do you think people can learn from “Life is Hot in Cracktown”?
I think people can gain understanding of a reality out there. There are these things going on and a lot of young people are trying to figure out who they are. No matter where they are in life, no matter how much money they have and where they are coming from. We’re all trying to find out who we are. All these things are relevant from everyone, whether they come from a place like this or not. Having an understanding of people is important and not seeing what’s really going on is a problem. I went to New Orleans and somebody came up to me trying to get some money. I remember giving him money and not being mad that they did that. They’re fighting out there trying to survive. People need to be understanding and open to what’s really going on.
“Life is Hot in Cracktown” opens in select cities Friday, June 26.