Editing Victoria Rowell

{{short description|American actress (born 1959)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}

{{Infobox person
| image            = De'Von Brown with Actress Victoria Rowell.jpg
| caption          = Rowell in 2012
| name             = Victoria Rowell
| birth_name       = Victoria Lynn Rowell
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1959|5|10}}
| birth_place      = [[Portland, Maine]], U.S.
| death_date       =
| death_place      =
| othername        =
| occupation       = Actress, director, writer, producer
| yearsactive      = 1987–present
| spouse           = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Tom Fahey|1989|1990|reason=divorced}}
* {{marriage|[[Radcliffe Bailey]]|2009|2014|reason=divorced}}
}}
| children        = 2
}}

'''Victoria Lynn Rowell''' (born May 10, 1959)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/person/victoria-rowell/biography.html|title=Victoria Rowell|work=Yahoo Movies|access-date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> is an American actress, screenwriter, director, and producer. She began her career as a ballet dancer and model before making her acting debut in the 1987 comedy film ''[[Leonard Part 6]]''. In 1990, Rowell joined the cast of the [[CBS]] daytime soap opera ''[[The Young and the Restless]]'' as [[Drucilla Winters]], her signature and longest role on television, for which she was nominated for three [[Daytime Emmy Award]]s. She departed from the show in 2007. Rowell is also well known for her role as Dr. Amanda Bentley in the CBS medical crime drama ''[[Diagnosis: Murder]]'' (1993–2001). From 1993 to 2000, she appeared on both series simultaneously.

Rowell has had a number of roles in feature films. She starred alongside [[Eddie Murphy]] in the 1992 comedy ''[[The Distinguished Gentleman]]'', and later had roles in the films ''[[Dumb and Dumber]]'' (1994) and ''[[Barb Wire (1996 film)|Barb Wire]]'' (1996). She is an 11-time [[NAACP Image Award]]s winner.

== Early life ==
Victoria Lynn Rowell was born in [[Portland, Maine]], on May 10, 1959. Her biological mother, Dorothy Rowell, was of English descent and a ''[[Mayflower]]'' descendant, and her birth father, whose surname was Wilson, was of Jamaican descent.{{Citation needed |date=March 2024}} Rowell knew very little about her father. Dorothy, who suffered from [[schizophrenia]], took a taxi to a hospital to give birth to Rowell, leaving a son and two small daughters unsupervised. When she was 16 days old, Rowell, along with her two sisters, Sheree and Lori, were surrendered to child services.<ref name="boston.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/05/05/role_models/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010133054/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/05/05/role_models/|url-status=dead|title=Role Models, Boston Globe, May 5, 2007|archivedate=October 10, 2012}}</ref>

While living in Maine with foster parents Agatha C. and Robert Armstead,{{Citation needed |date=March 2024}} Rowell, then eight, began ballet lessons. She became a member of [[Sigma Gamma Rho]] sorority, an African-American Greek-lettered sorority. After dancing with the American Ballet Theater II and the [[Juilliard School]] of Music Dance Extension program with [[Antony Tudor]], Rowell accepted guest-artist teaching posts in [[New England]].<ref name="diagnosismurder.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.diagnosismurder.co.uk/vr.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317022221/http://www.diagnosismurder.co.uk/vr.shtml|url-status=dead|title=DiagnosisMurder.co.uk &#124; Victoria Rowell|archivedate=March 17, 2012}}</ref>

== Career ==
In the 1980s, Rowell became an in-demand runway and catalog model.<ref name=tvg>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/victoria-rowell/bio/178323|title=Victoria Rowell|work=TV Guide|access-date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> Rowell made her film debut in the 1987 comedy film ''Leonard Part 6'' opposite [[Bill Cosby]] and later had a recurring role on ''[[The Cosby Show]]''<ref name=tvg /> In 1988, she also had the recurring role of Nella Franklin on the CBS daytime soap opera, ''[[As the World Turns]]''.

In 1990, Rowell was cast as street urchin-turned-ballet dancer Drucilla Barber on the CBS daytime soap opera, ''The Young and the Restless''. Rowell became a fan favorite and was nominated for three [[Daytime Emmy Award]]s in 1996, 1997, and 1998. She won 11 [[NAACP Image Award]]s for her portrayal of Drucilla. Rowell's first run as Drucilla was from 1990 to 1998. She briefly returned in 2000, then returned on a regular basis from 2002 until early 2007. In 2007, Rowell became unhappy with the soap opera behind the scenes, labeling daytime television and ''The Young and the Restless'' as [[racism|racist]] for not having enough African-American cast and crew.<ref name="a">{{cite web|title=Victoria Rowell: Why I left the Young and the Restless|url=http://www.blackpress.org/victoriarowell.htm|publisher=Black Press Magazine|access-date=January 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://soapcentral.com/yr/theactors/rowell_victoria.php |title=About Y&R: About the Actors – Victoria Rowell |access-date=July 23, 2016}}</ref> She also argued the directions of her storylines which were not heard, prompting her to leave. Within the storyline, Drucilla fell off a cliff and was presumed dead as her body was never found. Rowell has openly expressed pleasure in returning,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bvnewswire.com/2009/09/11/victoria-rowell-not-ruling-out-returning-to-daytime-tv/ |title=Victoria Rowell Not Ruling Out Return to The Young and the Restless |access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> and due to the character's strong appeal and popularity, viewers have begged the series to rehire her. However, CBS has stated that having Drucilla return is not the creative decision they are looking for, which has disappointed fans of the actress.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daytimeconfidential.zap2it.com/2012/10/24/ex-young-and-restless-diva-victoria-rowell-says-les-moonves-and-steve-kent-dont-want-dru-|title=Ex-Young and Restless Diva Victoria Rowell Says Les Moonves and Steve Kent Don't Want Dru Back!|work=Daytime Confidential|access-date=November 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213618/http://daytimeconfidential.zap2it.com/2012/10/24/ex-young-and-restless-diva-victoria-rowell-says-les-moonves-and-steve-kent-dont-want-dru-|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> In 2014, Rowell posted a series of tweets criticizing the show for not having enough African-Americans in decision-making positions. "Young & Restless on air for 40 years, loyally watched by their absolute competitive-edge audience (blacks) & not one black Exec producer?" – she tweeted. Her tweets coincided with the series' 41st anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/victoria-rowell-rips-young-and-the/|title=Victoria Rowell Slams 'Young and the Restless' Over Lack of Diversity: Not One Black Exec Producer – TheWrap|work=TheWrap|access-date=November 4, 2014}}</ref>

From 1993 to 2001, Rowell starred as [[Dr. Amanda Bentley]] in the CBS primetime series ''Diagnosis: Murder'', opposite [[Dick Van Dyke]], replacing [[Cynthia Gibb]] from the original made-for-television movie. For much of Rowell's stint on ''[[Diagnosis: Murder]]'', she was working on that show and on ''The Young and the Restless'' simultaneously. One episode of ''Diagnosis Murder'' centered around murder on the set of ''The Young and the Restless''; Rowell was featured as both Amanda and Drucilla in that episode. The series run from 1993 to 2001, producing 178 episodes and two television movies, aired after the series' cancellation. ''Diagnosis: Murder'' has also run in syndication as of 1997.

In 1990s, Rowell co-starred in several films. She had the role of Eddie Murphy's character's love interest in the 1992 comedy film, ''The Distinguished Gentleman''. In 1994, she played FBI agent Beth Jordan in comedy film ''Dumb and Dumber''.  She co-starred opposite [[Mario Van Peebles]] in the science-fiction crime film ''[[Full Eclipse]]'' (1993), and had a major role in the box office failure action film ''[[Barb Wire (1996 film)|Barb Wire]]'' (1996) with [[Pamela Anderson]]. In 1997 she appeared in the critically acclaimed drama film, ''[[Eve's Bayou]]''. In the 2000s, she appeared in the number of small films, such as ''[[Motives (film)|Motives]]'' and ''[[A Perfect Fit (2005 film)|A Perfect Fit]]''. In 2006, she co-starred as [[Samuel L. Jackson]]'s character wife in ''[[Home of the Brave (2006 film)|Home of the Brave]]''. She also had the recurring roles on ''[[Single Ladies (TV series)|Single Ladies]]'' and ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]''.

In spring 2009, Rowell signed a six-figure deal with [[Atria Books]] for a book about the world of daytime TV. She released her memoirs called ''The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir'' in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/The-Women-Who-Raised-Me/dp/B002ECEFEY|title=The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir|first=search|last=results|date=May 1, 2008|publisher=William Morrow Paperbacks|access-date=October 19, 2018|via=Amazon}}</ref> She later released ''Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva: A Novel'' (2010)<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Soap-Opera-Diva-Novel/dp/B005B1LXAY/ref=la_B001ILKEEM_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415132385&sr=1-2|title=Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva: A Novel|publisher=Atria Books|access-date=October 19, 2018|via=Amazon}}</ref> ''The Young and the Ruthless: Back in the Bubbles'' (2013).<ref>{{cite book|title=The Young and the Ruthless: Back in the Bubbles|first=search|last=results|date=March 5, 2013|publisher=Atria Books|isbn=978-1451643831}}</ref>

Rowell created, directed, produced and starred in the comedy series ''[[The Rich and the Ruthless]]''. The series premiered in 2017 and ended in 2021. In 2018 she also created miniseries ''Jacqueline and Jilly'' for [[Allblk|Urban Movie Channel]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacquelineandjilly.com/|title=Jacqueline and Jilly &#124; A Days Ferry Production|website=Jacquelineandjilly}}</ref> In 2020 she made her feature directorial debut with ''Everything Is Fine''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://daytimeconfidential.com/2020/07/24/watch-victoria-rowell-discusses-directing-everything-is-fine-mental-health-is-mental-wealth|title=WATCH: Victoria Rowell Discusses Directing "Everything is Fine": "Mental Health Is Mental Wealth"|first=Carly|last=Silver|date=July 25, 2020|website=Daytime Confidential}}</ref> She later directed films ''A Rich Christmas'' (2021) starring [[Bill Bellamy]] for [[BET+]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/bill-bellamy-talks-a-rich-christmas/|title=A Rich Christmas Star Bill Bellamy Gets Real About Giving Kids Too 'Damn' Much|first=Anita|last=Bennett|date=November 4, 2021}}</ref> ''Stranger Next Door'' (2022) starring [[Vicky Jeudy]] and [[Skyh Black]] for [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]], ''Montross: Blood Rules'' (2022) for [[TV One (American TV channel)|TV One]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2022/09/30/tv-ones-new-drama-montross-blood-rules-premieres-sat-oct-1-530513/20220930tvone01/|title=Breaking News - TV One's New Drama, "Montross: Blood Rules," Premieres Sat. Oct. 1 &#124; TheFutonCritic.com|website=www.thefutoncritic.com}}</ref> ''[[Catfish Christmas]]'' (2022),<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vision-films-set-to-release-black-cast-holiday-rom-com-catfish-christmas-from-director-victoria-rowell-301676945.html|title=Vision Films Set to Release Black Cast Holiday Rom-Com 'Catfish Christmas' from Director Victoria Rowell|first=Vision Films|last=Inc|website=www.prnewswire.com}}</ref> and ''Blackjack Christmas'' (2022) for BET+.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/blackjack-christmas-brings-family-ties-163222101.html|title='Blackjack Christmas' brings family ties, addiction and hope to the holidays|date=December 22, 2022|website=Yahoo News}}</ref> In 2022 she made her return to CBS with a recurring role in the medical drama ''[[Good Sam (TV series)|Good Sam]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/victoria-rowell-good-sam-9-1-1-bryce-durfee-1234956450/|title=Victoria Rowell Joins 'Good Sam', '9-1-1' Casts Bryce Durfee|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=February 18, 2022}}</ref> In 2024 she co-starred alongside [[Diane Keaton]], [[Kathy Bates]] and [[Alfre Woodard]] in the comedy film ''[[Summer Camp (2024 film)|Summer Camp]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/victoria-rowell-new-movie-summer-camp-109696600|title=Victoria Rowell on the new movie 'Summer Camp'|first=Good Morning|last=America|website=Good Morning America}}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
In February 2015, Rowell filed a lawsuit against CBS, [[Sony Pictures Television]], [[Bell Dramatic Serial Company]], and Bell-Phillip Television Production Inc, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. In the suit, Rowell alleges that since 2010 she had made several attempts to be re-employed at ''The Young and the Restless'' or employed at sister soap, ''[[The Bold and the Beautiful]]'', but was repeatedly denied due to her outspokenness regarding the lack of diversity both in front of and behind the cameras at CBS.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/young-and-the-restless-cbs-discrimination-lawsuit-court-1201371192/|title=Former The Young and the Restless Star Victoria Rowell Files Lawsuit|magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=December 26, 2015}}</ref> The same day the suit was filed, CBS released a statement saying that Rowell left the cast of her own initiative, the suit was without merit, and they would vigorously defend the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/young-and-the-restless-alum-victoria-rowell-sues-cbs-sony-for-alleged-retaliation-over-diversity-complaints/|title=CBS Responds to Rowell Lawsuit|publisher=Thewrap.com|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=January 17, 2016}}</ref> In June 2015, Rowell's legal team filed a declaration in furtherance of the lawsuit. In the declaration, Rowell alleges that she was the target of racially motivated attacks on the set of ''The Young and the Restless'', at the hands of former co-stars, [[Michelle Stafford]], [[Melody Thomas Scott]], and [[Peter Bergman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/victoria-rowell-claims-she-was-spit-on-suffered-racially-charged-attacks-in-yr-legal-feud/|title=Victoria Rowell Claims She Suffered Racially Charged Attacks On Set of Young and the Restless|publisher=Thewrap.com|date=June 30, 2015|access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref> In November 2015, the judge presiding over the case dismissed the suit without prejudice.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/the-young-and-the-restless-victoria-rowell-dismissal-cbs-sony-pictures-television-1201618749/|title= Judge Dismisses ex-Young and the Restless star Rowell's Lawsuit|magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> Rowell's legal team resubmitted an amended claim that included an allegation against [[Corday Productions]] and Sony Pictures Television alleging that she pursued a role on the  Sony and Corday produced [[NBC]] soap ''[[Days of Our Lives]]'', but was removed from the audition list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/days-lives-producer-looks-beat-soap-stars-retaliation-lawsuit-957880|title=Days Producer Looks To Beat Retaliation Lawsuit|publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com|author=Gradner, Eriq|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> In June 2016, the judge again dismissed the previous claims against CBS and Bell-Phillip Television Production Inc., allowing Rowell to continue the suit against Corday Productions and Sony Pictures Television.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/victoria-rowell-allowed-advance-lawsuit-906157|title=Rowell Allowed to Advance Lawsuit|publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com|author=Gardner, Eriq|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> In February 2017, it was reported the case had been settled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/victoria-rowell-ends-lawsuit-soap-opera-producers-975576|title=Rowell Ends Lawsuit Against Soap Opera Producers|author=Gardner, Eriq|publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com|date=February 13, 2017|access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref>

In September 2018, in the wake of [[Les Moonves]]' resignation as the chairman and CEO of [[CBS]] due to sexual misconduct allegations, Rowell took to her [[Twitter]] account to directly accuse Moonves of hindering her career. Partially quoting Moonves' statement denying the accusations that he attempted to damage the careers of certain women, she tweeted: <blockquote>"And I have never used my position to hinder the advancement or careers of women," Moonves responded. #LIAR. Your loafer heel has been on my neck  for over 11 years all because I cited a lack of substantive of diversity at CBS behind the camera #MeToo  #RetaliationIsIllegal  #Bully <ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/victoriarowell/status/1040463117522657281|title=Victoria Rowell Accusation Against Les Moonves|author= Rowell, Victoria|publisher=Twitter.com|date=September 13, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018}}</ref></blockquote>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Maj. Gen. Nadja West Honored by Essence.jpg|thumb|upright|Rowell (left) with Maj. Gen. [[Nadja West]] in Washington, D.C. in 2013]]
Rowell's first marriage was to Tom Fahey in 1989. They had a daughter, Maya, and divorced the following year. Rowell had a long-term relationship with musician [[Wynton Marsalis]]; and they had a son, Jasper.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/mulatto/vpost?id=1109621|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309030350/http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/mulatto/vpost?id=1109621|url-status=dead|title=Victoria Rowell with her two children.|archivedate=March 9, 2009}}</ref> In May 2008, Rowell announced her engagement to [[Radcliffe Bailey]], an Atlanta artist, at her annual High Tea at Noon fundraiser. Rowell and Radcliffe married on June 27, 2009, in [[Dublin, New Hampshire]]. On January 2, 2014, Bailey filed for divorce from Rowell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2014/01/02/victoria-rowell-young-and-restless-star-divorce/|title=Young and the Restless Star Divorce|date=January 2, 2014 }}. ''TMZ.com''. Retrieved August 10, 2015.</ref>

=== Work with foster children ===
In 1990, Rowell founded the ''"Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan,"''<ref name="rowellfosterchildren.org">{{Cite web|url=https://cochranechildcare.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204135842/http://www.rowellfosterchildren.org/index.html|url-status=dead|title=Zentrum für Kindergesundheit und Entwicklung|archivedate=February 4, 2012|website=cochranechildcare.org}}</ref> which gives emotional support and financial aid to foster children, especially to those who aspire to become actors and dancers – the road Rowell took. In 2004, she was a special guest on the talk show ''[[Dr. Phil (TV series)|Dr. Phil]]'', in which she gave an emancipated foster child a chance at a job with Sony, dental care, and a scholarship from her foundation.

In May 2006, Rowell was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the [[University of Southern Maine]] in recognition of her work for the benefit of [[foster children]]. In 2007, Rowell published a [[memoir]] of her life that focused on her time in foster care. Entitled ''The Women Who Raised Me'', Rowell discusses all of the foster mothers who cared for her and for her sisters. She also pays tribute to the women in a documentary film, ''The Mentor,'' that she participated in.<ref name="boston.com" />  Rowell says that she began writing the book when ''Y&R'' turned down her offer to write for the show. She began a national book tour in April 2007.<ref name="2272007sow">{{cite magazine | title=Y&R's Rowell: The Real Reason I Quit | date=February 27, 2007 | magazine= Soap Opera Weekly|  pages = 2–3 }}</ref>

In March 2008, Rowell was the first recipient of the Gift of Adoption Celebration of Adoption Award, an award given to individuals or groups who are helping to unite children with adoptive families.

In March 2012, Rowell's book, ''Tag, Toss & Run: 40 Classic Lawn Games'', co-authored with environmental activist Paul Tukey, was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.booklistreader.com/2012/08/27/childrens-literature/tag-toss-run-by-paul-tukey-victoria-rowell/|title=Tag, Toss & Run by Paul Tukey & Victoria Rowell|date=August 27, 2012|access-date=October 19, 2018}}</ref>

== Filmography ==

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1987
| ''[[Leonard Part 6]]''
| Joan Parker
|
|-
| 1992
| ''[[The Distinguished Gentleman]]''
| Celia Kirby
|
|-
| 1993
| ''[[Full Eclipse]]''
| Anna Dire
| Television film
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1994
| ''Secret Sins of the Father''
| Yolanda Seeley
| Television film
|-
| ''[[Dumb and Dumber]]''
| FBI Agent Beth Jordan
|
|-
| 1995
| ''One Red Rose''
| Rose
|
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Barb Wire (1996 film)|Barb Wire]]''
| Dr. Corrina 'Cora D' Devonshire
|
|-
| 1996
| ''Dr. Hugo''
| rowspan="2" | Stevie Hobbs
| Short film
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Eve's Bayou]]''
|
|-
| 1998
| ''Secrets''
|Delia
| Short film
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1999
| '' Fraternity Boys''
|Ellen
|
|-
| ''[[A Wake in Providence (film)|A Wake in Providence]]''
| Alicia
|
|-
| 2001
| ''Feast of All Saints''
| Josette Metoyer
|
|-
| 2002
| ''[[List of Diagnosis: Murder episodes#TV Movies|A Town Without Pity]]''
| rowspan="2" | Dr. Amanda Bentley
| Television film
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2003
| ''[[List of Diagnosis: Murder episodes#TV Movies|Without Warning]]''
| Television film
|-
| ''[[Black Listed]]''
| Patricia Chambers
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Motives (film)|Motives]]''
| Detective Mary Pierce
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2005
| ''[[A Perfect Fit (2005 film)|A Perfect Fit]]''
| Sheila
|
|-
| ''Midnight Clear''
| Angela Pressmore
| Short film
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Home of the Brave (2006 film)|Home of the Brave]]''
| Penelope Marsh
|
|-
| 2007
| ''Polly and Marie''
| Rebecca McCaw
|
|-
| 2008
| ''Of Boys and Men''
| Aunt Janay
|
|-
| 2011
| ''Death in the Family''
| Vicky Turner
| Also producer
|-
| 2013
| ''Marry Me for Christmas''
| Stephanie
| Television film
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2014
| ''I Love You''
| Barbara Mutch
| Also producer and writer
|-
| ''The Fright Night Files''
| Alexa
| Television film
|-
| 2015
| ''What Love Will Make You Do''
| Sheila Boston
| Also producer
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2016
| ''Soul Ties''
| Maybelle
|
|-
| ''You Can't Hurry Love''
| Ms. Joyce
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2018
| ''Water in a Broken Glass''
| Aunt Jo
|
|-
| ''Chandler Christmas Getaway''
| Stephanie
| Television film
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2019
| ''Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta''
| Catherine
| Television film
|-
| ''Twas the Chaos Before Christmas''
| Hazel Mitchell
| Television film
|-
|''I Love You''
| Barbara Mutch
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2020
| ''Black Kids White Mama''
| Clair LaFree
|
|-
| ''Birdie''
| Catherine Cooper
|
|-
|''[[BET Her|Everything Is Fine]]''
|
|Director and producer
|-
|2021
|''[[BET+|A Rich Christmas]]''
|
|Director and producer
|-
|2022
|''Montross: Blood Rules''
| Elaine Montross
|Also director and producer
|-
|2022
|''A Christmas Gift''
| Marie
|
|-
|2022
|''Stranger Next Door''
|
|Director and producer
|-
|2022
|''[[Catfish Christmas]]''
|
|Director and producer
|-
|2022
| ''Blackjack Christmas''
|
|Director and producer
|-
|2024
|''[[Summer Camp (2024 film)|Summer Camp]]''
| Evelyn
|
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable"| Notes
|-
|1988
|''[[As the World Turns]]''
|Nella Franklin
|Recurring role
|-
|1989–1990
|''[[The Cosby Show]]''
|Paula
|Episodes: "Cliff's Wet Adventure" and "Theo's Dirty Laundry"
|-
|1990
|''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]''
|Mimi Mumford
|Episode: "[[Clubba Hubba]]"
|-
|1991–1993
|''[[Herman's Head]]''
|Susan Bracken
|Episodes: "Bracken's Daughter" and "I Wanna Go Home"
|-
|1995
|''[[Deadly Games (TV series)|Deadly Games]]''
|Courtney Lake
|Episode: "Divorce Lawyer"
|-
|1993–2001
|''[[Diagnosis: Murder]]''
|Amanda Bentley-Livingston
|Series regular, 163 episodes
|-
|2001
|''[[Family Law (American TV series)|Family Law]]''
|Ms. Wilkes
|Episode: "Moving On"
|-
|2006
|''[[Noah's Arc (TV series)|Noah's Arc]]''
|Vonda
|Episodes: "Desperado" and "Give It Up"
|-
|2007
|''[[All of Us]]''
|Dr. Deborah Cooper
|Episode: "He's Got Game"
|-
|1990–2000, 2002–2007
|''[[The Young and the Restless]]''
|[[Drucilla Barber Winters]]
|Series regular
|-
|2010
|''[[Ghost Whisperer]]''
|Ms. Adrienne
|Episode: "Living Nightmare"
|-
| rowspan="2" |2012
|''[[Let's Stay Together (TV series)|Let's Stay Together]]''
|Anita Barnes
|Episode: "Creepers"
|-
|''[[Single Ladies (TV series)|Single Ladies]]''
|Veronica
|Recurring role, 3 episodes
|-
|2013–2014
|''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]''
|Judge Delilah Mae Hawkins
|Episodes: "Criminal Hatred" and "Comic Perversion"
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017
|''[[The Bay (web series)|The Bay]]''
|Judge Iris Hopkins
|Recurring
|-
|''[[Mann & Wife]]''
|Mrs. Delores Hobbs
|Episode: "Ressured by the Mann"
|-
|2017–present
|''[[The Rich and the Ruthless]]''
|Kitty Barringer
|Also creator, director and executive producer<br />[[Indie Series Awards|Indie Series Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy]] (2018–19)<br />Nominated — [[Indie Series Awards|Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy]] (2018)<br />Nominated — [[Indie Series Awards|Indie Series Award for Best Directing – Comedy]] (2018)<br />Nominated — [[Indie Series Awards|Indie Series Award for Best Writing – Comedy]] (2018)
|-
|2019
|''Jacqueline and Jilly''
|Jacqueline Mitchell
|Also creator, director and executive producer
|-
|2022
|''[[Good Sam (TV series)|Good Sam]]''
|Tina Kingsley
|Recurring role
|}

== Awards and nominations ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Award
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Category
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Work
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Result
|-
| 1992
| ''[[List of Soap Opera Digest Awards|8th Soap Opera Digest Awards]]''
| Outstanding Female Newcomer: Daytime
| ''[[The Young and the Restless]]''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 1994
| ''[[List of Soap Opera Digest Awards|10th Soap Opera Digest Awards]]''
| Outstanding Scene Stealer
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 1994
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|26th NAACP Image Award]]''
| [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series|Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series]]
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 1995
| ''[[List of Soap Opera Digest Awards|11th Soap Opera Digest Awards]]''
| [[Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Female Star|Hottest Female Star]]
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 1996
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|27th NAACP Image Award]]''
|  Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 1996
| ''[[23rd Daytime Emmy Awards]]''
| [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series]]
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 1997
| ''[[24th Daytime Emmy Awards]]''
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 1997
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|28th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 1998
| ''[[25th Daytime Emmy Awards]]''
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 1998
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|29th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1999
| rowspan="2" | ''[[NAACP Image Award|30th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''[[Diagnosis Murder]]''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
|''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 2001
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|31st NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won}}
|-
| 2003
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|34th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won}}
|-
| 2003
| ''[[List of Soap Opera Digest Awards|18th Soap Opera Digest Awards]]''
|  Favorite Return
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 2004
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|35th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 2005
| ''[[List of Soap Opera Digest Awards|19th Soap Opera Digest Awards]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Nom }}
|-
| 2005
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|36th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|-
| 2006
| ''[[NAACP Image Award|37th NAACP Image Award]]''
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
| ''The Young and the Restless''
| {{Won }}
|}

== References ==
{{reflist|3}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.victoriarowell.com}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0005389|name=Victoria Rowell}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120204135842/http://www.rowellfosterchildren.org/index.html Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan]
* [http://www.giftofadoption.org/ Gift of Adoption Fund]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100507180815/http://theloop21.com/news/the-loop-with-victoria-rowell TheLoop21.com's interview with Victoria Rowell]}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rowell, Victoria}}
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American soap opera actresses]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:Actresses from Portland, Maine]]
[[Category:School of American Ballet alumni]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:American people of Jamaican descent]]