Gabrielle Elyse – Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have an independent film project underway. It’s still in the very early stages, but that should be coming up.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn?”

A) It was, honestly, the character herself. Josie is a person who is quirky, creative and dances to the beat of her own drum. She acts like a big sister and a mentor to the kids. Her message to them is to always trust yourself and be true to yourself, no matter what. I always wanted little brothers and sisters. I love working with kids, too. So, being able to work with my castmates, who are pretty much my siblings now, and being able to portray such a positive message is awesome.

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Yes! The kids always mess with Josie so it’s kind of fun to mess with them back. So, instead of being compliant and having her not mess with the kids, I decided to have her mess with them. I’m very much a huge kid at heart.

Q) The show is really funny! Has comedic timing come naturally to you or have you studied it?

A) Actually, I have always been told I’m a naturally funny person. Comedy is definitely a huge tool in my tool belt. I think I’m not funny, but my family and friends have always been like, “Gabi is so hilarious!” Now I see, what my comedy abilities are. Before I was working on them to strengthen them, I always thought I wasn’t funny. Now, I’m discovering that comedy is very, very natural to me.

Q) Is there anything you can tease or share that is to come for Josie this season?

A) I’m really excited because there is an episode called Quad-ventures in Babysitting. This is the very first episode where you’ll see me babysitting all of the quads and they get into a very big mess. It’s a very big episode for me and the kids.

Q) You’re a big part of social media. Why is it important for you to connect with fans this way?

A) I don’t really think of them as fans. I think of them as motivators. I remember looking up to so many of my idols on television and I always wanted to reach out to them and tell them how much I admired them, wanted to be like them or get to know them as people. I find social media very important because they get to know me on a personal level. And I want to inspire people that no matter where you and what situation you are in right now you can always attain any goal that you have. I think social media is such an awesome thing, especially in our day and age. You find out the person you look up to isn’t so far from you. It’s not too hard to reach out and say “hello” or give some advice or have a good laugh.

Q) Social media also allows you to have instant fan feedback with episodes. Are you enjoying that as well?

A) Yes! I’m so excited that the fans laugh and really, really enjoy the show. It really makes my day when I hear such amazing comments from them. It’s out of this world!

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the show?

A) There are so many! I think one of my all time favorite moments is that they always hire super cute counter boys and they always work the counter behind me. There is one that I was particularly fond of and I kept starring at. The kids would make fun of me and were constantly pointing at him. When I turned my back they were always pointing at him and going, “Oo! Gabi loves you!” They were messing with me and messing with the guy! They were just teasing me and it was very embarrassing, but also very sweet.

Q) We know you are a big fan of music. Who are some of your current favorite artists?

A) I am very much old school. My parents raised me on Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, The Commodores, etc. If you look at my iPod, you’ll see it is filled with older artists. I actually named my dogs after two very big men in the music industry. I named one Quincy after Quincy Jones and I named the other Bailey after Philip Bailey Jones from Earth Wind And Fire. I collect old vinyl records as well. I think my all time favorite musical artists is definitely Stevie Wonder.

Q) How does music play a big role in life?

A) Music has always been a very big role in my life. You listen to it if you want to be happy or if you are going through hard times it is always there to lift you up. It’s another form of art. It influenced me to start singing, playing piano and dancing. It’s another type of outlet and it touches lives in so many ways. It’s a beautiful art form.