'Sister' starts at the 'U'

Courtesy of the WB Tia and Tamera Mowry start their college experience on "Sister, Sister" at the University.

By Rachel Knighton
For the Daily

There are two new students on campus this fall. Most of you probably recognize them, but it's doubtful you can tell them apart.

Tia and Tamera Mowry are the stars of the WB Network's bread-winning sit-com "Sister, Sister." The show is about separated-at-birth twin girls, Tia and Tamera, who find each other just in time to spend their teenage years together. The show is set in Detroit and stars the Mowrys along with Jackee Harry ("227") and Marques Houston (of the singing group "Immature").

This season, the girls will be heading off to college, and they have chosen to attend the University of Michigan. In a recent interview with the girls, who have a tendency to complete each other's sentences - or even speak in unison, in true twin style - the actresses explained that the show's writers and producers chose the University based on its academic reputation and scenic location. A set decorator was sent out to collect pictures of different buildings around campus including the dorms and famous landmarks, such as Michigan Stadium.

"Ann Arbor is a beautiful town. We could definitely go to school there," Tia and Tamera both said, immediately reacting to the picturesque campus. "The pictures are hanging up all over our set, so that we can get a real feel for what the campus is like while we're working."

Both of the girls said that they are looking forward to what may be their final season on the show. One of the exciting aspects of this season is that they will finally be representing their own age group again. Tia and Tamera are 20 years old and entering their third year at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

"At first we weren't allowed to grow up," Tamera explained. "We played 14-year-olds for three years. It was frustrating to have to always say things like 'wow.'"

In order to have their characters speak more like grown-ups, the twins "really had to fight," Tia said. "We were constantly going to the writers, producers and the network. But now we can finally let loose and be ourselves."

Tamera described their real-life college experience as "life-changing."

"We were able to make friends with a larger, more diverse group of people. In high school we were tutored and we didn't have a social life. Coming to college we actually have friends!"

Because of their own college experience, Tia and Tamera said they would like to bring a very realistic portrayal of college life to the show. They intend to deal with such issues as drugs, sex and racial tension, and show the stressful side of college that comes with academics and having to adjust to new surroundings.

They both agreed that the first year of college is very difficult. The women would also, however, like to show the fun side of going to college that includes parties, meeting new friends and dating. The characters will participate in a variety of positive on-campus events, including a Black Greek stomp show, during their first-year at the University.

So what's next for these talented young ladies? After the show's commencement, the girls said they would like to take a two-year break from television.

"During this time we want to produce a gospel album and work in movies," Tia said.

"You can learn a lot just from working with really good actors. You sort-of play off of them, and it makes your own acting better." Tia also added that it doesn't hurt that "they are both fine." Tamera said she's drawn to comedians Will Smith and Whoopi Goldberg, "who have great comedic timing."

Both girls want to put forth a more empowering image of African Americans.

"We want to do work that will portray a positive image of African Americans, which is not being represented enough in movies today. It seems like black people in films represent either the comedic role or are in violent roles." They understand the hardships that many black actresses face in trying to find positive roles and admire actresses such as Vanessa Williams.

"She chooses roles that transcend race. She puts herself as an actress first, and chooses roles with character and integrity," Tamera said.

The twins also understand that a positive image must be developed both on and off screen and intend to continue doing philanthropic work with children in need. They recently participated in Shaqtacular, an event hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, where celebrities spent the day playing games and signing autographs for young children.

"All (that) children need is attention," both said, again speaking in unison or breaking in on one another. "When we meet our fans we get down on our knees, look them right in the eye, hold their hand and actually talk to them. Children are our future and should be molded and mentored."

Upon their return to television, Tia and Tamera would like to do another sitcom for a more adult audience. Eventually they would like to produce and direct, but for now they will act as long as audiences react favorably to them.

The girls said they will be put in a "co-ed jock dorm." Hmm, South Quad? "And we realize - we can't live like this. We then try to get our dorm switched, but there aren't any rooms left, so we move back home." The twins say that even though they will commute every day, there will still be a lot of scenes in the dorms when they go to visit their new friends. Both girls said they would really like to shoot on location for one episode.

10-02-98