ROSARIO DAWSON urges all her old homies from the 'hood to go see RENT

ROSARIO DAWSON is hoping to mend a few broken friendships with her new movie musical RENT - because it will remind former family friends of the tough times they all shared.

Like her character MIMI in the new film, Dawson grew up among a poverty-stricken community in New York's lower east side, and she fondly recalls the times when they all pulled together to help each other out.

But, as the neighbourhood went through a renaissance and property boomed, her bohemian friends started to behave like the yuppies who were buying property in the area.

Dawson explains, "The film is so important for so many people and it will remind people of past times because New York's lower east side is so gentrified now.

"When we all got water and electricity and the plumbing in, people closed their doors and all the generosity that once existed was gone. We used to help each other because we literally had nothing. That all stopped.

"A lot of big issues cropped up because people just forgot about their idealism. I hope that some of the people I grew up around, who were vital and important to me, see this film and remember how it used to be.

"I don't talk to a lot of these people now, but I respect what they did. They were young idealists and maybe things didn't turn out the way they wanted them to but they had the courage to try."

SOURCE: contactmusic.com

The character of Mimi has really affected her. I read an article in some magazine where she went to a horse ranch with some terminally ill kids and she kept talking about living today like it was your last and how Mimi is so close to her mom (minus the HIV/drug thing). I think that's great when an actor is motivated by the character they play.

---

Rosario, honey, you can't go home again.

She seems like a great person.

Marquise--From the title of your thread Ms. Dawson appears to be no better than the people she claims to have lost their values. She is simply interested in drawing paying audiences for her film.

By the way, are you a male, honey? Have you thought about enrolling in charm school?

Thank you, Piazza, for that information. It is helpful to know that.

Eadie you really have no idea whatsoever as to what you're talking about, Marquise is right, only two months ago did she move out of her apartment building which she grew up in. Her mother still lives in that building. Read up before you comment

---

You're right-she was wearing less. I've seen the movie and she does some really amazing dancing. Her body is really awesome and, though alot of it isn't the traditional "Out Tonight" dance, her version maintains the same integrity and energy of any Mimi I have seen. I hope that answers your question.

---