Rocsi Diaz is a name synonymous with excellence, grit, and evolution in the entertainment industry. From co-hosting BET’s iconic “106 & Park” to interviewing presidents and Hollywood legends, her journey is one of persistence, reinvention, and breaking barriers. Recently, on Sway In The Morning, Rocsi sat down to discuss her career highlights, challenges, and fresh perspectives on being a woman of color thriving in media. Here’s the inside scoop on the moments that shaped her and where she’s headed next. 🌟
A Presidential Moment: Sitting Down with Barack Obama
Rocsi shared a deeply personal and proud moment of her career—meeting President Barack Obama. During his first term, Rocsi was heavily involved in the “Rock the Vote” campaign but only got to interact with him virtually. It wasn’t until his second term, while she was at Entertainment Tonight, that she finally met the President in person. She recalled the surreal moment when Obama stepped into a room just to greet her, saying, “What up, little lady?”
“It was the biggest honor of my career,” she said. Despite being a correspondent and not the main host at ET at the time, the White House specifically requested her for interviews because they knew she could authentically represent the culture. This recognition speaks volumes about her talent and relatability.
Breaking Into Hollywood: From 106 & Park to Entertainment Tonight
Transitioning from BET to Entertainment Tonight was no small feat, especially when her prior work on “106 & Park” wasn’t as recognized by the mainstream industry. Rocsi revealed how she had to audition for ET by interviewing none other than Denzel Washington. Despite the pressure, her rapport with Denzel and her expertise won her the role. 🎥
However, Rocsi shared, “The white audience didn’t know who I was or why I was popular. They didn’t even realize I had eight years of live television experience!” She emphasized the importance of humbling oneself and proving one’s worth in new spaces. “I had to learn the ropes all over again, but I came out stronger.”
Learning From Setbacks: The Jim Jones Interview
Not all moments in Rocsi’s career have been smooth sailing. She recounted a challenging experience during her tryout for “106 & Park,” where she interviewed rapper Jim Jones. The artists were instructed to give the candidates a hard time, and Jones played his part to perfection. Frustrated, Rocsi pushed back with a bold question about a controversial incident, which caught everyone off guard.
Although she felt she had fumbled, Jim later told her, “You’re the one.” Reflecting on the experience, she said, “Even when you think you’re doing your worst, someone might see your best.” 💪
The Importance of Evolving in Media
Rocsi has always embraced evolution, adapting her approach as media changes. From her early days “reading the teleprompter” on BET to becoming a co-host of “We Got Time Today” with Deion Sanders on Tubi, she’s proven that growth and reinvention are non-negotiable in the industry. “It’s not code-switching; it’s evolving,” she explained. “You have to adjust and grow in this business.”
Her collaboration with Deion Sanders on their Tubi talk show highlights her current phase—showcasing a relaxed and authentic version of herself while giving audiences an intimate glimpse into Deion’s personality beyond the field. 🌟
Why Privacy Matters in the Digital Age
In today’s era of oversharing, Rocsi remains fiercely protective of her personal life. “I chose this career, my family didn’t,” she said, emphasizing the importance of keeping certain parts of her life private. While she’s open about her career and passions, she believes in maintaining boundaries, a perspective that feels refreshing in the age of reality TV and social media.
“Let me have something for myself,” she said. “It’s not everyone’s business.” This approach has helped her maintain balance and focus amidst the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Rocsi’s Legacy
Rocsi Diaz’s journey is a blueprint for resilience, hard work, and staying true to oneself. From hosting live TV as a pioneer on “106 & Park” to breaking into mainstream Hollywood and co-hosting with legends like Deion Sanders, she’s continuously raised the bar. Her advice to aspiring broadcasters? “Learn the foundation of something first. Radio taught me everything.”
As she wraps up the first season of “We Got Time Today,” Rocsi shows no signs of slowing down. With her unique ability to connect with audiences and her commitment to excellence, she remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
What moment in Rocsi Diaz’s career inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out her latest show, “We Got Time Today,” streaming free on Tubi. 📺✨
