Young and the Restless Star Eva Marcille opens up about her upcoming wedding to Actor Lance Gross, her 'Life After' ANTM (American's Next Top Model) and what really makes her happy.

Story by Jerris Madison
Photography by Jerris Madison for www.jerrismadison.com
Makeup/Grooming by Terrell Mullin for www.terrellmullin.com
Wardrobe Stylist by Jennifer Austin

Special thanks to: Joseph Babineaux

Head Wrap  Stylist's Own
Gloves  Gucci www.gucci.com

Head Wrap: Stylist's Own
Rope Collar: MARCO MARCO

Skinny Vest Robert Rodriguez
White Glasses MARCO MARCO
Head Wrap Stylist's Own

LEFT:
Head Wrap: Stylist's Own
Rope Collar: MARCO MARCO

RIGHT:
Head Wrap: Stylist's Own
Hat: MARCO MARCO

Jerris: You seem very happy? Care to share?
Eva: A lot of it is Lance! I’m a very happy person and love my life. Lance definitely makes sure I have sunshine every day. He makes me happy.

Jerris: Does Lance do anything in particular?
Eva: Just being himself.

Jerris: When did Lance propose to you and how did he set the tone?
Eva: Christmas Day Eve 2008. Lance and I started a tradition to go up to Big Bear, CA every year for the holidays. In 2008, we decided to bring our families. On that Christmas Eve, we were opening up one gift each under the Christmas tree and he insisted I opened up this specific box with a pillow underneath. The box had a note that read: “Give this note to the man you love.” I gave it to him and he dropped down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I said, “YES“! Anyone who knows me understands how much of a big sap I am. I was very emotional and excited.

Jerris: Wow! So when is the wedding?
Eva: Our wedding is set for July 2010.

Jerris: Janice Dickinson deemed you ‘Eva the Diva’. Do you think you’re a diva?
Eva: I think diva can be looked at many ways. I know the origin of the word is actually not negative. It’s someone who is the best at what they do and they are usually speaking of a female. Aretha Franklin, for example is a diva. Nowadays, people use the word diva in a negative sense. The way I dress or carry myself may have the air of a diva, but I don’t think I’m a diva in the negative sense of the word. I’m very easy to get along.

Jerris: Was there anything you wished for after winning ANTM (America’s Next Top Model) that didn’t happened?
Eva: I received more than I could have ever hoped for from Top Model. I didn’t know what to expect. With all of the things Tyra (Banks) prepped me for I still wasn’t ready for this...LOL.

Jerris: What are some misconceptions of the modeling industry?
Eva: People think that everyone and everything is SO perfect. On Top Model, they definitely try to groom you for perfection. You walk in the door and there’s no maintenance necessary. This is definitely the best way to come across. However it is not something you find everyday single day in the modeling business. It doesn’t happen.

Jerris: Now that you’re a Soap Opera star, how is that different from the modeling world?
Eva: With acting, you have ability to be more of yourself and focus on your craft. It’s not about vanity. I like being able to step away from having to always look great and always thinking about the way things look. Acting allows me to remove that way of thinking and tap into a different emotions. Its about the cute cry and ugly cry...LOL.

Jerris: You’re been on hiatus from the modeling world for over a year, was this done purposely?
Eva: Actually, I haven’t taken a hiatus. I just haven’t pursued any modeling jobs. When I lived in New York, I beat the streets 8-9 times a day on auditions and had at least 2-3 jobs a week; every week. However, my focus in LA currently is acting. I’m the spokesperson for Cadillac and I still work with Proctor & Gamble, Ola, Avon to name a few. I still model and do spreads but right now it’s not my focus.

Jerris: What quote do you live by?
Eva: “A man that has nothing to die for is not fit to live” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I love that quote! I have a tattoo on the back of my neck also that reads, “May my life not be in vain.” For me, it’s about it all making sense and having a voice in everything that I do. Not letting the day waste away. Just doing what I want to do, whatever that might be.

Jerris: Random: If we were to look into your purse right now, what are Eva’s must have things...LOL?
Eva: If you were to look into my purse right now, you would absolutely flip backwards...LOL. I’m a girl that has EVERYTHING in her purse. I have baby wipes, hand sanitizer, 5-6 different lip options...LOL. I have an extra pair of earrings, extra necklace and I have extra underwear because of my job...LOL. I HAVE EVERYTHING IN MY PURSE.

Jerris: Thanks Eva! You made my day...HA!
Eva: Thanks Jerris!


You can see Eva’s entire cover shoot and shoot LIVE on TV One’s reality show, ‘Life After’ in July. Please check your local listings for date and time.