Victoria Rowell’s story is one of resilience, talent, and unwavering determination.

From a challenging childhood marked by foster care to becoming a celebrated actress and advocate, Rowell’s life has been a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers.

Best known for her iconic role as Drusilla Barber on *The Young and the Restless*, Rowell’s career spans decades of award-winning performances, trailblazing advocacy for diversity in Hollywood, and passionate work supporting foster children.

This article explores the highs and lows of her life and career, highlighting why Victoria Rowell remains a powerful force in entertainment and beyond.

 

Born in Portland, Maine, in 1959, Victoria Rowell’s early years were fraught with hardship.

Her mother, Dorothy, struggled with schizophrenia and was institutionalized when Victoria was just a toddler.

Along with her siblings, Victoria was placed in foster care, where she eventually found stability with foster parents Agatha and Robert Armstead.

This new environment changed the trajectory of her life for the better.

 

At the age of eight, Victoria discovered ballet—a passion that would become her lifeline.

Excelling rapidly, she earned a full scholarship from the National Endowment for the Arts and trained with prestigious institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre and Juilliard’s dance extension program.

By seventeen, she was recognized as a ballet prodigy, teaching and performing with distinction.

Ballet was more than a career choice; it was a sanctuary that helped her rise above her early struggles.

 

While ballet was her first love, Rowell’s ambitions soon expanded to acting.

In the 1980s, she began modeling and landed her first film role in *Leonard Part 6* alongside Bill Cosby.

She also secured a recurring role on *The Cosby Show*, which opened doors to television stardom.

 

Her true breakthrough came in 1990 when she joined the cast of *The Young and the Restless* as Drusilla Barber, a character that resonated deeply with audiences.

Rowell portrayed Drusilla’s transformation from a troubled youth to a refined ballet dancer, earning three Daytime Emmy nominations and an impressive eleven NAACP Image Awards.

Her portrayal made Drusilla a fan favorite and cemented Rowell’s place as a daytime TV icon.

 

Despite her success, Rowell faced significant challenges, particularly around diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

By 2007, frustrated with the lack of African-American representation both on-screen and behind the scenes at *The Young and the Restless*, she publicly criticized the show and CBS.

She highlighted the scarcity of opportunities for African-Americans in writing, directing, and producing roles, and voiced concerns that her character’s storylines were being ignored.

 

Her activism came at a cost. Rowell’s outspoken stance led to tension with the network, and her character was written off the show in a dramatic cliffhanger.

Fans clamored for her return, but CBS declined to bring Drusilla back.

Rowell’s fight for diversity extended beyond the soap opera world, leading to a 2015 lawsuit against CBS and Sony Pictures Television alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.

Though the suit was eventually settled, it underscored the systemic barriers she confronted.

 

Rowell’s talents extend far beyond acting.

She authored several books, including her memoir *The Women Who Raised Me* (2008), which delves into her life story and the influential women who shaped her.

She followed this with *Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva* (2010) and *The Young and the Ruthless* (2013), sharing insights from her career and experiences.

 

Embracing creative control, Rowell produced, wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy series *The Rich and the Ruthless* (2017-2021), which satirizes the entertainment industry.

She also made her feature directorial debut with *Everything Is Fine* (2020) and directed the holiday film *A Christmas for BET Plus* (2021).

Her directorial work reflects her commitment to telling diverse stories and promoting economic inclusion in Hollywood.

 

Amid a demanding career, Rowell has prioritized family.

She welcomed her daughter Maya Feahhee in 1989 during her marriage to Tom Fehee and later had a son, Jasper Armstrong Marcales, with jazz musician Went Marcales.

Balancing motherhood with her professional endeavors, Rowell has been candid about the challenges and joys of raising children while maintaining a successful career.

 

Rowell’s personal experience with foster care inspired her to give back.

In 1990, she founded the Raul Foster Children Positive Plan, providing emotional and financial support to foster children, especially those aspiring to careers in acting and dance.

She has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for youth facing adversity, mirroring the support she once received.

Her philanthropic efforts have earned her recognition, including an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Southern Maine in 2006.

She has also worked with the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, the oldest group home in the United States, and received the Gift of Adoption Celebration of Adoption Award in 2008 for her advocacy.

 

Rowell’s career continues to thrive with several projects slated for release in 2025.

She is involved in films such as *Jury*, *Way Out of Bounds*, and *Auntie Leslie* (a short film).

On television, she has a recurring role on *Good Sam* and stars in the comedy *Summer Camp* alongside Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, and Alfre Woodard.

These projects showcase her versatility and enduring appeal.

 

With a career spanning over four decades, Victoria Rowell has amassed an estimated net worth of around $2 million through acting, producing, writing, and dancing.

More importantly, her legacy transcends financial success.

She is celebrated for breaking barriers for African-American actresses, advocating for diversity, and championing foster children.

 

Victoria Rowell’s journey from a foster child to a celebrated actress, advocate, and creator is a testament to her resilience and talent.

Her contributions to daytime television, her fearless fight for diversity, and her dedication to philanthropy have left an indelible mark on entertainment and society.

As she continues to evolve creatively and personally, Victoria Rowell remains a powerful example of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

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