J.Lo Tells TV Guide: ‘I was sleeping on a cot before I made it big.’ [Photo]

Promoting new new series, Shades of Blue, Jennifer Lopez (JLO) is covering the latest issue of TV Guide. Check out a few of our favorite excerpts.

How initially, she brought the series in solely as a producer:

I was never going to act in it, until Greenblatt said to me, ‘How are you not starring in this? This is such a great character—you won’t even find this in film.’ And he was right.

Being able to identify with the role she plays:

I really do know the world that Harlee lives in. I lived in the Bronx, and if I didn’t dream of becoming a performer and a singer and I had decided to be a cop, she is who I would be right now. I have those kinds of street smarts. I know what it’s like to walk these streets and neighborhoods.

On having a massive fan base:

I am lucky enough to have a global base. That’s icing on the cake. But to walk through my neighborhood and have people on the streets be so loving and embracing is, to me, the biggest success I have ever had.

J.Lo on the Set of “Shades of Blue” in New York City

Working hard, despite her mom wanting her to go to college and Lopez wanting to dance:

I was sleeping on a cot at a dance studio before I hit it big. My life was about pounding the pavement, breaking away from under my mom and dad’s wings and going off and flying on my own. I needed that moment.

Moving forward: 

I am happy to be one of the people who are breaking the mold. We can’t keep acting like we are in the ’50s. Women are strong. Women are bold. And now it is reflected in our art.

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