Tia Mowry: Grown Up, Married & Starring In Hit Show

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

Tia Mowry is all grown up now.

The former child star hasn't followed the trajectory of heartbreak, despair and obscurity like many before her.

Instead, the beautiful West Germany native is currently starring in the hit series, 'The Game,' which was picked up by The CW network for a third season earlier this week.

It's a far cry from her days as a precocious adolescent on the sitcom 'Sister, Sister,' which she starred on for six seasons with her twin, Tamara Mowry.

"I just feel really fulfilled," she says of the success of 'The Game,' which was created by 'Girlfriends' producer Mara Brock Akil. "The main reason why I feel fulfilled is because not only is it hard to come back as a child star but it's hard when you're identified as a twin."

"And to be identified as an individual in this business, that's extremely hard," she added. "But I think it says a lot to, I guess, with what kind of person I am."

As Melanie Barnett, Mowry embodies the spirit of a young woman who is traversing her formative years of medical school during a romance with her undergraduate studies sweetheart, Derwin Davis – who is now a professional football player (played by Pooch Hall).

The show, initially branded as a spin-off of the recently canceled 'Girlfriends,' has become a sleeper hit for the network –largely in part because of the relationship dynamic of the two lead characters, who went from live-in lovers to now just friends.

"I think the reason why people related to our characters is because we're a real couple," she explained. "We fight, we argue, there was infidelity and we've moved on from that situation and it's relatable," she continued. "Everybody wants to sit down and wants to watch something that they can relate to."

Mowry readily admits that she didn't see the connection at first. "You know what's so weird? When we first started doing the show, our script supervisor said 'Oh my God, you guys are going to be the couple that everybody loves.' And we were like, 'What? Whatever!' But now we actually see it."

As far as how she wants to see her character develop in the next season, the happily married newlywed said she doesn't mind exploring the full complexities of Melanie as a single woman.

"I'm really, really enjoying – and I know the fans aren't – our characters being separated," she admitted, adding, "I think it's always great to portray an independent woman; a woman who doesn't necessarily need to have to identify themselves in a relationship."

"I love playing strong, independent women and right now, I feel where Melanie Barnett is right now, she's starting to evolve into a strong, independent woman," she continued. "It's not easy. In real life, it's not easy to move on... but I really want to see Melanie become a doctor, to get more into her studies. I want to see her evolve more into a woman, which she is doing slowly but surely. I think Mara wants to show growth, which happens in real life."

Hmmm.

In real life, though, Mowry is enjoying the bliss of being in a tight knit relationship with her new husband Cory Hardrict.

The dashing young actor, who starred in a popular Sprite commercial last year, is currently starring on the hit ABC Family drama series, 'Lincoln Heights.' The Chicago native also has eight films in production, most notably 'He's Just Not That Into You,' starring Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore.

This June, Mowry said, will mark the eighth year since they'd started dating.

"I met him in 1999, after 'Sister, Sister' ended," she revealed. "And he's been extremely supportive in my career, making me aware that I'm a great actress and helping me believe in myself and you really need to keep yourself around such positive people especially when you're young in this business," she continued.

"There's a lot of wrong people that you can get a hold of who are your friend for all the wrong reasons," she confided. "I'm really blessed to have a wonderful family and now I have a wonderful husband to just really support me throughout the time."

The happy couple wed at the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore in Santa Barbara on April 20. Before 170 guests, the bride walked down the aisle in a couture gown by Detroit designer Kevan Hall in front as R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore serenaded her with his signature song, 'For You.'

"I'm loving it," she gushed. "I can really see why God made marriage. It is beautiful."

Let's hope Melanie and Derwin can share the same joy.