Celebrity Travel: Go away with Denise Boutte

“I absolutely love Christmas,” said Denise Boutte. “So the joy I get from filming a holiday movie is next level! ‘Christmas with My Ex’ was so fun to shoot. (There was one particular) poignant and heartfelt moment — truly intense yet vulnerable. My character, Alicia, confronts her unappreciative husband for taking her for granted and failing her on many levels. She uncharacteristically erupts and demands the respect she's deserved all along as not only his wife, but also the mother to their unborn child.” Based out of Los Angeles, the actress may also be seen on the daytime drama “The Young and the Restless.”

Q: Of all the characters that you've played, which one do you think would make a good travel partner?

A: Hmm, I want to say Sasha Brown (from “Meet the Browns”), strictly because of the fun factor. But my new role as Imani Benedict on “The Young and the Restless” is that and then some. This girl's not only fun, she's stylish, sassy, confident, sexy and smart with just the right touch of mystery. Who knows what shenanigans this girl's gonna get into. (Laughs)

Q: What cities have you filmed in?

A: For the most part, I've filmed primarily in the Los Angeles and Atlanta areas, but I've also worked on projects in D.C., Nashville and New Orleans.

Q: Tell us a bit about where you grew up.

A: I grew up in Maurice, a small town south of Lafayette, Louisiana. It's located right near the Gulf Coast, so when hurricanes approach landfall, we evacuate! I grew up on a farm and we raised and tended to livestock and sugar cane. My family lived off the land. As you can imagine, it was a lot of hard work growing up, so whenever I had an opportunity, I studied hard and earned a scholarship to attend Louisiana State University. At the time, our town had only two churches, five bars, a drive-through daiquiri shop and crawfish stands. It wasn't hard to leave behind after graduation. I couldn't wait to get out of there. But, honestly, now that I'm grown, I can truly appreciate where I grew up. My childhood was "The Simple Life" without Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie.

Q: How did you deal with the early months of this pandemic?

A: My husband works in healthcare. During that time, his schedule was hectic and unpredictable. It took a toll on our family. Working mothers need backup and additional support. So at the height of the pandemic, we packed up, double masked and quarantined in Louisiana. There's no place like home.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Santa Barbara is right up the coast and is perfect for quick getaways.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: Growing up, I learned to speak some Creole French. Definitely not conversational. My mother speaks it fluently, which allowed her and other family members to have grown-folk conversations around the young'ins.

Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A: Paris, France.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: Belize.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: A good book or script and snacks!

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: A week in Bali.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A: I don't leave the house without a full itinerary in hand.

========

(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With…” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)