Rochelle Aytes Biography:
Rochelle Aytes, whose portrayal of Denise in the movie White Chicks gained her more popularity, was born on May 17, 1976 in New York City. She was a student at LaGuardia High School and the SUNY Purchase College Conservatory for Dance. After obtaining her degree in Fine Arts, she performed on many dance productions, including Ballet Hispanicos and a touring production of Aida. Aside from White Chicks, Aytes also starred in the comedy flick Madea’s Family Reunion, where she portrayed a woman engaged to an abusive man. For television, Aytes acting credits include Sex and the City, Jonny Zero, 13 Graves,
CSI: NY , Half & Half, Day Break,
ER and House of Payne. Aytes currently appears on the Fox television series, Drive.
Leigh Barnthouse is portrayed by Rochelle Aytes on the show Drive. Although Leigh’s grandfather used to be one of the most powerful political figures in New Orleans, she veered away from the family “business” and decided to pursue an acting career instead. When Hurricane Katrina struck, Leigh helped Susan Chamblee and Ivy Chitty relocate patients from the Samaritan Hospital, consequently making the three of them local celebrities. Apart from joining “The Race,” Leigh has also engaged in other unconventional endeavors, including studying Transcendental Meditation in India, working as a Jagermeisterette in Manhattan and acting in a production of Hamlet with an all-female cast and crew.
Leigh Barnthouse (Rochelle Aytes), Ivy Chitty (Taryn Manning) and Susan Chamblee (Michael Hyatt)
(Photos courtesy of FOX)