By HWM
Harlem-born Rochelle Aytes is an American actress and model celebrated for her versatility and talent across both television and film.
Best known for her portrayal of April Malloy in the ABC drama series Mistresses (2013–2016), Aytes also gained fame for voicing the character Rochelle in the hit video game Left 4 Dead 2 (2009).
Her career doesn’t stop there—Aytes has made her mark in a range of roles, from appearing in critically acclaimed films to recurring television characters.
Let’s take a closer look at her rise.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Harlem, New York City, Rochelle Aytes’ journey to success began at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. Her love for the arts led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from the State University of New York at Purchase.
Before breaking into acting, Aytes began her career as a model, appearing in major campaigns for brands such as McDonald’s, L’Oreal, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz.
Breakthrough in Film: White Chicks and Madea’s Family Reunion
Aytes made her feature film debut in the 2004 comedy White Chicks, where she played Denise Porter. However, it was her role as Lisa Breaux in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion that showcased her dramatic chops.
Playing a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, Aytes delivered a powerful performance alongside co-star Blair Underwood, gaining widespread recognition.
The Move to Television: Mistresses, Criminal Minds, and Beyond
Television opened new doors for Aytes. In 2009, she became a series regular on The Forgotten, playing Detective Grace Russell, where she teamed up with Christian Slater to solve cold cases.
Around this time, she also guest-starred on popular shows like Bones and NCIS.
One of her most prominent roles came in 2013 when she was cast in ABC’s Mistresses, a drama that followed the lives of four female friends navigating complicated personal relationships. Aytes starred as April Malloy, whose storyline quickly became one of the most compelling parts of the series.
Additionally, Aytes took on the role of Perri “Pebbles” Reid in CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story (2013), a biographical film about the R&B group TLC.
The performance solidified her versatility as an actress capable of portraying real-life figures with nuance.
A Recurring Presence in Crime Dramas: Criminal Minds and SWAT
Aytes’ role as Savannah Hayes in Criminal Minds earned her a devoted fan base. She portrayed the girlfriend of FBI agent Derek Morgan, played by Shemar Moore, bringing depth and warmth to the character’s relationship arc.
When Moore transitioned to the CBS series S.W.A.T., Aytes joined him as Nichelle, Hondo’s girlfriend, in a move that delighted fans of both shows.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Projects
As Aytes continues to take on challenging roles, her career shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s on television or the big screen, Aytes’ ability to seamlessly switch between drama, action, and comedy makes her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood today.
From modeling for iconic brands to starring in top-rated TV shows, Rochelle Aytes is a testament to what hard work and talent can achieve.
With a bright future ahead, fans are eager to see what this dynamic star will tackle next.
