We had the good fortune of connecting with Rochelle Burdine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rochelle, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
“Fake it until you make it.”

Nope. Not for me. I believe we have to be honest and realistic with ourselves first and foremost; if we want to be truly authentic in our lives.

Recently, I had to have a life-changing surgery. No way could I “fake” any of the challenges I had to face and overcome. By being vulnerable and brutally honest with my limitations, I was able to accomplish my physical goals at a slower rate without compromising my mental health.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For over 40 years, I’ve been a professional Executive Assistant. During most of this time, I was also an actress/ comedian/ costume designer/ stage manager/ playwright/ script judge. The theatre is my favorite place.

I tried to keep these two “jobs” separate; but they would often overlap if I needed to leave work for a gig or an audition. One of my employers was gracious enough to extend a leave of absence from my work so I could perform in an off-Broadway theatre production. It was an opportunity of a lifetime!

When I was faced with having a very radical spine surgery, I thought my theatre days, as I knew them, were over. In December 2023 I had a six level (C2 to T2) spinal fusion. My spine was crumbling from degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. My surgeon reinforced my spine with two 12” titanium rods and fourteen screws. I was told I may never walk again; but I’m walking! I have permanent nerve damage in both feet and both hands.
I am no longer able to work as an Executive Assistant; but am hopeful I will return to the stage someday. After all, the show must go on!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re definitely going to see several shows! The Fox Theatre is a treasure, as is OnStage Atlanta, and Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville.

We’d eat at Mary Mac’s and The Colonnade, for sure. Oh, and The Varsity!

And I’d probably take them to the Emory Musculoskeletal Institute where I worked so hard to regain strength and stamina. This facility is kind of like a stage. You relentlessly rehearse your part until you are exhausted; yet elated. Pablo Picasso said, “Life is like a stage, and every day is a performance.” Cue the curtain!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My sister and my friends were my cheerleaders and champions during my spinal fusion surgery and long ongoing recovery. My sister, Debra, took on the not-so-enviable role of my care giver in the most critical six weeks after my hospitalization. I was heavily medicated, pretty helpless, and insufferably stubborn … and she was a trooper. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for all she did for me.

My “recovery posse” included my Atlanta friends: Candy, Elizabeth, John, Julie, Ken, Shari, and Tricia. My friend, Sydney, in New York, was the first to send flowers and remind me that I am still who I am despite my physical limitations.

So many other friends helped me along my journey: Chrissie, Mike, Emily, Ashley, Lesa, Beth, Sarah, Roman, Shirley, Sara, JulieAnne, Billie, Barb, Becky, and my amazing hairdresser and friend, Stephen, who was tasked with shaving my head for this surgery and convincing me I was still cute.

My church family at Briarlake prayed for me and with me, and continue to love me as I am still healing.

Image Credits
John Mitchell

Rochelle Burdine

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