On NBC’s Found, Shanola Hampton stars as recovery specialist Gabi Mosely, who leads her team to find missing people forgotten by the media, law enforcement and the public (i.e., us). In real life, the actress still takes charge, but for a decidedly more enjoyable reason: the family getaway.
Planning a group adventure that doesn’t descend into chaos is an art in itself. Hampton, who recently traveled to Japan with 21 family members, has perfected how she and her loved ones can keep those feelings intact from the start to the end of the trip.
“Number one: Have only one person in charge. And let it be someone who knows how to be in charge, i.e. Shanola Hampton,” she told EBONY at the NBCUniversal reception of the 2024 TCA Summer Press Tour inside the Langham Huntington in Pasadena, California.
“That’s me, also known as Boss Hall, also known as Charles in Charge, also known as ‘I always get it right,’ so keep it tight and don’t bother me. Let my light shine.”
When Hampton’s running the show, there will be an itinerary. “Even when it comes to holidays, I write down the schedule for everything,” she shared. “I don’t feel like us all scrambling around, figuring out what we’re going to eat. Look at the schedule. It’s spaghetti night. It’s crab leg night. Have it down to a tee.”
But Hampton also understands the need for some “me” time. “When traveling with a group that size, always schedule breaks because, honey, the personalities,” she exclaimed. “No matter how much I love family, I need my nap now.”
How long should that break be? “Two to three hours? Call it free time, whatever. We don’t have to do everything together. Look at the schedule. Rest periods are in the schedule!”