In part two of our interview with Jenifer Lewis, the veteran actress talks about growing up hungry, how she was able to persevere despite obstacles and what advice she would give to young people who are trying to find their purpose.

 

More on Madame Noire!

• Did You Know They Dated? 10 Secret Lovers, Temporary Boos and Flings We Were Surprised By
• Let Me Get You Straight, Girl! Advice To The Real ‘Housewives’ Of Atlanta!
• When It Comes To Failed Marriages, Perhaps Expecting A Fairy Tale Is The Problem
• First Date, First Impression: Is It Really You?
• MN Exclusive: Jenifer Lewis On Her Favorite Role, Longevity & Playing The Momma
• Listen Up Fellas! 7 Signs SHE’s Just Not That Into You
• The Business Of Our Periods: Why Are Feminine Products So Darn Expensive?

 

We’ve been watching Jenifer Lewis for years! When we see her pop up in a movie or on television, it’s never a surprise. She’s always around! We had the pleasure of chatting with one of our favorite actresses about her favorite role, how she’s been able to sustain herself in this competitive industry and why she’s always playing somebody’s momma.

More on Madame Noire!

• “You Can See How Black People Evolved From Apes” and Other Racially-Charged Comments That Left Me Speechless
• The Business Of Our Periods: Why Are Feminine Products So Darn Expensive?
• Listen Up Fellas! 7 Signs SHE’s Just Not That Into You
• No Way Out? Don’t Blame The Day26 Break Up On Diddy and The “Bad Boy Curse”
• Cute Kid Alert: Diddy’s Girls, Tiny & T.I.’s Kids Celebrate Her B-Day & More
• Single Black Male: Should Women Still Expect Men to Pay for Dates?
• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind the Making of “Waiting to Exhale”

Today is the 64th anniversary of Phylicia Rashad’s birth. Her 64th “born day” if you will. Of all the black women in the world, and of all the black celebrities we “know,” why are we taking the time to celebrate Phylicia Rashad? Well, because in all her years in the spotlight, and she’s been acting since 1978, Rashad has always managed to portray black women in the classy, dignified manner we often deserve, but rarely receive. For that we’re grateful. Even though we don’t see Rashad as much as we used to, we can hope that this Tony Award winning actress has passed on her sense of cultural responsibility (and her talent) to her daughter, who is also an actress, Condola Phyleia Rashād.

In honor of her birthday check out some of our favorite pictures of this starlet.

 

The Hollywood Reporter recently talked with Viola Davis about her role in The Help, but when she was asked her thoughts on one critic’s observation that she brought “dignity” to her character, the seasoned actress said she doesn’t care much for that word as it is applied to black actresses. Davis added:

“I love and hate the word ‘dignity.’ I feel it’s overused for black actresses, as with ‘sassy’ and ‘soulful.’ I can go on. The same adjectives are pulled out of a magic box. That’s who she is in the book. My job was to create her.

I agree with Viola Davis. Bringing dignity to her character suggests the real woman didn’t have any in the first place, and I could go on for days about the use of the word sassy describing black women, whether on and off camera, every time they state their opinion about something.

Diva is another word I could pass on for colorful black women. What are some words you’re sick of hearing people use to describe black actresses? Or even black women in general?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• Ready For A Ring? Find Out What Men Look for When Choosing A Wife
• The Future of Famous: Cute Kids Of Our Favorite Celebrities
• The Jingling Baby: Bold and Fashionable Bracelets
• Husband Hunting? 10 Traits To Look For In A Spouse
• Does Your Relationship Need a Refresh
• She Get It From Her Mama! Mother & Daughter Stars We Love
• Hair Drama: What Not to Do When You Decide to Weave it Up