1
00:00:00,200 --> 00:00:04,937
>> whitfield: I feel like
there is such a distinction
and an honor to being a woman

2
00:00:04,939 --> 00:00:07,639
there is such a distinction
and an honor to being a woman
>>> I feel like there is

3
00:00:07,641 --> 00:00:11,477
and an honor to being a woman
>>> I feel like there is
such a distinction and an

4
00:00:11,479 --> 00:00:14,113
>>> I feel like there is
such a distinction and an
honor to being a woman and

5
00:00:14,115 --> 00:00:15,547
such a distinction and an
honor to being a woman and
being a black woman.

6
00:00:15,549 --> 00:00:16,582
Honor to being a woman and
being a black woman.
If I could close my eyes

7
00:00:16,584 --> 00:00:18,817
being a black woman.
If I could close my eyes
and somebody said if you

8
00:00:18,819 --> 00:00:19,918
if I could close my eyes
and somebody said if you
wanted to be anything ever

9
00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:21,053
and somebody said if you
wanted to be anything ever
or a different person, I

10
00:00:21,055 --> 00:00:22,388
wanted to be anything ever
or a different person, I
still would want to be a

11
00:00:22,390 --> 00:00:24,623
or a different person, I
still would want to be a
black woman because I

12
00:00:24,625 --> 00:00:29,294
still would want to be a
black woman because I
think that there's so much

13
00:00:29,296 --> 00:00:32,264
black woman because I
think that there's so much
power, mystery,

14
00:00:32,266 --> 00:00:35,334
think that there's so much
power, mystery,
intuitiveness, a kind of

15
00:00:35,336 --> 00:00:35,834
power, mystery,
intuitiveness, a kind of
energy that changed the

16
00:00:35,836 --> 00:00:36,268
intuitiveness, a kind of
energy that changed the
face of everything.

17
00:00:36,270 --> 00:00:37,202
Energy that changed the
face of everything.
You know, it was because

18
00:00:37,204 --> 00:00:38,537
face of everything.
You know, it was because
of josephine baker that

19
00:00:38,539 --> 00:00:39,538
you know, it was because
of josephine baker that
people started tanning.

20
00:00:39,540 --> 00:00:41,140
Of josephine baker that
people started tanning.
People used to go to the

21
00:00:41,142 --> 00:00:43,942
people started tanning.
People used to go to the
beach and be -- have

22
00:00:43,944 --> 00:00:45,310
people used to go to the
beach and be -- have
parasols and all that kind

23
00:00:45,312 --> 00:00:46,111
beach and be -- have
parasols and all that kind
of stuff.

24
00:00:46,113 --> 00:00:47,246
Parasols and all that kind
of stuff.
They didn't want to be

25
00:00:47,248 --> 00:00:47,446
of stuff.
They didn't want to be
brown.

26
00:00:47,448 --> 00:00:50,449
They didn't want to be
brown.
After josephine baker

27
00:00:50,451 --> 00:00:51,683
brown.
After josephine baker
everybody said no, this is

28
00:00:51,685 --> 00:00:54,953
after josephine baker
everybody said no, this is
some hot, you know,

29
00:00:54,955 --> 00:00:55,421
everybody said no, this is
some hot, you know,
[ bleep ].

30
00:00:55,423 --> 00:00:57,289
Some hot, you know,
[ bleep ].
It has never stopped that

31
00:00:57,291 --> 00:01:00,592
[ bleep ].
It has never stopped that
black women inspire the

32
00:01:00,594 --> 00:01:02,928
it has never stopped that
black women inspire the
world in many, many ways.

33
00:01:02,930 --> 00:01:05,931
Black women inspire the
world in many, many ways.
So I feel good about being

34
00:01:05,933 --> 00:01:08,333
world in many, many ways.
So I feel good about being
womanly and sensual.

35
00:01:08,335 --> 00:01:10,736
So I feel good about being
womanly and sensual.
I just want to really walk

36
00:01:10,738 --> 00:01:11,270
womanly and sensual.
I just want to really walk
in it.

37
00:01:11,272 --> 00:01:19,011
I just want to really walk
in it.
Which I think is really

38
00:01:19,013 --> 00:01:19,344
in it.
Which I think is really
ha

39
00:01:19,346 --> 00:01:19,545
which I think is really
ha
hard.

40
00:01:19,547 --> 00:01:22,948
Ha
hard.
But it is like a huge

41
00:01:22,950 --> 00:01:23,615
hard.
But it is like a huge
honor.

42
00:01:23,617 --> 00:01:25,284
But it is like a huge
honor.
Growing up, I felt like I

43
00:01:25,286 --> 00:01:26,885
honor.
Growing up, I felt like I
was a late bloomer.

44
00:01:26,887 --> 00:01:33,158
Growing up, I felt like I
was a late bloomer.
I was well into my 30s

45
00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:34,827
was a late bloomer.
I was well into my 30s
before I dressed myself as

46
00:01:34,829 --> 00:01:35,694
I was well into my 30s
before I dressed myself as
a woman.

47
00:01:35,696 --> 00:01:37,996
Before I dressed myself as
a woman.
So something really funny

48
00:01:37,998 --> 00:01:39,198
a woman.
So something really funny
happened after josephine

49
00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:43,469
so something really funny
happened after josephine
baker and a few things.

50
00:01:43,471 --> 00:01:45,537
Happened after josephine
baker and a few things.
I had no idea.

51
00:01:45,539 --> 00:01:47,539
Baker and a few things.
I had no idea.
Somebody told me like

52
00:01:47,541 --> 00:01:50,209
I had no idea.
Somebody told me like
about 15 years ago, did

53
00:01:50,211 --> 00:01:52,711
somebody told me like
about 15 years ago, did
you not know that you were

54
00:01:52,713 --> 00:01:54,546
about 15 years ago, did
you not know that you were
a sex symbol?

55
00:01:54,548 --> 00:01:56,181
You not know that you were
a sex symbol?
I did not know.

56
00:01:56,183 --> 00:01:57,516
A sex symbol?
I did not know.
Girl, I wish I'd known.

57
00:01:57,518 --> 00:01:58,817
I did not know.
Girl, I wish I'd known.
Because the year

58
00:01:58,819 --> 00:02:00,152
girl, I wish I'd known.
Because the year
"josephine baker" came out

59
00:02:00,154 --> 00:02:01,720
because the year
"josephine baker" came out
demi moore -- I got

60
00:02:01,722 --> 00:02:03,088
"josephine baker" came out
demi moore -- I got
pregnant a year after

61
00:02:03,090 --> 00:02:04,089
demi moore -- I got
pregnant a year after
"josephine baker," after I

62
00:02:04,091 --> 00:02:04,890
pregnant a year after
"josephine baker," after I
shot it.

63
00:02:04,892 --> 00:02:05,958
"josephine baker," after I
shot it.
Demi moore was on the

64
00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:07,092
shot it.
Demi moore was on the
cover of "vanity fair"

65
00:02:07,094 --> 00:02:07,726
demi moore was on the
cover of "vanity fair"
pregnant, naked.

66
00:02:07,728 --> 00:02:08,627
Cover of "vanity fair"
pregnant, naked.
I should have done that.

67
00:02:08,629 --> 00:02:11,430
Pregnant, naked.
I should have done that.
But I couldn't do it.

68
00:02:11,432 --> 00:02:12,731
I should have done that.
But I couldn't do it.
So being a woman and

69
00:02:12,733 --> 00:02:14,066
but I couldn't do it.
So being a woman and
everything now, yeah, I do

70
00:02:14,068 --> 00:02:19,938
so being a woman and
everything now, yeah, I do
feel womanly now.

71
00:02:21,407 --> 00:02:31,116
♪

72
00:02:32,919 --> 00:02:39,658
♪

73
00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:51,937
>>> my parents were
absolutely not in support
of me being an artist.

74
00:02:51,939 --> 00:02:56,208
Absolutely not in support
of me being an artist.
You know, it was all about

75
00:02:56,210 --> 00:02:57,442
of me being an artist.
You know, it was all about
stability, you know, what

76
00:02:57,444 --> 00:02:59,344
you know, it was all about
stability, you know, what
will you do, that's not a

77
00:02:59,346 --> 00:03:00,112
stability, you know, what
will you do, that's not a
safe career.

78
00:03:00,114 --> 00:03:00,979
Will you do, that's not a
safe career.
There weren't a whole lot

79
00:03:00,981 --> 00:03:02,648
safe career.
There weren't a whole lot
of examples of, you know,

80
00:03:02,650 --> 00:03:03,815
there weren't a whole lot
of examples of, you know,
black women being very

81
00:03:03,817 --> 00:03:04,750
of examples of, you know,
black women being very
successful as actresses.

82
00:03:04,752 --> 00:03:08,220
Black women being very
successful as actresses.
So no, they were not in

83
00:03:08,222 --> 00:03:08,487
successful as actresses.
So no, they were not in
support.

84
00:03:08,489 --> 00:03:09,488
So no, they were not in
support.
Quite honestly, they

85
00:03:09,490 --> 00:03:13,692
support.
Quite honestly, they
weren't very helpful.

86
00:03:13,694 --> 00:03:15,594
Quite honestly, they
weren't very helpful.
My aunt hetty really

87
00:03:15,596 --> 00:03:17,563
weren't very helpful.
My aunt hetty really
believed that this is what

88
00:03:17,565 --> 00:03:19,231
my aunt hetty really
believed that this is what
I should be doing.

89
00:03:19,233 --> 00:03:20,866
Believed that this is what
I should be doing.
And so she introduced me

90
00:03:20,868 --> 00:03:22,834
I should be doing.
And so she introduced me
to tons of people in d.C.

91
00:03:22,836 --> 00:03:24,536
And so she introduced me
to tons of people in d.C.
When I went to howard

92
00:03:24,538 --> 00:03:25,504
to tons of people in d.C.
When I went to howard
university.

93
00:03:25,506 --> 00:03:26,905
When I went to howard
university.
And, you know, she was

94
00:03:26,907 --> 00:03:27,806
university.
And, you know, she was
ready to roll the dice

95
00:03:27,808 --> 00:03:29,007
and, you know, she was
ready to roll the dice
with me, but I just had to

96
00:03:29,009 --> 00:03:30,409
ready to roll the dice
with me, but I just had to
go for it and keep

97
00:03:30,411 --> 00:03:31,677
with me, but I just had to
go for it and keep
believing in myself.

98
00:03:31,679 --> 00:03:32,744
Go for it and keep
believing in myself.
My parents weren't into

99
00:03:32,746 --> 00:03:32,945
believing in myself.
My parents weren't into
it.

100
00:03:32,947 --> 00:03:33,979
My parents weren't into
it.
Because I always knew I

101
00:03:33,981 --> 00:03:35,247
it.
Because I always knew I
wanted to act.

102
00:03:35,249 --> 00:03:39,184
Because I always knew I
wanted to act.
So it was like a -- let me

103
00:03:39,186 --> 00:03:41,186
wanted to act.
So it was like a -- let me
get through all these

104
00:03:41,188 --> 00:03:42,254
so it was like a -- let me
get through all these
other classes so I can

105
00:03:42,256 --> 00:03:43,956
get through all these
other classes so I can
hurry up and get to be an

106
00:03:43,958 --> 00:03:44,323
other classes so I can
hurry up and get to be an
actress.

107
00:03:44,325 --> 00:03:44,556
Hurry up and get to be an
actress.
Right?

108
00:03:44,558 --> 00:03:46,858
Actress.
Right?
So I didn't diversify my

109
00:03:46,860 --> 00:03:48,227
right?
So I didn't diversify my
knowledge base as much as

110
00:03:48,229 --> 00:03:51,797
so I didn't diversify my
knowledge base as much as
perhaps I would have if I

111
00:03:51,799 --> 00:03:53,031
knowledge base as much as
perhaps I would have if I
was seeking for that

112
00:03:53,033 --> 00:03:53,232
perhaps I would have if I
was seeking for that
thing.

113
00:03:53,234 --> 00:03:54,666
Was seeking for that
thing.
So it meant I just focused

114
00:03:54,668 --> 00:03:56,001
thing.
So it meant I just focused
in and I didn't -- I just

115
00:03:56,003 --> 00:04:00,639
so it meant I just focused
in and I didn't -- I just
didn't spend a lot of time

116
00:04:00,641 --> 00:04:01,940
in and I didn't -- I just
didn't spend a lot of time
on biology or geometry.

117
00:04:01,942 --> 00:04:03,242
Didn't spend a lot of time
on biology or geometry.
I didn't figure I would

118
00:04:03,244 --> 00:04:10,582
on biology or geometry.
I didn't figure I would
need too much of that.

119
00:04:10,584 --> 00:04:12,484
I didn't figure I would
need too much of that.
I think that every human

120
00:04:12,486 --> 00:04:13,518
need too much of that.
I think that every human
being is the sum total of

121
00:04:13,520 --> 00:04:14,286
I think that every human
being is the sum total of
everything they've

122
00:04:14,288 --> 00:04:14,753
being is the sum total of
everything they've
experienced.

123
00:04:14,755 --> 00:04:15,554
Everything they've
experienced.
Right?

124
00:04:15,556 --> 00:04:17,155
Experienced.
Right?
But for me, for myself,

125
00:04:17,157 --> 00:04:21,893
right?
But for me, for myself,
you know, being from baton

126
00:04:21,895 --> 00:04:23,929
but for me, for myself,
you know, being from baton
rouge, louisiana, a small

127
00:04:23,931 --> 00:04:25,030
you know, being from baton
rouge, louisiana, a small
town in the south where

128
00:04:25,032 --> 00:04:27,833
rouge, louisiana, a small
town in the south where
for most of my life up to

129
00:04:27,835 --> 00:04:30,702
town in the south where
for most of my life up to
about 10 all the indian

130
00:04:30,704 --> 00:04:33,305
for most of my life up to
about 10 all the indian
chiefs, everybody were all

131
00:04:33,307 --> 00:04:33,972
about 10 all the indian
chiefs, everybody were all
black people.

132
00:04:33,974 --> 00:04:35,240
Chiefs, everybody were all
black people.
So growing up in baton

133
00:04:35,242 --> 00:04:38,977
black people.
So growing up in baton
rouge gave me a real sense

134
00:04:38,979 --> 00:04:43,115
so growing up in baton
rouge gave me a real sense
of who I was as -- I guess

135
00:04:43,117 --> 00:04:44,750
rouge gave me a real sense
of who I was as -- I guess
maybe it was called negro

136
00:04:44,752 --> 00:04:45,083
of who I was as -- I guess
maybe it was called negro
at that time.

137
00:04:45,085 --> 00:04:48,920
Maybe it was called negro
at that time.
And also, it was such a

138
00:04:48,922 --> 00:04:50,255
at that time.
And also, it was such a
strong social environment

139
00:04:50,257 --> 00:04:51,189
and also, it was such a
strong social environment
because, well -- there are

140
00:04:51,191 --> 00:04:52,157
strong social environment
because, well -- there are
not that many places to

141
00:04:52,159 --> 00:04:52,357
because, well -- there are
not that many places to
go.

142
00:04:52,359 --> 00:04:53,225
Not that many places to
go.
So you would visit.

143
00:04:53,227 --> 00:04:56,561
Go.
So you would visit.
You know, people would

144
00:04:56,563 --> 00:04:58,196
so you would visit.
You know, people would
come over.

145
00:04:58,198 --> 00:04:59,498
You know, people would
come over.
I grew up hearing the

146
00:04:59,500 --> 00:05:03,001
come over.
I grew up hearing the
clink clink clink of ice

147
00:05:03,003 --> 00:05:04,636
I grew up hearing the
clink clink clink of ice
and cocktails and, you

148
00:05:04,638 --> 00:05:05,704
clink clink clink of ice
and cocktails and, you
know, black people talking

149
00:05:05,706 --> 00:05:09,141
and cocktails and, you
know, black people talking
about things that were

150
00:05:09,143 --> 00:05:12,044
know, black people talking
about things that were
important about politics,

151
00:05:12,046 --> 00:05:13,812
about things that were
important about politics,
about life.

152
00:05:13,814 --> 00:05:14,479
Important about politics,
about life.
Intellectual conversation.

153
00:05:14,481 --> 00:05:15,380
About life.
Intellectual conversation.
But all of that informed,

154
00:05:15,382 --> 00:05:17,182
intellectual conversation.
But all of that informed,
if you look at my work, I

155
00:05:17,184 --> 00:05:18,283
but all of that informed,
if you look at my work, I
grew up where women really

156
00:05:18,285 --> 00:05:21,019
if you look at my work, I
grew up where women really
cared about what they

157
00:05:21,021 --> 00:05:24,022
grew up where women really
cared about what they
looked like and, you know,

158
00:05:24,024 --> 00:05:29,995
cared about what they
looked like and, you know,
my mother would always say

159
00:05:29,997 --> 00:05:30,562
looked like and, you know,
my mother would always say
does this add, do you like

160
00:05:30,564 --> 00:05:31,630
my mother would always say
does this add, do you like
it, does it add?

161
00:05:31,632 --> 00:05:33,965
Does this add, do you like
it, does it add?
So if you look at me as an

162
00:05:33,967 --> 00:05:37,636
it, does it add?
So if you look at me as an
actress and the roles I

163
00:05:37,638 --> 00:05:39,104
so if you look at me as an
actress and the roles I
played, so many of them,

164
00:05:39,106 --> 00:05:42,574
actress and the roles I
played, so many of them,
"eve's bayou," josephine

165
00:05:42,576 --> 00:05:44,343
played, so many of them,
"eve's bayou," josephine
baker, you see that

166
00:05:44,345 --> 00:05:45,610
"eve's bayou," josephine
baker, you see that
they're all very much

167
00:05:45,612 --> 00:05:48,146
baker, you see that
they're all very much
informed by being from

168
00:05:48,148 --> 00:05:53,352
they're all very much
informed by being from
baton rouge, louisiana.

169
00:05:53,354 --> 00:05:54,286
Informed by being from
baton rouge, louisiana.
Growing up with a family

170
00:05:54,288 --> 00:05:56,755
baton rouge, louisiana.
Growing up with a family
of of doctors and dentists

171
00:05:56,757 --> 00:05:59,458
growing up with a family
of of doctors and dentists
and kind of indian chief

172
00:05:59,460 --> 00:06:01,460
of of doctors and dentists
and kind of indian chief
type thing was great but

173
00:06:01,462 --> 00:06:03,395
and kind of indian chief
type thing was great but
my grandfathers on both

174
00:06:03,397 --> 00:06:05,597
type thing was great but
my grandfathers on both
sides, you know, worked

175
00:06:05,599 --> 00:06:06,365
my grandfathers on both
sides, you know, worked
very hard.

176
00:06:06,367 --> 00:06:11,169
Sides, you know, worked
very hard.
And so I think that even

177
00:06:11,171 --> 00:06:14,406
very hard.
And so I think that even
though it was -- people

178
00:06:14,408 --> 00:06:15,874
and so I think that even
though it was -- people
would say affluent, I

179
00:06:15,876 --> 00:06:17,376
though it was -- people
would say affluent, I
think that another thing

180
00:06:17,378 --> 00:06:19,111
would say affluent, I
think that another thing
you always see in my work

181
00:06:19,113 --> 00:06:23,615
think that another thing
you always see in my work
is that people are

182
00:06:23,617 --> 00:06:24,816
you always see in my work
is that people are
complex.

183
00:06:24,818 --> 00:06:28,754
Is that people are
complex.
So whether you are

184
00:06:28,756 --> 00:06:29,254
complex.
So whether you are
fortunate enough to be

185
00:06:29,256 --> 00:06:29,921
so whether you are
fortunate enough to be
safe in the environment

186
00:06:29,923 --> 00:06:32,724
fortunate enough to be
safe in the environment
you live in, whether or

187
00:06:32,726 --> 00:06:35,527
safe in the environment
you live in, whether or
not you are working your

188
00:06:35,529 --> 00:06:38,296
you live in, whether or
not you are working your
way up and less fortunate,

189
00:06:38,298 --> 00:06:39,598
not you are working your
way up and less fortunate,
people are complex.

190
00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:40,832
Way up and less fortunate,
people are complex.
You know, speaking in

191
00:06:40,834 --> 00:06:42,534
people are complex.
You know, speaking in
general terms about it, it

192
00:06:42,536 --> 00:06:44,136
you know, speaking in
general terms about it, it
is difficult for me about

193
00:06:44,138 --> 00:06:45,370
general terms about it, it
is difficult for me about
anything because people

194
00:06:45,372 --> 00:06:48,039
is difficult for me about
anything because people
are so authentic and as

195
00:06:48,041 --> 00:06:50,642
anything because people
are so authentic and as
specific as a fingerprint

196
00:06:50,644 --> 00:06:51,910
are so authentic and as
specific as a fingerprint
and every human being has

197
00:06:51,912 --> 00:06:52,110
specific as a fingerprint
and every human being has
one.

198
00:06:52,112 --> 00:06:53,211
And every human being has
one.
But you know, nothing is

199
00:06:53,213 --> 00:06:54,079
one.
But you know, nothing is
simple and most things

200
00:06:54,081 --> 00:06:58,850
but you know, nothing is
simple and most things
aren't easy.

201
00:06:58,852 --> 00:07:00,018
Simple and most things
aren't easy.
Well, I think one of the

202
00:07:00,020 --> 00:07:02,621
aren't easy.
Well, I think one of the
blessings that I had in my

203
00:07:02,623 --> 00:07:03,588
well, I think one of the
blessings that I had in my
life was that my father

204
00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:05,190
blessings that I had in my
life was that my father
was a dentist but if he

205
00:07:05,192 --> 00:07:07,092
life was that my father
was a dentist but if he
had had his druthers he

206
00:07:07,094 --> 00:07:08,427
was a dentist but if he
had had his druthers he
actually would not have

207
00:07:08,429 --> 00:07:09,694
had had his druthers he
actually would not have
followed in his father's

208
00:07:09,696 --> 00:07:12,898
actually would not have
followed in his father's
footsteps and he would

209
00:07:12,900 --> 00:07:14,266
followed in his father's
footsteps and he would
have been the -- he was a

210
00:07:14,268 --> 00:07:16,034
footsteps and he would
have been the -- he was a
great composer but he

211
00:07:16,036 --> 00:07:17,269
have been the -- he was a
great composer but he
would have just gone and

212
00:07:17,271 --> 00:07:19,704
great composer but he
would have just gone and
dedicated his life to

213
00:07:19,706 --> 00:07:19,938
would have just gone and
dedicated his life to
that.

214
00:07:19,940 --> 00:07:23,341
Dedicated his life to
that.
What was a plus for me was

215
00:07:23,343 --> 00:07:24,176
that.
What was a plus for me was
actually that he started

216
00:07:24,178 --> 00:07:25,744
what was a plus for me was
actually that he started
something called the baton

217
00:07:25,746 --> 00:07:27,979
actually that he started
something called the baton
rouge community chorus and

218
00:07:27,981 --> 00:07:31,817
something called the baton
rouge community chorus and
brought theater into the

219
00:07:31,819 --> 00:07:32,384
rouge community chorus and
brought theater into the
baton rouge community

220
00:07:32,386 --> 00:07:33,819
brought theater into the
baton rouge community
because you know, when I

221
00:07:33,821 --> 00:07:38,824
baton rouge community
because you know, when I
was growing up there

222
00:07:38,826 --> 00:07:40,826
because you know, when I
was growing up there
before 5 you weren't -- it

223
00:07:40,828 --> 00:07:43,428
was growing up there
before 5 you weren't -- it
was segregated.

224
00:07:43,430 --> 00:07:43,962
Before 5 you weren't -- it
was segregated.
So you really couldn't go

225
00:07:43,964 --> 00:07:44,629
was segregated.
So you really couldn't go
to the baton rouge little

226
00:07:44,631 --> 00:07:47,699
so you really couldn't go
to the baton rouge little
theater or I couldn't be a

227
00:07:47,701 --> 00:07:50,068
to the baton rouge little
theater or I couldn't be a
part of the children's

228
00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:50,402
theater or I couldn't be a
part of the children's
theater.

229
00:07:50,404 --> 00:07:53,605
Part of the children's
theater.
So having my dad always

230
00:07:53,607 --> 00:07:56,408
theater.
So having my dad always
writing music introduced

231
00:07:56,410 --> 00:07:58,743
so having my dad always
writing music introduced
me to art.

232
00:07:58,745 --> 00:07:58,977
Writing music introduced
me to art.
♪

233
00:07:58,979 --> 00:08:00,045
me to art.
♪
>> like that.

234
00:08:00,047 --> 00:08:02,180
♪
>> like that.
>> well, my mother is a

235
00:08:02,182 --> 00:08:05,517
>> like that.
>> well, my mother is a
black southern belle for

236
00:08:05,519 --> 00:08:07,853
>> well, my mother is a
black southern belle for
sure.

237
00:08:07,855 --> 00:08:10,922
Black southern belle for
sure.
She actually wanted to be

238
00:08:10,924 --> 00:08:12,524
sure.
She actually wanted to be
a lawyer but my

239
00:08:12,526 --> 00:08:13,892
she actually wanted to be
a lawyer but my
grandfather told her that

240
00:08:13,894 --> 00:08:16,194
a lawyer but my
grandfather told her that
what are you going to do

241
00:08:16,196 --> 00:08:16,761
grandfather told her that
what are you going to do
with that.

242
00:08:16,763 --> 00:08:18,530
What are you going to do
with that.
So she was a history

243
00:08:18,532 --> 00:08:19,798
with that.
So she was a history
major, I think it was a

244
00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:21,333
so she was a history
major, I think it was a
history major, something

245
00:08:21,335 --> 00:08:22,767
major, I think it was a
history major, something
she never used.

246
00:08:22,769 --> 00:08:24,803
History major, something
she never used.
So she was a product of a

247
00:08:24,805 --> 00:08:26,071
she never used.
So she was a product of a
time where women didn't

248
00:08:26,073 --> 00:08:28,707
so she was a product of a
time where women didn't
get to be, you know, as

249
00:08:28,709 --> 00:08:31,142
time where women didn't
get to be, you know, as
bold and as ambitious.

250
00:08:31,144 --> 00:08:33,512
Get to be, you know, as
bold and as ambitious.
But however, she was

251
00:08:33,514 --> 00:08:34,045
bold and as ambitious.
But however, she was
extremely glamorous.

252
00:08:34,047 --> 00:08:35,280
But however, she was
extremely glamorous.
You know, she loved

253
00:08:35,282 --> 00:08:36,147
extremely glamorous.
You know, she loved
elizabeth taylor.

254
00:08:36,149 --> 00:08:42,787
You know, she loved
elizabeth taylor.
And I tell, you reflected

255
00:08:42,789 --> 00:08:43,321
elizabeth taylor.
And I tell, you reflected
in my mother were all the

256
00:08:43,323 --> 00:08:43,922
and I tell, you reflected
in my mother were all the
seasons of elizabeth

257
00:08:43,924 --> 00:08:44,155
in my mother were all the
seasons of elizabeth
taylor.

258
00:08:44,157 --> 00:08:45,123
Seasons of elizabeth
taylor.
You know, when she had the

259
00:08:45,125 --> 00:08:46,391
taylor.
You know, when she had the
long braid with the

260
00:08:46,393 --> 00:08:47,559
you know, when she had the
long braid with the
flowers strewn through it.

261
00:08:47,561 --> 00:08:53,031
Long braid with the
flowers strewn through it.
You know, the up dos and

262
00:08:53,033 --> 00:08:53,798
flowers strewn through it.
You know, the up dos and
the sheath and lots of

263
00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:54,065
you know, the up dos and
the sheath and lots of
cleavage.

264
00:08:54,067 --> 00:08:55,634
The sheath and lots of
cleavage.
My mom was a -- as a

265
00:08:55,636 --> 00:08:56,501
cleavage.
My mom was a -- as a
matter of fact, she was so

266
00:08:56,503 --> 00:08:58,370
my mom was a -- as a
matter of fact, she was so
sexy that it would make my

267
00:08:58,372 --> 00:08:59,137
matter of fact, she was so
sexy that it would make my
dad jealous sometimes.

268
00:08:59,139 --> 00:09:03,041
Sexy that it would make my
dad jealous sometimes.
So my mom was sexy.

269
00:09:03,043 --> 00:09:03,842
Dad jealous sometimes.
So my mom was sexy.
She was a beautiful

270
00:09:03,844 --> 00:09:04,109
so my mom was sexy.
She was a beautiful
homemaker.

271
00:09:04,111 --> 00:09:04,743
She was a beautiful
homemaker.
All of that.

272
00:09:04,745 --> 00:09:09,981
Homemaker.
All of that.
She's fiery.

273
00:09:09,983 --> 00:09:10,615
All of that.
She's fiery.
Passionate.

274
00:09:10,617 --> 00:09:11,016
She's fiery.
Passionate.
Complicated.

275
00:09:11,018 --> 00:09:12,350
Passionate.
Complicated.
Funny as heck.

276
00:09:12,352 --> 00:09:16,021
Complicated.
Funny as heck.
And honestly a lot of the

277
00:09:16,023 --> 00:09:17,222
funny as heck.
And honestly a lot of the
women that you've seen

278
00:09:17,224 --> 00:09:18,990
and honestly a lot of the
women that you've seen
filter through me, I can

279
00:09:18,992 --> 00:09:21,526
women that you've seen
filter through me, I can
understand who they were

280
00:09:21,528 --> 00:09:22,227
filter through me, I can
understand who they were
through my mother.

281
00:09:22,229 --> 00:09:23,161
Understand who they were
through my mother.
Through her pain.

282
00:09:23,163 --> 00:09:24,663
Through my mother.
Through her pain.
Through her joy.

283
00:09:24,665 --> 00:09:25,697
Through her pain.
Through her joy.
Through her glamour.

284
00:09:25,699 --> 00:09:29,768
Through her joy.
Through her glamour.
And you know, how life was

285
00:09:29,770 --> 00:09:33,004
through her glamour.
And you know, how life was
for women at that time.

286
00:09:33,006 --> 00:09:34,773
And you know, how life was
for women at that time.
♪ I am 9 years old ♪

287
00:09:34,775 --> 00:09:36,608
for women at that time.
♪ I am 9 years old ♪
♪ and I want you to know I

288
00:09:36,610 --> 00:09:39,010
♪ I am 9 years old ♪
♪ and I want you to know I
know what to do with it

289
00:09:39,012 --> 00:09:39,945
♪ and I want you to know I
know what to do with it
too ♪

290
00:09:39,947 --> 00:09:42,681
know what to do with it
too ♪
>> I don't think that I am

291
00:09:42,683 --> 00:09:43,715
too ♪
>> I don't think that I am
my father or like my

292
00:09:43,717 --> 00:09:45,083
>> I don't think that I am
my father or like my
father, like my mother.

293
00:09:45,085 --> 00:09:45,984
My father or like my
father, like my mother.
I'm a compilation of all

294
00:09:45,986 --> 00:09:46,518
father, like my mother.
I'm a compilation of all
of that.

295
00:09:46,520 --> 00:09:47,953
I'm a compilation of all
of that.
But what I wanted to do

296
00:09:47,955 --> 00:09:49,321
of that.
But what I wanted to do
when I was growing up was

297
00:09:49,323 --> 00:09:51,690
but what I wanted to do
when I was growing up was
to find more of my

298
00:09:51,692 --> 00:09:52,223
when I was growing up was
to find more of my
authentic self.

299
00:09:52,225 --> 00:09:54,292
To find more of my
authentic self.
So I was the one who cut

300
00:09:54,294 --> 00:09:55,527
authentic self.
So I was the one who cut
all my hair off when I

301
00:09:55,529 --> 00:09:56,428
so I was the one who cut
all my hair off when I
went to howard and came

302
00:09:56,430 --> 00:09:59,397
all my hair off when I
went to howard and came
back with a little bitty

303
00:09:59,399 --> 00:10:00,632
went to howard and came
back with a little bitty
afro and overalls.

304
00:10:00,634 --> 00:10:03,001
Back with a little bitty
afro and overalls.
You know, I'm an artiste.

305
00:10:03,003 --> 00:10:04,669
Afro and overalls.
You know, I'm an artiste.
And my mother fell up in

306
00:10:04,671 --> 00:10:06,504
you know, I'm an artiste.
And my mother fell up in
the walls, like oh, my

307
00:10:06,506 --> 00:10:06,738
and my mother fell up in
the walls, like oh, my
lord.

308
00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:12,410
The walls, like oh, my
lord.
All that long beautiful

309
00:10:12,412 --> 00:10:12,777
lord.
All that long beautiful
ha

310
00:10:12,779 --> 00:10:13,311
all that long beautiful
ha
hair, brushed and grew and

311
00:10:13,313 --> 00:10:14,245
ha
hair, brushed and grew and
brushed and grew, and how

312
00:10:14,247 --> 00:10:16,247
hair, brushed and grew and
brushed and grew, and how
could you do this to me.

313
00:10:16,249 --> 00:10:19,250
Brushed and grew, and how
could you do this to me.
So I always wanted to find

314
00:10:19,252 --> 00:10:19,651
could you do this to me.
So I always wanted to find
my authentic self.

315
00:10:19,653 --> 00:10:20,752
So I always wanted to find
my authentic self.
You know, but I think

316
00:10:20,754 --> 00:10:21,686
my authentic self.
You know, but I think
there is no black and

317
00:10:21,688 --> 00:10:22,387
you know, but I think
there is no black and
white in life.

318
00:10:22,389 --> 00:10:24,389
There is no black and
white in life.
You know.

319
00:10:24,391 --> 00:10:25,624
White in life.
You know.
There's so much gray of

320
00:10:25,626 --> 00:10:27,525
you know.
There's so much gray of
who people are, how they

321
00:10:27,527 --> 00:10:28,627
there's so much gray of
who people are, how they
came to be.

322
00:10:28,629 --> 00:10:30,362
Who people are, how they
came to be.
But I am definitely, if

323
00:10:30,364 --> 00:10:37,569
came to be.
But I am definitely, if
you met both of them, you

324
00:10:37,571 --> 00:10:39,170
but I am definitely, if
you met both of them, you
>> whitfield: Well,

325
00:10:39,172 --> 00:10:41,239
you met both of them, you
>> whitfield: Well,
washington, dc, was such a

326
00:10:41,241 --> 00:10:43,675
>> whitfield: Well,
washington, dc, was such a
release for me because there was

327
00:10:43,677 --> 00:10:45,510
washington, dc, was such a
release for me because there was
>>> well, washington, d.C.

328
00:10:45,512 --> 00:10:49,047
Release for me because there was
>>> well, washington, d.C.
Was such a release for me

329
00:10:49,049 --> 00:10:51,182
>>> well, washington, d.C.
Was such a release for me
because there was an arts

330
00:10:51,184 --> 00:10:52,217
was such a release for me
because there was an arts
renaissance going on.

331
00:10:52,219 --> 00:10:56,354
Because there was an arts
renaissance going on.
It was just an exciting

332
00:10:56,356 --> 00:10:57,555
renaissance going on.
It was just an exciting
creative time where people

333
00:10:57,557 --> 00:11:00,525
it was just an exciting
creative time where people
were defining themselves

334
00:11:00,527 --> 00:11:01,493
creative time where people
were defining themselves
more than I'd ever seen,

335
00:11:01,495 --> 00:11:03,094
were defining themselves
more than I'd ever seen,
being from baton rouge,

336
00:11:03,096 --> 00:11:03,361
more than I'd ever seen,
being from baton rouge,
louisiana.

337
00:11:03,363 --> 00:11:03,995
Being from baton rouge,
louisiana.
Because I came to howard

338
00:11:03,997 --> 00:11:05,597
louisiana.
Because I came to howard
and went to my first

339
00:11:05,599 --> 00:11:06,898
because I came to howard
and went to my first
movement class in a hot

340
00:11:06,900 --> 00:11:09,134
and went to my first
movement class in a hot
pink matching leotard and

341
00:11:09,136 --> 00:11:10,368
movement class in a hot
pink matching leotard and
tights, where everybody

342
00:11:10,370 --> 00:11:14,673
pink matching leotard and
tights, where everybody
else, you know, had

343
00:11:14,675 --> 00:11:15,940
tights, where everybody
else, you know, had
earrings and little afros

344
00:11:15,942 --> 00:11:16,574
else, you know, had
earrings and little afros
and african prints.

345
00:11:16,576 --> 00:11:17,709
Earrings and little afros
and african prints.
I was this little southern

346
00:11:17,711 --> 00:11:20,478
and african prints.
I was this little southern
girl coming in.

347
00:11:20,480 --> 00:11:22,380
I was this little southern
girl coming in.
But it was very, very

348
00:11:22,382 --> 00:11:22,681
girl coming in.
But it was very, very
exciting.

349
00:11:22,683 --> 00:11:23,515
But it was very, very
exciting.
People were -- artists

350
00:11:23,517 --> 00:11:24,516
exciting.
People were -- artists
were doing what they

351
00:11:24,518 --> 00:11:28,586
people were -- artists
were doing what they
wanted to do.

352
00:11:28,588 --> 00:11:29,387
Were doing what they
wanted to do.
Exploring like what are

353
00:11:29,389 --> 00:11:30,388
wanted to do.
Exploring like what are
the injustices and what

354
00:11:30,390 --> 00:11:32,390
exploring like what are
the injustices and what
can we do about them?

355
00:11:32,392 --> 00:11:37,328
The injustices and what
can we do about them?
So

356
00:11:37,330 --> 00:11:38,863
can we do about them?
So
>> whitfield: I couldn't wait to

357
00:11:38,865 --> 00:11:39,931
so
>> whitfield: I couldn't wait to
go to new york city.

358
00:11:39,933 --> 00:11:41,166
>> whitfield: I couldn't wait to
go to new york city.
I was so excited to go to

359
00:11:41,168 --> 00:11:41,966
go to new york city.
I was so excited to go to
new york city.

360
00:11:41,968 --> 00:11:42,467
I was so excited to go to
new york city.
Oh, my god, I uld

361
00:11:42,469 --> 00:11:43,902
new york city.
Oh, my god, I uld
>>> I couldn't wait to go

362
00:11:43,904 --> 00:11:44,602
oh, my god, I uld
>>> I couldn't wait to go
to new york city.

363
00:11:44,604 --> 00:11:46,037
>>> I couldn't wait to go
to new york city.
I was so excited to go to

364
00:11:46,039 --> 00:11:47,338
to new york city.
I was so excited to go to
new york city.

365
00:11:47,340 --> 00:11:48,006
I was so excited to go to
new york city.
Oh, my god.

366
00:11:48,008 --> 00:11:51,309
New york city.
Oh, my god.
I could not wait to get on

367
00:11:51,311 --> 00:11:53,745
oh, my god.
I could not wait to get on
that metro liner and go

368
00:11:53,747 --> 00:11:55,413
I could not wait to get on
that metro liner and go
and see if I could do

369
00:11:55,415 --> 00:11:55,680
that metro liner and go
and see if I could do
anything.

370
00:11:55,682 --> 00:11:57,449
And see if I could do
anything.
I mean, I really wanted to

371
00:11:57,451 --> 00:11:59,250
anything.
I mean, I really wanted to
be a working actress.

372
00:11:59,252 --> 00:12:04,589
I mean, I really wanted to
be a working actress.
So I got on the train and

373
00:12:04,591 --> 00:12:07,859
be a working actress.
So I got on the train and
I got to new york in a

374
00:12:07,861 --> 00:12:08,126
so I got on the train and
I got to new york in a
blizzard.

375
00:12:08,128 --> 00:12:10,161
I got to new york in a
blizzard.
The snow was like eight or

376
00:12:10,163 --> 00:12:10,995
blizzard.
The snow was like eight or
nine feet tall.

377
00:12:10,997 --> 00:12:12,931
The snow was like eight or
nine feet tall.
And I went looking for an

378
00:12:12,933 --> 00:12:13,932
nine feet tall.
And I went looking for an
apartment in that weather.

379
00:12:13,934 --> 00:12:15,233
And I went looking for an
apartment in that weather.
That's how badly I wanted

380
00:12:15,235 --> 00:12:17,569
apartment in that weather.
That's how badly I wanted
to be there.

381
00:12:17,571 --> 00:12:17,936
That's how badly I wanted
to be there.
I couldn't wait.

382
00:12:17,938 --> 00:12:21,206
To be there.
I couldn't wait.
And I got a job.

383
00:12:21,208 --> 00:12:23,508
I couldn't wait.
And I got a job.
My only other work I've

384
00:12:23,510 --> 00:12:25,076
and I got a job.
My only other work I've
ever had was working at a

385
00:12:25,078 --> 00:12:26,377
my only other work I've
ever had was working at a
boutique on the upper west

386
00:12:26,379 --> 00:12:26,644
ever had was working at a
boutique on the upper west
side.

387
00:12:26,646 --> 00:12:28,780
Boutique on the upper west
side.
And that's when I learned

388
00:12:28,782 --> 00:12:30,548
side.
And that's when I learned
the service of just

389
00:12:30,550 --> 00:12:31,950
and that's when I learned
the service of just
helping people express

390
00:12:31,952 --> 00:12:32,717
the service of just
helping people express
themselves, right?

391
00:12:32,719 --> 00:12:35,019
Helping people express
themselves, right?
So these very, very, you

392
00:12:35,021 --> 00:12:36,354
themselves, right?
So these very, very, you
know, interesting upper

393
00:12:36,356 --> 00:12:40,091
so these very, very, you
know, interesting upper
west side ladies would

394
00:12:40,093 --> 00:12:41,860
know, interesting upper
west side ladies would
come and I think one of my

395
00:12:41,862 --> 00:12:43,628
west side ladies would
come and I think one of my
days they would come from

396
00:12:43,630 --> 00:12:44,763
come and I think one of my
days they would come from
their therapy sessions,

397
00:12:44,765 --> 00:12:46,898
days they would come from
their therapy sessions,
you know, or zipping in

398
00:12:46,900 --> 00:12:48,433
their therapy sessions,
you know, or zipping in
from work and all that.

399
00:12:48,435 --> 00:12:50,268
You know, or zipping in
from work and all that.
And the fact that I could

400
00:12:50,270 --> 00:12:51,136
from work and all that.
And the fact that I could
make them feel good, that

401
00:12:51,138 --> 00:12:52,036
and the fact that I could
make them feel good, that
I could help them --

402
00:12:52,038 --> 00:12:53,271
make them feel good, that
I could help them --
because it was a little

403
00:12:53,273 --> 00:12:55,039
I could help them --
because it was a little
boutique where you really

404
00:12:55,041 --> 00:12:55,974
because it was a little
boutique where you really
helped people put things

405
00:12:55,976 --> 00:12:56,641
boutique where you really
helped people put things
together, did you think

406
00:12:56,643 --> 00:12:57,675
helped people put things
together, did you think
about that.

407
00:12:57,677 --> 00:12:58,943
Together, did you think
about that.
So working at that

408
00:12:58,945 --> 00:13:02,280
about that.
So working at that
boutique really let me see

409
00:13:02,282 --> 00:13:03,481
so working at that
boutique really let me see
that how a person

410
00:13:03,483 --> 00:13:04,015
boutique really let me see
that how a person
expresses themselves on

411
00:13:04,017 --> 00:13:06,951
that how a person
expresses themselves on
the outside can inform who

412
00:13:06,953 --> 00:13:09,754
expresses themselves on
the outside can inform who
they are or who they are

413
00:13:09,756 --> 00:13:10,355
the outside can inform who
they are or who they are
on the inside informs

414
00:13:10,357 --> 00:13:11,189
they are or who they are
on the inside informs
their choices.

415
00:13:11,191 --> 00:13:11,422
On the inside informs
their choices.
Right?

416
00:13:11,424 --> 00:13:15,426
Their choices.
Right?
So that was very helpful.

417
00:13:15,428 --> 00:13:19,631
Right?
So that was very helpful.
So then there was an

418
00:13:19,633 --> 00:13:25,837
so that was very helpful.
So then there was an
audition for colored gir

419
00:13:25,839 --> 00:13:26,037
so then there was an
audition for colored gir
girls.

420
00:13:26,039 --> 00:13:28,540
Audition for colored gir
girls.
That was going to

421
00:13:28,542 --> 00:13:28,840
girls.
That was going to
australia.

422
00:13:28,842 --> 00:13:30,608
That was going to
australia.
And I so wanted to get in.

423
00:13:30,610 --> 00:13:31,376
Australia.
And I so wanted to get in.
And of course for colored

424
00:13:31,378 --> 00:13:32,644
and I so wanted to get in.
And of course for colored
girls it was such a big

425
00:13:32,646 --> 00:13:32,977
and of course for colored
girls it was such a big
deal.

426
00:13:32,979 --> 00:13:34,078
Girls it was such a big
deal.
It was still on broadway.

427
00:13:34,080 --> 00:13:35,513
Deal.
It was still on broadway.
But I wanted to get in

428
00:13:35,515 --> 00:13:36,247
it was still on broadway.
But I wanted to get in
that company because it

429
00:13:36,249 --> 00:13:38,983
but I wanted to get in
that company because it
would mean it would take

430
00:13:38,985 --> 00:13:42,453
that company because it
would mean it would take
me into the world on an

431
00:13:42,455 --> 00:13:43,288
would mean it would take
me into the world on an
international tour.

432
00:13:43,290 --> 00:13:43,988
Me into the world on an
international tour.
And I got it.

433
00:13:43,990 --> 00:13:47,091
International tour.
And I got it.
And I was in it with alfre

434
00:13:47,093 --> 00:13:48,960
and I got it.
And I was in it with alfre
woodard and liz van dyke

435
00:13:48,962 --> 00:13:51,162
and I was in it with alfre
woodard and liz van dyke
and ruth vander graves and

436
00:13:51,164 --> 00:13:53,665
woodard and liz van dyke
and ruth vander graves and
mary alice, who's a

437
00:13:53,667 --> 00:13:54,732
and ruth vander graves and
mary alice, who's a
brilliant actress.

438
00:13:54,734 --> 00:13:56,801
Mary alice, who's a
brilliant actress.
Oh, my gosh.

439
00:13:56,803 --> 00:14:00,638
Brilliant actress.
Oh, my gosh.
It was like I am a working

440
00:14:00,640 --> 00:14:01,206
oh, my gosh.
It was like I am a working
actress.

441
00:14:01,208 --> 00:14:03,608
It was like I am a working
actress.
I was really grateful to

442
00:14:03,610 --> 00:14:03,842
actress.
I was really grateful to
work.

443
00:14:03,844 --> 00:14:05,410
I was really grateful to
work.
So we're going to

444
00:14:05,412 --> 00:14:05,777
work.
So we're going to
australia.

445
00:14:05,779 --> 00:14:06,878
So we're going to
australia.
And we were going to be

446
00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:10,915
australia.
And we were going to be
there like six weeks or

447
00:14:10,917 --> 00:14:12,016
and we were going to be
there like six weeks or
something.

448
00:14:12,018 --> 00:14:13,484
There like six weeks or
something.
I packed so much stuff.

449
00:14:13,486 --> 00:14:14,919
Something.
I packed so much stuff.
I packed so many bags

450
00:14:14,921 --> 00:14:16,554
I packed so much stuff.
I packed so many bags
because I'd never been on

451
00:14:16,556 --> 00:14:18,890
I packed so many bags
because I'd never been on
the road before, nor did I

452
00:14:18,892 --> 00:14:20,024
because I'd never been on
the road before, nor did I
know that in australia the

453
00:14:20,026 --> 00:14:21,893
the road before, nor did I
know that in australia the
place wez were staying,

454
00:14:21,895 --> 00:14:24,662
know that in australia the
place wez were staying,
well, they didn't have

455
00:14:24,664 --> 00:14:27,398
place wez were staying,
well, they didn't have
lots of elevators.

456
00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:33,504
Well, they didn't have
lots of elevators.
So I ended up being that

457
00:14:33,506 --> 00:14:34,439
lots of elevators.
So I ended up being that
person who was, you know,

458
00:14:34,441 --> 00:14:36,074
so I ended up being that
person who was, you know,
I need help.

459
00:14:36,076 --> 00:14:40,478
Person who was, you know,
I need help.
I'm now embarrassed that I

460
00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:41,479
I need help.
I'm now embarrassed that I
was rather high

461
00:14:41,481 --> 00:14:42,146
I'm now embarrassed that I
was rather high
maintenance.

462
00:14:42,148 --> 00:14:45,350
Was rather high
maintenance.
I had never been on a tour

463
00:14:45,352 --> 00:14:46,217
maintenance.
I had never been on a tour
like that.

464
00:14:46,219 --> 00:14:51,789
I had never been on a tour
like that.
So at the end of it we had

465
00:14:51,791 --> 00:14:54,025
like that.
So at the end of it we had
awards, right?

466
00:14:54,027 --> 00:14:54,826
So at the end of it we had
awards, right?
And the awards had

467
00:14:54,828 --> 00:14:56,961
awards, right?
And the awards had
something to do with a

468
00:14:56,963 --> 00:14:57,395
and the awards had
something to do with a
poem.

469
00:14:57,397 --> 00:14:58,730
Something to do with a
poem.
So one of the poems says

470
00:14:58,732 --> 00:15:00,064
poem.
So one of the poems says
I'm ready to die like a

471
00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:01,366
so one of the poems says
I'm ready to die like a
lily in the desert.

472
00:15:01,368 --> 00:15:03,001
I'm ready to die like a
lily in the desert.
And so I got the award for

473
00:15:03,003 --> 00:15:04,669
lily in the desert.
And so I got the award for
lynn whitfield, I will not

474
00:15:04,671 --> 00:15:05,904
and so I got the award for
lynn whitfield, I will not
carry my own bags and die

475
00:15:05,906 --> 00:15:07,605
lynn whitfield, I will not
carry my own bags and die
like a lily in the desert.

476
00:15:07,607 --> 00:15:09,040
Carry my own bags and die
like a lily in the desert.
So you know, it got to the

477
00:15:09,042 --> 00:15:10,375
like a lily in the desert.
So you know, it got to the
point where I was so tired

478
00:15:10,377 --> 00:15:11,442
so you know, it got to the
point where I was so tired
of struggling, every two

479
00:15:11,444 --> 00:15:12,377
point where I was so tired
of struggling, every two
or three days we were

480
00:15:12,379 --> 00:15:12,977
of struggling, every two
or three days we were
moving.

481
00:15:12,979 --> 00:15:14,078
Or three days we were
moving.
I was like okay, you've

482
00:15:14,080 --> 00:15:15,346
moving.
I was like okay, you've
got to find somebody.

483
00:15:15,348 --> 00:15:18,583
I was like okay, you've
got to find somebody.
And I was young, but I --

484
00:15:18,585 --> 00:15:20,018
got to find somebody.
And I was young, but I --
I guess I just kept a

485
00:15:20,020 --> 00:15:21,152
and I was young, but I --
I guess I just kept a
little bit of that

486
00:15:21,154 --> 00:15:23,421
I guess I just kept a
little bit of that
southern belleness in me

487
00:15:23,423 --> 00:15:23,621
little bit of that
southern belleness in me
then.

488
00:15:23,623 --> 00:15:24,656
Southern belleness in me
then.
It's all gone now, of

489
00:15:24,658 --> 00:15:24,889
then.
It's all gone now, of
course.

490
00:15:24,891 --> 00:15:28,059
It's all gone now, of
course.
I mean, it's true, I am a

491
00:15:28,061 --> 00:15:28,726
course.
I mean, it's true, I am a
hard-working woman who

492
00:15:28,728 --> 00:15:31,896
I mean, it's true, I am a
hard-working woman who
kind of -- I guess, you

493
00:15:31,898 --> 00:15:33,698
hard-working woman who
kind of -- I guess, you
know, I kind of know how I

494
00:15:33,700 --> 00:15:35,266
kind of -- I guess, you
know, I kind of know how I
want things but I still

495
00:15:35,268 --> 00:15:35,533
know, I kind of know how I
want things but I still
overpack.

496
00:15:35,535 --> 00:15:36,167
Want things but I still
overpack.
I overpack.

497
00:15:36,169 --> 00:15:37,635
Overpack.
I overpack.
I don't know what

498
00:15:37,637 --> 00:15:40,104
I overpack.
I don't know what
overpacking is about.

499
00:15:40,106 --> 00:15:43,241
I don't know what
overpacking is about.
Something for me to

500
00:15:43,243 --> 00:15:43,808
overpacking is about.
Something for me to
investigate.

501
00:15:43,810 --> 00:15:45,677
Something for me to
investigate.
Oh, my god, I was so

502
00:15:45,679 --> 00:15:45,877
investigate.
Oh, my god, I was so
happy.

503
00:15:45,879 --> 00:15:47,078
Oh, my god, I was so
happy.
My phone was off, cut off.

504
00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:49,013
Happy.
My phone was off, cut off.
Because you know, there

505
00:15:49,015 --> 00:15:50,949
my phone was off, cut off.
Because you know, there
was a land line time.

506
00:15:50,951 --> 00:15:53,618
Because you know, there
was a land line time.
And I hadn't paid the

507
00:15:53,620 --> 00:15:54,052
was a land line time.
And I hadn't paid the
bill.

508
00:15:54,054 --> 00:15:55,987
And I hadn't paid the
bill.
So my agent got in the car

509
00:15:55,989 --> 00:15:57,288
bill.
So my agent got in the car
and drove over to sherman

510
00:15:57,290 --> 00:15:59,357
so my agent got in the car
and drove over to sherman
oaks and came and knocked

511
00:15:59,359 --> 00:16:01,459
and drove over to sherman
oaks and came and knocked
on my window early in the

512
00:16:01,461 --> 00:16:04,028
oaks and came and knocked
on my window early in the
morning on her way to

513
00:16:04,030 --> 00:16:05,997
on my window early in the
morning on her way to
their office.

514
00:16:05,999 --> 00:16:07,198
Morning on her way to
their office.
And she said, get up, get

515
00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:11,135
their office.
And she said, get up, get
up, you've got to get

516
00:16:11,137 --> 00:16:11,402
and she said, get up, get
up, you've got to get
ready.

517
00:16:11,404 --> 00:16:14,072
Up, you've got to get
ready.
You have a callback for

518
00:16:14,074 --> 00:16:16,874
ready.
You have a callback for
"doctor detroit" with dan

519
00:16:16,876 --> 00:16:17,108
you have a callback for
"doctor detroit" with dan
aykroyd.

520
00:16:17,110 --> 00:16:18,576
"doctor detroit" with dan
aykroyd.
And oh my god, I was so

521
00:16:18,578 --> 00:16:18,843
aykroyd.
And oh my god, I was so
excited.

522
00:16:18,845 --> 00:16:21,779
And oh my god, I was so
excited.
Ran in there, got the

523
00:16:21,781 --> 00:16:21,980
excited.
Ran in there, got the
part.

524
00:16:21,982 --> 00:16:24,449
Ran in there, got the
part.
Fran drescher was in that

525
00:16:24,451 --> 00:16:25,817
part.
Fran drescher was in that
as well.

526
00:16:25,819 --> 00:16:26,451
Fran drescher was in that
as well.
Lydia lee.

527
00:16:26,453 --> 00:16:28,119
As well.
Lydia lee.
And donna dixon.

528
00:16:28,121 --> 00:16:32,190
Lydia lee.
And donna dixon.
Who ended up marrying dan

529
00:16:32,192 --> 00:16:33,291
and donna dixon.
Who ended up marrying dan
aykroyd after that.

530
00:16:33,293 --> 00:16:34,459
Who ended up marrying dan
aykroyd after that.
But it was the story of

531
00:16:34,461 --> 00:16:37,595
aykroyd after that.
But it was the story of
these ladies of the

532
00:16:37,597 --> 00:16:37,829
but it was the story of
these ladies of the
evening.

533
00:16:37,831 --> 00:16:38,329
These ladies of the
evening.
So I had to call my mom.

534
00:16:38,331 --> 00:16:39,998
Evening.
So I had to call my mom.
I said mom, I got a movie.

535
00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:43,101
So I had to call my mom.
I said mom, I got a movie.
This is my first movie.

536
00:16:43,103 --> 00:16:48,306
I said mom, I got a movie.
This is my first movie.
And she said, "oh, baby,

537
00:16:48,308 --> 00:16:49,173
this is my first movie.
And she said, "oh, baby,
that's wonderful.

538
00:16:49,175 --> 00:16:50,608
And she said, "oh, baby,
that's wonderful.
But what's your part?

539
00:16:50,610 --> 00:16:53,144
That's wonderful.
But what's your part?
What's your part?"

540
00:16:53,146 --> 00:16:55,780
but what's your part?
What's your part?"
I said, she's a

541
00:16:55,782 --> 00:16:56,080
what's your part?"
I said, she's a
prostitute.

542
00:16:56,082 --> 00:16:58,683
I said, she's a
prostitute.
And she's like, "oh, lord

543
00:16:58,685 --> 00:17:00,018
prostitute.
And she's like, "oh, lord
have -- do you take your

544
00:17:00,020 --> 00:17:01,019
and she's like, "oh, lord
have -- do you take your
clothes off?

545
00:17:01,021 --> 00:17:01,619
Have -- do you take your
clothes off?
Tell me."

546
00:17:01,621 --> 00:17:02,487
clothes off?
Tell me."
but of course it was none

547
00:17:02,489 --> 00:17:03,421
tell me."
but of course it was none
of that.

548
00:17:03,423 --> 00:17:04,722
But of course it was none
of that.
It was all very charming.

549
00:17:04,724 --> 00:17:07,091
Of that.
It was all very charming.
I got to dance with james

550
00:17:07,093 --> 00:17:09,193
it was all very charming.
I got to dance with james
brown, which was fierce

551
00:17:09,195 --> 00:17:11,362
I got to dance with james
brown, which was fierce
and he taught me how to do

552
00:17:11,364 --> 00:17:14,132
brown, which was fierce
and he taught me how to do
the james brown slide.

553
00:17:14,134 --> 00:17:15,366
And he taught me how to do
the james brown slide.
And he was so funny

554
00:17:15,368 --> 00:17:18,269
the james brown slide.
And he was so funny
because he was boasting

555
00:17:18,271 --> 00:17:19,437
and he was so funny
because he was boasting
that of all the other

556
00:17:19,439 --> 00:17:20,738
because he was boasting
that of all the other
ladies I was the one that

557
00:17:20,740 --> 00:17:21,739
that of all the other
ladies I was the one that
got to get up there and

558
00:17:21,741 --> 00:17:24,909
ladies I was the one that
got to get up there and
dance with him.

559
00:17:24,911 --> 00:17:27,111
Got to get up there and
dance with him.
So it was like oh, you

560
00:17:27,113 --> 00:17:28,212
dance with him.
So it was like oh, you
must be somebody because

561
00:17:28,214 --> 00:17:29,080
so it was like oh, you
must be somebody because
that's a shot right there

562
00:17:29,082 --> 00:17:31,349
must be somebody because
that's a shot right there
to -- and he did.

563
00:17:31,351 --> 00:17:33,184
That's a shot right there
to -- and he did.
He taught me how to do the

564
00:17:33,186 --> 00:17:33,384
to -- and he did.
He taught me how to do the
slide.

565
00:17:33,386 --> 00:17:35,620
He taught me how to do the
slide.
So that was delightful.

566
00:17:35,622 --> 00:17:37,221
Slide.
So that was delightful.
Working with those women

567
00:17:37,223 --> 00:17:37,588
so that was delightful.
Working with those women
was delightful.

568
00:17:37,590 --> 00:17:38,189
Working with those women
was delightful.
All-night shoots in

569
00:17:38,191 --> 00:17:38,856
was delightful.
All-night shoots in
chicago.

570
00:17:38,858 --> 00:17:39,824
All-night shoots in
chicago.
And actually met howard

571
00:17:39,826 --> 00:17:42,827
chicago.
And actually met howard
hessman and his now wife

572
00:17:42,829 --> 00:17:47,165
and actually met howard
hessman and his now wife
caroline ducro, who became

573
00:17:47,167 --> 00:17:52,236
hessman and his now wife
caroline ducro, who became
grace's go

574
00:17:52,238 --> 00:17:54,172
caroline ducro, who became
grace's go
>> whitfield: I don't think

575
00:17:54,174 --> 00:17:56,207
grace's go
>> whitfield: I don't think
there's anyone that you could

576
00:17:56,209 --> 00:17:58,076
>> whitfield: I don't think
there's anyone that you could
name that you could think of who

577
00:17:58,078 --> 00:17:59,577
there's anyone that you could
name that you could think of who
>>> I don't think there's

578
00:17:59,579 --> 00:18:00,711
name that you could think of who
>>> I don't think there's
anyone that you could name

579
00:18:00,713 --> 00:18:03,548
>>> I don't think there's
anyone that you could name
that you could think of

580
00:18:03,550 --> 00:18:06,384
anyone that you could name
that you could think of
who was working at that

581
00:18:06,386 --> 00:18:07,752
that you could think of
who was working at that
time who didn't -- I mean,

582
00:18:07,754 --> 00:18:09,520
who was working at that
time who didn't -- I mean,
it's josephine baker, for

583
00:18:09,522 --> 00:18:10,088
time who didn't -- I mean,
it's josephine baker, for
christ's sake.

584
00:18:10,090 --> 00:18:13,191
It's josephine baker, for
christ's sake.
They're putting her in the

585
00:18:13,193 --> 00:18:13,458
christ's sake.
They're putting her in the
pantheon.

586
00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:15,126
They're putting her in the
pantheon.
But I mean she is a one of

587
00:18:15,128 --> 00:18:16,627
pantheon.
But I mean she is a one of
a kind.

588
00:18:16,629 --> 00:18:17,528
But I mean she is a one of
a kind.
I mean, everybody looked

589
00:18:17,530 --> 00:18:18,696
a kind.
I mean, everybody looked
at her.

590
00:18:18,698 --> 00:18:19,230
I mean, everybody looked
at her.
You know?

591
00:18:19,232 --> 00:18:23,568
At her.
You know?
That's why the promo said

592
00:18:23,570 --> 00:18:24,836
you know?
That's why the promo said
before marilyn, before

593
00:18:24,838 --> 00:18:25,970
that's why the promo said
before marilyn, before
madonna, there was

594
00:18:25,972 --> 00:18:28,606
before marilyn, before
madonna, there was
josephine.

595
00:18:28,608 --> 00:18:31,542
Madonna, there was
josephine.
I mean, she gave new

596
00:18:31,544 --> 00:18:32,677
josephine.
I mean, she gave new
meaning to the word, you

597
00:18:32,679 --> 00:18:35,113
I mean, she gave new
meaning to the word, you
know, entertainer.

598
00:18:35,115 --> 00:18:38,649
Meaning to the word, you
know, entertainer.
So who wouldn't want to

599
00:18:38,651 --> 00:18:42,954
know, entertainer.
So who wouldn't want to
play her?

600
00:18:42,956 --> 00:18:43,821
So who wouldn't want to
play her?
Oh, my god.

601
00:18:43,823 --> 00:18:45,323
Play her?
Oh, my god.
It was the most annoying,

602
00:18:45,325 --> 00:18:46,791
oh, my god.
It was the most annoying,
demanding experience ever.

603
00:18:46,793 --> 00:18:47,492
It was the most annoying,
demanding experience ever.
It was like seven months

604
00:18:47,494 --> 00:18:49,594
demanding experience ever.
It was like seven months
of auditioning, and

605
00:18:49,596 --> 00:18:50,194
it was like seven months
of auditioning, and
everybody in the world

606
00:18:50,196 --> 00:18:51,229
of auditioning, and
everybody in the world
wanted to do it and

607
00:18:51,231 --> 00:18:53,498
everybody in the world
wanted to do it and
everybody was auditioning.

608
00:18:53,500 --> 00:18:55,666
Wanted to do it and
everybody was auditioning.
I was going to produce my

609
00:18:55,668 --> 00:18:59,370
everybody was auditioning.
I was going to produce my
own audition.

610
00:18:59,372 --> 00:18:59,904
I was going to produce my
own audition.
And I did.

611
00:18:59,906 --> 00:19:00,938
Own audition.
And I did.
And I got michael peters

612
00:19:00,940 --> 00:19:02,507
and I did.
And I got michael peters
to choreograph it.

613
00:19:02,509 --> 00:19:05,309
And I got michael peters
to choreograph it.
I found a videographer

614
00:19:05,311 --> 00:19:06,744
to choreograph it.
I found a videographer
that had a video technique

615
00:19:06,746 --> 00:19:08,579
I found a videographer
that had a video technique
that looked like film.

616
00:19:08,581 --> 00:19:09,981
That had a video technique
that looked like film.
You know, I just did the

617
00:19:09,983 --> 00:19:11,048
that looked like film.
You know, I just did the
whole thing.

618
00:19:11,050 --> 00:19:11,782
You know, I just did the
whole thing.
And I had so much fun

619
00:19:11,784 --> 00:19:12,850
whole thing.
And I had so much fun
doing it.

620
00:19:12,852 --> 00:19:14,619
And I had so much fun
doing it.
And in doing so and taking

621
00:19:14,621 --> 00:19:20,992
doing it.
And in doing so and taking
the dance classes and

622
00:19:20,994 --> 00:19:26,230
and in doing so and taking
the dance classes and
singing "j'ai deux amours"

623
00:19:26,232 --> 00:19:27,398
the dance classes and
singing "j'ai deux amours"
I realized I was the best

624
00:19:27,400 --> 00:19:28,299
singing "j'ai deux amours"
I realized I was the best
woman for the role,

625
00:19:28,301 --> 00:19:29,200
I realized I was the best
woman for the role,
because I actually saw

626
00:19:29,202 --> 00:19:31,169
woman for the role,
because I actually saw
myself get close to it.

627
00:19:31,171 --> 00:19:32,737
Because I actually saw
myself get close to it.
So after I did the

628
00:19:32,739 --> 00:19:33,671
myself get close to it.
So after I did the
auditions the director,

629
00:19:33,673 --> 00:19:35,106
so after I did the
auditions the director,
brian gibson, comes up and

630
00:19:35,108 --> 00:19:36,908
auditions the director,
brian gibson, comes up and
says, "marvelous,

631
00:19:36,910 --> 00:19:37,175
brian gibson, comes up and
says, "marvelous,
marvelous.

632
00:19:37,177 --> 00:19:37,642
Says, "marvelous,
marvelous.
You're fantastic.

633
00:19:37,644 --> 00:19:42,480
Marvelous.
You're fantastic.
Oh, my god, you've done

634
00:19:42,482 --> 00:19:46,851
you're fantastic.
Oh, my god, you've done
such fantastic work."

635
00:19:46,853 --> 00:19:47,151
oh, my god, you've done
such fantastic work."
a

636
00:19:47,153 --> 00:19:47,652
such fantastic work."
a
and?

637
00:19:47,654 --> 00:19:49,520
A
and?
And he said, we're now

638
00:19:49,522 --> 00:19:50,788
and?
And he said, we're now
going on to new york and

639
00:19:50,790 --> 00:19:52,790
and he said, we're now
going on to new york and
london to see what those

640
00:19:52,792 --> 00:19:54,825
going on to new york and
london to see what those
cities have to offer.

641
00:19:54,827 --> 00:19:56,260
London to see what those
cities have to offer.
And I felt it was so

642
00:19:56,262 --> 00:19:56,694
cities have to offer.
And I felt it was so
ridiculously stupid

643
00:19:56,696 --> 00:19:57,461
and I felt it was so
ridiculously stupid
because I thought I

644
00:19:57,463 --> 00:20:02,533
ridiculously stupid
because I thought I
could -- I was right.

645
00:20:02,535 --> 00:20:02,733
Because I thought I
could -- I was right.
Right?

646
00:20:02,735 --> 00:20:02,967
Could -- I was right.
Right?
Okay.

647
00:20:02,969 --> 00:20:03,935
Right?
Okay.
So then a little while

648
00:20:03,937 --> 00:20:04,769
okay.
So then a little while
after that my agents

649
00:20:04,771 --> 00:20:08,739
so then a little while
after that my agents
called and said it's over,

650
00:20:08,741 --> 00:20:09,407
after that my agents
called and said it's over,
diahann carroll is going

651
00:20:09,409 --> 00:20:11,676
called and said it's over,
diahann carroll is going
to do the older josephine

652
00:20:11,678 --> 00:20:12,944
diahann carroll is going
to do the older josephine
and irene cara's going to

653
00:20:12,946 --> 00:20:15,046
to do the older josephine
and irene cara's going to
do the younger josephine.

654
00:20:15,048 --> 00:20:15,246
And irene cara's going to
do the younger josephine.
Okay.

655
00:20:15,248 --> 00:20:16,714
Do the younger josephine.
Okay.
I went to a place called

656
00:20:16,716 --> 00:20:19,684
okay.
I went to a place called
the mondrian on sunset.

657
00:20:19,686 --> 00:20:20,551
I went to a place called
the mondrian on sunset.
It used to be called

658
00:20:20,553 --> 00:20:22,220
the mondrian on sunset.
It used to be called
something else.

659
00:20:22,222 --> 00:20:23,154
It used to be called
something else.
I don't remember.

660
00:20:23,156 --> 00:20:24,956
Something else.
I don't remember.
But they had jazz every

661
00:20:24,958 --> 00:20:25,223
I don't remember.
But they had jazz every
night.

662
00:20:25,225 --> 00:20:29,360
But they had jazz every
night.
I sat in that little bar

663
00:20:29,362 --> 00:20:32,897
night.
I sat in that little bar
and cried and cried and

664
00:20:32,899 --> 00:20:34,532
I sat in that little bar
and cried and cried and
cried.

665
00:20:34,534 --> 00:20:36,334
And cried and cried and
cried.
They felt so badly for me

666
00:20:36,336 --> 00:20:37,168
cried.
They felt so badly for me
that everybody was sending

667
00:20:37,170 --> 00:20:37,802
they felt so badly for me
that everybody was sending
me drinks.

668
00:20:37,804 --> 00:20:38,936
That everybody was sending
me drinks.
And the waitress just gave

669
00:20:38,938 --> 00:20:40,304
me drinks.
And the waitress just gave
me drinks anyway because

670
00:20:40,306 --> 00:20:43,140
and the waitress just gave
me drinks anyway because
it was like, I was just

671
00:20:43,142 --> 00:20:44,609
me drinks anyway because
it was like, I was just
so -- I was absolutely

672
00:20:44,611 --> 00:20:44,809
it was like, I was just
so -- I was absolutely
sure.

673
00:20:44,811 --> 00:20:46,344
So -- I was absolutely
sure.
And you know, you're not

674
00:20:46,346 --> 00:20:47,545
sure.
And you know, you're not
very sure very often about

675
00:20:47,547 --> 00:20:49,313
and you know, you're not
very sure very often about
a lot of things.

676
00:20:49,315 --> 00:20:50,748
Very sure very often about
a lot of things.
And it was an absolute for

677
00:20:50,750 --> 00:20:51,082
a lot of things.
And it was an absolute for
me.

678
00:20:51,084 --> 00:20:52,350
And it was an absolute for
me.
So I went home and I

679
00:20:52,352 --> 00:20:53,217
me.
So I went home and I
started putting all that

680
00:20:53,219 --> 00:20:53,884
so I went home and I
started putting all that
stuff away.

681
00:20:53,886 --> 00:20:57,555
Started putting all that
stuff away.
And then when I went to

682
00:20:57,557 --> 00:20:59,857
stuff away.
And then when I went to
put away the last bit of

683
00:20:59,859 --> 00:21:01,292
and then when I went to
put away the last bit of
the material and the

684
00:21:01,294 --> 00:21:03,094
put away the last bit of
the material and the
script that they had given

685
00:21:03,096 --> 00:21:04,228
the material and the
script that they had given
me, I couldn't do it.

686
00:21:04,230 --> 00:21:06,030
Script that they had given
me, I couldn't do it.
I put it back on my coffee

687
00:21:06,032 --> 00:21:06,797
me, I couldn't do it.
I put it back on my coffee
table, and I never took it

688
00:21:06,799 --> 00:21:10,501
I put it back on my coffee
table, and I never took it
off my coffee table.

689
00:21:10,503 --> 00:21:12,903
Table, and I never took it
off my coffee table.
So cut to three months

690
00:21:12,905 --> 00:21:13,938
off my coffee table.
So cut to three months
later, they said okay,

691
00:21:13,940 --> 00:21:15,706
so cut to three months
later, they said okay,
there's been a change of

692
00:21:15,708 --> 00:21:16,841
later, they said okay,
there's been a change of
plans and they want you to

693
00:21:16,843 --> 00:21:19,777
there's been a change of
plans and they want you to
come back in.

694
00:21:19,779 --> 00:21:21,312
Plans and they want you to
come back in.
And audition one more

695
00:21:21,314 --> 00:21:21,646
come back in.
And audition one more
time.

696
00:21:21,648 --> 00:21:22,880
And audition one more
time.
I said absolutely not.

697
00:21:22,882 --> 00:21:26,150
Time.
I said absolutely not.
I don't care.

698
00:21:26,152 --> 00:21:26,851
I said absolutely not.
I don't care.
And I was broke.

699
00:21:26,853 --> 00:21:28,085
I don't care.
And I was broke.
I mean, I really needed

700
00:21:28,087 --> 00:21:28,519
and I was broke.
I mean, I really needed
this job.

701
00:21:28,521 --> 00:21:30,621
I mean, I really needed
this job.
I said no, if they want to

702
00:21:30,623 --> 00:21:31,789
this job.
I said no, if they want to
meet me they're going to

703
00:21:31,791 --> 00:21:33,357
I said no, if they want to
meet me they're going to
have to meet me at a

704
00:21:33,359 --> 00:21:36,394
meet me they're going to
have to meet me at a
restaurant somewhere with

705
00:21:36,396 --> 00:21:37,595
have to meet me at a
restaurant somewhere with
a round table.

706
00:21:37,597 --> 00:21:38,963
Restaurant somewhere with
a round table.
I'm not going to sit

707
00:21:38,965 --> 00:21:39,830
a round table.
I'm not going to sit
across from these people

708
00:21:39,832 --> 00:21:42,099
I'm not going to sit
across from these people
again and let them judge

709
00:21:42,101 --> 00:21:42,767
across from these people
again and let them judge
me when I left it all on

710
00:21:42,769 --> 00:21:44,001
again and let them judge
me when I left it all on
the floor, all on the

711
00:21:44,003 --> 00:21:44,302
me when I left it all on
the floor, all on the
stage.

712
00:21:44,304 --> 00:21:45,236
The floor, all on the
stage.
No, but just kidding.

713
00:21:45,238 --> 00:21:46,437
Stage.
No, but just kidding.
You know, because I was

714
00:21:46,439 --> 00:21:47,471
no, but just kidding.
You know, because I was
young and excited.

715
00:21:47,473 --> 00:21:49,640
You know, because I was
young and excited.
And they agreed.

716
00:21:49,642 --> 00:21:51,409
Young and excited.
And they agreed.
So had the meeting, went

717
00:21:51,411 --> 00:21:55,980
and they agreed.
So had the meeting, went
back, did a seven-hour,

718
00:21:55,982 --> 00:21:57,315
so had the meeting, went
back, did a seven-hour,
seven or eight-hour screen

719
00:21:57,317 --> 00:21:57,515
back, did a seven-hour,
seven or eight-hour screen
test.

720
00:21:57,517 --> 00:21:58,449
Seven or eight-hour screen
test.
And the next morning they

721
00:21:58,451 --> 00:22:00,484
test.
And the next morning they
said, you know, I had the

722
00:22:00,486 --> 00:22:00,785
and the next morning they
said, you know, I had the
job.

723
00:22:00,787 --> 00:22:03,888
Said, you know, I had the
job.
But it was a rigamarole as

724
00:22:03,890 --> 00:22:06,257
job.
But it was a rigamarole as
they say in the south.

725
00:22:06,259 --> 00:22:06,657
But it was a rigamarole as
they say in the south.
It was rdiculous.

726
00:22:06,659 --> 00:22:08,426
They say in the south.
It was rdiculous.
They should have known.

727
00:22:08,428 --> 00:22:08,959
It was rdiculous.
They should have known.
But long story short, it

728
00:22:08,961 --> 00:22:10,094
they should have known.
But long story short, it
was the best experience,

729
00:22:10,096 --> 00:22:12,596
but long story short, it
was the best experience,
creative experience,

730
00:22:12,598 --> 00:22:15,266
was the best experience,
creative experience,
because there just aren't

731
00:22:15,268 --> 00:22:16,300
creative experience,
because there just aren't
many, many movies that

732
00:22:16,302 --> 00:22:17,501
because there just aren't
many, many movies that
have any woman in almost

733
00:22:17,503 --> 00:22:18,536
many, many movies that
have any woman in almost
every frame of a film,

734
00:22:18,538 --> 00:22:22,273
have any woman in almost
every frame of a film,
which means you carry the

735
00:22:22,275 --> 00:22:23,674
every frame of a film,
which means you carry the
film.

736
00:22:23,676 --> 00:22:27,411
Which means you carry the
film.
What is interesting is

737
00:22:27,413 --> 00:22:28,446
film.
What is interesting is
that it doesn't happen

738
00:22:28,448 --> 00:22:29,814
what is interesting is
that it doesn't happen
very often still.

739
00:22:29,816 --> 00:22:30,348
That it doesn't happen
very often still.
So it's just -- it was a

740
00:22:30,350 --> 00:22:32,583
very often still.
So it's just -- it was a
blessing.

741
00:22:33,118 --> 00:22:37,822
Was a little worried about that.
So that made me st
when it came to being

742
00:22:37,824 --> 00:22:39,790
so that made me st
when it came to being
topless, I was a little

743
00:22:39,792 --> 00:22:41,826
when it came to being
topless, I was a little
worried about that.

744
00:22:41,828 --> 00:22:46,731
Topless, I was a little
worried about that.
So that made me just

745
00:22:46,733 --> 00:22:51,235
worried about that.
So that made me just
exercise so hard.

746
00:22:51,237 --> 00:22:53,404
So that made me just
exercise so hard.
Take salsa lessons and

747
00:22:53,406 --> 00:22:56,474
exercise so hard.
Take salsa lessons and
samba lessons and african

748
00:22:56,476 --> 00:23:00,678
take salsa lessons and
samba lessons and african
dance and modern dance and

749
00:23:00,680 --> 00:23:04,181
samba lessons and african
dance and modern dance and
I just didn't stop

750
00:23:04,183 --> 00:23:05,049
dance and modern dance and
I just didn't stop
working.

751
00:23:05,051 --> 00:23:06,417
I just didn't stop
working.
On my body and on my

752
00:23:06,419 --> 00:23:07,885
working.
On my body and on my
ability to dance as freely

753
00:23:07,887 --> 00:23:08,986
on my body and on my
ability to dance as freely
as she did.

754
00:23:08,988 --> 00:23:10,588
Ability to dance as freely
as she did.
So the day that we have to

755
00:23:10,590 --> 00:23:15,126
as she did.
So the day that we have to
shoot the banana dance and

756
00:23:15,128 --> 00:23:17,828
so the day that we have to
shoot the banana dance and
the dance sauvage it was

757
00:23:17,830 --> 00:23:18,396
shoot the banana dance and
the dance sauvage it was
very interesting.

758
00:23:18,398 --> 00:23:19,263
The dance sauvage it was
very interesting.
So you know, did

759
00:23:19,265 --> 00:23:20,197
very interesting.
So you know, did
everything, body makeup.

760
00:23:20,199 --> 00:23:21,866
So you know, did
everything, body makeup.
I mean, I was glistening

761
00:23:21,868 --> 00:23:22,633
everything, body makeup.
I mean, I was glistening
and it was great.

762
00:23:22,635 --> 00:23:26,237
I mean, I was glistening
and it was great.
The bananas were on and

763
00:23:26,239 --> 00:23:27,004
and it was great.
The bananas were on and
popping.

764
00:23:27,006 --> 00:23:30,541
The bananas were on and
popping.
The spit curls were just

765
00:23:30,543 --> 00:23:34,678
popping.
The spit curls were just
laid and, you know, I had

766
00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:35,346
the spit curls were just
laid and, you know, I had
a robe.

767
00:23:35,348 --> 00:23:36,747
Laid and, you know, I had
a robe.
It was a closed set.

768
00:23:36,749 --> 00:23:37,848
A robe.
It was a closed set.
And they said action, and

769
00:23:37,850 --> 00:23:39,049
it was a closed set.
And they said action, and
I started with the banana

770
00:23:39,051 --> 00:23:41,218
and they said action, and
I started with the banana
dance and all that stuff.

771
00:23:41,220 --> 00:23:48,359
I started with the banana
dance and all that stuff.
I felt so free.

772
00:23:48,361 --> 00:23:49,527
Dance and all that stuff.
I felt so free.
I didn't know how

773
00:23:49,529 --> 00:23:52,229
I felt so free.
I didn't know how
josephine baker would be

774
00:23:52,231 --> 00:23:53,364
I didn't know how
josephine baker would be
received, that is, once I

775
00:23:53,366 --> 00:23:57,101
josephine baker would be
received, that is, once I
finally was cast in the

776
00:23:57,103 --> 00:23:57,802
received, that is, once I
finally was cast in the
role.

777
00:23:57,804 --> 00:24:01,138
Finally was cast in the
role.
But I believed what I

778
00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:01,505
role.
But I believed what I
always believe.

779
00:24:01,507 --> 00:24:02,706
But I believed what I
always believe.
The more personally you

780
00:24:02,708 --> 00:24:05,042
always believe.
The more personally you
approach a role the more

781
00:24:05,044 --> 00:24:08,212
the more personally you
approach a role the more
invested I am, the more

782
00:24:08,214 --> 00:24:08,879
approach a role the more
invested I am, the more
the audience will be

783
00:24:08,881 --> 00:24:09,814
invested I am, the more
the audience will be
invested in it.

784
00:24:09,816 --> 00:24:12,883
The audience will be
invested in it.
If the work is good.

785
00:24:12,885 --> 00:24:14,919
Invested in it.
If the work is good.
So I knew that this was my

786
00:24:14,921 --> 00:24:17,655
if the work is good.
So I knew that this was my
shot.

787
00:24:17,657 --> 00:24:20,291
So I knew that this was my
shot.
This was the biggest

788
00:24:20,293 --> 00:24:21,125
shot.
This was the biggest
opportunity that I'd ever

789
00:24:21,127 --> 00:24:21,592
this was the biggest
opportunity that I'd ever
had.

790
00:24:21,594 --> 00:24:22,726
Opportunity that I'd ever
had.
I felt it would be okay.

791
00:24:22,728 --> 00:24:24,028
Had.
I felt it would be okay.
I did not know that it

792
00:24:24,030 --> 00:24:28,032
I felt it would be okay.
I did not know that it
would garner me an ace

793
00:24:28,034 --> 00:24:29,667
I did not know that it
would garner me an ace
nomination, a golden globe

794
00:24:29,669 --> 00:24:33,604
would garner me an ace
nomination, a golden globe
nomination, an emmy award,

795
00:24:33,606 --> 00:24:34,538
nomination, a golden globe
nomination, an emmy award,
that it would really

796
00:24:34,540 --> 00:24:36,674
nomination, an emmy award,
that it would really
platform me to be an

797
00:24:36,676 --> 00:24:37,675
that it would really
platform me to be an
actress that people

798
00:24:37,677 --> 00:24:38,375
platform me to be an
actress that people
believe in.

799
00:24:38,377 --> 00:24:39,510
Actress that people
believe in.
I didn't have time to

800
00:24:39,512 --> 00:24:40,344
believe in.
I didn't have time to
think about whether they

801
00:24:40,346 --> 00:24:41,078
I didn't have time to
think about whether they
wouldn't like it.

802
00:24:41,080 --> 00:24:42,146
Think about whether they
wouldn't like it.
I was trying to do

803
00:24:42,148 --> 00:24:45,249
wouldn't like it.
I was trying to do
everything I could to

804
00:24:45,251 --> 00:24:50,120
I was trying to do
everything I could to
♪

805
00:24:50,122 --> 00:24:52,490
everything I could to
♪
>> whitfield: So here I am.

806
00:24:52,492 --> 00:24:54,291
♪
>> whitfield: So here I am.
I'm nominated for an emmy.

807
00:24:54,293 --> 00:24:56,360
>> whitfield: So here I am.
I'm nominated for an emmy.
I'm really excited about that.

808
00:24:56,362 --> 00:24:57,962
I'm nominated for an emmy.
I'm really excited about that.
Great company.

809
00:24:57,964 --> 00:24:59,263
I'm really excited about that.
Great company.
>>> so here I am.

810
00:24:59,265 --> 00:25:01,031
Great company.
>>> so here I am.
I'm nominated for an emmy.

811
00:25:01,033 --> 00:25:02,166
>>> so here I am.
I'm nominated for an emmy.
I'm very excited about

812
00:25:02,168 --> 00:25:03,701
I'm nominated for an emmy.
I'm very excited about
that.

813
00:25:03,703 --> 00:25:06,537
I'm very excited about
that.
Great company.

814
00:25:06,539 --> 00:25:07,838
That.
Great company.
I am also nine months

815
00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:08,105
great company.
I am also nine months
pregnant.

816
00:25:08,107 --> 00:25:09,006
I am also nine months
pregnant.
I mean, who doesn't want

817
00:25:09,008 --> 00:25:10,441
pregnant.
I mean, who doesn't want
to do the red carpet for

818
00:25:10,443 --> 00:25:13,377
I mean, who doesn't want
to do the red carpet for
an awards -- a big awards

819
00:25:13,379 --> 00:25:13,711
to do the red carpet for
an awards -- a big awards
show, right?

820
00:25:13,713 --> 00:25:15,212
An awards -- a big awards
show, right?
So at nine months pregnant

821
00:25:15,214 --> 00:25:17,414
show, right?
So at nine months pregnant
I'm in silks and woolens

822
00:25:17,416 --> 00:25:19,683
so at nine months pregnant
I'm in silks and woolens
on beverly boulevard in

823
00:25:19,685 --> 00:25:21,385
I'm in silks and woolens
on beverly boulevard in
los angeles, california

824
00:25:21,387 --> 00:25:24,188
on beverly boulevard in
los angeles, california
trying to figure out what

825
00:25:24,190 --> 00:25:27,491
los angeles, california
trying to figure out what
I am going -- what my body

826
00:25:27,493 --> 00:25:29,126
trying to figure out what
I am going -- what my body
might look like after I

827
00:25:29,128 --> 00:25:33,163
I am going -- what my body
might look like after I
have this baby because the

828
00:25:33,165 --> 00:25:35,266
might look like after I
have this baby because the
awards are two weeks later

829
00:25:35,268 --> 00:25:36,934
have this baby because the
awards are two weeks later
after I'm supposed to give

830
00:25:36,936 --> 00:25:37,201
awards are two weeks later
after I'm supposed to give
birth.

831
00:25:37,203 --> 00:25:40,371
After I'm supposed to give
birth.
So I'm there and we're

832
00:25:40,373 --> 00:25:41,438
birth.
So I'm there and we're
draping duchess satin and

833
00:25:41,440 --> 00:25:43,908
so I'm there and we're
draping duchess satin and
all of a sudden my water

834
00:25:43,910 --> 00:25:44,174
draping duchess satin and
all of a sudden my water
breaks.

835
00:25:44,176 --> 00:25:47,211
All of a sudden my water
breaks.
And I have on my dear

836
00:25:47,213 --> 00:25:48,546
breaks.
And I have on my dear
pair, I think it was my

837
00:25:48,548 --> 00:25:51,682
and I have on my dear
pair, I think it was my
first or second pair of

838
00:25:51,684 --> 00:25:53,684
pair, I think it was my
first or second pair of
manolo blahnik, you know,

839
00:25:53,686 --> 00:25:55,786
first or second pair of
manolo blahnik, you know,
mule slides.

840
00:25:55,788 --> 00:25:56,353
Manolo blahnik, you know,
mule slides.
Because I was still trying

841
00:25:56,355 --> 00:25:57,054
mule slides.
Because I was still trying
to look glamorous.

842
00:25:57,056 --> 00:25:58,589
Because I was still trying
to look glamorous.
Honey, that water broke.

843
00:25:58,591 --> 00:26:03,027
To look glamorous.
Honey, that water broke.
I swear, I leapt out of

844
00:26:03,029 --> 00:26:04,728
honey, that water broke.
I swear, I leapt out of
those slides before the

845
00:26:04,730 --> 00:26:07,231
I swear, I leapt out of
those slides before the
water hit the floor.

846
00:26:07,233 --> 00:26:12,770
Those slides before the
water hit the floor.
I was like, I -- what is

847
00:26:12,772 --> 00:26:13,470
water hit the floor.
I was like, I -- what is
going on?

848
00:26:13,472 --> 00:26:16,907
I was like, I -- what is
going on?
This can't be happening.

849
00:26:16,909 --> 00:26:19,076
Going on?
This can't be happening.
I haven't finished

850
00:26:19,078 --> 00:26:19,476
this can't be happening.
I haven't finished
designing my gown.

851
00:26:19,478 --> 00:26:22,112
I haven't finished
designing my gown.
And off to the hospital we

852
00:26:22,114 --> 00:26:22,379
designing my gown.
And off to the hospital we
go.

853
00:26:22,381 --> 00:26:24,682
And off to the hospital we
go.
So yep, that's how it

854
00:26:24,684 --> 00:26:24,949
go.
So yep, that's how it
happened.

855
00:26:24,951 --> 00:26:27,217
So yep, that's how it
happened.
I had grace, and two weeks

856
00:26:27,219 --> 00:26:28,052
happened.
I had grace, and two weeks
later both her father --

857
00:26:28,054 --> 00:26:29,186
I had grace, and two weeks
later both her father --
the only time a husband

858
00:26:29,188 --> 00:26:33,857
later both her father --
the only time a husband
and wife team had ever won

859
00:26:33,859 --> 00:26:38,162
the only time a husband
and wife team had ever won
for directing and best

860
00:26:38,164 --> 00:26:39,029
and wife team had ever won
for directing and best
actress.

861
00:26:39,031 --> 00:26:39,964
For directing and best
actress.
Okay, well, it's two

862
00:26:39,966 --> 00:26:41,365
actress.
Okay, well, it's two
things that we got all

863
00:26:41,367 --> 00:26:41,665
okay, well, it's two
things that we got all
confused.

864
00:26:41,667 --> 00:26:45,235
Things that we got all
confused.
Number one, right?

865
00:26:45,237 --> 00:26:47,338
Confused.
Number one, right?
In the perfect

866
00:26:47,340 --> 00:26:47,905
number one, right?
In the perfect
relationship between a

867
00:26:47,907 --> 00:26:49,473
in the perfect
relationship between a
director and an actress,

868
00:26:49,475 --> 00:26:49,740
relationship between a
director and an actress,
right?

869
00:26:49,742 --> 00:26:50,874
Director and an actress,
right?
A director is there to

870
00:26:50,876 --> 00:26:55,012
right?
A director is there to
bring out your best

871
00:26:55,014 --> 00:26:55,312
a director is there to
bring out your best
performance.

872
00:26:55,314 --> 00:26:58,215
Bring out your best
performance.
And we created and had

873
00:26:58,217 --> 00:26:59,183
performance.
And we created and had
such an incredible

874
00:26:59,185 --> 00:26:59,617
and we created and had
such an incredible
marriage, creative

875
00:26:59,619 --> 00:27:00,751
such an incredible
marriage, creative
marriage and doing this.

876
00:27:00,753 --> 00:27:05,589
Marriage, creative
marriage and doing this.
But those two roles do not

877
00:27:05,591 --> 00:27:07,925
marriage and doing this.
But those two roles do not
equate to a good real

878
00:27:07,927 --> 00:27:08,192
but those two roles do not
equate to a good real
marriage.

879
00:27:08,194 --> 00:27:10,461
Equate to a good real
marriage.
So when he said action,

880
00:27:10,463 --> 00:27:11,595
marriage.
So when he said action,
I'm not going to speak

881
00:27:11,597 --> 00:27:13,130
so when he said action,
I'm not going to speak
just because you said so.

882
00:27:13,132 --> 00:27:16,233
I'm not going to speak
just because you said so.
I am not there just to

883
00:27:16,235 --> 00:27:16,934
just because you said so.
I am not there just to
create your beautiful

884
00:27:16,936 --> 00:27:17,434
I am not there just to
create your beautiful
vision.

885
00:27:17,436 --> 00:27:19,169
Create your beautiful
vision.
And his job wasn't just to

886
00:27:19,171 --> 00:27:20,004
vision.
And his job wasn't just to
protect and bring out the

887
00:27:20,006 --> 00:27:20,938
and his job wasn't just to
protect and bring out the
very best in me.

888
00:27:20,940 --> 00:27:24,708
Protect and bring out the
very best in me.
So we didn't know how to

889
00:27:24,710 --> 00:27:27,077
very best in me.
So we didn't know how to
do the same -- we did not

890
00:27:27,079 --> 00:27:30,481
so we didn't know how to
do the same -- we did not
know how to translate that

891
00:27:30,483 --> 00:27:34,284
do the same -- we did not
know how to translate that
into being husband and

892
00:27:34,286 --> 00:27:37,121
know how to translate that
into being husband and
wife in a marriage and

893
00:27:37,123 --> 00:27:37,554
into being husband and
wife in a marriage and
all.

894
00:27:37,556 --> 00:27:38,922
Wife in a marriage and
all.
It was so crazy that we

895
00:27:38,924 --> 00:27:41,225
all.
It was so crazy that we
just went off, we left

896
00:27:41,227 --> 00:27:42,259
it was so crazy that we
just went off, we left
budapest, flew to london,

897
00:27:42,261 --> 00:27:44,128
just went off, we left
budapest, flew to london,
and got married.

898
00:27:44,130 --> 00:27:47,131
Budapest, flew to london,
and got married.
And probably that happened

899
00:27:47,133 --> 00:27:48,232
and got married.
And probably that happened
because we didn't have sex

900
00:27:48,234 --> 00:27:49,700
and probably that happened
because we didn't have sex
while we were shooting.

901
00:27:49,702 --> 00:27:51,502
Because we didn't have sex
while we were shooting.
We were falling in love

902
00:27:51,504 --> 00:27:52,803
while we were shooting.
We were falling in love
but we didn't -- we were

903
00:27:52,805 --> 00:27:54,872
we were falling in love
but we didn't -- we were
not intimate because that

904
00:27:54,874 --> 00:27:55,673
but we didn't -- we were
not intimate because that
would have given away too

905
00:27:55,675 --> 00:27:56,740
not intimate because that
would have given away too
much of my power.

906
00:27:56,742 --> 00:27:59,109
Would have given away too
much of my power.
I would have been

907
00:27:59,111 --> 00:27:59,677
much of my power.
I would have been
terrified.

908
00:27:59,679 --> 00:28:01,078
I would have been
terrified.
Then I would have been

909
00:28:01,080 --> 00:28:03,781
terrified.
Then I would have been
like all starry eyed and

910
00:28:03,783 --> 00:28:04,081
then I would have been
like all starry eyed and
ridiculous.

911
00:28:04,083 --> 00:28:05,649
Like all starry eyed and
ridiculous.
You know, when I had -- I

912
00:28:05,651 --> 00:28:07,384
ridiculous.
You know, when I had -- I
mean, to carry a woman

913
00:28:07,386 --> 00:28:09,186
you know, when I had -- I
mean, to carry a woman
like that is a real

914
00:28:09,188 --> 00:28:09,553
mean, to carry a woman
like that is a real
responsibility.

915
00:28:09,555 --> 00:28:11,955
Like that is a real
responsibility.
And you can't mess up.

916
00:28:11,957 --> 00:28:14,258
Responsibility.
And you can't mess up.
And I certainly could not

917
00:28:14,260 --> 00:28:15,659
and you can't mess up.
And I certainly could not
mess it up by, you know,

918
00:28:15,661 --> 00:28:18,529
and I certainly could not
mess it up by, you know,
just all of a sudden I'm

919
00:28:18,531 --> 00:28:21,465
mess it up by, you know,
just all of a sudden I'm
all in some passion thing.

920
00:28:21,467 --> 00:28:24,034
Just all of a sudden I'm
all in some passion thing.
So we kept the work going.

921
00:28:24,036 --> 00:28:26,470
All in some passion thing.
So we kept the work going.
But I think that's why

922
00:28:26,472 --> 00:28:28,605
so we kept the work going.
But I think that's why
when it was over it was

923
00:28:28,607 --> 00:28:31,241
but I think that's why
when it was over it was
this like fantasy, right?

924
00:28:31,243 --> 00:28:32,176
When it was over it was
this like fantasy, right?
So we went and got married

925
00:28:32,178 --> 00:28:33,410
this like fantasy, right?
So we went and got married
right away.

926
00:28:33,412 --> 00:28:34,144
So we went and got married
right away.
All right, y'all.

927
00:28:34,146 --> 00:28:35,512
Right away.
All right, y'all.
Those of you looking for

928
00:28:35,514 --> 00:28:38,148
all right, y'all.
Those of you looking for
inspiration and all that.

929
00:28:38,150 --> 00:28:39,316
Those of you looking for
inspiration and all that.
Every now and then that

930
00:28:39,318 --> 00:28:39,583
inspiration and all that.
Every now and then that
works.

931
00:28:39,585 --> 00:28:43,454
Every now and then that
works.
But really take your time.

932
00:28:43,456 --> 00:28:44,888
Works.
But really take your time.
Honestly, if we're hiring

933
00:28:44,890 --> 00:28:46,490
but really take your time.
Honestly, if we're hiring
somebody to do our garden,

934
00:28:46,492 --> 00:28:47,758
honestly, if we're hiring
somebody to do our garden,
we might vet them more.

935
00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:50,127
Somebody to do our garden,
we might vet them more.
You know, you've got to

936
00:28:50,129 --> 00:28:52,362
we might vet them more.
You know, you've got to
like really take time and

937
00:28:52,364 --> 00:28:53,363
you know, you've got to
like really take time and
see how things really

938
00:28:53,365 --> 00:28:53,997
like really take time and
see how things really
work, right?

939
00:28:53,999 --> 00:28:55,199
See how things really
work, right?
But we didn't do that.

940
00:28:55,201 --> 00:28:56,934
Work, right?
But we didn't do that.
And thank god we didn't

941
00:28:56,936 --> 00:28:58,335
but we didn't do that.
And thank god we didn't
because my daughter's

942
00:28:58,337 --> 00:28:59,436
and thank god we didn't
because my daughter's
amazing and, you know,

943
00:28:59,438 --> 00:29:00,537
because my daughter's
amazing and, you know,
sometimes you just don't

944
00:29:00,539 --> 00:29:03,907
amazing and, you know,
sometimes you just don't
know how it will all shake

945
00:29:03,909 --> 00:29:04,074
sometimes you just don't
know how it will all shake
out.

946
00:29:04,076 --> 00:29:05,476
Know how it will all shake
out.
But yes, I wanted to talk

947
00:29:05,478 --> 00:29:06,777
out.
But yes, I wanted to talk
about that because you

948
00:29:06,779 --> 00:29:10,347
but yes, I wanted to talk
about that because you
know, I think it's --

949
00:29:10,349 --> 00:29:11,548
about that because you
know, I think it's --
sometimes it's so many

950
00:29:11,550 --> 00:29:15,018
know, I think it's --
sometimes it's so many
romantic concepts put to

951
00:29:15,020 --> 00:29:16,854
sometimes it's so many
romantic concepts put to
marriage and it is but

952
00:29:16,856 --> 00:29:17,755
romantic concepts put to
marriage and it is but
also there's information

953
00:29:17,757 --> 00:29:19,123
marriage and it is but
also there's information
that you need to kind of

954
00:29:19,125 --> 00:29:22,960
also there's information
that you need to kind of
check out and see how well

955
00:29:22,962 --> 00:29:24,394
that you need to kind of
check out and see how well
suited you are, you know,

956
00:29:24,396 --> 00:29:25,429
check out and see how well
suited you are, you know,
in the times when it's not

957
00:29:25,431 --> 00:29:28,499
suited you are, you know,
in the times when it's not
the fairy tale.

958
00:29:28,501 --> 00:29:29,600
In the times when it's not
the fairy tale.
And how you work through

959
00:29:29,602 --> 00:29:30,200
the fairy tale.
And how you work through
it.

960
00:29:30,202 --> 00:29:31,068
And how you work through
it.
And brian and I absolutely

961
00:29:31,070 --> 00:29:32,836
it.
And brian and I absolutely
did not do that.

962
00:29:32,838 --> 00:29:35,939
And brian and I absolutely
did not do that.
But we did have a fabulous

963
00:29:35,941 --> 00:29:36,206
did not do that.
But we did have a fabulous
daughter.

964
00:29:36,208 --> 00:29:37,141
But we did have a fabulous
daughter.
And made a film that will

965
00:29:37,143 --> 00:29:44,948
daughter.
And made a film that will
stand the test of time.

966
00:29:44,950 --> 00:29:45,649
And made a film that will
stand the test of time.
Oh, my god.

967
00:29:45,651 --> 00:29:47,851
Stand the test of time.
Oh, my god.
To go from all of the

968
00:29:47,853 --> 00:29:49,586
oh, my god.
To go from all of the
glorious things that

969
00:29:49,588 --> 00:29:51,421
to go from all of the
glorious things that
happened, it was a

970
00:29:51,423 --> 00:29:51,722
glorious things that
happened, it was a
nightmare.

971
00:29:51,724 --> 00:29:56,293
Happened, it was a
nightmare.
You know, just really

972
00:29:56,295 --> 00:29:56,827
nightmare.
You know, just really
hard.

973
00:29:56,829 --> 00:30:00,063
You know, just really
hard.
So his impetus, right?

974
00:30:00,065 --> 00:30:00,798
Hard.
So his impetus, right?
It wasn't working for

975
00:30:00,800 --> 00:30:01,665
so his impetus, right?
It wasn't working for
either of us.

976
00:30:01,667 --> 00:30:06,103
It wasn't working for
either of us.
But it was his impetus to

977
00:30:06,105 --> 00:30:07,504
either of us.
But it was his impetus to
do it then and I did

978
00:30:07,506 --> 00:30:08,372
but it was his impetus to
do it then and I did
something that I never

979
00:30:08,374 --> 00:30:12,242
do it then and I did
something that I never
wanted to do, being a

980
00:30:12,244 --> 00:30:13,610
something that I never
wanted to do, being a
child of divorce, I never

981
00:30:13,612 --> 00:30:14,578
wanted to do, being a
child of divorce, I never
wanted to create a child

982
00:30:14,580 --> 00:30:15,078
child of divorce, I never
wanted to create a child
of divorce.

983
00:30:15,080 --> 00:30:19,783
Wanted to create a child
of divorce.
And so I was absolutely

984
00:30:19,785 --> 00:30:20,517
of divorce.
And so I was absolutely
devastat

985
00:30:20,519 --> 00:30:20,818
and so I was absolutely
devastat
devastated.

986
00:30:20,820 --> 00:30:22,386
Devastat
devastated.
And at the same time that

987
00:30:22,388 --> 00:30:24,121
devastated.
And at the same time that
that was happening all

988
00:30:24,123 --> 00:30:25,789
and at the same time that
that was happening all
kinds of things were

989
00:30:25,791 --> 00:30:26,056
that was happening all
kinds of things were
happening.

990
00:30:26,058 --> 00:30:31,829
Kinds of things were
happening.
Other actresses were

991
00:30:31,831 --> 00:30:32,095
happening.
Other actresses were
emerging.

992
00:30:32,097 --> 00:30:32,629
Other actresses were
emerging.
Things started moving kind

993
00:30:32,631 --> 00:30:35,532
emerging.
Things started moving kind
of fast.

994
00:30:35,534 --> 00:30:38,735
Things started moving kind
of fast.
And I felt very displaced.

995
00:30:38,737 --> 00:30:40,671
Of fast.
And I felt very displaced.
I lost confidence.

996
00:30:40,673 --> 00:30:41,972
And I felt very displaced.
I lost confidence.
So -- but I know this is

997
00:30:41,974 --> 00:30:43,173
I lost confidence.
So -- but I know this is
going to sound crazy, and

998
00:30:43,175 --> 00:30:46,310
so -- but I know this is
going to sound crazy, and
don't confuse it with lady

999
00:30:46,312 --> 00:30:46,510
going to sound crazy, and
don't confuse it with lady
may.

1000
00:30:46,512 --> 00:30:47,878
Don't confuse it with lady
may.
I swear to got.

1001
00:30:47,880 --> 00:30:48,779
May.
I swear to got.
Because this is real.

1002
00:30:48,781 --> 00:30:49,813
I swear to got.
Because this is real.
That's when I found jesus

1003
00:30:49,815 --> 00:30:51,281
because this is real.
That's when I found jesus
because this is for real.

1004
00:30:51,283 --> 00:30:55,018
That's when I found jesus
because this is for real.
I really didn't know what

1005
00:30:55,020 --> 00:30:56,553
because this is for real.
I really didn't know what
to do.

1006
00:30:56,555 --> 00:30:57,554
I really didn't know what
to do.
That's when I started

1007
00:30:57,556 --> 00:30:58,322
to do.
That's when I started
vetting churches, you

1008
00:30:58,324 --> 00:30:59,389
that's when I started
vetting churches, you
know, and seeing what

1009
00:30:59,391 --> 00:31:00,157
vetting churches, you
know, and seeing what
church leaders could lead

1010
00:31:00,159 --> 00:31:04,428
know, and seeing what
church leaders could lead
me or help me through such

1011
00:31:04,430 --> 00:31:04,695
church leaders could lead
me or help me through such
time.

1012
00:31:04,697 --> 00:31:06,196
Me or help me through such
time.
I'm so grateful that I

1013
00:31:06,198 --> 00:31:08,398
time.
I'm so grateful that I
would not be the woman

1014
00:31:08,400 --> 00:31:11,268
I'm so grateful that I
would not be the woman
that I am now had I not

1015
00:31:11,270 --> 00:31:13,770
would not be the woman
that I am now had I not
had to find my place that

1016
00:31:13,772 --> 00:31:15,973
that I am now had I not
had to find my place that
I go to to dig in for

1017
00:31:15,975 --> 00:31:20,043
had to find my place that
I go to to dig in for
strength, for wisdom, for

1018
00:31:20,045 --> 00:31:22,913
I go to to dig in for
strength, for wisdom, for
a joy and a peace that may

1019
00:31:22,915 --> 00:31:25,916
strength, for wisdom, for
a joy and a peace that may
surpass circumstance,

1020
00:31:25,918 --> 00:31:30,387
a joy and a peace that may
surpass circumstance,
wh

1021
00:31:30,389 --> 00:31:31,989
surpass circumstance,
wh
>> whitfield: "a thin line

1022
00:31:31,991 --> 00:31:33,557
wh
>> whitfield: "a thin line
between love and hate" was

1023
00:31:33,559 --> 00:31:35,359
>> whitfield: "a thin line
between love and hate" was
really cool because I gained a

1024
00:31:35,361 --> 00:31:35,959
between love and hate" was
really cool because I gained a
whole audience that I dn

1025
00:31:35,961 --> 00:31:36,860
really cool because I gained a
whole audience that I dn
>>> "thin line between

1026
00:31:36,862 --> 00:31:38,228
whole audience that I dn
>>> "thin line between
love and hate" was really

1027
00:31:38,230 --> 00:31:41,565
>>> "thin line between
love and hate" was really
cool because I gained a

1028
00:31:41,567 --> 00:31:42,833
love and hate" was really
cool because I gained a
whole audience that I

1029
00:31:42,835 --> 00:31:45,502
cool because I gained a
whole audience that I
didn't have before.

1030
00:31:45,504 --> 00:31:49,406
Whole audience that I
didn't have before.
People on every level,

1031
00:31:49,408 --> 00:31:51,108
didn't have before.
People on every level,
every level of -- just got

1032
00:31:51,110 --> 00:31:52,209
people on every level,
every level of -- just got
something out of it.

1033
00:31:52,211 --> 00:31:53,377
Every level of -- just got
something out of it.
Because you know what?

1034
00:31:53,379 --> 00:31:54,811
Something out of it.
Because you know what?
You shouldn't mess with

1035
00:31:54,813 --> 00:31:55,412
because you know what?
You shouldn't mess with
anybody's heart.

1036
00:31:55,414 --> 00:31:57,247
You shouldn't mess with
anybody's heart.
It's not a gender thing.

1037
00:31:57,249 --> 00:31:58,749
Anybody's heart.
It's not a gender thing.
But it happened to be be

1038
00:31:58,751 --> 00:31:59,449
it's not a gender thing.
But it happened to be be
everybody cared about

1039
00:31:59,451 --> 00:32:01,852
but it happened to be be
everybody cared about
brandy webb.

1040
00:32:01,854 --> 00:32:02,786
Everybody cared about
brandy webb.
So people may not know

1041
00:32:02,788 --> 00:32:05,255
brandy webb.
So people may not know
that martin really

1042
00:32:05,257 --> 00:32:09,693
so people may not know
that martin really
encouraged me to be as

1043
00:32:09,695 --> 00:32:10,093
that martin really
encouraged me to be as
cra

1044
00:32:10,095 --> 00:32:10,627
encouraged me to be as
cra
crazy, take as many

1045
00:32:10,629 --> 00:32:12,362
cra
crazy, take as many
chances as I wanted to

1046
00:32:12,364 --> 00:32:12,629
crazy, take as many
chances as I wanted to
take.

1047
00:32:12,631 --> 00:32:13,997
Chances as I wanted to
take.
So I called martin, I said

1048
00:32:13,999 --> 00:32:17,100
take.
So I called martin, I said
you know, martin, my dad,

1049
00:32:17,102 --> 00:32:18,535
so I called martin, I said
you know, martin, my dad,
who's a dentist, told me

1050
00:32:18,537 --> 00:32:21,672
you know, martin, my dad,
who's a dentist, told me
that he had a patient that

1051
00:32:21,674 --> 00:32:23,640
who's a dentist, told me
that he had a patient that
got his -- she got her

1052
00:32:23,642 --> 00:32:28,578
that he had a patient that
got his -- she got her
husband arrested because

1053
00:32:28,580 --> 00:32:30,814
got his -- she got her
husband arrested because
she found out that if you

1054
00:32:30,816 --> 00:32:34,551
husband arrested because
she found out that if you
beat yourself with oranges

1055
00:32:34,553 --> 00:32:37,087
she found out that if you
beat yourself with oranges
it doesn't hurt but you

1056
00:32:37,089 --> 00:32:37,521
beat yourself with oranges
it doesn't hurt but you
bruise.

1057
00:32:37,523 --> 00:32:38,889
It doesn't hurt but you
bruise.
So I said I think we

1058
00:32:38,891 --> 00:32:40,891
bruise.
So I said I think we
should do that.

1059
00:32:40,893 --> 00:32:42,793
So I said I think we
should do that.
He loved that idea.

1060
00:32:42,795 --> 00:32:44,261
Should do that.
He loved that idea.
He said we've got to do

1061
00:32:44,263 --> 00:32:44,428
he loved that idea.
He said we've got to do
it.

1062
00:32:44,430 --> 00:32:49,333
He said we've got to do
it.
And then he added, well,

1063
00:32:49,335 --> 00:32:51,301
it.
And then he added, well,
slamming the door, the

1064
00:32:51,303 --> 00:32:54,271
and then he added, well,
slamming the door, the
cabinet door on the arm.

1065
00:32:54,273 --> 00:32:58,675
Slamming the door, the
cabinet door on the arm.
And so we just kind of

1066
00:32:58,677 --> 00:32:59,743
cabinet door on the arm.
And so we just kind of
built on everything.

1067
00:32:59,745 --> 00:33:03,280
And so we just kind of
built on everything.
And every moment that we

1068
00:33:03,282 --> 00:33:06,316
built on everything.
And every moment that we
were particular ly in that

1069
00:33:06,318 --> 00:33:07,651
and every moment that we
were particular ly in that
club, irreverent as it

1070
00:33:07,653 --> 00:33:08,385
were particular ly in that
club, irreverent as it
could be because everybody

1071
00:33:08,387 --> 00:33:09,953
club, irreverent as it
could be because everybody
was -- I mean, I guess it

1072
00:33:09,955 --> 00:33:12,322
could be because everybody
was -- I mean, I guess it
was like the dozens.

1073
00:33:12,324 --> 00:33:13,523
Was -- I mean, I guess it
was like the dozens.
Everybody was topping

1074
00:33:13,525 --> 00:33:14,291
was like the dozens.
Everybody was topping
everybody else with the

1075
00:33:14,293 --> 00:33:14,558
everybody was topping
everybody else with the
jokes.

1076
00:33:14,560 --> 00:33:15,892
Everybody else with the
jokes.
But what we do know is

1077
00:33:15,894 --> 00:33:19,229
jokes.
But what we do know is
that we -- I knew that

1078
00:33:19,231 --> 00:33:21,064
but what we do know is
that we -- I knew that
when we did that monologue

1079
00:33:21,066 --> 00:33:22,332
that we -- I knew that
when we did that monologue
and -- I'm not into gun

1080
00:33:22,334 --> 00:33:23,200
when we did that monologue
and -- I'm not into gun
violence or anything.

1081
00:33:23,202 --> 00:33:25,836
And -- I'm not into gun
violence or anything.
But anyway, it it was

1082
00:33:25,838 --> 00:33:26,903
violence or anything.
But anyway, it it was
effective in the film.

1083
00:33:26,905 --> 00:33:27,804
But anyway, it it was
effective in the film.
Had the barrel of that

1084
00:33:27,806 --> 00:33:28,005
effective in the film.
Had the barrel of that
gun.

1085
00:33:28,007 --> 00:33:29,873
Had the barrel of that
gun.
He said no, no, really do

1086
00:33:29,875 --> 00:33:30,140
gun.
He said no, no, really do
it.

1087
00:33:30,142 --> 00:33:33,110
He said no, no, really do
it.
Really do it.

1088
00:33:33,112 --> 00:33:35,812
It.
Really do it.
When that monologue, "I'm

1089
00:33:35,814 --> 00:33:36,346
really do it.
When that monologue, "I'm
not doing this for myself,

1090
00:33:36,348 --> 00:33:37,481
when that monologue, "I'm
not doing this for myself,
I'm doing it for all

1091
00:33:37,483 --> 00:33:38,281
not doing this for myself,
I'm doing it for all
women," I really knew that

1092
00:33:38,283 --> 00:33:40,550
I'm doing it for all
women," I really knew that
I believed it would be an

1093
00:33:40,552 --> 00:33:43,520
women," I really knew that
I believed it would be an
anthem for women.

1094
00:33:43,522 --> 00:33:45,022
I believed it would be an
anthem for women.
And it did end up to be --

1095
00:33:45,024 --> 00:33:46,123
anthem for women.
And it did end up to be --
and martin lawrence ended

1096
00:33:46,125 --> 00:33:48,458
and it did end up to be --
and martin lawrence ended
up being such a dear, dear

1097
00:33:48,460 --> 00:33:48,725
and martin lawrence ended
up being such a dear, dear
friend.

1098
00:33:48,727 --> 00:33:50,427
Up being such a dear, dear
friend.
So we're just -- we worked

1099
00:33:50,429 --> 00:33:51,428
friend.
So we're just -- we worked
really well together.

1100
00:33:51,430 --> 00:33:58,702
So we're just -- we worked
really well together.
It was delightful.

1101
00:33:58,704 --> 00:34:01,171
Really well together.
It was delightful.
In greenleaf lady may was

1102
00:34:01,173 --> 00:34:02,039
it was delightful.
In greenleaf lady may was
originally written for

1103
00:34:02,041 --> 00:34:06,276
in greenleaf lady may was
originally written for
oprah to play.

1104
00:34:06,278 --> 00:34:06,810
Originally written for
oprah to play.
I did not know -- I didn't

1105
00:34:06,812 --> 00:34:07,611
oprah to play.
I did not know -- I didn't
know whether it should be

1106
00:34:07,613 --> 00:34:08,078
I did not know -- I didn't
know whether it should be
my part.

1107
00:34:08,080 --> 00:34:12,716
Know whether it should be
my part.
I knew that as written in

1108
00:34:12,718 --> 00:34:16,219
my part.
I knew that as written in
the pilot that there was

1109
00:34:16,221 --> 00:34:17,721
I knew that as written in
the pilot that there was
more to her than was on

1110
00:34:17,723 --> 00:34:18,321
the pilot that there was
more to her than was on
that page.

1111
00:34:18,323 --> 00:34:20,457
More to her than was on
that page.
But once they promised me

1112
00:34:20,459 --> 00:34:21,558
that page.
But once they promised me
they wanted to be

1113
00:34:21,560 --> 00:34:22,292
but once they promised me
they wanted to be
collaborative and really

1114
00:34:22,294 --> 00:34:27,164
they wanted to be
collaborative and really
make it what it should be,

1115
00:34:27,166 --> 00:34:27,697
collaborative and really
make it what it should be,
so taking what that

1116
00:34:27,699 --> 00:34:28,565
make it what it should be,
so taking what that
five-season journey was,

1117
00:34:28,567 --> 00:34:30,167
so taking what that
five-season journey was,
so much fun and I am so

1118
00:34:30,169 --> 00:34:33,336
five-season journey was,
so much fun and I am so
grateful because I think

1119
00:34:33,338 --> 00:34:34,938
so much fun and I am so
grateful because I think
the whole cast, that we

1120
00:34:34,940 --> 00:34:38,775
grateful because I think
the whole cast, that we
all created what will be a

1121
00:34:38,777 --> 00:34:41,378
the whole cast, that we
all created what will be a
classic and stick around.

1122
00:34:41,380 --> 00:34:42,446
All created what will be a
classic and stick around.
People will always want to

1123
00:34:42,448 --> 00:34:43,947
classic and stick around.
People will always want to
go back and say, well,

1124
00:34:43,949 --> 00:34:45,082
people will always want to
go back and say, well,
let's see "greenleaf."

1125
00:34:45,084 --> 00:34:46,183
go back and say, well,
let's see "greenleaf."
and then I had the

1126
00:34:46,185 --> 00:34:49,319
let's see "greenleaf."
and then I had the
blessing to create another

1127
00:34:49,321 --> 00:34:49,953
and then I had the
blessing to create another
classic character that,

1128
00:34:49,955 --> 00:34:52,355
blessing to create another
classic character that,
you know, has her own

1129
00:34:52,357 --> 00:34:54,257
classic character that,
you know, has her own
following.

1130
00:34:54,259 --> 00:34:55,325
You know, has her own
following.
Lady may.

1131
00:34:55,327 --> 00:34:56,626
Following.
Lady may.
I don't know.

1132
00:34:56,628 --> 00:34:58,895
Lady may.
I don't know.
People talk about her

1133
00:34:58,897 --> 00:34:59,396
I don't know.
People talk about her
everywhere.

1134
00:34:59,398 --> 00:35:01,598
People talk about her
everywhere.
I don't always know is

1135
00:35:01,600 --> 00:35:03,100
everywhere.
I don't always know is
something is perfect for

1136
00:35:03,102 --> 00:35:03,500
I don't always know is
something is perfect for
me.

1137
00:35:03,502 --> 00:35:06,636
Something is perfect for
me.
But I do have a sense when

1138
00:35:06,638 --> 00:35:07,504
me.
But I do have a sense when
I can help to build

1139
00:35:07,506 --> 00:35:08,305
but I do have a sense when
I can help to build
something that will last

1140
00:35:08,307 --> 00:35:09,606
I can help to build
something that will last
because I don't like

1141
00:35:09,608 --> 00:35:10,173
something that will last
because I don't like
disposable art.

1142
00:35:10,175 --> 00:35:13,944
Because I don't like
disposable art.
I really like to do things

1143
00:35:13,946 --> 00:35:15,178
disposable art.
I really like to do things
that span the test of

1144
00:35:15,180 --> 00:35:15,679
I really like to do things
that span the test of
time.

1145
00:35:15,681 --> 00:35:20,050
That span the test of
time.
"eve's bayou" was -- it

1146
00:35:20,052 --> 00:35:20,884
time.
"eve's bayou" was -- it
was so great.

1147
00:35:20,886 --> 00:35:22,385
"eve's bayou" was -- it
was so great.
I wish there were like

1148
00:35:22,387 --> 00:35:24,387
was so great.
I wish there were like
really complicated things

1149
00:35:24,389 --> 00:35:25,922
I wish there were like
really complicated things
to share with you that

1150
00:35:25,924 --> 00:35:26,490
really complicated things
to share with you that
happened behinds the

1151
00:35:26,492 --> 00:35:27,390
to share with you that
happened behinds the
scenes but there was such

1152
00:35:27,392 --> 00:35:28,658
happened behinds the
scenes but there was such
a sense of family on that

1153
00:35:28,660 --> 00:35:28,925
scenes but there was such
a sense of family on that
show.

1154
00:35:28,927 --> 00:35:30,961
A sense of family on that
show.
I've got to tell you, we

1155
00:35:30,963 --> 00:35:32,796
show.
I've got to tell you, we
really did shoot right on

1156
00:35:32,798 --> 00:35:36,633
I've got to tell you, we
really did shoot right on
a swamp.

1157
00:35:36,635 --> 00:35:39,136
Really did shoot right on
a swamp.
It was like that a can of

1158
00:35:39,138 --> 00:35:42,305
a swamp.
It was like that a can of
off was like cracked.

1159
00:35:42,307 --> 00:35:47,377
It was like that a can of
off was like cracked.
People would -- people w

1160
00:35:47,379 --> 00:35:48,912
off was like cracked.
People would -- people w
were ready to sell their

1161
00:35:48,914 --> 00:35:49,212
people would -- people w
were ready to sell their
first-born.

1162
00:35:49,214 --> 00:35:51,848
Were ready to sell their
first-born.
Hon, I don't know how we

1163
00:35:51,850 --> 00:35:53,884
first-born.
Hon, I don't know how we
did it but we were bit up

1164
00:35:53,886 --> 00:35:55,318
hon, I don't know how we
did it but we were bit up
so badly.

1165
00:35:55,320 --> 00:35:58,088
Did it but we were bit up
so badly.
If you left your lunch

1166
00:35:58,090 --> 00:35:59,623
so badly.
If you left your lunch
outside your door,

1167
00:35:59,625 --> 00:36:00,657
if you left your lunch
outside your door,
crocodiles or alligators,

1168
00:36:00,659 --> 00:36:02,492
outside your door,
crocodiles or alligators,
I don't know, but they

1169
00:36:02,494 --> 00:36:03,393
crocodiles or alligators,
I don't know, but they
would come right up, these

1170
00:36:03,395 --> 00:36:04,561
I don't know, but they
would come right up, these
little babies, and just

1171
00:36:04,563 --> 00:36:05,495
would come right up, these
little babies, and just
start eating your food.

1172
00:36:05,497 --> 00:36:09,599
Little babies, and just
start eating your food.
Let me tell you, "eve's

1173
00:36:09,601 --> 00:36:12,669
start eating your food.
Let me tell you, "eve's
bayou" was really in a

1174
00:36:12,671 --> 00:36:13,703
let me tell you, "eve's
bayou" was really in a
swamp area.

1175
00:36:13,705 --> 00:36:14,504
Bayou" was really in a
swamp area.
And I don't know.

1176
00:36:14,506 --> 00:36:15,805
Swamp area.
And I don't know.
It probably made it much

1177
00:36:15,807 --> 00:36:17,774
and I don't know.
It probably made it much
more real for miss diahann

1178
00:36:17,776 --> 00:36:20,043
it probably made it much
more real for miss diahann
carroll, who was so good

1179
00:36:20,045 --> 00:36:21,077
more real for miss diahann
carroll, who was so good
in that movie.

1180
00:36:21,079 --> 00:36:22,546
Carroll, who was so good
in that movie.
And there's a story about

1181
00:36:22,548 --> 00:36:23,947
in that movie.
And there's a story about
how diahann carroll,

1182
00:36:23,949 --> 00:36:25,949
and there's a story about
how diahann carroll,
because she plays a voodoo

1183
00:36:25,951 --> 00:36:27,317
how diahann carroll,
because she plays a voodoo
lady and she has a white

1184
00:36:27,319 --> 00:36:30,420
because she plays a voodoo
lady and she has a white
face in it, like white,

1185
00:36:30,422 --> 00:36:32,556
lady and she has a white
face in it, like white,
you know, voodoo paint or

1186
00:36:32,558 --> 00:36:32,856
face in it, like white,
you know, voodoo paint or
whatever.

1187
00:36:32,858 --> 00:36:33,757
You know, voodoo paint or
whatever.
Well, the way that

1188
00:36:33,759 --> 00:36:38,862
whatever.
Well, the way that
happened was she was so

1189
00:36:38,864 --> 00:36:39,863
well, the way that
happened was she was so
absolutely beautiful and

1190
00:36:39,865 --> 00:36:43,700
happened was she was so
absolutely beautiful and
that they would do the

1191
00:36:43,702 --> 00:36:46,770
absolutely beautiful and
that they would do the
makeup and had it kind of

1192
00:36:46,772 --> 00:36:48,238
that they would do the
makeup and had it kind of
mystical and not what she

1193
00:36:48,240 --> 00:36:52,075
makeup and had it kind of
mystical and not what she
normally wore.

1194
00:36:52,077 --> 00:36:54,411
Mystical and not what she
normally wore.
Every time miss carroll

1195
00:36:54,413 --> 00:36:55,879
normally wore.
Every time miss carroll
would go back to her

1196
00:36:55,881 --> 00:36:59,883
every time miss carroll
would go back to her
trailer when she came out

1197
00:36:59,885 --> 00:37:00,417
would go back to her
trailer when she came out
she'd be the voodoo lady

1198
00:37:00,419 --> 00:37:02,285
trailer when she came out
she'd be the voodoo lady
and she'd come out as

1199
00:37:02,287 --> 00:37:04,154
she'd be the voodoo lady
and she'd come out as
diahann carroll.

1200
00:37:04,156 --> 00:37:05,288
And she'd come out as
diahann carroll.
She's so beautiful.

1201
00:37:05,290 --> 00:37:06,890
Diahann carroll.
She's so beautiful.
Also in "eve's bayou," you

1202
00:37:06,892 --> 00:37:10,627
she's so beautiful.
Also in "eve's bayou," you
know, the cheating

1203
00:37:10,629 --> 00:37:11,194
also in "eve's bayou," you
know, the cheating
husband, I begged her to

1204
00:37:11,196 --> 00:37:13,597
know, the cheating
husband, I begged her to
let me cuss him out.

1205
00:37:13,599 --> 00:37:15,532
Husband, I begged her to
let me cuss him out.
I said she has got to let

1206
00:37:15,534 --> 00:37:16,766
let me cuss him out.
I said she has got to let
him have it.

1207
00:37:16,768 --> 00:37:18,802
I said she has got to let
him have it.
I mean, he's messing with

1208
00:37:18,804 --> 00:37:19,903
him have it.
I mean, he's messing with
all of his patients.

1209
00:37:19,905 --> 00:37:23,440
I mean, he's messing with
all of his patients.
She's just, you know,

1210
00:37:23,442 --> 00:37:25,342
all of his patients.
She's just, you know,
being quiet and this

1211
00:37:25,344 --> 00:37:26,076
she's just, you know,
being quiet and this
little doormat.

1212
00:37:26,078 --> 00:37:27,777
Being quiet and this
little doormat.
She said no, no, no, no,

1213
00:37:27,779 --> 00:37:28,878
little doormat.
She said no, no, no, no,
you have to understand the

1214
00:37:28,880 --> 00:37:33,984
she said no, no, no, no,
you have to understand the
power of your silence.

1215
00:37:33,986 --> 00:37:34,818
You have to understand the
power of your silence.
I did not understand.

1216
00:37:34,820 --> 00:37:36,052
Power of your silence.
I did not understand.
I think I developed high

1217
00:37:36,054 --> 00:37:36,853
I did not understand.
I think I developed high
blood pressure on that

1218
00:37:36,855 --> 00:37:37,120
I think I developed high
blood pressure on that
one.

1219
00:37:37,122 --> 00:37:39,556
Blood pressure on that
one.
Because I was, you know,

1220
00:37:39,558 --> 00:37:42,759
one.
Because I was, you know,
feeling my activism toar

1221
00:37:42,761 --> 00:37:44,394
because I was, you know,
feeling my activism toar
women and wanted to speak

1222
00:37:44,396 --> 00:37:44,561
feeling my activism toar
women and wanted to speak
out.

1223
00:37:44,563 --> 00:37:45,895
Women and wanted to speak
out.
But a woman in the '50s

1224
00:37:45,897 --> 00:37:46,730
out.
But a woman in the '50s
would not do that.

1225
00:37:46,732 --> 00:37:47,964
But a woman in the '50s
would not do that.
But she was right, when I

1226
00:37:47,966 --> 00:37:53,637
would not do that.
But she was right, when I
saw it the silence was

1227
00:37:53,639 --> 00:37:55,872
but she was right, when I
saw it the silence was
>> whitfield: So here I am.

1228
00:37:55,874 --> 00:37:59,643
Saw it the silence was
>> whitfield: So here I am.
♪

1229
00:37:59,645 --> 00:38:02,312
>> whitfield: So here I am.
♪
>>> so here I am.

1230
00:38:02,314 --> 00:38:04,714
♪
>>> so here I am.
I'm in a big hollywood

1231
00:38:04,716 --> 00:38:08,485
>>> so here I am.
I'm in a big hollywood
movie with big stars at

1232
00:38:08,487 --> 00:38:09,219
I'm in a big hollywood
movie with big stars at
the time.

1233
00:38:09,221 --> 00:38:10,220
Movie with big stars at
the time.
They -- you know, I have

1234
00:38:10,222 --> 00:38:11,888
the time.
They -- you know, I have
to get into these period

1235
00:38:11,890 --> 00:38:12,122
they -- you know, I have
to get into these period
dresses.

1236
00:38:12,124 --> 00:38:13,290
To get into these period
dresses.
So I was a saloon girl.

1237
00:38:13,292 --> 00:38:17,494
Dresses.
So I was a saloon girl.
So I had this beautiful

1238
00:38:17,496 --> 00:38:19,663
so I was a saloon girl.
So I had this beautiful
duchess satin rose saloon

1239
00:38:19,665 --> 00:38:20,897
so I had this beautiful
duchess satin rose saloon
girl dress.

1240
00:38:20,899 --> 00:38:22,132
Duchess satin rose saloon
girl dress.
And the pantaloons and

1241
00:38:22,134 --> 00:38:24,834
girl dress.
And the pantaloons and
things and smaller pieces,

1242
00:38:24,836 --> 00:38:26,536
and the pantaloons and
things and smaller pieces,
they would often rent.

1243
00:38:26,538 --> 00:38:31,641
Things and smaller pieces,
they would often rent.
So I go to put my

1244
00:38:31,643 --> 00:38:36,446
they would often rent.
So I go to put my
pantaloons on and it says

1245
00:38:36,448 --> 00:38:38,348
so I go to put my
pantaloons on and it says
vivienne leigh, "gone with

1246
00:38:38,350 --> 00:38:38,848
pantaloons on and it says
vivienne leigh, "gone with
the wind."

1247
00:38:38,850 --> 00:38:41,117
vivienne leigh, "gone with
the wind."
and I was like oh, my god.

1248
00:38:41,119 --> 00:38:43,086
The wind."
and I was like oh, my god.
I wanted them so bad.

1249
00:38:43,088 --> 00:38:43,553
And I was like oh, my god.
I wanted them so bad.
I wanted to take them.

1250
00:38:43,555 --> 00:38:44,187
I wanted them so bad.
I wanted to take them.
But at that time I was

1251
00:38:44,189 --> 00:38:45,455
I wanted to take them.
But at that time I was
trying to build my

1252
00:38:45,457 --> 00:38:45,755
but at that time I was
trying to build my
reputation.

1253
00:38:45,757 --> 00:38:47,057
Trying to build my
reputation.
I don't think I've ever

1254
00:38:47,059 --> 00:38:48,158
reputation.
I don't think I've ever
wanted to steal anybody

1255
00:38:48,160 --> 00:38:50,327
I don't think I've ever
wanted to steal anybody
else's drawers before.

1256
00:38:50,329 --> 00:38:54,531
Wanted to steal anybody
else's drawers before.
Yeah, I w

1257
00:38:54,533 --> 00:38:56,800
else's drawers before.
Yeah, I w
>> whitfield: Well, I think I

1258
00:38:56,802 --> 00:39:00,437
yeah, I w
>> whitfield: Well, I think I
learned, during --

1259
00:39:00,439 --> 00:39:00,537
>> whitfield: Well, I think I
learned, during --

1260
00:39:00,539 --> 00:39:04,474
learned, during --
>>> well, I think I

1261
00:39:04,476 --> 00:39:11,681
>>> well, I think I
learned during -- even
before barack obama ran

1262
00:39:11,683 --> 00:39:13,316
learned during -- even
before barack obama ran
that if you don't stand

1263
00:39:13,318 --> 00:39:16,519
before barack obama ran
that if you don't stand
for something you'll fall

1264
00:39:16,521 --> 00:39:18,555
that if you don't stand
for something you'll fall
for anything, if you want

1265
00:39:18,557 --> 00:39:20,023
for something you'll fall
for anything, if you want
to see something change,

1266
00:39:20,025 --> 00:39:20,790
for anything, if you want
to see something change,
if you believe in

1267
00:39:20,792 --> 00:39:24,094
to see something change,
if you believe in
leadership then you need

1268
00:39:24,096 --> 00:39:30,400
if you believe in
leadership then you need
to support that and do the

1269
00:39:30,402 --> 00:39:33,703
leadership then you need
to support that and do the
work.

1270
00:39:33,705 --> 00:39:35,105
To support that and do the
work.
I learned that working,

1271
00:39:35,107 --> 00:39:36,473
work.
I learned that working,
being a part of the

1272
00:39:36,475 --> 00:39:38,808
I learned that working,
being a part of the
political process, having

1273
00:39:38,810 --> 00:39:41,678
being a part of the
political process, having
a real respect for the

1274
00:39:41,680 --> 00:39:45,148
political process, having
a real respect for the
power of the vote put me

1275
00:39:45,150 --> 00:39:47,917
a real respect for the
power of the vote put me
in a place of

1276
00:39:47,919 --> 00:39:48,451
power of the vote put me
in a place of
understanding what the

1277
00:39:48,453 --> 00:39:50,153
in a place of
understanding what the
world can look like if we

1278
00:39:50,155 --> 00:39:51,354
understanding what the
world can look like if we
all come together.

1279
00:39:51,356 --> 00:39:52,922
World can look like if we
all come together.
It helped me to understand

1280
00:39:52,924 --> 00:39:55,992
all come together.
It helped me to understand
that we're far more

1281
00:39:55,994 --> 00:39:58,561
it helped me to understand
that we're far more
similar than we are

1282
00:39:58,563 --> 00:39:59,028
that we're far more
similar than we are
different.

1283
00:39:59,030 --> 00:40:00,397
Similar than we are
different.
And it helped me

1284
00:40:00,399 --> 00:40:04,234
different.
And it helped me
understand the poli part

1285
00:40:04,236 --> 00:40:06,569
and it helped me
understand the poli part
of politics, which is the

1286
00:40:06,571 --> 00:40:08,004
understand the poli part
of politics, which is the
people part of the science

1287
00:40:08,006 --> 00:40:10,707
of politics, which is the
people part of the science
of politics, and that

1288
00:40:10,709 --> 00:40:11,541
people part of the science
of politics, and that
politics, your beliefs

1289
00:40:11,543 --> 00:40:13,810
of politics, and that
politics, your beliefs
need to be based upon what

1290
00:40:13,812 --> 00:40:15,879
politics, your beliefs
need to be based upon what
will affect your life

1291
00:40:15,881 --> 00:40:16,279
need to be based upon what
will affect your life
personally.

1292
00:40:16,281 --> 00:40:16,513
Will affect your life
personally.
Right?

1293
00:40:16,515 --> 00:40:17,814
Personally.
Right?
So I loved the personal

1294
00:40:17,816 --> 00:40:19,282
right?
So I loved the personal
part of it because it's

1295
00:40:19,284 --> 00:40:22,452
so I loved the personal
part of it because it's
still a people thing,

1296
00:40:22,454 --> 00:40:22,652
part of it because it's
still a people thing,
right?

1297
00:40:22,654 --> 00:40:24,521
Still a people thing,
right?
You're talking to people,

1298
00:40:24,523 --> 00:40:27,090
right?
You're talking to people,
processing with people.

1299
00:40:27,092 --> 00:40:29,526
You're talking to people,
processing with people.
And it makes me feel more

1300
00:40:29,528 --> 00:40:31,261
processing with people.
And it makes me feel more
responsible for my own

1301
00:40:31,263 --> 00:40:34,164
and it makes me feel more
responsible for my own
reality, working in

1302
00:40:34,166 --> 00:40:34,431
responsible for my own
reality, working in
politics.

1303
00:40:34,433 --> 00:40:35,698
Reality, working in
politics.
Not working in politics

1304
00:40:35,700 --> 00:40:42,705
politics.
Not working in politics
but helping out.

1305
00:40:42,707 --> 00:40:47,710
Not working in politics
but helping out.
I just think that it's

1306
00:40:47,712 --> 00:40:51,147
but helping out.
I just think that it's
really important to love

1307
00:40:51,149 --> 00:40:54,184
I just think that it's
really important to love
what you do, to find what

1308
00:40:54,186 --> 00:40:55,418
really important to love
what you do, to find what
you feel is your purpose,

1309
00:40:55,420 --> 00:41:00,590
what you do, to find what
you feel is your purpose,
to find passion for living

1310
00:41:00,592 --> 00:41:05,094
you feel is your purpose,
to find passion for living
in what you're doing, to

1311
00:41:05,096 --> 00:41:07,931
to find passion for living
in what you're doing, to
expect the best and to

1312
00:41:07,933 --> 00:41:13,169
in what you're doing, to
expect the best and to
make adjustments for the

1313
00:41:13,171 --> 00:41:16,940
expect the best and to
make adjustments for the
worst.

1314
00:41:16,942 --> 00:41:18,775
Make adjustments for the
worst.
I for myself really have

1315
00:41:18,777 --> 00:41:20,343
worst.
I for myself really have
faith that all things will

1316
00:41:20,345 --> 00:41:22,278
I for myself really have
faith that all things will
work together for good

1317
00:41:22,280 --> 00:41:22,579
faith that all things will
work together for good
ultimately.

1318
00:41:22,581 --> 00:41:26,015
Work together for good
ultimately.
So it's not losing faith

1319
00:41:26,017 --> 00:41:27,584
ultimately.
So it's not losing faith
and also not becoming

1320
00:41:27,586 --> 00:41:27,851
so it's not losing faith
and also not becoming
jaded.

1321
00:41:27,853 --> 00:41:30,220
And also not becoming
jaded.
The moment we get jaded,

1322
00:41:30,222 --> 00:41:33,156
jaded.
The moment we get jaded,
the moment we harden our

1323
00:41:33,158 --> 00:41:34,924
the moment we get jaded,
the moment we harden our
hearts or don't expect for

1324
00:41:34,926 --> 00:41:36,459
the moment we harden our
hearts or don't expect for
things to be better or to

1325
00:41:36,461 --> 00:41:38,161
hearts or don't expect for
things to be better or to
be great, we don't have

1326
00:41:38,163 --> 00:41:39,996
things to be better or to
be great, we don't have
joy in it, you know, why

1327
00:41:39,998 --> 00:41:41,831
be great, we don't have
joy in it, you know, why
are we here?

1328
00:41:41,833 --> 00:41:44,701
Joy in it, you know, why
are we here?
So, you know, to never let

1329
00:41:44,703 --> 00:41:47,270
are we here?
So, you know, to never let
the world make you close

1330
00:41:47,272 --> 00:41:47,670
so, you know, to never let
the world make you close
your heart to the

1331
00:41:47,672 --> 00:41:48,137
the world make you close
your heart to the
possibility of great

1332
00:41:48,139 --> 00:41:50,573
your heart to the
possibility of great
things.

1333
00:41:50,941 --> 00:41:50,974
♪