>> richardson: There were jobs that I of course would've loved to have been a part of.
That I of course would've loved to have been a part of. I think that it saved me for
what my -- what my reality is
now and what I'm really, really
good at.
Now and what I'm really, really good at. ♪
I think that's why I stopped
acting.
It's like I didn't plan on not
acting anymore, but in order to
it's like I didn't plan on not acting anymore, but in order to get good at something, you have
to immerse yourself in it.
Get good at something, you have to immerse yourself in it. And I knew that if I didn't jump
all the way into it, it was
and I knew that if I didn't jump all the way into it, it was gonna become this actress who
was just dabbling.
Gonna become this actress who was just dabbling. And I go, "I think that I'm good
enough at this.
I think I like it enough that I
have to trust that this is what
I'm supposed to do."
and it's -- and it's paid off.
♪
-- captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com
♪
growing up in chicago in hyde park, which is the south side, was a very unique
experience I think, because
I think of it in terms of race.
Experience I think, because I think of it in terms of race. I was very lucky.
I was a mixed kid.
A white father, black mother.
But hyde park was this really
a white father, black mother. But hyde park was this really small area where there were,
but hyde park was this really small area where there were, like, a lot of mixed marriages.
Small area where there were, like, a lot of mixed marriages. Maybe it was the university of
chicago area, so it was never
maybe it was the university of chicago area, so it was never strange for me.
Chicago area, so it was never strange for me. I never felt out of place.
Strange for me. I never felt out of place. I never felt like I had to...
Say, "oh, I'm this" or "I'm
that."
say, "oh, I'm this" or "I'm that." it wasn't until, honestly,
I got older and moved to
california and started really
working in this business that I
really realized how much race
would play in my career.
Really realized how much race would play in my career. Growing up on the south side of
chicago I think for me was that
growing up on the south side of chicago I think for me was that I got a taste of a lot of
different worlds.
The university of chicago area
where I went to school was...
More insulated, you know?
Where I went to school was... More insulated, you know? More -- you know, obviously it's
more insulated, you know? More -- you know, obviously it's a lot of faculty and staff.
Then you go over to stony island
and you get a little further
then you go over to stony island and you get a little further south and you have, you know,
more of us there.
South and you have, you know, more of us there. So it kind of -- I think it's
helped me in my life now.
I can sort of navigate the --
any world I go through.
I can navigate the black world,
I can navigate the white world,
because that's really how I
grew up.
Because that's really how I grew up. There were times my mother and I
lived in, you know, in really
there were times my mother and I lived in, you know, in really nice neighborhoods.
Lived in, you know, in really nice neighborhoods. There were times where things
were a bit shady.
I mean, we were definitely in
neighborhoods where you go to
the grocery store, there's --
you know, they got the glass up
in the store.
You know, they got the glass up in the store. When I look back now, there's
some streets I walked through
when I look back now, there's some streets I walked through where I went, "ooh, I was
walking through there by
myself?"
and I remember my grandmother --
we used to live on this -- I
think we were around
63rd street.
Think we were around 63rd street. And my grandmother got mugged
walking through the park there
and my grandmother got mugged walking through the park there going home.
Walking through the park there going home. And I always remember coming --
like, this tells you how old I
and I always remember coming -- like, this tells you how old I am.
Like, this tells you how old I am. You come home to the alarm on
the car.
You'd have to get out of the car
with the little key to turn the
you'd have to get out of the car with the little key to turn the alarm on.
With the little key to turn the alarm on. And if I was coming home late,
that scared me more than
and if I was coming home late, that scared me more than anything, 'cause I'm like,
"I'm pretty sure putting the
alarm on this car is when
they're gonna get me."
'cause we were right across from
the park, and it was real -- we
were like right on the outskirts
of what was good and what was
bad.
Of what was good and what was bad. I think now with my daughter and
my son, who have no idea what
any of this means, I'm always
trying to give them at least a
little bit of the street I still
have in me and be like, "watch
your back.
Have in me and be like, "watch your back. People are always watching you."
growing up, I was definitely
people are always watching you." growing up, I was definitely alone a lot.
Growing up, I was definitely alone a lot. I was lucky I still had both of
my parents in my life, but my
parents were divorced.
My parents in my life, but my parents were divorced. My mother worked, so, you know,
I took a bus to school, came
my mother worked, so, you know, I took a bus to school, came home on the bus.
In the summers, my mother's at
work, I'm at home by myself,
in the summers, my mother's at work, I'm at home by myself, even though I did work in the
summer for my grandmother at her
dry cleaners.
Summer for my grandmother at her dry cleaners. But I definitely was what they
would call the latchkey kid.
You know, I was there cooking,
cleaning, waiting for my mom to
you know, I was there cooking, cleaning, waiting for my mom to get home and only getting into a
little bit of trouble.
Get home and only getting into a little bit of trouble. I think my mom -- you know, my
mother -- I had a younger
mother.
Mother -- I had a younger mother. Not like super -- she wasn't
like a child, you know, bride or
not like super -- she wasn't like a child, you know, bride or anything.
Like a child, you know, bride or anything. My mother had me at 20, so we
were pretty close to the same
my mother had me at 20, so we were pretty close to the same age.
Were pretty close to the same age. So, my mother and I had a pretty
close...I would say...
Friendship until she'd pick up
her shoe.
No. [ laughs ]
then she wasn't my friend no
no. [ laughs ] then she wasn't my friend no more.
Then she wasn't my friend no more. But I think we kind of -- you
know, we kind of made it
but I think we kind of -- you know, we kind of made it together.
Know, we kind of made it together. We grew up together.
Together. We grew up together. We found our way through life
we grew up together. We found our way through life together.
So, I think of my mom -- and now
even -- as my best friend.
We really helped each other at
times.
My parents got divorced, but my
father moved a few blocks down
my parents got divorced, but my father moved a few blocks down the street when he first moved,
and then when we couldn't afford
the apartment we were in anymore
because my parents weren't
together, we moved into the same
building that he lived in, a few
floors above him.
Building that he lived in, a few floors above him. It really worked out.
Floors above him. It really worked out. I literally would go up and down
it really worked out. I literally would go up and down stairs.
I could go upstairs to see my
dad for a few days.
I could come downstairs.
Dad for a few days. I could come downstairs. It was almost like they were
living together, except that I
it was almost like they were living together, except that I didn't have to hear any
arguments, you know?
Didn't have to hear any arguments, you know? So it was -- I mean, as far as
divorces go, that's not too bad.
My father worked at the
university of chicago.
He was head of the community
affairs for probably like...
I don't know. 30 -- 30 years.
Affairs for probably like... I don't know. 30 -- 30 years. And that's how I was able to go
to the university of chicago lab
and that's how I was able to go to the university of chicago lab school.
To the university of chicago lab school. My mother was definitely the --
was gonna put her foot in my
my mother was definitely the -- was gonna put her foot in my butt if something went wrong.
Was gonna put her foot in my butt if something went wrong. My children will kill me.
Butt if something went wrong. My children will kill me. So, at some point -- my daughter
my children will kill me. So, at some point -- my daughter will never do this -- I had a
so, at some point -- my daughter will never do this -- I had a hickey on my neck.
Will never do this -- I had a hickey on my neck. I was -- I mean, I was a
reasonable 16.
You know, it wasn't like too
young.
But I remember I got in the
elevator, and I just -- I
but I remember I got in the elevator, and I just -- I thought I had my head to the
side a little bit, and I could
see it in her eyes right when
she saw it.
See it in her eyes right when she saw it. And just as I saw that she saw
it, this hand came out of
and just as I saw that she saw it, this hand came out of nowhere I think and smack--
I think I might've bounced back
and forth.
But to this day, I don't think
my husband can come close to
but to this day, I don't think my husband can come close to my -- if you came near to
sucking my neck too long, I've
never had a hickey again in my
life.
Never had a hickey again in my life. [ laughs ]
so, that would just tell you
all you need to know about
marcia.
All you need to know about marcia. My mother was -- I mean, you
know, she's a single mom.
She's trying to keep me...
Know, she's a single mom. She's trying to keep me... Focused on life and not boys and
she's trying to keep me... Focused on life and not boys and not getting into the little bit
focused on life and not boys and not getting into the little bit of trouble I was getting into.
Not getting into the little bit of trouble I was getting into. And, you know, I don't -- it's
so funny, 'cause I have a
and, you know, I don't -- it's so funny, 'cause I have a completely different
relationship as far -- you know,
we're new-age parents.
Relationship as far -- you know, we're new-age parents. I have never touched my
children.
But I think, you know, probably
at that time, I needed a strong
but I think, you know, probably at that time, I needed a strong hand.
At that time, I needed a strong hand. I think the things that
influenced me the most growing
up and sort of have led to where
I am now is that there was a
point in my life where my mother
was working in a recording
studio, and she was managing the
studio.
Studio, and she was managing the studio. I always was in choir, the
chicago -- chicago children's
choir, which would travel all
over the place -- and I used to
love to sing.
Over the place -- and I used to love to sing. So, she's at the recording
studio, and I would sit in there
so, she's at the recording studio, and I would sit in there on, you know, live recording
sessions.
On, you know, live recording sessions. And I kind of got this, you
know, this itch from that and
and I kind of got this, you know, this itch from that and being around that world with my
mother.
Being around that world with my mother. And let me tell you, I thought
my mother was, like, living the
and let me tell you, I thought my mother was, like, living the best life.
My mother was, like, living the best life. They were having a good time.
Best life. They were having a good time. And I just wanted to be in that
they were having a good time. And I just wanted to be in that world, and I think that that's
and I just wanted to be in that world, and I think that that's kind of what drew me into it.
World, and I think that that's kind of what drew me into it. It's also the guy who owned the
studio was the person who became
it's also the guy who owned the studio was the person who became my manager when I first started
and really...Helped me get my
first auditions and, you know,
get my first gigs.
First auditions and, you know, get my first gigs. So that studio really helped me
out a lot.
I think that there were times in
the studio where they were doing
these live concerts with, like,
groups like sting and
david bowie, and so, like, at,
I don't know, 11, 12, I'm
sitting on the floor in the
studio while they're having
these live jam sessions.
Studio while they're having these live jam sessions. And that just really opens up
your eyes to something different
and that just really opens up your eyes to something different that I never would've know about
living in chicago on the
south side and, you know, my
father being an educator.
>> richardson: So, my very first acting gig was at the kuumba workshop.
Acting gig was at the kuumba workshop. My mother saw an ad in a
newspaper for a play that they
my mother saw an ad in a newspaper for a play that they were doing that
gwendolyn brooks, the poet --
they had adapted one of her
poems, "the tiger who wore white
gloves," into a musical.
Poems, "the tiger who wore white gloves," into a musical. ♪
I got the lead in the play, and
[chuckles] I had a little tiger
outfit on and some cornrows in
my hair.
Outfit on and some cornrows in my hair. And that was my first
experience.
Like, between that and the
studio, it's -- I think it's
like, between that and the studio, it's -- I think it's the thing that goes, "okay."
I'm like, "this I'm pretty good
at."
then I started doing things at
school too, but I think that was
really the thing that, you know,
launched me into wanting to be
an actor.
>> richardson: When I look back, that musical and then one that I did in school -- I think it did
"bye bye birdie" in school --
were really the musicals I did.
I just continued singing and
then, like I said, my mother
worked at the recording studio,
so I started recording music
there.
So I started recording music there. I was always traveling with --
with the children's choir.
I started taking opera at my
school.
And then in chicago, because of
my other's connection and chip,
and then in chicago, because of my other's connection and chip, the guy I'm talking about who
helped me, we started recording
songs, cover songs.
Helped me, we started recording songs, cover songs. Oh, my god.
Songs, cover songs. Oh, my god. I'm starting to remember my
oh, my god. I'm starting to remember my life.
I started -- I had a band for
a while, and I was trying to
find what music I wanted to do.
A while, and I was trying to find what music I wanted to do. So, I started playing at, like,
kind of dive clubs in a band
so, I started playing at, like, kind of dive clubs in a band singing old '80s kind of music.
Kind of dive clubs in a band singing old '80s kind of music. I -- I would do open mics
singing.
When I first moved to
los angeles, I thought that
when I first moved to los angeles, I thought that that's what I was gonna do.
Los angeles, I thought that that's what I was gonna do. I was gonna be a singer.
That's what I was gonna do. I was gonna be a singer. I was coming there to get a
record deal.
So, I think I was 23 when I
decided that I needed to
so, I think I was 23 when I decided that I needed to eventually -- you know, I was
getting guest spots in movies
and different things that would
come through chicago, but if I'm
gonna -- if I'm gonna really do
this, I need to move to la.
Gonna -- if I'm gonna really do this, I need to move to la. I got a job at a restaurant for
about eight months to save up
enough money to move.
About eight months to save up enough money to move. I'd always been -- I'd always
had jobs.
I was always working for my
grandmother at her dry cleaners.
I was working at a copy store,
pizza place.
I was always putting money to
the side.
But I needed a certain amount.
The side. But I needed a certain amount. I'm a planner.
I was like, "okay, I need this
amount of money to move."
so, a friend of mine's husband
who was a mechanic found me this
car for about -- I think I paid
about $700, put about $300 into
it.
About $700, put about $300 into it. I don't even know.
It. I don't even know. This little hatchback car.
It was -- had a kind of weird
this little hatchback car. It was -- had a kind of weird smell.
I always remember the smell of
it.
But that's the car that I drove
to la from chicago in.
But remember I told you I'm a
planner?
I didn't do what a lot of these
people do, is just move to la
and figure it out when you can.
People do, is just move to la and figure it out when you can. I flew to la once.
And figure it out when you can. I flew to la once. I found a place to stay.
I found an agent first, then I
went back home, drove my car up.
And I had saved enough money to
live for about a year, so I
and I had saved enough money to live for about a year, so I wouldn't have to get a job,
so I could just act.
Wouldn't have to get a job, so I could just act. I had the help of chip, my
mother's old boss, and he helped
me out a lot when I first went
to los angeles.
Me out a lot when I first went to los angeles. But -- so I had enough, you
know, support and the money I
but -- so I had enough, you know, support and the money I had saved so I would not have to
work.
Had saved so I would not have to work. And before my money ran out, I
got this one guest-starring role
and before my money ran out, I got this one guest-starring role on this show called
"silk stockings."
then I got a test for a pilot,
but I didn't get the lead.
Then I got a test for a pilot, but I didn't get the lead. But they still put me in it
'cause they liked me a lot.
And then I got "posse."
I wasn't supposed to have
and then I got "posse." I wasn't supposed to have "posse."
they had -- I auditioned for it
because blair underwood, he told
mario when they were doing the
auditions that they should
audition me.
Auditions that they should audition me. Auditioned for it.
Audition me. Auditioned for it. Didn't get it.
They were going -- I was like so
didn't get it. They were going -- I was like so upset.
I was like, "no one else looks
more indian and black than me!
Who could have this?"
and now I can say it 'cause I
who could have this?" and now I can say it 'cause I don't care, they had hired
stacey dash.
Don't care, they had hired stacey dash. So -- [ laughs ]
I think they shot with her the
so -- [ laughs ] I think they shot with her the first day.
They didn't want her there
anymore.
I got a call on the weekend,
and they were like, "do you want
the job?"
I got a call on a Saturday.
The job?" I got a call on a Saturday. Monday, I had my first movie
and I was in arizona.
I'm 20-- I was 24.
And I was in arizona. I'm 20-- I was 24. I remember I turned 25 on the
set of "posse."
first of all, it was like a
dream just to, like -- 'cause I
didn't get it normally.
Dream just to, like -- 'cause I didn't get it normally. Like, it was just like, "oh, my
god.
I have this job."
so, I get there, and it -- to
me, it seemed like the biggest
movie I'd ever been on in my
life, and, you know, you've got
big daddy kane and mario and
stephen baldwin.
Big daddy kane and mario and stephen baldwin. There was all sorts of people.
Stephen baldwin. There was all sorts of people. Tiny lister.
Like, it was just...An amazing
tiny lister. Like, it was just...An amazing group of people.
And I just remember just being
like this family atmosphere.
I mean, every night -- they
don't do this anymore because
everything is digital -- every
night, mario would have all the
actors get together after
shooting and we'd watch the
dailies.
Shooting and we'd watch the dailies. Like, as a group.
Dailies. Like, as a group. It was, like, fun.
Every -- we all hung out.
We were all friends.
Nobody was ever trying to hit on
we were all friends. Nobody was ever trying to hit on me.
It was like I became everyone's
little sister.
I just -- I do remember the one
time -- we had this explosion in
"posse," and I'm running out of
the thing, and there's a big
explosion, and that was the
first time I went [gasps]
"I'm in a real movie."
like, once there's fire [laughs]
and gunfire and explosions,
you're like, "I've made it."
[ chuckles ]
I think my next big project that
felt big to me was I did...
This movie called
"I spy returns" with bill cosby,
this movie called "I spy returns" with bill cosby, and I played his daughter, and
we shot it in...
And I played his daughter, and we shot it in... We shot it in europe somewhere,
which was my first time out of
we shot it in europe somewhere, which was my first time out of the country, too, so...
Which was my first time out of the country, too, so... And then after that, I got
"low down dirty shame."
and then after that, I got "low down dirty shame." I still remember those
auditions.
And I remember testing with
jada, and I kind of knew once it
and I remember testing with jada, and I kind of knew once it was me and jada testing together
I was like, "I think...I think
I'm getting close to this."
and I knew keenan, and jada knew
ke-- well, we all -- you know,
it's black hollywood.
Ke-- well, we all -- you know, it's black hollywood. We all know each other.
It's black hollywood. We all know each other. But, you know, at the end of the
we all know each other. But, you know, at the end of the day, that doesn't really make a
but, you know, at the end of the day, that doesn't really make a difference.
Day, that doesn't really make a difference. Either you're right or you're
not.
I look back at those
experiences, they were just...
It still -- it feels like
a dream, it's been so long ago.
But it was -- it was another,
like, truly fun family
but it was -- it was another, like, truly fun family environment.
Like, truly fun family environment. You know, it's -- it's...
Environment. You know, it's -- it's... I haven't been in a lot of shows
you know, it's -- it's... I haven't been in a lot of shows where it's just all black folks.
And there's something about that
experience that just feels very,
and there's something about that experience that just feels very, you know, comfortable and...
Experience that just feels very, you know, comfortable and... And family and we're all kind of
looking out for each other.
Those are -- you know, I'll
always have good memories about
those are -- you know, I'll always have good memories about both of those films.
Always have good memories about both of those films. Thinking about working with
keenan, and even thinking about
thinking about working with keenan, and even thinking about working with jada, I remember
coming to work -- 'cause, you
know, both of them, they were
kind of -- had made it by then.
Know, both of them, they were kind of -- had made it by then. I had done "posse," but, you
know...
I remember being teased so
relentlessly about my cheap car,
'cause I still had that cheap
car we were talking about.
I refused to buy another one
until I felt like I wouldn't be
kicked out on the streets.
Until I felt like I wouldn't be kicked out on the streets. So, thinking about working with
them, that tells you that these
so, thinking about working with them, that tells you that these are your friends, right?
Them, that tells you that these are your friends, right? I remember arguing with keenan
about so many things.
Just like now, how I have my
hair behind my ear, I wanted to
just like now, how I have my hair behind my ear, I wanted to put my hair behind my ear.
Hair behind my ear, I wanted to put my hair behind my ear. He refused to let me put my hair
behind my ear.
He said it didn't look good.
Behind my ear. He said it didn't look good. My ear was sticking out.
[ laughs ]
my ear was sticking out. [ laughs ] I know these are all silly
things, but this is the stuff
that you're arguing about with
people who are your friends.
That you're arguing about with people who are your friends. If it was probably some director
I didn't know, I'd be like,
if it was probably some director I didn't know, I'd be like, "okay, I'm gonna put my hair
behind my ear."
I think people really sleep on
who keenan was back then.
I mean, of course we under-- you
know, we remember the tv show,
but then he starts doing...
Know, we remember the tv show, but then he starts doing... He's doing films.
But then he starts doing... He's doing films. And that's -- I think that I
he's doing films. And that's -- I think that I have more of a respect for it
and that's -- I think that I have more of a respect for it now now that I'm a director and
I realize what a big feat that
is to get a feature made of that
magnitude at the time and with
people in it and it being an
action kind of movie.
People in it and it being an action kind of movie. I understand how hard that was
for him.
And looking back now, I just
respect the process so much more
and looking back now, I just respect the process so much more of, you know, what we had to go
through.
Of, you know, what we had to go through. But he still kept it light.
Through. But he still kept it light. He still was -- you know, we
but he still kept it light. He still was -- you know, we were still coming up with lines
he still was -- you know, we were still coming up with lines on the fly.
Were still coming up with lines on the fly. So, I don't know if that tells
you about what the fun we had on
so, I don't know if that tells you about what the fun we had on that set, but I would say my two
experiences -- you know, my
first experiences with big films
were -- were fun.
>> richardson: When I think about my friendships with the actresses back then, it was both
I would say friendly and
competitive, because it was
such a small -- there was such a
small amount of jobs that we
were all fighting for.
Small amount of jobs that we were all fighting for. I think that what saved me is I
didn't hang out with everybody.
Most of my good friends...
Didn't hang out with everybody. Most of my good friends... Besides, I would say, at the
most of my good friends... Besides, I would say, at the time, regina and I --
besides, I would say, at the time, regina and I -- regina king and I hung a bit.
Time, regina and I -- regina king and I hung a bit. And...And I would go play --
I would go play spades...
[chuckles] at tichina's house.
Tichina, tisha, and then jada
sometimes -- we did have a
tichina, tisha, and then jada sometimes -- we did have a little card thing going on.
Sometimes -- we did have a little card thing going on. Spades was all the rage back
then.
Besides that, most of my really
close, close friends were not
besides that, most of my really close, close friends were not actors.
Close, close friends were not actors. And I think that it's what saved
me from...It having it in my
and I think that it's what saved me from...It having it in my face so much if somebody had
more success, and I think it was
my way of protecting myself
and kind of keeping my chicago
roots and trying to kind of keep
it simple.
Roots and trying to kind of keep it simple. But, you know, most of my close
friends -- maybe they were
but, you know, most of my close friends -- maybe they were makeup artists, writers, but
they weren't necessarily in
front of the camera.
They weren't necessarily in front of the camera. There were so many roles I was
up for that I didn't get.
[ laughs ]
I was trying to think, "what is
the one role that you didn't
get?"
I remember...I think it was --
right.
It was "a thin line between love
and hate."
it was "a thin line between love and hate." so, it wasn't quite -- you know,
regina already had, like, you
know, the homegirl friend.
Regina already had, like, you know, the homegirl friend. And I wasn't lynn whitfield.
Know, the homegirl friend. And I wasn't lynn whitfield. I wasn't quite there yet.
But that role seemed really
interesting.
"django," I remember -- you
know, there were just so many
roles that I didn't get.
Know, there were just so many roles that I didn't get. But I swear I look back on those
what seemed like missed
but I swear I look back on those what seemed like missed opportunities, and if I had
gotten all those jobs that I
thought that I was supposed to
have and I was so much -- "how
could they choose them?"
I don't think I'd be directing
now.
>> richardson: So, I think that my transition into becoming a director happened really by
chance.
Director happened really by chance. I was doing ava duvernay's first
feature film.
And during that process, I was
probably talking too much and
and during that process, I was probably talking too much and giving my little two cents in,
you know, thinking I'm helping.
Giving my little two cents in, you know, thinking I'm helping. But somewhere in that process,
ava said to me, "I think you're
but somewhere in that process, ava said to me, "I think you're a director and you don't know
it."
just with her, I don't know,
putting that out into, you know,
the world, it got me thinking.
Putting that out into, you know, the world, it got me thinking. And I was like, "oh, I do think
like that and she's doing it,
and I was like, "oh, I do think like that and she's doing it, maybe I should do it.
Like that and she's doing it, maybe I should do it. Let me see."
so, ava gave me a bunch of books
let me see." so, ava gave me a bunch of books and these tapes, and I started
reading stuff.
And these tapes, and I started reading stuff. I called a director that I
loved, eric laneuville, who has
directed hundreds and hundreds
of hours of tv.
Directed hundreds and hundreds of hours of tv. So, I asked eric, I said, "eric,
I want to shadow you, because I
so, I asked eric, I said, "eric, I want to shadow you, because I want to ask -- I want to ask the
producers on 'eureka' if I can
direct, and I want to be
prepared for that."
and he said, "absolutely."
and so I -- I went on like two
or three different shows, and
when I say shadow a director,
that means you follow the
director from preproduction
through post production.
Director from preproduction through post production. And I'm saying this for these
young people who want to direct.
That doesn't mean you come visit
me on the set for the day.
That means you're there to
learn.
I would get there -- I was at
ever single meeting he did for
his -- I mean, every single
meeting through the whole
meeting of preproduction.
Meeting through the whole meeting of preproduction. When we got to the set, if eric
got the set an hour early, I was
when we got to the set, if eric got the set an hour early, I was on the set an hour early.
Got the set an hour early, I was on the set an hour early. I didn't have a trailer.
On the set an hour early. I didn't have a trailer. At lunch, you need to go take a
rest, I sat out there like you
at lunch, you need to go take a rest, I sat out there like you would with the crew.
Rest, I sat out there like you would with the crew. I was like, "I'm here to learn."
when people say that we don't
help each other, that's a lie.
When people say that we don't help each other, that's a lie. So, sort of the list of the
shows that I've directed in
so, sort of the list of the shows that I've directed in these last...I think it's been,
I don't know, five, six years --
it's gone by very quickly.
Obviously I'm a bad mother
'cause I haven't been home and
obviously I'm a bad mother 'cause I haven't been home and I'm gonna name a lot of shows.
But [chuckles] started with
"queen sugar," which really, you
but [chuckles] started with "queen sugar," which really, you know, kind of started it off
after many years after I had
done "eureka."
but then it went to
"shadowhunters."
it went to "the magicians."
then it went to "underground,"
and I did "luke cage" and
"the punisher," and then
"sabrina."
lately, the big ones have been,
you know, "the wheel of time."
I just did the season finale
for the lakers show that's
gonna be on hbo.
For the lakers show that's gonna be on hbo. And I am also the executive
producer of "the gilded age"
and I am also the executive producer of "the gilded age" and directed almost half of the
episodes of the season.
And directed almost half of the episodes of the season. I think "scandal"...I was on a
tv show, and I got that gig
and the show wasn't gonna let me
out.
And the show wasn't gonna let me out. I think I sent a letter to the
head of the studio, and I was
like, "this is life changing,
and you cannot say no to this.
Like, "this is life changing, and you cannot say no to this. You don't have to pay me for
those episodes, but you've got
you don't have to pay me for those episodes, but you've got to let me do this."
and I think if I had just
said -- you know how when you're
younger sometimes you're like,
"okay"?
Younger sometimes you're like, "okay"? I was like, "no, I'm not -- this
is my new life, and this is
going to happen."
that's another one of those.
Going to happen." that's another one of those. I think "scandal" was a big
deal.
I did "american gods."
that changed everything.
That's the kind of show that got
me some of these bigger shows
that's the kind of show that got me some of these bigger shows like "wheel of time" because
it showed that I could visual
effects and fantasy shows.
It showed that I could visual effects and fantasy shows. And I've really -- really jumped
from genre to genre, because for
and I've really -- really jumped from genre to genre, because for me, I didn't want -- 'cause it's
what they do -- "but does she
know how to do this?
What they do -- "but does she know how to do this? Well, has she done action?
Know how to do this? Well, has she done action? Well, does she know how to do
well, has she done action? Well, does she know how to do comedy?"
well, does she know how to do comedy?" and I was like, "yep, I'm gonna
do that.
And I was like, "yep, I'm gonna do that. Oh. Oh, yeah."
I was just taking every job I
oh. Oh, yeah." I was just taking every job I could to learn every way of
shooting, every -- you know,
'cause there's all -- oh, we
could do handheld.
Maybe we're shooting this show
long lens.
Oh, maybe we're in a wide frame.
Long lens. Oh, maybe we're in a wide frame. So, my deal with hbo, which...
When I think about it for...For
so, my deal with hbo, which... When I think about it for...For us, is kind of a rare
when I think about it for...For us, is kind of a rare opportunity that I've been
given.
Opportunity that I've been given. Though, in my dreams, it's
what...It's what my endgame was
though, in my dreams, it's what...It's what my endgame was to get to a platform like that,
because I really want to do that
kind of work.
Because I really want to do that kind of work. I've always wanted to do that
kind, even as an actress.
I want to do really great work.
Kind, even as an actress. I want to do really great work. Kind of happened by chance.
So, I was supposed to do just
kind of happened by chance. So, I was supposed to do just two episodes of
so, I was supposed to do just two episodes of "the gilded age," which is this
big period drama for hbo.
And then covid happened and we
kind of got stalled and then I
and then covid happened and we kind of got stalled and then I started talking to the
producers, and we got on our
first calls and they really
liked my energy, and they were
like, "hey, would you be
interested in maybe doing four
episodes now?"
and I had other things going,
and I was like, "well..."
and, you know, "we're gonna
shoot the whole season at the
same time."
and I was just like, "well,
that's a lot of my time given
just to you when I could be
doing something else, and a lot
of energy developing the look of
your show, honestly, for just
being a guest director.
Your show, honestly, for just being a guest director. That doesn't interest me.
Being a guest director. That doesn't interest me. So, nope, I'll do my two."
that doesn't interest me. So, nope, I'll do my two." then it grew to, "oh, well,
so, nope, I'll do my two." then it grew to, "oh, well, maybe we'll bring you on as a
producer too," and then I
started talking to hbo, and
then we started talking about a
first-look deal with that.
Then we started talking about a first-look deal with that. And then that first-look deal,
as we were negotiating, turned
and then that first-look deal, as we were negotiating, turned into a two-year overall deal.
As we were negotiating, turned into a two-year overall deal. And every time it got bigger and
bigger, I'd call my manager and
and every time it got bigger and bigger, I'd call my manager and I'd go, "what is happening?
Bigger, I'd call my manager and I'd go, "what is happening? Okay, um..."
every time I swear I'm on these
okay, um..." every time I swear I'm on these jobs, I go, "I don't know why
they're doing this,
I don't know why they trust me.
They're doing this, I don't know why they trust me. But I am just gonna go with it."
and it just kind of got bigger,
but I am just gonna go with it." and it just kind of got bigger, and...
And it just kind of got bigger, and... So, I was already supposed to do
this project about the lakers
so, I was already supposed to do this project about the lakers for hbo.
This project about the lakers for hbo. And then so it just kind of
became -- it just grew all of a
and then so it just kind of became -- it just grew all of a sudden into this overall deal,
and I think -- I think they're
happy, and I think that...
And I think -- I think they're happy, and I think that... I have exceeded their
expectations.
And, honestly, I mean, that is a
game-- again, every project
and, honestly, I mean, that is a game-- again, every project becomes a game changer for that,
and I can't even imagine where I
can go to from there.
And I can't even imagine where I can go to from there. And I look back, and
francesca orsi over at hbo who
and I look back, and francesca orsi over at hbo who took this chance with me, again
is another woman who changed my
life and is definitely going to,
like...
Life and is definitely going to, like... Everything is different now.
Like... Everything is different now. Everything is different.
For the lakers show, I mean, I
everything is different. For the lakers show, I mean, I have sally field,
for the lakers show, I mean, I have sally field, john c. Reilly, jason clarke,
jason segel, adrien brody,
the list goes on and on.
Jason segel, adrien brody, the list goes on and on. Michael chiklis.
The list goes on and on. Michael chiklis. The list is crazy.
And then for "the gilded age,"
the list is crazy. And then for "the gilded age," I have cynthia nixon from
and then for "the gilded age," I have cynthia nixon from "sex and the city,"
christine baranski.
These people have been in
everything.
And they listen to me.
Everything. And they listen to me. I think half the time I go, "I
and they listen to me. I think half the time I go, "I don't know why they trust me,
but they do."
[ laughs ]
like I said, it's an amazing
experience, which makes me know
I'm on the right track of what
I'm supposed to do, but it also
makes me go, "hey, I want to get
in there.
Makes me go, "hey, I want to get in there. I can still do this."
and maybe I'll still find my
opportunity, you know?
And maybe I'll still find my opportunity, you know? I'm always looking for that job
that I'm gonna be producing
next, you know, something that
I'm directing that there might
be a nice little meaty role
that I can jump in to do.
Be a nice little meaty role that I can jump in to do. But right now, I need to focus
on -- I need to focus on this
but right now, I need to focus on -- I need to focus on this gift that god has given me, and
he's saying, "you're really good
at this.
He's saying, "you're really good at this. Take it and run and build your
legacy here."
take it and run and build your legacy here." I take this job very seriously,
because I know that every woman
who comes after me on that set,
every -- every black woman
in particular, is judged by how
well I do, how I carry myself.
In particular, is judged by how well I do, how I carry myself. If that's -- if I'm your only
experience and I don't do a good
if that's -- if I'm your only experience and I don't do a good job, then everyone else is gonna
be judged by me.
Job, then everyone else is gonna be judged by me. So, I do -- I do a lot -- I work
very hard to make sure that
so, I do -- I do a lot -- I work very hard to make sure that anyone who comes behind me is
given the benefit of a doubt.
>> richardson: So, I met my husband on "between brothers," which was...Dondré whitfield,
tommy davidson, kadeem hardison,
and kelly perine.
Tommy davidson, kadeem hardison, and kelly perine. And my husband tells the story
that they were looking for a
and my husband tells the story that they were looking for a love interest for him, and he
suggested me, and he said, "I
really want salli richardson,"
and they were like, "you're
crazy.
And they were like, "you're crazy. She's not gonna do this,
absolutely."
she's not gonna do this, absolutely." and he said the same thing,
"she's probably gonna be too
busy.
She's doing a movie."
but of course, as we all know in
she's doing a movie." but of course, as we all know in the business, I wasn't doing
nothing, needed a job...
The business, I wasn't doing nothing, needed a job... [ laughs ]
...'cause I was -- at the time,
I was like, "oh, I just do
movies."
you didn't know that you
should've been doing tv.
You didn't know that you should've been doing tv. And they called, and I was like,
"yeah, I'll come in and do it."
and they called, and I was like, "yeah, I'll come in and do it." I still remember him coming down
the stairs, you know.
My husband is a very quiet
person.
He was coming down the stairs,
and I think he was rapping.
He was just all in himself.
And I think he was rapping. He was just all in himself. And we had this scene we were
he was just all in himself. And we had this scene we were rehearsing, and we had to be in
and we had this scene we were rehearsing, and we had to be in the bed.
Rehearsing, and we had to be in the bed. So I was already in the bed as
he was popping down the thing.
And I -- I don't know.
He was popping down the thing. And I -- I don't know. I just remember seeing him for
and I -- I don't know. I just remember seeing him for the first time, but I would
never have thought I would be
dating him.
Never have thought I would be dating him. I thought he was fun, he was
young, he was cute, but -- he
was funny, but not necessarily
my type.
Was funny, but not necessarily my type. But those are the ones that get
you, 'cause he was acting
but those are the ones that get you, 'cause he was acting like -- you know how they get
you to be your friend,
mr. Funny guy?
You to be your friend, mr. Funny guy? And eventually, he won me over.
Mr. Funny guy? And eventually, he won me over. [ chuckles ]
and eventually, he won me over. [ chuckles ] dondré and I have been
together...
Dondré and I have been together... Let's see. [ muttering ]
...24 years, married 19.
I mean, that's like 50 years in
hollywood.
But, you know, it's been -- you
know, it's hard to be married.
This town is not the kind of
town that's good for marriage.
But I think that both of us kind
of come from stock of people who
but I think that both of us kind of come from stock of people who we've decided we made this
commitment, and we're gonna
figure this out.
Commitment, and we're gonna figure this out. We have kids.
Figure this out. We have kids. Our kids are happy.
And at the end of the day, we
our kids are happy. And at the end of the day, we love each other.
And no matter how much we may
argue about this or see each
and no matter how much we may argue about this or see each other different -- I mean,
honestly, we're very opposite
people.
Honestly, we're very opposite people. But it works, and we're in it
to win it.
It's funny, because we both
have very big personalities, but
it's funny, because we both have very big personalities, but he's definitely much more
outgoing than me, and he loves
to entertain everyone.
Outgoing than me, and he loves to entertain everyone. He loves to be the funniest guy
at the party.
And I'm more willing to kind of
lie in the cut at times, though
and I'm more willing to kind of lie in the cut at times, though there's times when I'm sure --
I mean, he would say it -- I'm
the big one and keep talking and
want to be the center of
attention.
Want to be the center of attention. But I think I'm more willing to
lie back and let other people
but I think I'm more willing to lie back and let other people take over.
Lie back and let other people take over. And my husband's presence is a
big presence when it come-- when
and my husband's presence is a big presence when it come-- when he comes into the room.
Big presence when it come-- when he comes into the room. Believe it or not, my husband is
much more reserved than I am.
He's the guy who doesn't drink.
Much more reserved than I am. He's the guy who doesn't drink. Never did any drugs.
He's just -- not that I did
never did any drugs. He's just -- not that I did drugs.
I'm just saying he never did it.
Drugs. I'm just saying he never did it. No. [ laughs ]
no, I'm just saying!
But he's just much more reserved
than I am.
Yeah, it's weird.
Than I am. Yeah, it's weird. Like, I think that it's probably
yeah, it's weird. Like, I think that it's probably good that we got together.
He sort of reigned me in when
I could be like a lot of people
he sort of reigned me in when I could be like a lot of people who get lost in -- get lost in
california.
Who get lost in -- get lost in california. And we met at the right time,
and it grounded me.
And, you know, we may be
different, but it was probably
and, you know, we may be different, but it was probably something I needed.
Different, but it was probably something I needed. I always think of everything
that happens is something I
probably needed.
That happens is something I probably needed. My love language is...I like to
do things for people.
I'm the person who's gonna cook
for you.
I'm gonna make sure you have
your food.
I'm cleaning up after
everybody.
So, I do, I do, I do.
Everybody. So, I do, I do, I do. My husband, he wants affection.
He's much more touchy.
He's an emotional person, and
he's much more touchy. He's an emotional person, and I am not.
Which -- and honestly, I wish I
was more.
Everyone always calls me the
man, even my husband sometimes,
everyone always calls me the man, even my husband sometimes, in the relationship.
Man, even my husband sometimes, in the relationship. And it's not because I'm the
leader of it.
It's just because I kind of...
Leader of it. It's just because I kind of... I have, like, these man emotions
it's just because I kind of... I have, like, these man emotions that can be very...You know,
unemotional.
That can be very...You know, unemotional. But, yeah, my husband is a
lover.
He wants that affection, and --
he wants the affection, and I do
he wants that affection, and -- he wants the affection, and I do things for you to show my
affection.
Things for you to show my affection. As opposed to being at home,
directing my husband was a much
as opposed to being at home, directing my husband was a much better experience.
Directing my husband was a much better experience. [ chuckles ]
at home, he doesn't have to
listen to me.
At home, he doesn't have to listen to me. Though, he does a little bit.
Listen to me. Though, he does a little bit. But directing my husband was...
It was wonderful, and he's
but directing my husband was... It was wonderful, and he's completely respectful of the
it was wonderful, and he's completely respectful of the space and was trying to prep
everybody for me.
Space and was trying to prep everybody for me. "she's bossy.
Everybody for me. "she's bossy. She's gonna tell you exactly..."
you know?
I think I was a little bossier
then when I first started 'cause
you want to control everything.
Then when I first started 'cause you want to control everything. Tina lifford would say I
wouldn't let her move.
I'd be like, "you stand here,
you go here, you turn your head
to the right here."
I was right, though.
To the right here." I was right, though. It looked really good.
But, no.
It was -- I always have fun
but, no. It was -- I always have fun working with my husband.
We've acted in like three or
four different projects.
So, directing him was just the
cherry on the top and probably
so, directing him was just the cherry on the top and probably the only time where he
absolutely had to do what I was
telling him to do.
♪
>> richardson: You?
Yes.
That's hard for me, because it is outside of my comfort zone. You know, we know each other.
Is outside of my comfort zone. You know, we know each other. I think in real life, I get the
you know, we know each other. I think in real life, I get the joke, I'm funny.
I have a kind of sarcastic wit.
Joke, I'm funny. I have a kind of sarcastic wit. But bringing that onto film is
different for me.
So, I absolutely had the best
time of my life, mostly because
so, I absolutely had the best time of my life, mostly because any -- it was a challenge.
Time of my life, mostly because any -- it was a challenge. It was a challenge to try to --
like, try to be funny, and
it was a challenge to try to -- like, try to be funny, and that's when you're not funny.
Like, try to be funny, and that's when you're not funny. But, yeah, I mean, I had a great
time and I can kind of make, you
but, yeah, I mean, I had a great time and I can kind of make, you know, a little spoof of myself.
Time and I can kind of make, you know, a little spoof of myself. And I had nicole there with me,
too, and miss nicole is a
and I had nicole there with me, too, and miss nicole is a natural at comedy, so --
nicole ari parker is who I'm
talking about.
Nicole ari parker is who I'm talking about. She's funny, and I just kind of
followed her lead.
>> richardson: My advice to couples is not to do what me and my husband do.
Couples is not to do what me and my husband do. [ laughs ]
like, you know, we'll make this
commitment.
Like, you know, we'll make this commitment. We're gonna have a date night
every, you know, at least twice
we're gonna have a date night every, you know, at least twice a month.
Every, you know, at least twice a month. Life happens.
A month. Life happens. I'm tired.
We old.
I would rather our date night be
we old. I would rather our date night be in front of this tv cuddled up
with our own bottle of wine and
some popcorn, and that makes me
happy, honestly, at this point,
until you're interrupted by two
kids asking you something
stupid.
Kids asking you something stupid. No, but really.
Stupid. No, but really. My advice is just to -- I know
no, but really. My advice is just to -- I know it sounds stupid, but be honest.
Be really honest about your
feelings and what is going on
be really honest about your feelings and what is going on and communicate.
Feelings and what is going on and communicate. And I think that's what keeps us
together, is that at the end of
and I think that's what keeps us together, is that at the end of the day, we're really honest
with each other.
The day, we're really honest with each other. "this bothers me."
"I don't like when you do that."
and it gets us through to
that -- it gets us through,
because if you don't -- if I
don't know what's wrong with
you, I'm gonna keep doing it.
Don't know what's wrong with you, I'm gonna keep doing it. So, communicate.
You, I'm gonna keep doing it. So, communicate. And I think -- I think that's
so, communicate. And I think -- I think that's what works for us.
And we do get away sometimes.
What works for us. And we do get away sometimes. You know, if you can get a
and we do get away sometimes. You know, if you can get a weekend away and reconnect,
you know, if you can get a weekend away and reconnect, it...That'll at least last you
for a month.
It...That'll at least last you for a month. [ laughs ]
the most I can really say about
my daughter -- and I think that
this is what most moms want to
say -- is I like her.
This is what most moms want to say -- is I like her. She...
Say -- is I like her. She... She's a good kid.
She's kind.
She's beautiful.
She's smart.
She cares about people.
She'll defend people.
She's very much -- and she is
she'll defend people. She's very much -- and she is very much me.
She's the one like, "who said
it?
Take 'em to..."
you know, I'm like, "parker, you
take 'em to..." you know, I'm like, "parker, you can't be trying to fight people
at your little private school
just because they..." you know?
At your little private school just because they..." you know? I think she's just all around a
great kid, and when she finds
her way, I don't know.
Great kid, and when she finds her way, I don't know. She's gonna be something
special.
But she is very much like me.
Special. But she is very much like me. Maybe that's why I like her.
I don't know.
[ chuckles ]
I was -- I was always a sports
girl.
Basketball, tennis, now -- now
I'm a golfer.
And my daughter's into sports,
which I probably like too.
I think we're very similar.
Which I probably like too. I think we're very similar. We're very similar people.
In fact, she's already like me
we're very similar people. In fact, she's already like me as far as affection.
My poor husband.
As far as affection. My poor husband. We're like, "why you trying to
my poor husband. We're like, "why you trying to hug us?"
we're like, "why you trying to hug us?" [ laughs ]
I've ruined my child already.
And even my son, dre whitfield,
I like my kids.
I mean, he drives me cra--
'cause he is my husband.
He won't shut up.
He got to joke all day.
Like, now at 13, everything is a
he got to joke all day. Like, now at 13, everything is a joke.
Everything is, "hey, mom, I hurt
my foot."
everything is, "hey, mom, I hurt my foot." "what happened?"
"just kidding!"
you know, everything is a joke,
joke, joke.
You know, everything is a joke, joke, joke. But...Just like my husband, he's
a little lover.
He wants affection from mommy,
you know?
He'll hate this.
You know? He'll hate this. His friends will have to find
he'll hate this. His friends will have to find out that he still sneaks into
his friends will have to find out that he still sneaks into bed and wants to cuddle with me.
Out that he still sneaks into bed and wants to cuddle with me. He's still affectionate.
Bed and wants to cuddle with me. He's still affectionate. He's good in school.
He's a little cutie pie, and
he's good in school. He's a little cutie pie, and all the girls are gonna be in
he's a little cutie pie, and all the girls are gonna be in trouble when he gets older.
All the girls are gonna be in trouble when he gets older. I think we're just gonna have to
give him a little tiny scar up
here 'cause he's getting a
little too pretty.
Here 'cause he's getting a little too pretty. But -- [ laughs ]
but I -- god has blessed me with
but -- [ laughs ] but I -- god has blessed me with some pretty good kids.
But I -- god has blessed me with some pretty good kids. So, my son -- so, what I think
the kids mostly have trouble
so, my son -- so, what I think the kids mostly have trouble with are that -- are the things.
The kids mostly have trouble with are that -- are the things. They want all the things that
everyone wants to have.
He's trying to buy some damn
"wheezy yeezies," whatever the
he's trying to buy some damn "wheezy yeezies," whatever the shoes are called.
Like, some orange -- I keep
calling them flip-flops, but
like, some orange -- I keep calling them flip-flops, but they're sliders.
Calling them flip-flops, but they're sliders. And I'm like, "I'm not -- I'm
not spending like $300 on some
and I'm like, "I'm not -- I'm not spending like $300 on some ugly orange flip-flops.
Not spending like $300 on some ugly orange flip-flops. It's not happening."
and they don't under-- you know,
it's not happening." and they don't under-- you know, I want to keep them grounded
in some way, so that's my
retaliation.
In some way, so that's my retaliation. I'm not buying no ugly shoes --
overpriced ugly shoes.
So, my advice to an actor, you
know, who wants to become a
so, my advice to an actor, you know, who wants to become a director is that first of all,
if you're a...A really working
actor, like, who's making money,
you may make less money in the
beginning...But it'll be more
consistent if it works out.
Beginning...But it'll be more consistent if it works out. Just...That's a little bit of
information.
But...It has to be something you
love, 'cause directing is the
but...It has to be something you love, 'cause directing is the hardest thing you're gonna do in
the world.
Hardest thing you're gonna do in the world. You have to be 100% in, and you
have to do the work.
It's nothing -- like, every
decision is yours, and it is --
it's nothing -- like, every decision is yours, and it is -- it seems easy from the outside,
but it's not.
It seems easy from the outside, but it's not. It is the most stressful job
that you will ever have, because
it is the most stressful job that you will ever have, because at the end of the day, it's all
on your shoulders if it works or
not.
On your shoulders if it works or not. It doesn't matter if that script
is bad.
If it looks -- if it doesn't
look good, you're gonna get the
blame.
So, you really have to -- I
mean, honestly, you just have to
put in the work.
You have to do the research, you
need to shadow, you need to read
the books, you need to know as
much as you can.
So, don't just jump in there
thinking the crew is gonna help
you.
You have to do the work.
And if you're an actor of color,
it is your responsibility to be
the best.