DeepSummary
Jesse Tyler Ferguson interviews actor Danielle Brooks at Superba in Hollywood. They discuss Brooks' experience auditioning for over 6 months to play Sophia in the film adaptation of The Color Purple, a role she previously played on Broadway and for which she won a Tony nomination. Brooks shares how Oprah Winfrey called her to offer her the Sophia role. Ferguson and Brooks reflect on navigating newfound fame after the success of their respective shows, Modern Family and Orange Is the New Black.
Brooks opens up about the challenges of reinterpreting the iconic role of Sophia, previously played by Oprah in the 1985 film. She details the extensive audition process, including having to prove herself despite already playing Sophia on Broadway. Brooks reveals how Oprah ultimately called to inform her she got the part in the new film. The two actors bond over the surreal experience of sudden fame from breakout TV roles and having to learn how to navigate the entertainment industry in their 20s.
The conversation covers topics like imposter syndrome, building confidence over time in one's craft, and creating space for new interpretations of iconic roles. They discuss appreciating the journey rather than rushing towards promises of fame/success. Brooks emphasizes honoring the iconic work that came before while still carving out authentic portrayals.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Don't rush towards promised success, as the journey itself is meaningful and the fulfillment will be sweeter.
- Reinterpret iconic roles by honoring the original work while also making them authentically your own.
- Maintain confidence in your talents, but also stay humble and willing to prove yourself.
- Navigate sudden fame by surrounding yourself with a strong support system and staying grounded.
- Iconic figures can both inspire and intimidate, so find ways to connect as equals.
- Be willing to get vulnerable and tap into life's painful experiences for authentic acting.
- Appreciate the full-circle moments in your career as reassurance you're on the right path.
- Have patience and perseverance when opportunities don't come easily or linearly.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I don't care who's listening. I do care, but, like, if you've heard me say this or will hear me say this a hundred times, because I'm really trying to, like, put it in my bones, like, if God has given you something and said, like, this is what it's on the other side, like, there's this thing that you have or this, I don't know, like, the purpose for your life, and God is whispering that purpose in your ear to not rush the fulfillment of that promise, because it always is sweeter than you could have ever imagined.“ by Danielle Brooks
- “So they got me the audition with Blitz. The director. Ended up meeting with him on Zoom and spoke with him for about an hour, hour and a half about the character, which I was super excited about. Normally, that's where I get the job. Just sit me down with the director. I promise you I'm gonna get the job.“ by Danielle Brooks
- “She called, and she said, danielle. And I go in the highest pitch voice, crying, I can't do nothing but hold my chest. She's like, sophia's a pretty name, ain't it? I said, yes. And I knew in that moment that I had gotten the job, and I also knew in that moment, my life was about to change. And it has changed.“ by Danielle Brooks
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Episode Information
Dinner's on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Sony Music Entertainment
2/20/24