Actress Terri Vaughn who is best remembered for her role as Lovita Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show has shot a documentary entitled Angels Can’t Help But Laugh, that delves deep into the struggles of Black actresses in Hollywood. She sat down with Essence and spoke candidly about her reason for making the documentary and her perception of some of the struggles that black actresses face.
Essence.com: Congrats on your documentary, Angels Can’t Help But Laugh, which has been circulating the film festivals. What is the significance of the title?
Terri Vaughn: When I began filming the documentary I was in the midst of making a bold move—out of my [first] marriage. I was reading A Woman’s Worth by Marianne Williamson, and there was a line I read that said, “angels can’t help but laugh.” Immediately, I knew that was the title for this project. For me, the title simply means that throughout all the trials and tribulations, we [as actresses] are still able to laugh and love what we do and stay motivated in the midst of it all.
Essence.com: In your docufilm, Regina King, Malinda Wiliiams, Tasha Smith and Sheryl Lee Ralph speak candidly about the struggle of Black actresses in Hollywood. Are you concerned that folks will perceive you all as ABWs (Angry Black Women)?
T.V.: I don’t believe we came off as angry, but informative. Sometimes having a voice means that people are going to judge you. For once, I wasn’t concerned about being judged by people because my focus was to create a forum to give voice to Black women and bring power and enlightenment. The film is proactive in creating dialogue and acknowledging the plight of Black actresses; its purpose is not to complain. If we just sit around and say nothing like we often do and no light is ever shed, then we’re as much to blame for our position or lack thereof in Hollywood.
Essence.com: There were many older and younger actresses such as Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, Nia Long and Sanaa Lathan who were not a part of that forum. Why? Read the rest of this entry »
