Melanin Magic: ‘The Color Purple’ Cast Covers ESSENCE & Speaks On Revitalizing & Reintroducing A Soul-Stirring Classic
ESSENCE has released a star-studded cover to mark a forthcoming bold new take on a beloved soul-stirring film. Oprah, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Taraji P. Henson, and Fantasia are covering the publication’s 2023 Holiday Issue for November/December, celebrating the nearly 40-year legacy of The Color Purple and strong sisterhood within Black Hollywood. The stars of one of […]
ESSENCE has released a star-studded cover to mark a forthcoming bold new take on a beloved soul-stirring film.
Oprah, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Taraji P. Henson, and Fantasia are covering the publication’s 2023 Holiday Issue for November/December, celebrating the nearly 40-year legacy of The Color Purple and strong sisterhood within Black Hollywood.
The stars of one of the most anticipated films of the year are debuting their only cast cover of the season and reflecting to writer Felice Léon about infusing the original story with musical elements while introducing it to a new generation of women.
Oprah, who is joined as EP of the project alongside fellow heavy hitters like (of course) Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, and Scott Sanders, calls the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical a “full-circle moment.” The Color Purple marked her first movie role, earned her an Academy Award nomination, and “changed everything” despite earning the now mega-mogul only $35,000.
According to Oprah, that small paycheck was well worth it.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is what The Color Purple will do for the -sisterhood,” said Oprah about the film.”And God taught me to surrender—that was the big lesson for me. They were only offering $35,000 to be in this film, and it is the best $35,000 I ever earned.”
One word: OPRAH! #ESSENCE
Disclaimer: We recognize Black creatives are still fighting for their respect and equity; this fight has been displayed through this year’s labor strikes. It is important for us to let our readers know that ESSENCE conducted these interviews and photo… pic.twitter.com/TLPn9uTnNm
— ESSENCE (@Essence) October 17, 2023
See more quotes from ESSENCE’s 2023 Holiday Issue below.
Golden Globe-Winning Actress, Taraji P. Henson
We can't get enough of Taraji in the cover shoot for the November/December Issue of #ESSENCE, shot by Mickalene Thomas!
Disclaimer: We recognize Black creatives are still fighting for their respect and equity; this fight has been displayed through this year’s labor strikes. It… pic.twitter.com/VGvMTWtBa8
— ESSENCE (@Essence) October 17, 2023
“Tyler Perry hit me and was like, “Are you answering your phone?” I was like, “Why?” He said, “Girl, just answer the phone!” I’ll never forget the day. I was so nervous. What do you say to Oprah?”
Tony-Nominated Actress, Danielle Brooks
How many letters are in devoured? Because Danielle Brooks ATE this cover shoot up for the November/December Issue of #ESSENCE, shot by Mickalene Thomas! ????
Disclaimer: We recognize Black creatives are still fighting for their respect and equity; this fight has been displayed… pic.twitter.com/pU789CnT1a
— ESSENCE (@Essence) October 17, 2023
“Finding out that I got the role of Sofia, for the second time, was the best gift ever. It was two days after my birthday. They tricked me! They were like, “You’ve got one more call with the director, Blitz Bazawule.” I’m thinking, I’ve had so many calls—what are you talking about? All of a sudden, Ms. Oprah Winfrey pops up on the screen. I was very shocked, like OMG! She chose me for this!”
Grammy-Winning Singer and Actress, Fantasia Barrino
Putting this picture on my mirror because Fantasia looks STUNNING in the cover shoot for the November/December Issue of #ESSENCE ????
Credits:
Photographer: @mickalenethomas
Creative Director/Stylist: @coreytstokesFantasia Stylist: @daniellehstyles
Fantasia Hair:… pic.twitter.com/Y36eGtykGD— ESSENCE (@Essence) October 17, 2023
“In the beginning, I wasn’t going to take the role—because I knew I was going to have to step into some things that I’d buried.”
“I would say thank you, Ms. Whoopi Goldberg, for not being afraid to play Celie. For being honest. Thank you for paving the way for girls like myself.”
Grammy-Winner Singer and Actress, H.E.R.
Always H.E.R., been H.E.R.! ????????♀️
H.E.R. poses with #ESSENCE for the November/December Issue ahead of her big screen debut in 'The Color Purple.' Shot by Mickalene Thomas.
Disclaimer: We recognize Black creatives are still fighting for their respect and equity; this fight has been… pic.twitter.com/3Q7lK72aMs
— ESSENCE (@Essence) October 17, 2023
“Ms. Rae Dawn Chong [“Squeak”], thank you for giving me an opportunity to show myself. A lot of people know me and my music, but they don’t really know me. They’re getting to see me: Who I am, having fun and feeling empowered.”
The Color Purple will arrive in theaters on Christmas Day.
ESSENCE’s 2023 Holiday Issue (November/December) promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Black Hollywood this holiday season. Get ready to dive into the magic of this new issue, when it hits newsstands on October 31st.