Meagan Good Talks Tyler Perry Pay, Divorce From DeVon Franklin, Jonathan Majors And Katt Williams

You and Obama affect with cat. I seen his interview. He's too dark. I'mma leave it at that. I'mma leave it at that. Cat Cat baby. is what I am going to say. What? I'm sorry, but my man is sexy to me. Oh, oh, I forgot. We just need to be all the way clear on. that.

Hello, welcome to another episode of. Club Shay Shay. I am your host Shannon. Sharpe. I'm also the proprietor of Club. Shay Shay. The lady that's stopping by. for conversation and a drink today, she. has 30 years in the film industry, one. of Hollywood's most sought-after. actresses. She delivered iconic. performances in over 100 films, TV. shows, and commercials. She's headlined. Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

and helped generate over 1 billion at. the box office. She was in a film that. was selected by the Library of Congress. for preservation in the United States. National Film Registry. An award-winning. actor, writer, producer, director, a. gifted performer, talented model, New. York Times best-selling author. She's a. stalwart in the entertainment industry, the multi-talented making queen. I like that. Thank you. DID I DO YOU RIGHT? YOU DID. I DIDN'T even know about the. one What was the multicultural.

um uh. The uh. the Library of Congress film? Yeah. What film is that? Yeah, yeah, yeah. OKAY. OH, OKAY. YOU'RE DOING IT. YEAH. SO, YOU KNOW WHAT? Since we popped. something on you you didn't know, I have. my own cognac. This is uh Shay by Le. Portier. It's named after my. grandmother. Uh porter in French is Le. Portier. So, I named it after my. grandmother, and I want to toast like. love to toast your success. Thank you. in the business, Yeah. hopefully 30 more.

Amen. Thank you. Thank you. That's nice. That's very nice. WE LOVE THAT YOU THINK YOU'RE NOT GOOD. YOU DID, GRANDMA RED? YES, YES. WELL, thank you very much. Megan, thank you for stopping by. I. understand that you're an extremely busy. with your you know, your time, your. energy, your movie career is doing. great, and for you to give me a few. moments of your time today, I greatly. appreciate that. Yeah, I greatly appreciate you. You know what? So, let's get right into.

it. You've been at this thing, you started. like when you was 4 years old. Did you. know you always wanted to do How How did. How did did the commercial aspect of. this thing start? You know what's interesting is as I I. grew up in Santa Clarita, California, back when it was called Canyon Country. in the '80s. Um. So, we were like one of one black family. for a long time till I was almost like. 13-ish. Okay. Um and in. And in that um in that time, you know, for me, it was more like.

uh there was a little bit of bullying. and different things going on, and my. mom was like, you know, okay, well, hobby-wise, what is it that you want to. do that can be your thing, your safe. space? And I was like, I want to act. And she was like, okay. So, then she put. me into acting, me and my older sister, Lamaya. Okay. Um I was four, she was six, and it just. started off as commercials, everything. from Cheerios to Pringles to Barbie to. whatever you could think of. And uh and. then from that, you know, when you say. started from the bottom, uh it went from like being next to the. person who was like the lead person on.

set. My mom would like, just get next to. her and have a lot of energy. So, you do. that, you know, and the next thing you. an extra? Yeah. Oh, yeah, I was an extra for a. long time. Oh, yeah, yeah. And then and. then that led to being on camera, and. that led to one line, one line led to. two, what you know, three lines led to a. scene, a scene led to four scenes, four. scenes led to, you know, being a a. regular or a guest star or something. like that and then from so on and so on. So, yeah, started from the bottom, built. my way all the way. Yeah. Because you started from the bottom, did.

you ever become discouraged because you. didn't get the speaking parts originally. and that you like just had to stand. there and smile and put on your best. face, your best foot forward? Did you. ever get discouraged like, "I don't. know, Mom.". No, I actually felt it a challenge. I. was like, "Y'all going to see me. Y'all. going to give me a chance." And and it's. interesting cuz I don't really know. where I get that from, but you know, I. had a lot of teachers that were like, "Oh, you're not going to That's not a. realistic career or, you know, honey, no." And I'd be like, "Just wait. One. day you'll see." And I've just always. kind of had that mentality. So,

um for me to continue to just grow and. grow and grow, it it's been a blessing. And and I think uh a slow, steady climb. I think is healthy for for any actor, but any person in general cuz it teaches. you along the way. um to have humility, to remember where. you came from, to understand, especially. within this industry, this thing goes up. and down. You could show up one day, you. know, to a club and you standing outside. for 45 minutes. You could show up next. month and have a movie out, walk in with.

five guys and get a free table and a. bottle. And then you can come back six. months later and not have a movie out. and wait for 15 minutes, you know? And. so, all of that um along the journey has. allowed me to have perspective and and. remind me, "This is not who I am. It's. just what I do and I get to do it." So. Where did you develop this confidence. from? Because it seems you are very. confident young woman that you. understand that like, "You know what? It. might not happen today, but tomorrow's a. different day." How did you remain. confident even though you weren't. getting those speaking scenes in there.

in the. in the beginning? Um I think my mom is, you know, and and. God really like just knowing that God's. timing is perfect timing and as they. always say with the kids, you know, uh people's rejection is God's. protection and um my mom just always. saying like, "Just wait. Just keep doing. your best, keep putting your best foot. forward, just show up. Um, and then you. know there's always the the reality of. like you have to carry the crown before. you wear it. And and then I think once. you've worn it, you got to remember. sometimes to carry it again for someone.

else. And so my mom has always instilled. that in my sister and I. And for me it's. just never been it's never been a. question. I remember being like 19 and. being like, Lord, I didn't even ask you if this is what. you have for me. So let me ask you. first. And then once I got that. confirmation, but that if it was bigger. than just being in the industry, it's. about using your platform for something. greater than you. But when I got that. confirmation, then I was like, there's. no nobody can tell me. I was like, it's. just a matter of time. So. Do you remember your first commercial. and that audition? I remember the first commercial on set. Okay.

I was four. It was a Marshall Field's. commercial. And I was like a little girl. with a bunch of little kids like out on. a picnic and they had a little dog that. was trained. And the guy was holding the. food just above the camera to get the. dog to kind of spin around in a little. circle and that's just what I remember. about it. I mean, you've been in over 60 televised. commercials. Yeah. What do you What do you remember? What. was your favorite commercial? What do. you remember most about doing that? My favorite commercial is probably a. Pringles commercial. And it was like. uh, Pringle Pop, got that yum yum yum.

with a kick a kick a calcium. I'm. sucking yum to the maximum plus a whole. kick a kick a kick a calcium. Anyway, so. uh, it was about the Pringles having. more calcium. And we did a lot of dancing. And I. remember that vividly because uh, when I. was the only black kid, which was often. the case. But two, it was the first time. anyone got me into fitted jeans and I. was 14. And before that I was like. straight up like TLC cross color like, you know, Jabow boss like just my. cousin's shorts. I was like, you know,

stringing around my waist with like a. belt to make them jeans fit me. And uh, I used to get sent home all the time. because my clothes were too big. And it. was the first time I put on some tight. pants. And I just liked them so much I. wore them to school the next day, and. the boys was like, "You got a little. apple." AND I'M LIKE, "I do?" You know, so after that, yeah, the rest is. history. Did you ever freeze Did you ever get. stage fright, or were you always a. natural that the cameras you like I. don't even really see the cameras. I'm. like I'm on my own I'm at home I'm in my. room I'm in front of my mirror. I got a.

brush and I'm just doing this. Did you. ever have stage fright? Um I think I always the first time on a. job like the first day I always have. first day of school like jitters, you. know, like nerves and you just want to. get it right you just want to figure out. the character and you just want to be in. tune with everything that needs to. happen. I don't think I've ever froze. before. I think the only time I've. frozen is when I was working on this a. job that. was very very big director very very. expensive job and I just felt a lot of. pressure. I was the lead and it was kind.

of an iconic remake of something reboot. of something. And there's just so many hands in the. pot and so many different people giving. me directions. And as a child actor you. just learn to kind of do what you're. told. And so when you have four. different important people telling you. to do something completely different. even at 34 I kind of just didn't know. how to navigate that and like who to. please first and I just started to get. so stressed out that I started to. actually just forget my lines and. completely forget them. Um and that was. probably the most challenging job I've.

ever worked on cuz it was just it took. me it took me until this young black. director came in and was like. "I know who you are. I know what you can. do. Trust yourself. I'm not going to. bother you." And for me to go. "Okay." And then from there on it was, you know, great experience. That was the reassurance that you. needed. Yeah. That you could do this. Yeah. You were doing great at this. Yeah. But you were hearing too many voices. Yeah, and also the and also to just. stand up for myself and just be like, "Look, y'all, one of you come and tell.

me you guys decide what the four of you. guys want to do." And then some one. person, probably the director cuz that's. the one person who should be talking to. me while I'm filming. Just come tell me. what what, you know, you need me to do. And I mean it was it was very pivotal. for me cuz I walked away from it. initially going, yeah, I don't know if I want to act. anymore. Really? Yeah, cuz it was it was. You got that discouraged? Yeah. It was it was almost traumatizing. because there there was one director who. came on. that was yelling at me. Like there was a stunt that we were. doing and he told me no matter what not.

to stop and and I was like, well, if if. it looks like someone's going to get. hurt, then I'm going to stop. And then. also it went from a stunt guy doing it. to the actor doing the stunt. And in one. case, yeah, I felt that me running up. and grabbing this guy from behind, we. would have both been going to fall down. the hill, so I stopped and he just came. out of the tent and was like, "Don't. stop!" He just screamed at me and it was. the first time in my professional. career where I was like, "What do you. want me to do?" Like I flipped out cuz I. was like, "Yo, y'all, I am so nice. I am. so kind. I am so easygoing." Like this.

dude was like wilding and I was like, "You know what? At some point at some. point." And then after that, everyone. was like cuz they know they knew me and. they knew that I'm like trying to, you. know, make. Really easygoing and for you to snap. like that. Yeah. you probably had it up to here not here. to up to here. Listen, I was I was donezo cuz cuz it's. just, you know, it was it was completely. inappropriate and anybody else wouldn't. have thought twice about saying, "Yo, don't talk to me like that." But because. I came from the background I came from.

and possibly cuz I was a black woman, I. just was a little bit, you know, and then once I said, "Look, that's enough.". Um but but it was interesting because he. left to film something out else and had. to come back like on one of the last. days to film a scene with me. And after. I filmed the scene with him, I realized. that I was like sweating profusely and. my hands were shaking because that's how. like under stress. He brought that on. Yeah, he almost made like gave me like. an anxiety to just, yeah, so anyway, I. made it though.

Was that the first time that Was that. the moment that you decided that you. needed to stand up for yourself? Yeah, I think so. That was the probably. the first moment cuz the because the. first thing he did before that was. embarrass me in front of the crew cuz I. had like this big dialogue and and I was. going over and and then he was like just. say it and I was like yeah, I'm about to. and he was like no, everyone hold your. work. Mind you there's like 200 people. inside the set. Everybody stop. Everyone. stop what you're doing. Say the line. And I was like. uh and I was just so caught off guard.

that I had started saying it but I was. like fumbling through it and then he was. just like you've done it a hundred. times. You've done it a hundred like he. just like reprimanded me like I was a. child in front of the whole crew. So. there was that moment and I cried about. that. So the next time he came for me, he got what he asked for. I am a Leo after all. I'm as kind as. they come, baby. I try to make the best. atmosphere for everybody and just best. quality of life and just love but I was. like okay, I've reached my limit with. you. Yeah, cuz I'm close to the edge.

I'm trying. not to lose my head. Okay, that's what's up. And then you were the extra. You were in. the movie Doogie Howser with Neil. Patrick Harris, Sherman Hemsley who was. a. most notably named for good The. Jeffersons. He had a show called Amen. As being an extra, do you like maybe try. to steal the scene? Do you like. Oh, yeah. You like you try You try to. not necessarily steal a scene. You just. try to make sure that whatever you're. doing counts because if you do that, then they might be like you know what, this kid is good. Let's move them up to.

a principal role. Let's make sure. they're on camera. And that's literally. how I made my way up. Really? Yeah. So you you you you elevated where you. bumped some kid down? Oh no, I would never I would never push. anyone over, kick anyone over, step over. anybody to get to where I'm going. I'm. just making my own way. Right. What do you What do you remember most. about those about those days in your. first acting I'm talking not I. understand that TV ads are one thing but. then now you're on a TV you're on a. sitcom, you're on a TV television. series. What do you remember remember.

most about that? Well, you know, what's interesting is is. I did TV probably up until I was like. 19. So, the last two things I did was Cousin. Skeeter on Nickelodeon, which I did for. almost 4 years. I grew up on that show. with Robert Guillaume. And then I switched over cuz there was a. strike at the time and I just said I. want to do more TV, I just want to focus. on movies cuz Terrence Howard had said. to me, you know, when you finish this. show. I want you to be a young woman who.

travels the world and plays different. characters and jumps all around as all. these different things. So, I my my. advice to you is don't do a TV show. again until you're married and you have. kids and you want something that's a lot. more stable. You want to know the. character you're going to play, where. you're going to go every day, all those. things. Until then, travel the world and. play different characters. So, I came. out of that show saying I don't want to. do TV and then there was a strike. So, I. did a show with Bree Larson and Kat. Dennings and um. Bob Saget, who I love so much. Um. and then I actually left that show to go.

do Deliver Us from Eva and that was the. beginning of of my, you know, trajectory of my film career. You were home schooled. Yeah. Basically your entire. um. uh high school. high school. Just high school? Yeah, just high school. I read where you got bullied. Did you. get home schooled because you got. bullied and it was the safe space for. you to be at home or what what caused. that? Uh I got home schooled because I was on. a Nickelodeon show and because it was. too hard to. to go to school juggle. Yeah, yeah. Um but but you know, I mean.

I'm never one to back down from a fight. So, if someone's bullying me, I'm not. going to let them bully me out of. submission. Um but. but yeah, it was mainly just because I. was working so much as an actor, it just. made more sense. Yeah. I read that you got jumped. Do you think. it had something to do with you being on. that Nickelodeon show? Uh yeah. Yeah, it very much did. We were. But it took five though. It did take five. That. You WAS SWINGING ON THEM SWINGING YOU. SWINGING ON THEM YA YA YA. NO, NO, CUZ WHEN I REALIZED THEY WAS ALL. coming for my face, I was like, "Oh, no, we not going to do that." So, I actually.

laid down on the ground, and back then, that's when the big crunker shoes were. popular. I started kicking people in the. gut. Anybody who came near me, I just. spin around kicking them in the gut. And. um and it's so funny cuz I I ran into. this girl some some years later, and she. had told a mutual friend of ours that. she had just beat me up. And I was like, "No, you and four other hookers beat me. up.". What is you saying right now? Um and it's crazy cuz after that fight. happened, I went looking for that girl. all around town cuz I was like, "I just.

want to fight just you.". What? And the Lord told me not to do it. And I. did it, and I found some of her friends, and then some guys came, and then I had. some of my guys come, and the next thing. you know, people have shanks and all. kinds of things going on, and we have a. huge brawl inside of a Jerry's Deli, and. I broke the back of my nail back. breaking a chair on someone's back who. was choking my friend. And by the time. we got out to the parking lot, somebody. pulled up on a motorcycle with. a a gun and threatened to shoot us all,

and we all went running like. cockroaches, and then I was in the. bushes praying, and I was like, "Lord, I. didn't listen, and this wasn't right, and now everybody else's life is in. danger." And um after that, uh. the that particular guy actually ended. up um. getting into a situation where someone. uh shot him, but didn't kill him, but. but hurt him. And I found out where he. was at cuz after that, I was scared for. my life for like 2 weeks. I went to his. hospital room and said, "Look, let's. just squash the beef, blah say blah.".

And about a year later, I'm on a TV show. doing a recurring role, and he's one of. the writers on the show, and we've been. friends ever since. Wow. Yeah. Man, you about that life growing up. I. mean, I'm looking at. I'm a country girl, but I've been around. a lot of crazy. I'm looking at your petite self, and you. know, you like, okay, you on TV. You. like, I ain't going to mess up my face. I ain't going to mess up my nails. And. you were like, BOUGHT IT, BOUGHT IT. CUZ I just felt like I just couldn't. believe that somebody had like taken it. upon themselves to come into my space. And And the reason that the girls did it.

is because they were like, "Oh, aren't. you that one girl from that TV show?". And I was like, "Yeah." And they were. like, "Oh, you think you all that?" And. I was like, Yeah. No. I was like, "You You're the one who said. that. You think I'm all that." And then. they were like, "Come outside." I was. like, "No, I'm not going outside." And. then that became them jumping me. So, I. I just couldn't let it be. But now I. know better cuz it ain't worth it. If. someone had actually gotten hurt, you. know, I don't think I could live that. down. So. I read that a teacher. She did something. She did. Yeah. Tear your homework up? She misplaced.

your homework? Uh which teacher? Uh. cuz where I grew up in Santa Clarita, like I said, there was a lot of racism. So, I had trouble with at least my my. fifth grade teacher and my sixth grade. teacher. Um my fifth grade teacher. actually slapped me on the back. Uh my. mom got her suspended. Um and then my. sixth grade teacher just really picked. on me. It's like if I wore a lip gloss, she'd take my lip gloss, but she'd let. the other little girls who didn't have. the same complexion as me wear lip. gloss. Oh, okay.

She'd take my things and put them in the. June box. And then in this particular. instance, um my dad had given me these. coins. And because my dad was LAPD and. my mom and my dad weren't together, we. didn't always see our dad that often at. that time. So, anytime he gave me a. collection of coins, it was like a. really big deal to me. And the teacher. took them and put them in the June box. I was supposed to get them back in June. And another little girl was like, "Oh, those are mine." And I was like, "No, those aren't." And she was like, "Yes, they are." And then the teacher was. like, "Stop lying, Megan." And I was. like, "Why do I have to be lying?" And it was. just kind of always that situation.

Uh but the girl gave them back like 3. years later and apologized. I didn't. punch her. You got You got some anger issues. I. hope you YOU. I DID NOT punch her. But you thought about it. At that time, I don't know. I'm not I'm. not aggressive in that way. I'm one of. those people who if you continue to mess. with me and you get me to a certain. point, then I'm upset that you got me to. that point because it takes so much for. me. I'm so like, it ain't that serious.

So let me get this straight. The June. box is something if the teacher takes. something from you in September, October, November, Yep. they place it in this June box and at. the end of the year when school is over, you get to get it back. Yes. Yes. So she took your coin that your father. had given you. Obviously, your mom your. mom and dad's not together, so it holds. a little bit more sentimental value to. you because he's not around every single. day. Yeah. She places it in that. Yep. And then. And if she didn't keep no records, or. maybe she did, but she gave them to. another. I'm stealing it back.

You think you thought. If I knew where that girl lived, maybe. Maybe. You You said in Santa Clarita where you. grew up at. A lot of times you were the. only black child. And there was so obviously if you're the. only black child in that area, probably. you're going to be one of a handful of. in that high school. So did you You did. you deal with a lot of racism in high. school or was just isolated incidents? Um well, definitely in elementary school. quite a bit. Um and then in junior high,

uh a little bit. That's around when when. kids started busting in. Like black kids. started busting in. But then it was kind. of like in the beginning it was like the. black kids was like, "Why do you talk. like that?" And I'm like, "Talk like. what?" They're like, "Like you white.". I'm like, "What makes you think I'm. white?" They're like, "Yes, you do." I'm. like, "How?" So, anyways, as I sound so. crazy right now with my voice going. high, but anyway. Um so, I think for me, I almost felt like I didn't really fit. in anywhere kind of growing up, which I. think actually worked to my benefit.

because then I just kind of learned how. to be authentically myself and. unapologetically in that, but also how. to be a chameleon and get along with. anyone and go in any space and be. comfortable. How old were you in the role in Friday? 13. 13. Yeah. And you know, you had the scene the ice. cream truck with Big Big Worm, I mean. Big Worm. Yeah. And and so. mess. what was it like because you know, Chris. Tucker, Ice Cube, Faizon, John. Witherspoon, Bernie Mac. Were you on the.

set with. Were you on the set with any of those. guys other than Tucker, Chris Tucker and. Ice Cube? Yeah. You know what's crazy is is at. that time Michael Clarke Duncan was Tiny. Lister's stand-in. Mhm. And you know, F. Gary Gray was 25 years. old, first movie. And basically for that. those two scenes that I had in the. movie, I was probably on set for almost. 3 weeks waiting to shoot my scenes. Wow. And so I spent a lot of time with. everybody. But one thing I'll never. forget.

is Tiny I was eating a tuna sandwich and. he said, "Can I have one?" I said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah." So I went and I made. him one and I came back and then Michael. was like, "Well, where is mine?" And I. was like "Well, you didn't ask for one.". He was like, "Yeah, but you didn't ask. me if I wanted one." And I was like, "Oh, okay." And then he said to me he. said, "Just remember as you go along in. your career, make sure you treat every. single person on set the same exact way. Everybody has a role and everybody has a. job and everybody is important." And I. was like, "Right." And that stuck with. me and so I always did that and I've. always done that. And then it was really.

cool to do Debs with Michael Clarke. Duncan when I was 22 all those years. later and um. yeah, he he was a wonderful person. Did you know. Friday would be the cult classic? It's. one of the It's one of the black films. If you got five black films, and there. are a lot of them Friday's going to be. in that collection. Yeah. Yeah. Did you know what you were shooting at. the time? I didn't. I didn't. I just was so happy. to be there and to have a real line on. camera in a movie. Um I was so nervous.

during my scene. Uh, there was a few. times where Chris had to be like, "It's. your line. It's your line. It's your. line." I'm like, "Right. Um, man, I hate. him." Cuz I was just so nervous. And I. had Well, he And the one time he said, "You ain't got but one line. Just say. your line." I was like, "Right. Right. Right.". Right. Um, but he became like a big brother to. me after that. But, uh, but yeah, I had no idea what it was. going to become. And then you Eve's Bayou. Eve's Bayou, yeah. With Samuel L. Jackson. Yeah. Um, what was that experience like? Well, that was the next year, when I was.

14. And, um, I'll never forget that. uh, there was a table read about 4 years. prior. And, uh, I was 10 at the time. So, I was. actually playing Eve in the table read. Samuel Jackson was still playing uh, the. father role. I think Maya Campbell was. playing my role. And I forget who else. was there, but but point is is after. that I was like, "Great. So, when are we. going to shoot this movie?" And Miss. Kasi was basically like, "Well, we got. to, you know, get the funding for it. first." So, every year I'd be like,

"Miss Kasi, we get funding? We get. funding? We get funding?" And finally, when they got funding, I was 14. So, I. was like, "Okay, I have to get Cicely. I. have to be, you know, And so, uh, I went. in. I got Cicely, which was beautiful. And then I remember Journee coming in. And 4 years prior, I had guest starred. on Our Own. Okay. And, uh, played Jesse's love interest. and had my first on-camera kiss with him. and all of that. And so, I remembered. Journee and I was like, "Oh my gosh.". And then we just totally vibed out in. the audition. And then me and her ended.

up getting it together and and then, uh, we were talking about Poe in the room. And I was like, "Oh, you know, Journee's. got a little brother that's the exact. same age as Poe." And then Kasi went out. there and saw him and then, you know, then it's me, Journee, and Jake. So. Were there any roles early on that your. mom that your parents wouldn't allow you. to do? Um, I'm sure there would have been, but I. think, uh, my mom just kind of always instilled. in me like, "Don't do anything you're. not comfortable with. Don't compromise. yourself any in any way. If you can look.

yourself in the mirror, then you're. okay, but if you can't, it's not worth. it. It's not that serious. God will. bring you something better. And so, growing up every time I turned down. something that I wanted to do, but I. wasn't willing to do the nudity or I. wasn't willing to do this or that, God. always did bring something better. So, Has that always been your ethos? Has. that always been the way you thought and. said like, you know what? At the end of. the day, I still have to be able to look. at myself and feel good about myself. 1000% cuz I I don't want I don't want. fame or any type of success but at the.

expense of losing my soul or not feeling. good about who I am. It is not that. serious. It just ain't, you know what. I'm saying? And so, I think as long as I. keep my integrity and my authenticity, what's supposed to be mine will come to. me. And I think it'll come to me even. easier because you weed out the things. that you don't need to be concerned with. anyways. Do you feel you've missed out on some. roles because of the way you feel that. you won't. No. compromise your integrity? No. No. What's meant to be is going to be. What's meant to be is going to be and.

and if I had done those roles, would I. feel as good as I feel now? Would I have. the peace that I have in my heart now? No, and that's that you can't buy that. That's not for sale. I've interviewed a lot of people that. were kid actors and they a lot of them. have some bad stories to tell. Do you. have Did you have any bad stories? I. mean, I remember you had you had the one. director that you said that he yelled at. you. Yeah. But outside of that, were there anything. that you like that made you even maybe. second guess was like, maybe this isn't. for me cuz this yelling and all the the.

the belittling and the carrying on, I. don't know if it's for me. No, because I started doing it so young. that it was the world I knew and the. world that I lived in. So, when I saw. things that I didn't like, I just stayed. away from it. Or if I saw people who had. bad energy or. um were desperate for attention or. whatever it was, I I kind of stayed out. of their way um, and did my own thing. And so, it's it's all I've ever known. It's the job that I've had my entire. life. So, um, I understand some of the. things that come with it. I just don't.

concern myself with those things. You've been. Meagan Good. famous. Right. basically your entire life. Right. Did you wish that you could do some of. the other things that kids could do cuz. you couldn't do because you were on. television, you were in commercials. So, you just couldn't go play and you just. couldn't go hang out with your friends. and by the looks of it didn't like you. had a whole lot of friends. You run them. off. I had friends. I just that my best. friend and I've been best friends for 27.

years. Y'all still besties? Most of my friends I've had for 20 years. plus. Wow. Yeah. Yeah. And they're. So, you know they true. Oh man, they're just quality human. beings. Like some of God's greatest. gifts to my life, truly. Um. I think the only thing I missed out on. was the college experience. Okay. Which I kind of went back and forth on. because that would have meant that I. would have had to take a break. Right. And then and then I also had the. mentality of like so many of the things. that I want to learn, I want to learn. under people who are actively doing it.

for a living. Um and. and then I think I just I really would. have wanted to do the reunions. Like the. 10-year reunions. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I just love stuff like that and yeah. Yeah. So, but you. were you Did you go to Did you have. sleepovers? Did. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely I mean we weren't. really allowed to sleep over anyone. else's house. But they could come. But they could come, you know. Um But. yeah, I mean in that sense. there was always time to play, to find. time to hang out. Um my mom was.

definitely particular about who would. obviously meet their parents and all. those things. But, um, in that sense. that part of it was pretty normal. outside of people recognizing you. So, in other words, to make a long story. short, that you don't feel that you. missed out on anything even though. you've had this long career and you know. you was in TV shows, you was in movies. and like a lot of normal kids. Did you. Did you ever want to play sports? I'm very athletic. and I do love sports, but.

I I don't think so. I think I always. knew I wanted to do drama. And yeah, and then I tried dance for a. while, but I just was not good at it. So. Yeah, my older sister Lamaiya and my. younger sister Lexi are both phenomenal. dancers, but I was just like, yeah, that's not. That's not you. It's the gift the Lord has given you. Meagan and that's okay. Right. Yeah. You got served. Yeah. So now I mean now the movies are. starting to come with greater. regularity. It's like you like you're. working. You wrap one and you're. starting another. Wrap that one starting.

another because you had a stretch where. you like for like a decade. Right. You in two couple of movies a year. Right. Right. Right. Yeah. So now you're like, okay. Did you ever. like, man, your girl doing it. You don't think that's not your. personality. No, I think I had one moment where I did. this movie and it was such an all-star. cast and I just thought, okay, this this. is going to be the one and you know, I'm. going to be out of here. And this person who had did so many.

films that just always were number one. box office hits. This was the one that. flopped. Oh. And I just thought to myself, I was just. praying about it and I was just like, I. didn't have the right heart, the right. like, you know what I'm saying? My mind. wasn't right about it. I was like, this. one is going to get you out of here. It's like, what does that mean? What. does out of here mean? What is it that. you are trying to accomplish in your. mind in that moment? And so I really had. to check myself on that and and really. ask myself like, what do I want? You. know, what is my intention? And so. So I've never approached anything like. that ever again. Forget what the calendar says. Football.

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Gary Owen, Steve Harvey. Yes. That was an all-star cast. That's a lot. of personalities. Yes, yes. Everybody's like important, feel they're. important. Amen. Megan, how do how do you fit in? How do. you blend in like, okay, I'm I'm here. obviously they think I'm important. because I'm here, but obviously Kevin. Hart is Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey is. Steve Harvey, Taraji is Taraji. Uh-huh. So, how do how do you how do you.

fit in, but in the same time you stand. out? You be humble and you be authentic. Nobody can be you the way that you can. be you and nobody can bring what you. bring to the table the way that you. bring it. If you stay in your lane and. you do you, then you will stand out. Cuz. that is you. There's nobody else in the. world like you. Um but if you stay humble, you. learn from others, you're able to teach, you're able to enjoy the space, the time. with everyone. I don't believe in.

competition by any means. Um. and so for me, I'm really a girl's girl, but I'm also, you know, a guys' girl. where I genuinely want to see everybody. win. Um. as much of a Leo as I am, I also am a. very like if somebody, you know, uh. if somebody wants to shine a certain. way, I'm like, by all means, you got it. Cuz I don't care because for me, I'm I. I have a lot of self-love and a lot of. like just, you know, I just know who I. am and that's enough for me. And so, um.

yeah, I'm just very peaceful in all in. all situations and all sets with all. people. I read that the very first time that you. were in Vegas is that you were filming. this movie. Is that true? No. You had gone to Vegas before? Many, many times. OH, SO HOLD ON. WAIT A MINUTE. MANY, MANY, many times. What? You need something. See, you you got a. lot of secrets uh yeah. No. Few? Of course. Of course. Everybody has. secrets.

So, when you're filming this movie, you. understand all the characters and like. remember you said there was a movie. before that you like this is the one. that's going to get me out of here. Yeah, yeah. Did you know how successful that Think. Like a Man did you know it was going to. be? I think I I had a inkling, but I didn't. go into it with that. What I went into. it with was. this is my first opportunity. to. really figure out like the comedy part. of it because the comedy terrified me. Really?

I you know, I was used to playing the. straight man. I was used to doing more. drama and all of that. So, when Think. Like a Man when Tim Story kind of gave. you the opportunity to just like add. things in and to try different things. and see if they work and see if it was. funny and, you know, throw a bunch of. stuff up against the wall and sometimes. it sticks and sometimes it doesn't, but. he allowed me the freedom and space to. learn how to just jump and to know that. that's the only way you're going to find. the funny. And from there, you know, that experience and Think Like Think. Like a Man Alone. Tim Story really set me up for Harlem.

You know, he really was the the teacher. in the space that allowed me to figure. out that my funny doesn't have to be. like anybody else's funny. I learned. that my funny is awkward funny, you. know, and so. as I learned as I lean into my own brand. of what comedy is, you know, the right. people will respond to it that respond. to it. But that that's all I went into it with. was just like, okay, I just got to like get free on this and. I just got to, you know, conquer this. kind of comedy thing and just have fun. with it. So.

You shoot it, it wraps. Yeah. Premiere. Yeah. What's going through your mind? It came out so good. I'm so proud of it. People laughed at the things I added in, like, you know, that kind of thing. And and just being thankful to be. alongside. people that are great and gracious and. people that I love. I've known Gabrielle. since I was like 14. You know, Taraji I've known forever.

since like right after she did Baby Boy. I mean, Regina Hall, I mean, I just love her to pieces. When I when I. was going in for Harlem, I called Regina. and I was like, look, I'm about to go. test for this. Will you run these lines. with me? Cuz I wanted to know what you. think and she was like, girl, but you. funny. I was like, yeah, but you the. best. Right. So, I just want to see what you think, blah blah blah. Michael Ealy who I absolutely adore, Kevin who I absolutely I mean, that. whole cast Terrence, my bro like. everybody is just people who are great.

Actors, great talent, and great human. beings. Do you do anything in particular to help. you get into character when you play a. role? Yeah, it depends on the character. It. depends on. um. where I need to go to find. this person's experience to understand. their mentality, to. figure out their trauma, or figure out. their greatest passion. So, whatever research that is and. sometimes it's is researching a person. as a character study. Sometimes it's.

researching personality types or, you. know, whatever it may be, but yeah, I. just, you know, Cuz you know your role, you was like. really tough. You like guys, you was. like And so. Thank you. I mean I read that, you know, to help. you get into this character you. abstained. Well, I was abstaining already. Oh, so it was really easy for you to. play that part. Yes. Yes. I actually had just decided to. become celibate and had. for months at that time with my. ex-husband and and I I decided to become.

celibate before him and then when we got. together come to find out he was. celibate and then I got this movie and I. was like, well, I know exactly what. she's doing right now cuz I'm literally. living this, so yeah. Wow. Yeah. Yeah, I know it's crazy. It's crazy. The Lord be knowing what he. doing. He He He be knowing. Yes, he do. Now you do Anchorman with Will Ferrell. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Could you do those jokes now? Which ones? Uh I mean the same jokes that you told. like.

The black jokes? Yeah, I mean the comedy, you know, like. Oh, comedy's shifted quite a bit. Yeah, man. have gotten very, very sensitive. Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's a it's, you know, to me. most of it I understand um. I understand some of it, but I also feel. that it's taken away so much of the. artistry and the things that we laugh. about amongst ourselves at home anyways, it's kind of. it's just gotten very, very sensitive. for me, which I think is unfortunate cuz. it takes away a lot of the art and and.

comedy is art. It is it's a a very. specific kind of gift. And I think the. best version of that is when you're. talking about real things, you know, and. so. You take real events and make it funny. Yes. Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. So, to me. stuff in Anchorman was funny as hell, you know, but I know that some people. was offensive. Um, I am very inappropriate and you. know, me me and my sister laugh at stuff. that's just wrong. We should not be. laughing at them. Maybe, I don't know.

Um, so I enjoy inappropriate uh comedy. and you know. You've kind of done a lot of different. acting. Was there a particular genre. that when you were growing up says I. kind of want to do this? I could I want. to do drama. No, I kind of want to do. comedy. No, I kind of want to do a. horror. No, I kind of want to do Was. there any particular genre or you just. says like, "Hey, I can do it all. I'm. I'm I'm wide ranging. So, hey, let me. try.". A little bit of both, but I do love. horror movies. Really? love thrillers. I've been in a lot of.

them. I really I just you know, I'll be. looking at this and be like, "Well, how. am I going to die in this one? This is. going to be fun.". So, so. Saw 5, Venom, The Unborn, One Missed. Call? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I just love them. Um, I I think that growing up um, one of the. things that really made me want to be an. actress was the little girl who played. Jamie in the Michael Myers movie. Okay. And me and her about the same age. I. think she's about a year older than me. and I just thought does nobody else. realize this little girl is really. acting? Like if you go back and watch it. now, her performance stands up. And it's.

unfortunate there's that there's not an. award for that because she acted her. little ass off. But, um. it it's interesting because. survival is one of the highest things. that we can feel and experience outside. of love, you know. Um, and I think that figuring out, you. know, how a character's going to survive. and all the different things that you go. through um, as you are in a space of. just literally trying to make it um, I. think it's really. interesting and I just kind of love that.

world and I like to be scared and I like. the inappropriate things as I said. And. so, um, yeah, I think I always was just like, "I. just want to get a good scream in. I. just want to be stabbed in the chest and. be climbing upstairs. I just want to. like, you You that just something. crazy." It just makes me happy. I don't. know why. do know, Meagan, like. when we do those horror movies, Uh-huh. we don't really make it to the end. But But see, one One day we will. But I. will say we shall overcome. Uh But But.

for me, I actually was excited about the. dying scene. Yeah, but I'm saying I mean but not the. first not the the first one? You. Well, only one Miss Calwell I died in. the first season. And they shot that. after the fact as a cameo for the. beginning opening thing. And I thought, "Well, this is really cool.". Right. Yeah. But you But horror all things being. equal, you love the drama, you love the. comedy, but it's the horror. And And the horror and the thriller. How do you I mean, I'm trying to figure. out how do you How do you tap into that? How do you like.

Oh, let me go in here. And you're. Because, like I said, survival is one of. the greatest human emotion. Yeah. You know, we're we're all doing that. every single day. Yeah. And then in a heightened circumstance, I. think that it's interesting when you. discover what you would and what. wouldn't do. Or you discover what a. character would or wouldn't do. Um but. my character is the most I played it. ain't been no lie. Hello. Yeah. Not on that. No. I wouldn't even do that if it was in. the script. I'd be like, "Y'all, come.

on." And so. You were Three Strikes with Mo'Nique. Three Three Strikes with Mo'Nique, Phat. Girlz, Love Don't Cost a Thing, You Got. Served, Mike Epps, Anthony Anderson. What's it like working with Mo'? I've. had Mo'Nique on here and and in. Precious. Yeah. You know, TV show. Mo'Nique Mo'Nique. Mo'Nique is unbelievable. I don't know. if you your relationship with her, but I. thought she was unbelievable in all of. her roles. And I think she have a good. heart. I did too. I did too. I mean, I don't. keep up with all the thing thing things.

people. People are people. And honestly, people. be miserable. And I'm just like, "Please, get your whole life. Just stop. projecting your things. Go get help. Or. just, you know, let somebody give you a hug and love. you. That's that and I'm saying that. about people who say stuff about her, not about her. Um. I think that she's wonderful. I think. she has a beautiful heart. Um she's. always been kind to me and goes out of. her way to love on me and has always. been consistent with me no matter what I. had going on. That's it for me. I I.

don't care about nothing else. That's how you judge a person by how. they treat you. Yes, that's it. And how they treat my. mama if they meet my mama. Right. Uh but uh I don't care about all the. other stuff because that that's other. people's stuff, so. You and Obama fake with Cat. Yeah. What's it like working with Cat on set? Cat's sweetheart. He's sweetheart. I. seen his interview. He's sweetheart. I'mma leave it at that. I'm leaving it there. Cat's a Cat's a baby. is what I am going to say. What? I'm sorry, but my man is sexy to me.

Yeah. Okay, he's very very SEXY. OKAY, OKAY. OH, OH, I FORGOT. JUST NEED to be all the way clear on. that. You know what? I. I forgot all about that. I forgot all. about that. My My Hey, Oh, no, it's okay. Okay, okay. The TV shows that you've. been in, The Game, Star, Moesha, Law &. Order, Cold Case, damn, Famous Jett. Jackson, Touched by an Angel, Oh, yeah. Parenthood, Harlem Heights, Raising Dad. with Bob Saget. Yeah. Of all the shows, I mean, Law & Order. still going, Moesha was unbelievable. What was your What was your favorite. What was your favorite show that you was.

in? Ooh, uh I have to say Harlem. Really? Yeah, and it's because. well, first of all, it's the best. experience I've had as an actress in my. entire life, hands down. Um I love Tracy. Oliver, the creator of the show. I love, you know, Meagan Good, Jerrie Johnson, Amy. uh Kim, uh Scott. I mean, just everybody. who was a part Bri- everyone who's a. part of um. creating that show and I love the girls. in that show very, very much. I.

absolutely adore every single one of. them genuinely. Um they are my sisters and and to have. that relationship, to come on to a set, you know, I remember me and Grace Byers. talking about some kind of like horror. stories and things that we've been. through and we sat there on the couch. and we barely knew each other and I was. doing her um her uh show that she was. doing and she and we afterwards we sat. and prayed together and we just said, you know, I hope to God that we get to. do a show together cuz we will cover. each other and love each other and it. would be the best experience ever.

Cut to a year and a half later, she's. cast as Quinn. I'm getting ready to go. in and test for Camille and um as I'm. going to test uh I meet uh. Ty um sorry, Jerry who plays Ty. Yeah. and me and Jerry instantly I'm like, oh, I love this girl. I absolutely adore. her. And then I go to the bathroom and. I'm running my lines and Shinqua walks. in and Shinqua goes, you remember me? And I said, from where? She said, about. 4 years ago I was on FaceTime. where you were working on the show and. it was that show that I had that bad. experience on. And she said, and I I had.

a mutual friend and he called me and I. told you I was a fan of yours and I. loved you and I wanted to work with you. one day. You said, let's place both our. hands on this screen, let's claim it in. Jesus name that we going to work. together on something. And there we were both testing and we. both got it. And so um it just. everything about the the writing, I love. the character, um I love how I've grown. as an actress, I love working with them, I love everybody involved in creation. down to the crew, everybody in the crew. I absolutely adore. It's just it's just.

been the best experience. I don't think. I've ever. heard you speak, but you seem you are. very spiritual person. Yeah. When did this come about? Have you. always been like this? Yeah. Uh well, I didn't grow up in the church. Um when I was about 12, I started going. to a youth group um that my acting coach. um shout out to Carnetta Jones was my. acting coach from age 11 to 26. And um she was a a youth group leader. and it was called um God's Gang, which.

is now the name of my production. company. And um um. I had some friends, there were two girls. in school especially who looked out for. me when people would try to bully me. And. um. those two girls and one of their older. sister and a five-year-old girl they. were babysitting and another friend of. theirs left youth group that night and. got into a car accident. And um. their friend passed away, the little. girl who was about to turn six passed. away. Um one of the girls' older sister.

oh she passed away too that's right. And. then. and then the girl whose younger sister. it was that used to look out for me she. got severe brain damage. And the other. girl who used to look out for me had to. get reconstructive surgery and all this. stuff. But. um we went to this uh. I forget what it's called where you kind. of like go out into the you know woods. and you camp and stuff and you you know. pray and blah blah. And. and I remember that night her like. calling out to God and crying and saying. why and then.

she got saved that night. And so I was just like well how how do. you go to God instead of away from God. when something like that happens? Right. And it just made me curious and because. I had so much respect for her and. because she had looked out for me the. way that she had. Shout out to Alicia. wherever you are in the world. Love you. Um she kind of put me on my path. Her. example did. And so. um after that I became a Christian and. then I was like a Bible thumper and like. super religious and very judgmental. I.

remember when my sister lost her. virginity I was 14 she was 16 I went to. her I was like I just don't want you to. go to hell. I was that kid. None of my friends told me when they. lost their virginity. Everyone was like. don't tell Megan you know. Um so of course I was the last to lose. my virginity at 19 and and I and then at. that time um you know I kind of you know. there's all these phases of getting to. know God and maturing. My prayer used to. be like please let me look like one of. the lead singers from En Vogue.". He actually answered the prayer. Shout.

out to En Vogue. Um but then, you know, as you get older, your prayers mature, your relationship with God matures, um. you start to get perspective and learn. And and so, um mine has always been a. journey, you know, and and and these. last 2 years has been especially a. journey, but it's been a such an. incredible journey that uh the place. that I'm in now where I just have such a. freedom in God and just such a trust. that God knows my heart and knows who I. am even better than I do. And so, um.

yes, it's been a really a really. beautiful thing. It's been a really. beautiful journey. Is the last 2 years where your faith has. been tested the most? For sure. Not this past year. This past. year, I'm like, "Lord, I know that you're. going to do what you do, and I trust. you." Um and making sure that I was. there to give that to Jonathan. That's. what I felt that I was I was there to. do. Yeah. Um my faith has never wavered. in that, you know, in that instance. But.

um going through the divorce, that shook. me to my core. I was just like, "But, Lord, you asked me to be celibate, and I. was. You know, you told me who to marry, I married that person. I tried to do. everything to the best of my ability, and and no, I didn't do everything. perfect, but I don't know that I could. have done anything different if I'm. being honest.". And so, um. I was just like, "Why is this. happening?" My greatest fear was for my. husband to leave me after 10 years of. marriage the way that my dad and my mom.

separated. And that's exactly what. happened. And I was just like, "I don't understand. this." And so, um. it was a lot of prayer, a lot of. evaluation, a lot of um learning about. myself even. It was a lot of um. uh. realizing the place that we both were. in, it was a lot of. um. a lot of just like rediscovering God and. realizing.

um. that sometimes. the way that we see or understand. things, it's not that it's not true. It's just you do come into different. seasons. And and I had to accept that if. this isn't something I've chosen, but. it's something that God has allowed, then God has allowed it for a good. reason. And I think that we both have. grown from it tremendously. I think that. Now, I think that what at the time I was. so mad at DeVon, but now I think what he.

did was very brave. And um I think that. it was a very scary thing to know that. the church and all the people everyone. was going to be like, "Well, this is not. what a man of God or woman of God does, you know?". And and and of course there were a lot. of people who were like, "Well, Megan. must have done something." And I'm like, "What?" You know, um but. uh I think that. I think that in order to grow to the. place that we've grown I think we. absolutely were supposed to be married. for that amount of time and I think we. got the best and the benefit out of it.

And I think he taught me a lot and I. taught him a lot and we took a lot, we. gave a lot. But we're still friends and and you. know, as he said that the love is, you. know, transitioned into something else, but it's still love. And uh I don't. regret anything and I'm super thankful. for the time that we were married and. I'm super thankful for what I learned um. and I think that I I love now in a. different capacity because when the your. absolute worst fear happens now there's.

nothing to be afraid of anymore. In that situation, you like, "I prayed. for this. I was everything everything. God everything you asked me to do I. did.". Yeah. Did you feel at that moment that. as the marriage is starting to dissolve, did you feel like a failure? No. I don't think so because I. I feel like we had almost 10 successful. years of marriage.

I feel like. I feel like I got so much from it that. has made me better. It has helped me. grow. And I feel that he feels the same way. Right. So, I don't feel like it was a failure. by any means. I just didn't understand. it. Cuz I was like, "But this You say. forever, it means forever.". Forever. You know? And. um. and that wasn't the case, you know? But. um. I think that part is the part that I. struggled with the most because I would.

have never got gotten a divorce under. any circumstances. Really? And I don't know I don't know if that's. always the right thing, you know? And. it's not that anything bad was going on, nobody was cheating, nothing cra- like, you know? And And I won't get into why. we divorced, but um. I don't know if if being married for the. sake of just. Societal because society say you. Well, because of religion, you know? I. think I think you really have to have a.

relationship with God and see how God is. moving you. And sometimes it's not going. to make sense to anybody else. And that's okay. It's not for it to make. sense to anybody else. You just have to. be in tune with. Proud of you being married to someone, a. minister. Yeah. You being in the being a woman of faith, Yeah. belief, Yeah. would you have felt this way had you not. grown through that? Well, I. About not necessarily being married. Oh, oh, no. I think that still would. have been like, "No. You get married, it.

says in the word, y'all better work it. out. You better figure it out. You. better do something.". Okay. Um and I think if you can, you should. Um. But again, I think that sometimes God. moves us in ways that. it may seem contradictory to. other people's perception or how they. see or read the word or or literally. what it says. Um but I think that's why we have to be. very clear on having a relationship with. God, not just a religion with God. We.

have to be very clear on hearing from. God. And and that's got to be the compass. Period. The relationship with God. And. not the relationship where you're not. really hearing that and you just want to. do what you want to do and you want a. reason to do it or an excuse to do it, but really knowing if that's what you're. hearing God to tell you to do, no matter what anybody thinks or anyone. says, you got to move the way God's. telling you to. And um. that's just that. Outside of your closest friends, your.

support, do. do people or did people know that you. have such a. close relationship with God? I mean, people say what they want to. say. If you go back to every men's. magazine that I was on the cover of and. you realize that I never wore bathing. suit, I never wore lingerie, and then. you look in those interviews from 1999, 2001, 2004, 2000, you will always see. that I always said, "I am a Christian. I. believe in God. I'm not going to do.

anything that would disappoint God. God. is my compass." I've always talked about. God. And I think that sometimes when. people go, "Oh, well, it's the cover of. a men's magazine." Well, for me, that's. not a conviction of mine. I don't I. don't feel that God is concerned with. what I'm wearing. And so, um if that is not my conviction, it says. in the Bible, "Have um he who has faith. have it to himself before God. Happy is. he who does not condemn himself in what. he proves." Meaning, and then it goes on. to talk about if you don't really. believe that that's what God approves, then you are sinning. But if you really.

believe that between you and God, then. that's that. Period. That's what that is. for you. And so, um that's the tattoo I. have on my head. Which even that is. like, "Oh, you shouldn't pierce your. body." Well, for me it's a reminder. to not go too far down the religion. religious rabbit hole and stay in the. relationship with God. God, what do you. say? And so, um. for me, I never had a conviction about. that kind of thing. My feeling was like, "I want to get this these words that I'm. saying about God and how much I love God.

and how God is the head of my life. I. want to get this to the people who are. going to pick up this magazine because. I'm not going to get to them any other. way. And most of the other people in the. church, they're not going to get to them. at all. So, if I feel comfortable and I. don't feel like I'm doing something. wrong, then I'm just going to be. authentically me and I'm going to reach. other people that other people don't. just by being who I'm called to be and. being authentically that.". Before you take a role, do you always. pray on it?

Majority of the time. Sometimes I just. feel in my spirit. I'm like, "Okay, good. I feel good about this." If I'm. not sure, then I pray about it. If I've. ever felt that God's like, "No, that's. not That's not what I want you to do.". then I just won't do it, period. Wow. Even if I want to do it, period, I won't. do it. Wow. Yeah. So, it's It's easy when you have that. kind of faith and you say you've been. walking Well, since you were about 19? Uh I've been saved since I was 12. 12? Yeah. Yeah. Lost your virginity at 19. So, you've. been You've been on this road You've. been on this road for the better part of.

two decades. Yeah. So, the highs and the lows, you never. question like you It's God's will and. you Whatever he decides Whatever his. will. Yeah, I think that. I think I I think that I've. I have to accept that because. you can't accept one thing and not. accept the other. And so, um I trust God and and. and even like, you know, when when the. divorce happened, I was mad at God. Really?

"What kind of What the hell like" I was. so mad, but I was just like but you. never questioned it. I did I didn't question. if I was going to be okay. I questioned, well, why why do it? What what was the. point? And over time. Yeah, and then also I was like, you knew. this was my worst fear. Like, why, you. know? And then. um you know, over the years and it's you. know, almost almost been like 3 years. now. So, um. over the years um always revealed a lot.

more and every time I'm revealed a lot. more, I'm just really in gratitude and. thankful that I married someone that was. so wonderful and that is so wonderful. and that we had that time and that we. grew together and just all the things. And so, um I don't believe that anything's in. vain. That's probably the only moment. where I was just like, okay, Lord. You know. Right. But now I'm like, okay, Lord. Thank you. The days are warmer, the walks are. longer, and one easy way to help your.

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tips? I remember I had Terry Crews on. here and he said that he was struggling. remember his lines and going through his. line. He said Tichina Arnold said, "Won't you sing them?" He said, "Terry, you like to sing.". Yeah. Won't you Won't you Won't you just sing. them? Memorize them like that. Yeah. Have anybody given you pointers to help. you. relax so it just. feels better. advice I ever got was from Larenz Tate. on Waiste Deep. And I was nervous about the scene. I was. trying to get into it and we'd already. taken like two takes.

And he just grabbed me. He was like, "Sis." I was like, "Yeah, yeah." He was. like, "Fuck it.". "Fuck it.". And I was like, "What do you mean?" He. was like, "Just it.". And I realized that he was like, "Just. don't overthink it. Just it's in you. It'll come out. Don't try to get there. Don't try to figure it out. Just live. and breathe it and it's just going to. come right out of you.". Right. And it did. And uh and so now I tell that, you know, when I'm around younger actresses or. actors, I'm like, "Fuck it. It'll come.

It's in you. You wouldn't be here if it. wasn't in you. So.". I read that you said that I think you. were about 14, 10 or 14, that you've. been your family's provider from the. time that you were like 14. To some degree, yeah. I mean, my mom. managed my sister and I. So, you know, we went out, we did our thing. My sister. was in a big singing group, Isis, at the. time in the '90s and they had two big. hits and. so me and her both, you know, but at a. certain point in time, you know, as. things fluctuate and and things are.

happening, you know, and and for clarity, my father. has always paid child support. Did he go back and hit him up? No, but let me be clear. My dad has. always paid child support. But but yeah, for a long time a lot of the income that. was coming in the house was was, you. know, primarily, yeah. I just worked it. out. I just worked it out. I just worked. it out. I mean, because like I remember growing. up and working I was making 25 $30 a. week working six, you know, five and a. half six days a week and I remember. coming home and giving my grandmother. $10, $15. It's not much but it was and I.

looked at myself like man, I'm 9 10. years old, I'm a provider and it gave me. a sense of of accomplishment and I to. this day that's what I am. I'm a. provider for my family. Did that give you a sense of. accomplishment because you're a child? At the end of the day you're still a. child. And a lot of the was coming into the. home. is courtesy of you. Well, I looked at it like. my mother before that time.

had did everything on her own with. an older brother who had special needs. and then me and my sister and then. ultimately when she remarried, you know, my stepbrother and then and then she. adopted my younger sister. when I was 14 and I was 4 years from. being out of the house. And so my mother. has been such a provider for everybody. on every level. that it was nothing to want to do it for. her. And then also, you know, again she. was doing the work, she was managing us. and and when me and my sister said you. know, can you quit your job? We want to.

pursue this full time. She had to have. enough faith to be like, okay, I believe. that my children can do it and we can. keep this household afloat. So, you. know, even when I was working there was. times when I wasn't working and Le'Myia. was overseas touring with her group and. she would come home and she'd bring her. money home and so our household was just. one of whoever has got it is all of. ours, we take care of each other. We. are, you know, a tribe and and we always. protect and take care of each other, you. know. And so. there was definitely a sense of. accomplishment but it also was a sense.

of like. safety and just knowing that we always. look after each other and we always will. look after each other. You. are there any actors in Hollywood? No, before I get to that. you said like the pay. because you hear a lot of you know, you. hear Taraji you hear Monique you hear a. lot of black Viola Davis who has the E. got. Yeah. We hear a lot of black actors actresses. talking about the discrepancy in pay. Yep. Yeah.

Have you experienced that? For sure. For sure. Uh it's interesting cuz um. you know I remember talking to Jonathan. about uh a project and and he asked me. what my quote was and I told him and he. was like no. He was like absolutely not. No. And I kind of knew. but I also was like I know what I how. much I've worked my life to even get to. that point. Right. Um but the discrepancy is a discrepancy.

and and it and it actually disappoints. me that people have you know made fun of. Taraji or whoever like crying and saying. because because it's not right and. people don't realize that they're like. oh well you're an actress you know. you're rich and famous you're wearing. nice dresses and rings and stuff and I'm. like no baby doll let me explain. something to you. We go to work. sometimes 15 18 hours a day and the. energy the work that we do the giving. that we give of ourselves everything. around it is a lot of work and then not.

just that you walk out of the house and. you work a lot more just walking down. the street or doing press for a project. um. and you see people and athletes whatever. is getting paid what they get paid for. their talent and and for and their work. ethic they bring to the table why do. black actresses not deserve that and we. are working very very very hard. I've. worked hard my entire life. I have never. not worked hard. Right. So um. especially in the realm of what it's.

being compared to what other people are. getting. I remember the same show I'm. talking to you about. uh you know I was the lead on that show. but I was number two on the call sheet. and and the guy who was number one who's. a white gentleman, such a sweetheart, an. incredible human being, he was like, "This isn't right." He was like, "You. should be number one on the call sheet.". And I was like, "Yeah, I know.". You know, but it's it's just there's so. much of that that people have to speak. up. And you know, and it's unfortunate. that they have to be somewhat of a. martyr for people to start paying.

attention. And then it's like, okay, don't just pay attention, y'all do. something about it. You know what I'm. saying? And and so yeah, it it is it is. a big thing and it's really not right. and it's really not cool. And. you know, and and and what I will say, you know, thinking about Tyler Perry, that Tyler Perry is the first person who. paid me what I should get paid. Wow. First person and and did not. blink an eye. You know, he said, "How. much do you want?" I said, "Let me let.

me talk to my team, you know, really. quick." And he said, "Just tell me how. much you want." I was like, "Tyler, I. said, let me just cuz I wasn't quite. sure what to ask for." And then um. you know, I was talking to Jonathan and. he was like, "You should ask for this.". And I was like, "No, I can't ask for that." And I was. like, "I don't like you know, it's like. it's almost a mentality." And then going. back to the child actor syndrome too is. like, "I don't want to lose the job.". Right. You know, but it's like. you forget what an asset you are. But sometimes they make you forget. sometimes they make you feel like you. should be grateful that we even offered.

you the job and you should take whatever. we whatever we're offering you. And the. person just says, "Well, you know, she's. talented. There's a reason why we're. offering her the job.". And let's pay her. Yeah. a fair wage. Yeah. And so I. asked Tyler. and he said, "I was going to give you. that anyways.". And I was like, "Oh, wow.". And then I started crying. And then I couldn't stop. Were you crying?

Let me see. I'm going to let you I'm I'm. I'm going to let you tell me why you. started crying and then I'm going to. tell you why I thought you why I think. you started crying. Why did you start. crying? Um. because I felt valued. I felt like someone wasn't just. sitting there and telling me I'm. valuable. They were actually showing me. Um because actions obviously are much. bigger than words. And. um. because he was excited to do it for me. And then he said he said I want to make. sure you and he named a few other people.

who's like you guys have been doing this. all your lives and you should get what. you deserve. And I'm going to make sure. that you get it. And that's the kind of. person that Tyler is. And so um just. that feeling of feeling valued and. someone um not just saying it but. proving it. That's exactly what I was going to say. You started crying for the very first. time somebody saw the value in making. good. And they paid you accordingly. Yeah. Yeah. You get emotional thinking about it,

don't you? I do because I do feel. I do feel that. a lot of people see the value in me and. some don't, but a lot of people do see. the value in me, but it doesn't mean. that they're going to treat me as such. Compensate you accordingly. Yeah. Yeah. You have this persona. People look at. you as like. the cute girl, the cute lady. Correct. You try to live that down. What you mean? You cut your hair I mean people saw you. Oh, yeah.

You cut you cut your hair. Yeah. because did you feel that you in order. for you to be taken serious? Yeah. You had to this was a a step. Well, I had this long kind of hair that. I wore often and I just think that. people were like, oh, she's, you know, the cute girl, the pretty girl, the sexy. girl, the girl next door, the love. interest. And I just realized in order. for me to get out of that space, I had. to show up differently. Right. And um. you know, and and so that's what I did.

You know, and and even then it's still. was a hard box to. break out of, you know? But I look at. stuff like Harlem and you know, it's it. ain't about the way I look at all. It's. about who this woman is and and all of. her quirks and all of her truth and all. of her searching and figuring out and. the roles that now I'm getting right I'm. getting to play in my 40s. That has been. incredible. I think that that I think. that's the best part, too, is like I. truly am in the second act of my life. even though I've lived many lifetimes. already. Right. Um.

and I'm excited for what's going to come. out of me in this next year. Uh what's. going to come out of me in every. performance because of the things I've. experienced. What's going to come out of. me when I have kids. What, you know, all. those things. What's going to come out. of me when. you know, I'm older woman. When I'm, you. know, 60s, 70s. Um all that's really. exciting to me. So, yeah. You mentioned Tyler Perry. You're in. this new movie, um Divorce in the Black. A Divorce in the Black. Divorce in the Excuse me. Divorce in the. Black. Yeah.

Hmm. What? Because Divorce in the Black. So, obviously if if I'm having to guess, you were divorced. Yes. You're a divorcee. Oh, yes. How much having gone through that were. you able to. fall back on and says, "Okay. Okay. And. boom. Here we go.". All of it. All of it. Um. because even though she's in a very. different situation than than I was in,

um it's still that reality of. expecting that your life is going to go. one way. and then suddenly realizing it's going. to go a totally different way. And then. you are trying to figure out what you're. supposed to do and um having to re-kind. of learn yourself, but realizing that. you've also changed and you've grown and. um. and then you're having to re-kind of. calibrate your mind to not be sad and. not, you know, like you have to go.

through the sadness. You definitely have. to go through the pain, the crying, and. um the process, which is a process I. think to some degree you never don't. like not have it in some way, shape, or. form, as long as you don't uh let it. make you bitter, you let it make you. better, but um. the process that she had to go through. to go, "Okay, now I'm in this next phase. of life, and I'm going to embrace this, and I'm going to get excited about this, and I'm going to figure out what I want. and what makes me happy." And. um having complete freedom after that to. be like, "Okay, it's it's my world, what.

I want to do with it, you know?" And so, I think um. many of the moments that Ava had. there's there's a scene where I'm. running, and you know, it was just like. I was just so. there. I just I knew exactly where Ava. was, and I was just so there with her, and I was pleased to be able to gift her. with the realest, truest, rawest emotion. of what that reality was. Is it easier to play a role when you're. familiar. um.

not just the character, but you like, "I've been there, I've done that. I I. actually know what a divorcee is going. through in this very moment. I can feel. I can tell you. Yeah. what it's like.". Yeah, I think I think it is easier, although there is. your experience and their experience. Yeah, because you you might have not. have gone through The reason why she got. divorced might not be the reason why you. got divorced. So, it has to be. different. I mean, I'm reading that. divorce uh uh. uh.

marriage gone wrong, maybe it's domestic. violence, maybe it's finances, or. whatever the case may be. But at the end. of the day, it's that big D. D I V O. Yes. Yeah, and and the only difference. is. um. how does this person download and. process it? Yes. Like for instance, you know, with my. character in Harlem, it's first time. where I go, "Okay, she's a Gemini. So, I'm going to pursue all Gemini traits.". So, if Meghan if you came at her like. this, Meghan might get indignant and be. like but a Gemini is actually going to.

go, "Wait a second." and and get. introspective and and and a totally. different gear is going to hit for them. And so, um that's the only difference is. even though I can understand where the. character's at. Um uh distinguishing the. difference between um not just Ava and. and Meghan's journeys, but Ava and. Meghan's mentalities and um their. bandwidth for pain and their um how much. did they, you know, hide from their. family, how much did they share, what's. the dynamic between her mother versus.

her, you know, all those things. That. would be probably be the only thing. But, do I think it's easier in general? Yes, because you already have a leg up. because you already have such a a rich. well to to pull from. Should we Should we view divorce as bad? I don't know anymore. I don't know. Uh I think. Prior to you going through divorce, how. did you view divorce? The prior to it. happening to you, how would you view it? I felt like for any other reason besides. domestic violence, I'm like, "Y'all.

better figure that out.". Um. but now, I just I I don't know. I think. that. what I experienced made me less. judgmental about. an experience that somebody else is. having that I don't know what it is. And um I can't say that it that is bad. or good for anybody. All I can say is that it it hurt a lot. for me, but I think that.

I think that it also was. a blessing to both of us in a way. Um. and not because it happened, but because. if it if it had to happen and that was a. part of our story, um. we both got so much from it. Did you feel you let people down? Yes and no. Because I think that. I think I felt that I let people down a. bit with the weight. Because, you know, I never said to someone, "Well, this is.

what I think you should do." And I never. pursued making the book like, "Look how. I did it, guys. This is what you should. You know, it was never that." It was. always people asking and inquiring me. saying, "Oh, well, these are the spaces. that I'm in. This is what God's telling. me to do right now." And people being. curious and from that coming a book. talking about our experience. Not. necessarily, um, telling people to go do. it, but saying, "This is why it worked. for us and this is why, you know, we. believe in it." And I still believe in. the weight and I still believe that it. worked for us. I think that what didn't. work for us were the reasons why we.

ultimately, um, you know, divorced. But I think that um. I think the weight allowed us to get the. full benefit and I think it's the reason. that we're still friends to this day. I. think it's the reason that we walked. into the room with both of our divorce. attorneys and "But you look great. Look. at you. You've been working out. Yeah, you look great, too. Da da da. How you. doing? Hey, you know." And they're looking like. "Y'all getting divorced?" And we're. like, "Yeah." And they're like. But you sleep. "Okay, y'all just Okay, you know." And.

when people when they see us, you know, we see each other in the street, you. know, people tense up around us and I'm. like, "How are you doing?". You know, and it's just like and it's. genuine love and I and I think a lot of. that really is because of the weight and. the way that we got to know each other. and the quality of the human being and. the trust that was there, um, even if. there, you know, was disappointment at. the end, I can look at DeVon and say, "That's a good person.". Wow. And I'm thankful for that time.

Divorce in the Black will launch. globally on Prime Video July 11th. Thanks for stopping by. Making good, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much. Thank you. Awesome. Appreciate you. Thank you. Thank much. Thank you. All my life I've been grinding all my. life. Sacrifice, hustle, pay the price, want a slice, got to roll the dice, that's why. All my life I've been. grinding all my life. All my life I've been grinding all my. life. Sacrifice, hustle, pay the price,

want a slice, got to roll the dice, that's why. All my life I've been. grinding all my life.