Actor Danielle Brooks has blessings to count
Sep 15, 2026 · 45m
Summary
Danielle Brooks discusses her career, from playing Tasty in Orange Is the New Black to starring in The Color Purple and Peacemaker. She reflects on her church upbringing, her Juilliard education funded by a godmother, and her connection to John Baptiste. Brooks also shares insights on body positivity, her role as Mahalia Jackson, and her new film If I Go, Will They Miss Me?
Topics discussed
Introduction: Danielle Brooks' career and new film
Playing prison-related roles and the character Tasty
Friendship with John Baptiste at Juilliard
Auditioning for The Color Purple and singing 'Hell No'
Transitioning from dialogue to song and church roots
Favorite gospel songs and finding perspective
Godmother Annie Edge and the scholarship fund
First break and career recap
Portraying Mahalia Jackson and church screening
Singing 'My God Is Real' and adapting Mahalia's style
Growing up in church and pressure for perfection
Parental concerns and the nude scene in Orange
Second break and career recap
Singing 'Precious Lord' and themes of death
Body image, representation, and GLP-1 use
Promoting the film 'If I Go, Will They Miss Me?'
Discussing the song 'Blessings' and gratitude
Performance of 'Blessings' and closing remarks
Preview of next episode and show credits
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