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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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