Regina King is getting supporting actress Oscar buzz for If Beale Street Could Talk, for which she was just nominated for a Golden Globe. She was also nominated for a Globe in the TV category for her work on Netflix’s Seven Seconds. So she’s killing it professionally at 47, and she’ll tell you that she works for it. Buzzfeed News has a new interview with Regina, conducted by Audie Cornish, whom you might know from NPR’s All Things Considered. I enjoyed watching her interview as she has very good career and life advice which I wanted to share.
On If Beale Street Could Talk making people uncomfortable
“I like to see people uncomfortable. I think that that’s when you get really to the truth… You get to hear what people honestly feel. I’m hearing a lot of people who see Beale Street saying they had an awakening when they watched the film.“I feel like comfort zones are where dreams go to die,” King said. “So, that’s what I mean by ‘I like when people are uncomfortable,’ because I feel like you’re having an awakening.”
Audie told her she was a scene stealer in her roles
“Thank you, I don’t think that I look at it that way… I was lucky enough to come up under Marla Gibbs on 227 so I learned the importance of being a professional and how important it is to give 100%. I just look at every role that I have like ‘this is my moment.’”On being the only woman of color on THR’s latest actress roundtable
“While I wish there were more [women of color] I still am not going to not appreciate the blessing to be in the conversation. At that table, looking at Glenn Close, and talking to Glenn Close, and her dropping a few jewels on me — I am not going to not receive that as a beautiful moment. It was, it is…bittersweet, I guess is the best way to put it.”On Ellen Pompeo calling out Porter Magazine for a lack of color on their panel
“I can’t speak on what a white woman is feeling about why she is or isn’t, or is she even thinking about it, I don’t know,” King said to Cornish. “But I would guess that there are some actors that feel like if they do, they’re jeopardizing their position. They’re putting their space in jeopardy. I hope that there are going to be more women that are being honest. The role does not have to say African-American woman, Caucasian woman. There should be a possibility for any woman to have that role.”On persisting in your career
[Regina says] making it in Hollywood requires “honesty” and “never giving up.”“Because you will hit a time where you’re hearing ‘no’ more than you’re hearing ‘yes,’” King said… “And you just can’t let that ‘no’ shut you down.”
You can’t give up. I mean, like I said: I’m finally playing a superhero and I’ll be 48 in a couple of months,” she said.
On how to make a job change
“Even if your day job is whatever, lead with ‘I’m a director.’ Claim it.”
[From Buzzfeed, some quotes from video]
Regina’s advice about just saying you’re a director even if you don’t have a lot of experience reminds me of Jennifer Lopez saying that she regularly told herself at the beginning of her career that she was “a great actress, a great singer, a great dancer.” Lopez also emphasized the importance of just persisting at your job no matter what. I’m reading this book called Mindhacking, which is mostly rational emotive therapy, more clearly explained. (You can get it on Amazon and the PDF is free and legal.) The author uses a computer science metaphor to help us be aware of and change the negative thoughts, which he calls loops. That’s what came to mind when Regina explained her approach to her career. I get a lot of good advice from celebrity interviews actually.
Here’s the trailer for If Beale Street Could Talk! It’s out December 14th and looks so good but heartbreaking.
Photos credit: WENN and Getty
If I was still getting tattoos at this point in my life, I would consider, “comfort zones are where dreams go to die.” All day long. I have so much respect for this woman and I love her as an actress.
One of my friends worked with her on the tv show “SouthLAnd.” He adores her. He always says she is an amazing person and a terrific actress, but she often flies under the radar a bit because she is not a whiny, egocentric, thirsty starlet willing to kill her own grandmother to succeed.
Southland is where I realized “holy crap, the daughter from 227 is one hell of an actress!” I’ve always liked her but that really made me a fan, so it’s good to hear such nice things about her.
Very happy to see her getting more and more good work and finally some awards recognition.
She’s so right! She’s great!
The mindhack stuff sounds like CBT but using different terms. I’m just learning to use positive affirmations and you have to keep repeating them to yourself until you start believing them.
I was into posting affirmations on my bathroom mirror and dressing mirror and recite them several times in the morning and evening. It is very beneficial to have them in your sight.
As for RK, she is an incredible actor, absolutely stunning and clearly gives herself into every role that she plays.
Yes, more RK!!
I know she is doing alright, but is still bothers me she never got the recognition for her work on Southland. Just Phenomenal.
And no nominations for her work on Jerry Maquire. That too was a crime.
I have always liked and admired her. Her roles vary and she was phenomenal in the show “Southland”, I think it was called, about the LAPD. Wishing her much success in the future.
I need to watch that! I have heard a lot of good things about that show.
Yay! More Regina King posts, please!
Hoping she gets an Oscar to add to her collection. I’ve loved her since 227!!
I’m such a huge fan of hers! She’s been consistently putting in quality work for YEARS! It’s a bit bittersweet but I’m glad she’s finally getting her due <3
I have followed Regina’s career for years and really admire her. She deserves more accolades.
I’m also a big fan. I think she is a wonderful actor.