Global icon, trendsetter, businesswoman, and multi-talented entertainer,
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is a woman who needs no introduction. Her resume
reveals an impressive combination of professional achievements and
philanthropic endeavors, and she is currently ranked as one of the top ten
best-selling solo artists in the history of contemporary music.
 True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself by Janet Jackson Read an AALBC.com Review |
Janet established the Rhythm Nation Scholarship with the UNCF, too, and has assisted countless students striving to meet their educational goals. Most recently, she chaired the American Foundation for AIDS Research's gala charity event in Milan that raised more than a million dollars. She also traveled to Abu Dhabi recently to support fresh2o, a charity whose goal is providing worldwide access to clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes.
Janet has been the recipient of many humanitarian awards because of her involvement in charitable and social causes, including the 2008 Humanitarian of the Year award from the Lisa Lopes Foundation, the 2008 Vanguard Award from GLAAD, and the 2004 Touching a Life Humanitarian and Philanthropic Award from the NBA. Janet's admirable efforts have been recognized by AIDS Project LA, the Congress for Racial Equality, and by the NAACP with its Chairman's Award.
Janet will soon be publishing her first book, "True You," a memoir offering an intimate look at her life and how she has dealt with issues of self-esteem. Here, she talks about her work as Jo in Tyler Perry's screen adaptation of For Colored Girls, an ensemble drama co-starring Kerry Washington, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine and Phylicia Rashad.
Janet Jackson:
The "For Colored Girls" Interview
with
Kam Williams
Kam Williams: Hey, Janet, thanks again for the time.
Janet Jackson: Hi Kam, how are you?
KW: Great, and you?
JJ: Very well, thanks.
KW: FSU grad Laz Lyles would like to know what it is about Tyler Perry that
enabled him to assemble such an accomplished cast.
JJ: First of all, he's a wonderful person and a great director who gets it
right when he does an ensemble piece, so naturally everyone's really dying
to work with him. Secondly, what he creates resonates with audiences which
all the more makes you want to be a part of that magic.
KW: Reverend Florine Thompson asks: How did you come to play Jo? Did you
pick that role or did Tyler pick it for you?
JJ: Her name originally was Carmen when Tyler approached me with this role
in mind. I had not read the script. He told me a lot about her, and I asked
him "Do you really think I can do this?" He responded, "I wouldn't be asking
you, if I didn't think so." Then, when I read the script, I said to myself,
"Well, this is really different from anything that I've ever done." I knew
it would involve a great deal of hard work, but I felt up to the challenge.
And I fell in love with the character in so many different ways. That's
really how it all came about.
KW: Well, you really did a terrific job, further expanding the range you
exhibited in Why Did I Get Married, Too. Children's book author
Irene Smalls asks: Do you think this movie will have cross-over appeal, even though it's
about African-American females?
JJ: Of course, the issues that are addressed by this film are relevant to
all women, so I'm sure it will have a universal appeal and resonate across
all demographics.
KW: Irene was also curious about whether there was one person you drew on in
portraying Joanna, a magazine editor?
For Colored Girls [2010]
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JJ: No, but in doing research, one of the things that was very helpful to me
was watching old movies. One in particular was Adam's Rib with Katherine
Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. And, a friend of mine, Glenda Bailey, the editor
of Harper's Bazaar, actually allowed me to visit her office so I could get a
sense of the inner workings of the fashion magazine world. That enabled me
to make sure my dialogue was credible. Not that Glenda's anything like my
character. I also spent some time with another friend, Laura Brown, who's at
Harper's Bazaar as well. They were both very helpful. Besides that, I just
dove into what Tyler was trying to bring to life.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
JJ: I can't think of one.
KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
JJ: Of course. I wouldn't be human, if I never experienced fear.
KW: The
Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
JJ: Very!
KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?
JJ: [Chuckles] Just a little while ago.
KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?
JJ: Caramel apples.
KW: The bookworm
Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
 by Megan Abbott A young woman hired to keep the books at a down-at-the-heels nightclub is taken under the wing of the infamous Gloria Denton, a mob luminary who reigned during the Golden Era of Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano. Notoriously cunning and ruthless, Gloria shows her eager young protégée the ropes, ushering her into a glittering demimonde of late-night casinos, racetracks, betting parlors, inside heists, and big, big money. Suddenly, the world is at her feet -- as long as she doesn't take any chances, like falling for the wrong guy. As the roulette wheel turns, both mentor and protégée scramble to stay one step ahead of their bosses and each other. |
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod?
JJ: Drake…and mellow jazz… and a lot of other things.
KW: What is your favorite type of food to eat?
JJ: I couldn't pick just one. I love Mexican… Chinese… Japanese… Indian… I had Moroccan recently, and it was really delicious.
KW: Have you ever had Ethiopian? That's really good, too.
JJ: No, and there's an Ethiopian restaurant on Fairfax, and every time I pass by I say, I've got to try it.
KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
JJ: Again, I couldn't pick just one. But I love Alexander McQueen, John Galliano Haider Ackermann, Todd Lynn and Rick Owens.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
JJ: Attending my sister's wedding when I was two years-old.
KW: Which sister was that?
JJ: Rebbe.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
JJ: Damita Jo. [Laughs]
KW: Damita Jo , do you go by your middle names a lot?
JJ: Yeah, my friends call me Damita Jo, Damita or just Jo. When I look in the mirror, what do I see? I see someone who has had a wonderful life, who continues to enjoy a wonderful life and to grow because she's a work in progress. I've come a long way, but I still have open arms to learn more.
KW: Well, thanks again for another great interview, Janet, and best of luck with the film.
JJ: Thank you very much.
KW: And I hope to speak to you again when you publish your upcoming memoir, "True You."
JJ: I would love that, Kam.
For Colored Girls [2010] - Film Review
http://aalbc.com/reviews/for_colored_girls.html
Thandie Newton - The "For Colored Girls" Interview http://aalbc.com/reviews/thandie_newton2.html
Kerry Washington - The "For Colored Girls" Interview http://aalbc.com/reviews/kerry_washington.html
Janet Jackson: The "Why Did I Get Married Too" Interview
http://aalbc.com/reviews/janet_jackson.html
