In a recent interview with ESSENCE, three powerhouse actresses—Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Erika Alexander—discussed their groundbreaking roles in the film “American Fiction.” Despite their extensive comedic careers on the small screen, these leading ladies bring raw emotion and complexity to the big screen, challenging preconceptions and revealing new facets of their acting prowess.
“American Fiction,” directed by Cord Jefferson and based on Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure,” delves into the dysfunction of America through the frustrated novelist Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, played by Jeffrey Wright. The film explores themes of Black family dynamics, navigating racism and homophobia, and the consequences of conforming to societal expectations. It’s a powerful and satirical narrative that confronts the reduction of Black voices and the importance of reclaiming personal truths.
Each actress, Ross, Rae, and Alexander, breaks new creative ground in the film. Ross portrays Lisa, a Planned Parenthood abortion physician, providing a multifaceted portrayal of a Black woman navigating caregiving and heartbreak. Rae’s character is an author monetizing Blackness for White consumption, reflecting the resilience of Black women navigating a challenging world. Alexander, as Coraline, Monk’s love interest, delivers a performance highlighting the sacrifices and resilience of Black women.
The interview sheds light on the rarity of roles that allow Black actresses to be portrayed as whole individuals rather than mere setups or supporting characters. Ross emphasizes the significance of portraying fully realized characters, breaking away from the conventional molds that often limit Black actresses in the industry.
Beyond their individual performances, Ross, Rae, and Alexander symbolize Black sisterhood, reflecting on their iconic roles in “Girlfriends,” “Insecure,” and “Living Single.” The interview highlights how these shows have influenced the conceptualization, showcase, and observation of Black womanhood.
The actresses express admiration for each other, emphasizing the joy and epic nature of working together. They acknowledge the impact of their TV characters on the representation of Black sisterhood, providing relatable and nuanced portrayals that have resonated with audiences for decades.
As the interview concludes, the actresses reflect on the growth and appreciation they’ve shared both on and off the screen. From Maxine, Joan, and Issa to Coraline, Lisa, and Sintara, the evolution of these characters mirrors the growth of Black sisterhood. “American Fiction” stands as a masterpiece in the Black American tradition of truth-telling, showcasing the unbreakable bond forged by Alexander, Ross, and Rae as leading ladies in this cinematic endeavor.
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Available and on newsstands December 26!
Credits:
Talent: @erikaalexanderthegreat, @issarae & @traceeellisross
Photographer: @micaiahcarter
Writer: @kimberlynatasha
Stylist: @solangefranklin
Creative Movement Director: @stephengalloway
Erika Alexander Hair & Makeup: @fred4face Erika’s NRAY Locs by Debra Hare-Bey
Issa Hair: @felicialeatherwood
Issa Makeup: @joannasimkin
Tracee Hair: @marciahamilton
Tracee Makeup: @mollygreenwald
Nails: @nails_by_yoko
Set Design: betteradams
Tailor: @costumer.shirlee
Retouching: @phtsdr
Location: @nyastudios
Visual Direction: @_mq______
Production: @themorrisongroup
English