What Does it Take to Be One of The Greats? with Danielle Brooks

25:25Danielle Brooks:The WNBA playoffs are about to begin. The talent is insane, and the personalities are giving main character energy. And, of course, the fans love it. But 30 years ago, when the league first started, it was a different story. I remember sitting with a couple of male writers, all whining about, oh, what are they going to do if they break a nail? No one's going to show up. But from the very beginning, there were two teams that captured everyone's attention. The Comets were the real deal. I mean, come on. The Liberty never gave up. They never stopped fighting. I knew that rivalry was going to be amazing from the beginning.

26:00Danielle Brooks:I'm Carrie Champion, and this is Biggest Rivalries of All Time, Season 2. The New York Liberty versus the Houston Comets. the very first rivalry of the WNBA. They picked us to finish last, and they picked them to finish first. That's all you need to know. I remember looking around thinking, this is going to change things. Basketball was going to have this fundamental impact on the way people viewed women athletes. Listen to biggest rivalries of all time on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Is there bad blood between you and the comments as you guys meet again in the championship?

26:37Danielle Brooks:Oh, we're coming back to win.

26:44Hi, guys. I'm Hoda Kotb, host of the podcast Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb. If you know me, you know I'm always searching for inspiration and useful tools so that we can maximize joy. This podcast lets us uncover those things together through meaningful conversations with fascinating people. Like my longtime friend Seth Meyers opened up about how his road to success included some difficult detours. We would do a table read on Wednesday and I would often go back to my office and be like, you're not as funny as they are. And the most haunting thing about that is you can't outwork talent. And comedian Hasan Minhaj shared where he met his now wife.

27:24I was like, was our experience like a frat? It's like, no, because in frats, like everyone is having sex, but no one is in love. But on the competitive Bollywood dance team, everyone's in love, but no one's having sex. Listen to Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

27:50You mentioned that you didn't know what Netflix was. And I just want to drive that point home for people because Orange is the New Black was one of the shows that made Netflix Netflix. Yeah. Like you guys put it on the map. Yes. And it launched you into global superstardom. Like not just famous in America. You were famous all over the world. Girl, we was outside. Do you hear me? Outside. Okay. Like they were taking us to Germany. Yeah. And Mexico several times. I mean, my Australia, my passport was so stamped. It was the coolest thing for somebody who was 22 years old. I was living my best life.

28:35I can't even imagine having that sort of fame at 22. And I don't want to assume, but it's almost like stardom before stability. Oh, yeah, for sure. Is that a weird... That's a great way to put it. That must be so weird. That's a great way to put it. It was stardom before stability. I remember going to a concert with Natasha Lyonne. She invited myself and Samira Wiley. and first of all she paid for the car service thank god didn't even know i was supposed to tip to say thank you so sorry to that man and on top of that your girl rolled up in a hair scarf because she had nobody to do her hair and didn't have the money for it did my own makeup and it looked cray cray had black leggings on that had holes in it and i didn't realize until later but i was out here struggling.

29:25I was still taking the bus. I was taking the subway and people were running after me, chasing me. I'm not kidding. It was insanity at the time. And we weren't making the money to support this new stardom. Yeah. And it's wild too, because you learned that you weren't making, you were making less than the kids on Stranger Things. Girl, yeah, we were. we were. And I don't, I can't remember factually all of the things that right now, but I don't know if it was the second season or what, but by my seventh season, I was not making even half of what they were making. I was reading that you said at the time you felt like you weren't negotiating for yourself enough, but in hindsight, do you still see it as that?

30:13Yeah. I think there was just fear of being replaceable. This industry makes you feel that way in a heartbeat so quickly, you know, especially with a show about inmates. They could kill you off tomorrow. Even though I was one of the most beloved characters, in hindsight, they would have never killed me. But I didn't know that it's my first series, you know, and the probability I didn't want to take that chance. And what was more important to me was my stability. I had bills to pay now. I had student loans to get rid of. that was more important to me and then I also had learned that it's not always the financial benefit that you gain sometimes it's the notability um and that's what this show had given me I mean the notoriety was crazy yeah you know like you said it was global um and so that's something that was priceless too like like you can't really pay for the exposure that a young kid out of Juilliard, just fresh from South Carolina, you know, was able to reach.

31:22So they definitely gave me gifts. You know, I think I got paid in a different way. I think back to myself at 22. Talk to me. And I was working in newsrooms and I think I would have done almost anything to get the job and to do what I wanted to do. And so many people. I think we have the same type of energy with it. It's just like by any means necessary, not your integrity, but anything else. And so many news directors said like, maybe I should fix my nose or to lose weight. And I was crazy. You're so beautiful. Thank you. That is insane. I think with age, you totally shed all that. Like, I'm so glad I did it now at 35, but at 22, I don't know that I could have said that.

32:10I definitely considered it. Did you ever have those moments at 22 and that show? Were you ever thinking like, maybe I should do things to be in Hollywood? Yes, I'm not going to say no. I think the show gave me a lot of confidence because we were all on the show with no makeup. We all wore the same outfit. Nobody was showing their waistline. You know, it was raw. And the beauty that people fell in love with was ourselves, our core. So that gave me a lot of confidence. But then when I was so blessed to step into these Hollywood rooms, like the Emmys, Critics' Choice, and I look around and nobody looks like me, and I couldn't exchange a dress with anybody, that's where my self-confidence started to waver a little bit.

33:01Like, am I supposed to be here? Do they want me here? Like, I was starting to feel that way.

33:11But that didn't last too long. I think, like you said, with time, you start to grow and you learn and you realize what's really not real. And then you start to realize there is a place for you. Like, your uniqueness is what makes you so dope and one of a kind. you know as we all say so cheesily your superpower right so I think that's what I've leaned on now so after Orange is the New Black ended what was going through your mind were you feeling like I'm on top of the world or were you like oh my god what's next girl I was so sad I was so sad I mean that's seven years but that seven means completion you know and to be honest I got super sick my last day because I was pregnant.

34:02Did you know? I was pregnant. I did not know. I had a fever out the wazoo. Probably like 101 or something high. And I was pregnant. What a blessing. You just didn't know it at the time. I didn't know it at the time. Wow. So did you ever wonder what kind of success would come after that or did things start rolling in? Things were rolling in. I was doing guest spots on a lot of shows. I was on Girls. I was in High Maintenance, Master of None. I was starting to do some things. And I had also done Color Purple on Broadway for a year. So I knew that work was going to be there, but I was missing what we had built, like the sisterhood.

34:47I knew what we had was so special that I don't think I would have ever gotten it again. And I don't think I have. I think there's I've worked with amazing people and beautiful spirits and dope artists, a lot of dope people. But there ain't nothing like my orange is new black girls. No. Sometimes there's magic that you can't recreate. Yeah. So I hope we get to recreate it again. Like, I really hope one day we can come back and do something. Really? Yeah. Talks between you guys ever to do that? I think we would for sure. I think all of us would want to get paid, though. But yeah, even without the money, like I think a lot of us would come back.

35:24Wow. So do you feel like there's a camaraderie or like do you feel supported by your peers in Hollywood? Yes, I do have a great support system. I do feel like you got to find your people, though. But like everybody ain't real in this industry. So I found my people. and a lot of them I've known since I was young and one of them is Corey Hawkins. Octavia Spencer was really there for me during the Oscar run. Bala Davis was really there. Queen Latifah has been a wonderful sorority sister. She invited me to the Tonys to be her date last year so that was a lot of fun. That's cool. Miss O for sure, the one and only.

36:07You know what's interesting though? you're really naming a lot of the people who came before you. Yeah. Which it's so beautiful that they've embraced you that way. But it's interesting. It's not a lot of people your age. Yeah. Yeah. It is interesting. You know, I don't know. You find your people. I got you. You said that actor years feel like dog years. Yeah, it did. Is it the work itself? Is it living through the in-between of the jobs? What makes it feel like dog years? I think it was more dog years when I was coming out of school and I had to grind. And you hear so many no's. And every no feels like another year and another year because it's so much work.

36:54It's a good way of putting it. It was. It felt like, man, this ain't ever going to end. And, you know, and it's crazy because when I look with perspective, a year is such a short amount of time. But when you're that young, it felt like forever. But I know now, you know, even though I'm in a place where I'm working all the time, there are so many women peers. You know, there's so many peers that might feel that they're still in their dog year moment. You know, especially right now is tough. You don't feel that way anymore? No. No, I think I'm in control. Remember when it freed you? What freed you?

37:33I think getting Oscar nominated. I really do. Maybe if I really reflected on that question even more, maybe it was a little bit before, but it was something about being Oscar nominated that made me say, yeah, I'm in this. You're in the club. I'm in the club and I ain't going nowhere because it ain't but so many black women that get entered into that club. But so many people, you ain't even got to be black. So I'm really grateful. And I just felt like to be 35, 34 at the time, to be 34 at the time and have my first nomination, I'm like, oh yeah, I'm here because we ain't even got to 40 and 50 and 60 yet.

38:21How many are we working up to? What, Oscar nomination? shoot I'm trying to get with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone where they at you know I'm trying to get in that Viola Davis club uh so during Orange is the New Black you won a Grammy yes and a Tony nomination for the color purple yes ma 'am and you said curiosity helped you land the role of Sophia you were researching the director the cast the music and the creative team and it lets you walk into that room and have a real conversation please explain to me what you mean I love this oh man and we're talking about the movie yeah here um I am always staying in a place of curiosity I don't ever want to stay in a place of I know you know and especially because I had played the part before uh I think most people would be like I know I know Sophia I know this part it's mine but I really was like I'm gonna do the work and I'm gonna put my ego to the side because I still had to audition for that part.

39:25Were you salty at all about that? Yes, I was salty. Like that was kind of crazy. It was hard. It was unnecessary, but I did it. And I'm so glad I did. I was salty. I was talking to my friends like using all kind of words, but that's not how I'm going to ever show up. Yeah. Because I'm not going to let my ego get in the way of my purpose. And I'm so glad And I didn't because here we are. And you're getting to say my name with Oscar nominee in front of it. Yes, absolutely. What did the film version ask you that the Broadway version didn't? So there is a song called Hell No that I sing and Sophia.

40:08And in the Broadway version, as an actor, as a person, it was teaching me to say hell no to my fears. But in the movie, it was more about I've already gotten past the fears. Now I'm stepping into the power. It was something about, I don't know, the words through life experience and more growth in time. It was like a shift into more power of what Sophia was holding. So that was cool to get to in one character, have two different meanings, you know, with nine, ten years in between. You know, and it's funny because. And a nomination. And a nomination. But, you know, when the teacher back in the day was like, you need more life experience, right?

40:54I understand what she was saying. I don't agree with the fact that I needed to leave school to get it. But I do understand with more experience, you're not just using your imagination like you're in it. You know what I'm saying? You have experienced and been through some things to understand a character deeper. And I get it now, especially being a mother and a wife, you know, and have lived longer. It's interesting that you mention a song, though, because you didn't even like to sing. I like to sing. I was scared of singing. Oh. I was scared of singing as myself, but I could hide behind a character.

41:34Okay. That was the thing. So yeah, Danielle, me, not you, was scared of singing as me because growing up in church as a black woman, we are supposed to be like Mahalia Jackson and Tasha Cobbs and Shirley Caesar. We're supposed to be like these big old voices. and I knew what I was capable of and I knew what others' expectations was. When I got to play, actually play Mahalia and play Sophia, I got to hide. So that's... You are hitting something, like, because you in the past have played big, bold characters. And so you're right. People expected this big voice out of you, I think. But I could hide.

42:17I could be like, okay, Danielle, if you don't come out right, it's not me. It's like I could use it in the character, you know, versus It Beyond Me. But now I've really shifted. I'm proud of myself. I've sung with Fantasia and I just sung with Jennifer Hudson as Danielle, not as a character. So I'm very proud of myself. Did getting the co-sign from Oprah make all the auditioning again worthwhile? Hell yeah. Hell yeah. Because the co-sign was so much different from the first one. like when we did the Broadway it felt so ensemblish like yeah but this felt so personal and when she called me like in that zoom I was like it was really a surprise I had no idea and it was two days after my birthday or a day after my birthday that I got the call which is kind of like the anniversary it's coming up um that was like wow I still smile like a big kid.

43:22Like I'm cheesing. Because it was a memory I'll never forget. I'll never forget when the video of Whoopi telling you, you are everything that we want a great to be played. Because I saw how emotional you were in that moment. What did it feel like to have Oprah and Whoopi, two women who had traveled the road before you, say those things to you? I still can't believe it. I think this is when you start to tap into little Danny. Like, that hiding behind a chair and is like, me? You're calling me to the front? And they're like, yeah, you. You got something. That is trippy. You know, that makes me emotional.

44:13I just never, I always knew, like, God had planted something special. I knew there was more for me. That little awkward black girl that just is probably made fun of for loving theater too much, you know, and I don't know, that just wasn't perfect at all, wore like these ugly ass Walmart clothes and like, you know, hand-me-down type clothes and my hair. I used to I had a bush, you know, that these greats would see me that way. You know, this girl that didn't have as much confidence.

45:04Yeah, I'm very proud. Yeah. I love that you said called to the front. Yeah, that's what it feels like. Yeah. What meant more? Their supporter, the Oscar nom? Which one? Their supporter, the Oscar nomination. Girl, that's a good question. I don't know. Can I say that it's a tie? Yes. For that, it's fair. Yes. To be co-signed by Whoopi and Oprah or an Oscar nomination, it's a tie. Yeah.

45:44Nothing compares to the anticipation of something new. A new start, a new year, a new home, or a new car. When it's time to get a new car, where do you start? Car shopping can honestly be a little overwhelming, but it should be fun. Buying your next car should be exciting, and it can be, if you remember one thing, cars.com. Cars.com has the tools and expert advice to help you figure out what vehicle is right for you. Their advanced search filters allow you to explore two million new and used cars so that you can find the perfect car. The site is so easy to use. Looking for an electric vehicle with a third row and leather seats for easy cleanup?

46:24Cars.com has you covered. A variety of tools and badges are used to help shoppers understand the price of a vehicle and find the best deal. And every review is written by a real person, reflecting a real life experience. So don't take any chances. Do car shopping the easy way. Start your search with Cars.com. Where to next? With the American Express Platinum card, you can access over$3 ,500 in annual value with benefits and eligible purchases across travel, entertainment, and more. There's nothing like Platinum. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com slash explore dash Platinum. Enrollment requirements, monthly, and other limits in term supply.

47:00Hi, it's Alec Baldwin. This season on my podcast, here's the thing I'm speaking with more artists, policymakers, and performers like actor Stephen Root. I think for me to be any good or for any character to be any good, you've got to put enough of yourself and your empathy for people in it. I'm a people watcher. You see that guy going down the street and go, yeah, I can use that. Open Igloo co-founder Alia Mohammed.

47:24Danielle Brooks:I love staying on top of what is going on in our city, what is going on in city politics, what is on renters' minds, and taking all of that knowledge to build a platform that hopefully is going to make New York City better in the long run. And actress and singer Melissa Errico. Partnership took on a whole other meaning when I started making my own work. It's like you with a great actress or actor. It was best to come out of your trailer full of life and just face another person who's full of life and don't talk. Listen to Here's the Thing on the iHeartRadio app Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

48:03Hi, I'm Michael Imperioli. I want to tell you about my new podcast, Underground Zero. I'm on the plane, honey. Something's wrong. It's about what happened in the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. We're looking at the opportunity of a lifetime for us and the other families. While the world was mourning, five powerful New York families saw an opportunity. The debris is supposed to go to the city-owned salvage yard? And some of it will. They would go on to make millions of dollars. What's in the tunnels? Go boss of ingots. It could be worth half a billion. And they would have made more if it hadn't been for one courageous cop.

48:41No, Dad, don't. You're going to need all of us. I'll call you when I can. Frank, be careful. Underground Zero, starring Steve Schirippa, Ray Abruzzo, and me, Michael Imperioli. Would you be willing to see your family go to pieces? Some ways it already has. Listen to Underground Zero on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? I'm Tony Gonzalez. And I'm October Gonzalez. But you can call me Toby. We want you to join us on our new podcast, No Safe Words, with October and Tony Gonzalez. Where we get real about marriage, parenthood, sex, divorce, and all the nitty-gritty stuff we all think about.

49:18But just don't say out loud. I hate that job. You're probably just going to meet some rich guy, and he's going to whisk you away, and I'll never see you again. And ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. Oh. Well, this is awkward. Would you say a D-less actor? D? I don't even know there is such a thing as D. No, no, no. I mean, like, I didn't get on the C list. Like I'm not even average. I'm not even passing. I'm failing. Listen to No Safe Words with October and Tony Gonzalez, part of My Cultura Podcast Network. Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

49:50Danielle Brooks:The WNBA playoffs are about to begin. The talent is insane and the personalities are giving main character energy. And of course, the fans love it. But 30 years ago, when the league first started, it was a different story. I remember sitting with a couple of male writers, all whining about, oh, what are they going to do if they break a nail? No one's going to show up. But from the very beginning, there were two teams that captured everyone's attention. The Comets were the real deal. I mean, come on. The Liberty never gave up. They never stopped fighting. I knew that rivalry was going to be amazing from the beginning.

50:25Danielle Brooks:I'm Keri Champion, and this is Biggest Rivalries of All Time, Season 2. The New York Liberty versus the Houston Comets, the very first rivalry of the WNBA. They picked us to finish last, and they picked them to finish first. That's all you need to know. I remember looking around, thinking, this is going to change things. Basketball was going to have this fundamental impact on the way people viewed women athletes. Listen to biggest rivalries of all time on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Is there bad blood between you and the comments as you guys meet again in the championship?

51:02Danielle Brooks:Oh, we're coming back to win.

51:19joy. This podcast lets us uncover those things together through meaningful conversations with fascinating people. Like my longtime friend Seth Meyers opened up about how his road to success included some difficult detours. We would do a table read on Wednesday and I would often go back to my office and be like, you're not as funny as they are. And the most haunting thing about that is you can't outwork talent. And comedian Hasan Minhaj shared where he met his now wife. I was like, was our experience like a frat? It's like, no, because in frats, like everyone is having sex, but no one is in love.

51:56But on the competitive Bollywood dance team, everyone's in love, but no one's having sex. Listen to Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

52:14You know, you do have this way of... You do ask great questions, by the way. Thank you. You really do. Thank you. Yeah. I have a very generous guest. Hey. Makes it easy. But when I watch you on screen, you have this way of breaking through emotional barriers. And you did it in Orange is the New Black. You did it in The Color Purple. I just got to see your newest film. If I go, will they miss me? Yeah. And you do the same thing there. Wow. So when you need to tap into that kind of emotional range, are you tapping into something you learned at Juilliard or are you tapping into something deeply personal?

52:50That's a great, great question. I'm not tapping into something at Juilliard. I'm using the skills that they gave me, which were if you need to tap into personal experiences, do so. But you also have to learn how to release it. And so that's kind of how I operate. I feel people's stories so deeply. Like if you share something deep with me, it will stay with me. And when the time came for me to tell a story that was in line with what you shared, it's an outpour. It just is. so think about it I have played an inmate for seven years right on Orange that's just one role that I played I played Mahalia Jackson who was in the civil rights movement and dealt with everything that she was dealing with Sophia being abused right think just going to Orange is the New Black think about how many stories I actually heard of inmates when what they went through the research of that, the research of Mahalia, the research of women that have been, you know, abused.

54:01So I'm carrying all of that with me on top of my own experiences, on top of what my mama shared, my besties have shared. I'm just so well, like I'm just flowing, you know, it's just all there. I think the thing is just like the Juilliard part has been learning the dial, how to dial it up, how to dial it down. That's what I think the gift they've given me. Because I'd just be a hot mess in a comedy. I'd be crying. I just feel this character. I feel this character. I know I'm supposed to be laughing, but... Everybody has lots of sides to that. I know. You know, this character was more inward, more quiet.

54:48And I'm curious if you personally feel more like this character or more sort of like the big, bold ones that we've seen you play in the past? Probably the big, bold ones. Yeah? I mean, there is quietness that lives inside me, for sure. There are moments where I do have to bite my tongue and choose my words wisely, you know? And there's a lot of myself in Lozita for sure. but where I like to live is in the vivaciousness and the joy and the fun and you know the bigger than life I do like to live but there I think I'm in the middle you know um yeah but more so probably the huh it's the dial the dial yes the dial yeah you said that you did this movie for spiritual gain I thought that was such an interesting choice of words what were you looking to fulfill I'm a creative.

55:49And every project that I get is not going to fulfill that. A lot of them don't. Some fulfills your pocketbook. Danielle gets it. And there's respect in that, too, because then I would not be able to do movies like this. You know, I wouldn't. So I am grateful for my blockbusters. Thank you, Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers. Thank you. All of you, Netflix, all of you guys. But it helps for me to be able to do independent projects that really do fuel me. And I do believe that they are changing the world. This is one of those films for sure. Hands down. We talked about Juilliard. I so love the story about how you got to Juilliard, that it was not just you.

56:42Will you share that with people? The story of how I got to Juilliard was back, I went to this high school called the Governor's School for Arts and Humanities where I had to audition. Auditioned, got in at 15. We live on campus. It's one of those places. So they were doing this thing where the kids, all of us could apply for a internship with Bravo, the network. They were doing something called Bravo on the Set for the kids. And they would take one child and their parent to New York for this week intensive. So me and my dad got to go because I got in. And during the weekend, my father had taken me to see a Broadway show.

57:27And I'm so grateful that he was smart enough to take me to a show with people that looked like me. And that was The Color Purple. And that was at 15. I was taken aback by seeing over 20 plus black people being great. Oh my gosh. In the set, they took us to Africa. They put two little black girls in a tree. I will never forget that. Them singing, hey sister, what you gonna do? Going down by the river, gonna play with you. I said, what the hell is going on? Because back at home, they just got black boxes. They be just playing in a black box with black boxes, like in black outfits. Like, what is this?

58:12I was so amazed. And so I got to work and I started to audition for colleges. And at the time, my beautiful godmother was dying from cancer. And that was tough because she passed away. And when she passed away, what I did not know after getting into conservatory was that she had left$20 ,000 in her will for me. And we needed that$20 ,000. I was the first child. My parents were doing the best they could, you know. And she helped to move the needle for me. And I got to stay and start my first semester because of her sacrifice financially. so that's how I got to Juilliard and I worked super hard to finish there and then I made a conscious effort to give it back so I started a scholarship under her name called the Annie Edge Scholarship and now this past year turned it into a competition a monologue competition for the kids in South Carolina back at home and so now they are doing monologues which is funny because you didn't know what a monologue was girl i know you did your homework honey i did not know what a monologue was when i auditioned i auditioned with a sonnet because they put that in the description it was like you gotta do a sonnet i didn't know what a sonnet was google it gotta sign it and then i used a poem from this guy who used to have a poetry book at the church but the poetry was like stories like they were monologues to me and so i used that and the teacher on the spot said your daughters getting in to the high school.

59:57So I got into the high school, the only black girl in my class, thugged it out and made it work. When you brought your family to the Oscars, were you trying to say something about your success and who it was due to in that moment at all? Oh, for sure. Like I think to pay respect to them, anytime that I have a first that big, mama and daddy gonna be there mommy and daddy and my brother was there too he's younger than me my husband was there freya was there um it was really really special yeah it was just like so many people had invested in your dream and then yes their investment had paid off yes yes my mom was probably my biggest advocate like my mom is the one who found all of these programs that were free for me to attend in Greenville, you know, these arts education programs.

1:00:53She found those, you know, and my daddy helped too. He took me to them, you know. He was the one who told me, you know, I know your mama don't like this Orange is New Black idea, but go follow your heart. And I did Orange is New Black. Are you comfortable needing people still? Because I think the roles changed a little bit. You have a lot of weight on your shoulders now. Yeah, I definitely have a lot of weight on my shoulders, but I feel like I'm very supported. I think it's balanced, a yin and a yang in all of it. You know, I think there's been sacrifices that my family has made for me. But I think there's a lot of sacrifices that I have made as well.

1:01:37I'm very big into memories. And so I just try to like give back to them in memories. So let's go to the Oscars or, you know, if I'm on a press tour, like I'll take my brother to London, like come with me, get your passport together. You know, like that's big for me. Why memories? Because that's all we're going to have at the end of the day. You can't die in your funeral with a Gucci bag you can but okay ain't gonna take you nowhere you know what I'm saying but a memory that's something that will last forever and it can be passed on that to me is that's everything like you just don't forget that yeah that's beautiful yeah memories are big for me like let's make some fun memories over you know I do like to shop now I do like to shop well you get to do both yes now I get to do both I always get to do both.

1:02:35Yes, you earned it. You love to question everything as a kid. And now I'm learning as an actor, too. But I can tell that your relationship with God matters profoundly to you. I was actually laughing because I was listening to some of your interviews and I called my producer and I was like, she has to be a preacher's kid. And then we Googled and we were like, her mom is a minister and a teacher. It flows through you. Are you a preacher's kid? I'm not. But you just knew. I felt it in not just your faith, but in the way that you spoke about it. Yes. Yeah. It's so deep. Yeah. Is your faith deep because you questioned it?

1:03:16I didn't want to question my faith. I think that's the whole point. I don't want to question my, I want life to be easy. Yeah. You know, but things happen in life that make you have to have faith. and I've had experiences that have forced me to put my faith to practice. You see what I'm saying? Yes. I don't want faith. I mean, I do want faith, but I want peace. Like, that's my ultimate, you know what I'm saying? But I'm glad I have faith to get me to that. Is there one of those moments that sticks out to you? Yeah, I did not get the movie version of the piano lesson. And that was hard for me. And I was really questioning God.

1:04:02I just didn't understand. I'd done it on Broadway. I'd done a good job on Broadway. I'm wonderful to work with, but that job wasn't for me. And it made me question God. And the way things were handled made me want to quit. Really? I had moments of wanting to just say, why am I doing it? Because my joy was being taken away. The thing that I love more than anything. Because you didn't feel valued? I didn't feel valued. I didn't feel respected. I think you hit it on the mark. It was the value thing. It wasn't transparency. It was a lot of things at the time. but that's when my faith was pushed to the ultimate test and I think I passed because I wanted to do say things you know but um I knew that wasn't going to get me anywhere and so I walked myself through that God holding my hand through that the next thing you know I was Oscar nominated it.

1:05:14So I just at that point where we talked about earlier, I'm letting the journey do its thing, baby. And that's what I learned more than anything. You know, I could feel undervalued and disrespected, all these things. And there's lessons in that, too. But you just got to trust the path. Yeah. And that's what I think I did. I think I passed the test. Your daughter seems like a questioner also. Oh my gosh, girl. The first thing she say before asking a question is, mommy, I got a question. Mommy, I got a question. Like just ask the question, girl. Why you always gotta say I got a question? At least she has questions.

1:05:52Girl, that is the biggest thing she says. Mommy, I got a question for you. What's your question? Well, I have a question because Because I know on intermission, you ask people about the origin of their names. Yeah. Which I love so much. I do that. I don't know why, but I just think it holds so much meaning. Yeah. Why'd you name her Freya? Oh. Well, long story long, we wanted a D name. Okay. Dennis is my husband's name. Daniel is mine. My brother's DJ. Like, we Ds. And if you have the gold jewelry anywhere, I have gold Ds. I need to pass on. Right? Like, Ds. I had an anklet. That's the D. I love your anklets.

1:06:35All that, right? Yeah. But they weren't matching. We just was not liking Delight and Delilah. No, we wasn't feeling it. So we said, forget it. Delicious, right? So we let that go and we opened it up. And then I met this kid in LA on the elevator. And he was a fan. I said, what's your name? Like real wisdom. What's your name, son? No, I'm just kidding. And he said his name was Chosen. I said, that's deep. You wake up every morning talking about you Chosen? That is fire. So I tell my husband, looking at names, he's like, what you think about Free? Say less. Say less. And we went with Freya. Because growing up, being in a very churchy household, you know, religious home, I didn't always feel free.

1:07:29You know, there was a lot of perfectionism going on, you know. And so I was very happy to gift her with that. Does being her mom show you areas where you still aren't free? Yes, it does. Parenthood seems like. It does because you always care what your parents think about you, even if you try to act like you don't. You care. when your mom is like, why'd you wear that dress? Yes. Whatever, woman. And you still like, dang, why'd she feel that way? Why? So there are moments where I feel not free. And that's when I look at her and I say, I don't want to treat her that way. I want her to know, wear what you want to.

1:08:15Go ahead. You're going to look tacky, but go ahead. I'm going to rock with you. Is there anything that you hope she doesn't have to fight for that you did? I mean, everything when it comes to like respect. I do. You know, a little girl pulled her hair the other day at school. And I was like, it was so mean. You know, Freya didn't do anything to warrant that. But I know that I'm not going to be able to stop her from every fight in her life. All I can do is give her the skills to handle them. So that's what I'm working on. But it's challenging as a parent, you know, to see your kid go through things and experience things, even if they're only six.

1:09:02Because I can't imagine 16, you know, but we made it through and we're making it through. Yeah. It's her life journey to make it through. It's hers, man. It's hard, though. Danielle, at the beginning of our conversation, you mentioned all of the things that you had done. You said cartoons, etc. You've done DC Universe, animation, family films, intimate dramas. Will you feel freest when you finally get your rom-com? Girl, yes. Honey, they are letting all of this sexy just go to waste. I think so, too. Girl, I'm so ready. Can you paint the picture? What's it going to be like? Who's directing? Who's your co-star?

1:09:42What's happening? I don't know. I don't know. It has to be a woman director. Okay. Because I just need that energy in the space, right? I was supposed to do this romantic film with Andre Holland. And I wouldn't mind running that back because I'm upset about it. He's just such a great actor. What's Mufasa's name? Oh, girl. What's his real name? Aaron. Aaron Pierre. That would be yours. Can I cast Aaron Pierre? You could cast Aaron Pierre. Go ahead, cast him. I feel like that's who every woman is casting opposite of their rom-com. Hey, hey. That's yours? You're right here for some Aaron? Yes. Yeah, I don't.

1:10:29Hey, just plug in hot man. I want to do it. I want to do it so bad. Enter hot men. It don't have to be one. It could be like a chase. What part of you still hasn't entered public life? What you mean? Like, do we get to see all of you? Because we haven't seen Danielle in a rom-com yet, which is your work. Yeah. But have we seen all parts of you? Girl, I think so. I'll be at the laundromat. Your girl be at Wally World, honey. I told them people at Publix, I said, let me tell you something. I'm going to be up in here. So get used to it. The workers know me, okay? Like, if that's what you mean, you've seen all of me.

1:11:11You've seen the homegirl, Danielle. You've seen the actress, Grammy, Oscar, la la la, Danielle. You've seen that. Like, I feel like I've shown all sides. And I think with my podcast, The Intermission, I'm showing even more sides of myself that have been a little scary to share. Yeah. But I do feel like we do have to share. We have to share parts of ourselves with each other.

1:11:46Nothing compares to the anticipation of something new. A new start, a new year, a new home, or a new car. When it's time to get a new car, where do you start? Car shopping can honestly be a little overwhelming, but it should be fun. Buying your next car should be exciting, and it can be, if you remember one thing. cars.com. Cars.com has the tools and expert advice to help you figure out what vehicle is right for you. Their advanced search filters allow you to explore 2 million new and used cars so that you can find the perfect car. The site is so easy to use. Looking for an electric vehicle with a third row and leather seats for easy cleanup?

1:12:26Cars.com has you covered. A variety of tools and badges are used to help shoppers understand the price of a vehicle and find the best deal. And every review is written by a real person, reflecting a real life experience. So don't take any chances. Do car shopping the easy way. Start your search with cars.com. Where to next? With the American Express Platinum Card, I can unlock experiences like no other. Since I'm always booking my next trip, I love that I can earn points on travel. Plus, I get a resi benefit, so you know I'm hitting the restaurants everyone's talking about. And you can find out your welcome offer after you apply, which could be as high as 175 ,000 points.

1:13:06For experiences like no other, there's nothing like platinum. Learn more at americanexpress.com slash explore dash platinum. Terms apply. Hi, it's Alec Baldwin. This season on my podcast, here's the thing I'm speaking with more artists, policymakers, and performers like actor Stephen Root. I think for me to be any good or for any character actor to be any good, you've got to put enough of yourself and your empathy for people in it. I'm a people watcher. You see that guy going down the street and go, yeah, I can use that. Open Igloo co-founder Alia Mohammed.

1:13:41Danielle Brooks:I love staying on top of what is going on in our city, what is going on in city politics, what is on renters' minds, and taking all of that knowledge to build a platform that hopefully is going to make New York City better in the long run. And actress and singer Melissa Errico. Partnership took on a whole other meaning when I started making my own work. It's like you with a great actress or actor. It was best to come out of your trailer full of life and just face another person who's full of life and don't talk. Listen to Here's the Thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

1:14:20Hi, I'm Michael Imperioli. I want to tell you about my new podcast, Underground Zero. I'm on the plane, honey. Something's wrong. It's about what happened in the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. We're looking at the opportunity of a lifetime for us and the other families. While the world was mourning, five powerful New York families saw an opportunity. The debris is supposed to go to the city-owned salvage yard? And some of it will. They would go on to make millions of dollars. What's in the tunnels? Go boss of ingots. It could be worth half a billion. And they would have made more if it hadn't been for one courageous cop.

1:14:58No, Dad, don't. You're going to need all of us. I'll call you when I can. Frank, be careful. Underground Zero, starring Steve Schirippa, Ray Abruzzo, and me, Michael Imperioli. Would you be willing to see your family go to pieces? Some ways it already has. Listen to Underground Zero on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? I'm Tony Gonzalez. And I'm October Gonzalez. But you can call me Toby. We want you to join us on our new podcast, No Safe Words with October and Tony Gonzalez. Where we get real about marriage, parenthood, sex, divorce, and all the nitty gritty stuff we all think about.

1:15:36But just don't say out loud. I hate that job. You're probably just going to meet with some rich guy and he's going to whisk you away and I'll never see you again. And... Oh, this is awkward. Would you say a D-less actor? D? I don't even know there's such a thing as D. No, no, no. I mean, like, I didn't get on the C list. Like I'm not even average. I'm not even passing. I'm failing. Listen to No Safe Words with October and Tony Gonzalez, part of My Cultura Podcast Network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

1:16:07Danielle Brooks:The WNBA playoffs are about to begin. The talent is insane and the personalities are giving main character energy. And of course, the fans love it. But 30 years ago, when the league first started, it was a different story. I remember sitting with a couple of male writers all whining about, oh, what are they going to do if they break a nail? No one's going to show up. But from the very beginning, there were two teams that captured everyone's attention. The Comets were the real deal. I mean, come on. The Liberty never gave up. They never stopped fighting. I knew that rivalry was going to be amazing from the beginning.

1:16:42Danielle Brooks:I'm Carrie Champion, and this is Biggest Rivalries of All Time, Season 2. The New York Liberty versus the Houston Comets, the very first rivalry of the WNBA. They picked us to finish last, and they picked them to finish first. That's all you need to know. I remember looking around, thinking, this is going to change things. Basketball was going to have this fundamental impact on the way people viewed women athletes. Listen to biggest rivalries of all time on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Is there bad blood between you and the comments as you guys meet again in the championship?

1:17:19Danielle Brooks:Oh, we're coming back to win.

1:17:36joy. This podcast lets us uncover those things together through meaningful conversations with fascinating people. Like my longtime friend Seth Meyers opened up about how his road to success included some difficult detours. We would do a table read on Wednesday and I would often go back to my office and be like, you're not as funny as they are. And the most haunting thing about that is you can't outwork talent. And comedian Hasan Minhaj shared where he met his now wife. I was like, was our experience like a frat? It's like, no, because in frats, like everyone is having sex, but no one is in love.

1:18:13But on the competitive Bollywood dance team, everyone's in love, but no one's having sex. Listen to Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

1:18:32You know, I think when you don't see yourself in a room a lot, you become like a symbol for a lot of people. And there's so much hope in that. And I can imagine there's so much weight in that for you. Do you feel that at all? Or do you ever just want to walk into a room and like not represent something? Yes, there are times. I think the way I look at representation has been a little bit more expansive than most might see. I think, yes, it starts with the physical. It can. But I think it's bigger than that. I think we connect with who we connect with. We see ourselves through who we see ourselves through.

1:19:15And it doesn't have to be the physical. And so that's what I'm thriving for is that part of humanity that when you watch my work, you feel and tap into that. Do I feel a weight? I still do. Like, doing things like Peacemaker was a dope experience. But I didn't like, I don't like being the only black woman. You know what I mean? Like, no. It's not fun. Okay, before I let you go, you have an upcoming project that brings you back to partnering with Oprah. Yeah. You're going to be playing Melba in American Comfort, which is a story about the iconic Harlem restaurant in New York. So I want to end with a callback because when you first met Oprah, you couldn't do much more than wave at her from the corner.

1:20:06And now you're leading projects with her. She put it like that. I'm just like, girl, say it again. Say it again. Now you're leading projects with Oprah Winfrey. What version of Danielle is showing up now? Oh, a version of myself. Wow, the confident one, the one that is way more sure of herself. That is a great feeling to be sure of yourself. Yeah. To be able to stand on 10 toes and know who you are. And that's what I learned. I don't need nobody's validation. I know who I am. I know whether Oprah, Whoopi, they know it or not. Danielle Brooks knows it. And that is all that matters. And that is all I want to pass on to my daughter or anybody listening to.

1:20:57Thank you for that. Thank you, Danielle. I'm going to give you some rapid fires. Oh, I love rapid fire. Okay. The color orange or the color purple? Oh, color. God dang. Color purple. Okay. Who would win in an argument? Sophia, Tasty, or Danielle? Sophia, for sure. The last thing you said hell no to. Hell no to this bisque-off pudding that I just had. Sorry, I didn't tell you I had it. It was so disgusting. It was so gross. We're going to do cupcakes and figure that out. Urkel or Stefan? Oh, girl, that's a good one.

1:21:44Stefan. Who's funnier, Cameron Diaz or John Cena? Dang. I'm going to go with John Cena. I spent more time with him. The co-star that makes you break character the most? I would probably say Jack Black. He's so funny. He's hilarious. Okay, India Ari solo or Beyonce with your girls? Solo. India Ari, for sure. Love you, B, though. Love you for real. Yeah. Me too. Okay, divine timing or Virgo planning? Ooh-wee. Girl, these questions are good. Divine timing or Virgo planning? That's a hard one for you. Yes. I know. I'm sorry. I'm in the middle. I can't answer that. I can't. I'm in the middle. You get both.

1:22:33Okay, thank you. Who would survive the amazing race? You and Uzo or you and Natasha Lyonne? Me and Uzo. Natasha would make it a day, trash. She'd be like, if you don't send me back to my hotel room or I'm just going to go hang out at the Eiffel Tower. She is not. Mia Zowin, for sure. The character that you want to be known for. Oh, the character that I would want to be known for the most. I don't know. I don't know. I love all of them. I love all of them. I can't pick. This ain't bad. I'm sorry. I just think like, I don't know if I were an actor, I would always think about like at the Oscars one day when I die and they play that whole thing.

1:23:16Yeah. And you're like, what's going to be the scene that everybody cries? That's such a good way to look at it. I think that's the role. Okay. Sophia. Okay. That's a good one. But if it was the Emmys, tasty. There you go. You get two. Thanks. Okay. Not that I'm wishing that. My girl. Yeah. We stand alive. Yeah. We stand a lot. What's harder to hear, no or not yet? Harder to hear, no. A question you hate being asked or a question that you wish people would ask you? Ooh, girl, these are fun and hard and question I love being asked or hate being asked. I hate when people ask me to run down my resume.

1:23:57So what you do? So tell me what you did. What you do for a living? Go to IMDb. I had to tell a woman that she got really salty with me and I did not care. She about cussed me out. And I was like, I'm sorry. I am not doing this. It would be so braggadocious of me if I did, ma 'am. I'm not doing it. Ciao. Okay, intermission or outer validation? Intermission. Pick your rom-com leading man, Aaron Pierre or Damson Idris? Yes, Andre Holland. Love y 'all. I love that you look off like you're asking for a friend. No one can help you here. Andre Holland. I want Andre or Brian Terry Henry or go take me back to J.L.

1:24:45Fonz, my co-star. And if I go, will they miss me? Yeah. He's so good. Yeah, so good. Okay, a book that changed your life. I liked Think Like a Monk, Jay Shetty. I really enjoyed that book. And the Bible. When you talk about changing my life. I would say that's probably the number one. What's something that every woman should try once? Try once? A vibrator. Try it. It's something called Tracy's dog. Try it. Thank you for that. I wasn't expecting that. I know. I'm a little spicy too. Mm-hmm. Okay, you have to pick a card, whichever one calls to you. Okay. And you're going to answer it. No, no, you have to answer it.

1:25:35Okay, okay. This is your interview. I love these, by the way. These are so cool. I cannot wait to buy them as gifts. Question everything. Okay. Thank you, Danielle. Well, this is perfect. If you had to rate yourself in bed, what would you give yourself out of 10 and why? I would say I would give myself a 9. I am really good in bed. I have tricks. And yeah, I take my time. I know speed levels. The reason I would not give myself a 10 is because I can no longer do a split. But you used to be able to? Yes. I had to retire them. Post kids? No, before kids. I was on lip sync battle against Uzo. That's so funny.

1:26:31And I decided to pop a split without stretching and I have never seen them again. They're gone. Wow. Yeah. So I would give myself a nine. I love how honest you are. Yeah, I wish it was a 10, but it's not happening. I feel like your husband would give you an 11.

1:26:55Danielle Brooks I knew you were gonna you were gonna be so soulful and insightful but I did not know you were gonna be this funny I have to tell you I enjoyed every minute of that thank you thank you Danielle you're an amazing host thank you thank you

1:27:14okay you know what time it is today's a good day to have a good day i'll see you next week

1:27:46Danielle Brooks:This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.