Strong Black Legends

This week, Tracy speaks with the multi-talented actor and director Robert Townsend. They talk about the classic "Hollywood Shuffle," his love of superheroes, and directing Beyoncé in the cult classic "Carmen: A Hip Hopera." Also, Tracy shares her love of Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold.

This week, Tracy speaks with comedic bombshell, Jackée Harry. They talk about her roots as a dramatic actress, her iconic roles from 227 to Sister, Sister, and whether or not Jackée is going to adopt Tracy. Also, Tracy gives it up to Ricky Thompson and self-care instagram. Success! 

This week, Tracy talks to comedic genius and our honorary step-daddy, John Witherspoon. They talk about his hustle, being the Father of Black Hollywood, and what the success of “Friday” taught him about money. Also, Tracy gives it up to Gospel music.

This week, Tracy talks to Hollywood legend Margaret Avery. They talk about the Blaxploitation movement of the 70’s, what it was like starring as Gabrielle Union’s mother in “Being Mary Jane,” and her iconic role as Shug Avery in The Color Purple. Also, Tracy channels Maya Angelou and the lingo that all black mothers seem to use.

This week, Tracy speaks to actor/director/producer Bill Duke! He spills behind the scenes details on what it was like directing "Sister Act 2," shares the small moments that had a major impact on his life, and even gives Tracy a live acting lesson. Also, Tracy gives it up to the boy and girl groups we all grew up on and desperately miss.

This week, Tracy speaks with triple threat Jason Weaver! He talks about being handpicked by Sir Elton John to sing in the original "Lion King," the dramatic oral history of his feature on Chingy’s “One Call Away,” and dishes on that one time he took Beyoncé to the prom (on "Smart Guy"). Also, Tracy smooths it out for a tribute to the soundtrack for the grown and sexy - The Quiet Storm.

This week, Tracy speaks with Hollywood legend Loretta Devine. She talks about what it’s like to have a resume THAT long,  “Dreamgirls,” “Waiting to Exhale” and her new Netflix show “Family Reunion.” Plus, Tracy gives flowers to Leon, the hardest working man in Black Hollywood.

This week, Tracy honors legend and everyone's pretend uncle, Garrett Morris! He shares all kinds of stories from what it was like growing up in New Orleans to being the first black cast member ever on "Saturday Night Live". He also shares behind the scenes moments from Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show. Then, Tracy ends the episode with a very special shout-out to baby hair.

Tracy speaks to Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter! She spills all the deets on what it was like to design costumes on everything from Spike Lee's "School Daze" to "Baby Boy," "BAPS," and "Black Panther". Also, Tracy gives a special shout out to the plastic your grandma put on her couch so she didn't have to fight you!

Welcome to the first episode of Strong Black Legends! In this episode, Tracy speaks to television and film icon, Lynn Whitfield! They talk about her early inspirations, her memories from films she’s starred in like “The Josephine Baker Story” and “Eve’s Bayou”, and hitting a classy twerk. Plus, Tracy tackles the age-old question: "Do you got McDonald’s Money?"

Strong Black Legends is a weekly show brought to you by Netflix and Strong Black Lead that honors the best of black Hollywood. Every Tuesday, host Tracy Clayton sits down with the legends that paved the way for black representation both on and off screen.