BV Buzz 03.21.05
By Jawn Murray, AOL BlackVoices columnist
Talking Whoopi
The unpleasant reviews of Chris Rock's hosting stint at this year's Academy Awards has struck a chord with Alex Martin, whose mom, Whoopi Goldberg, received similar criticism after hosting the Oscars twice.
In a letter to the BV Buzz, Martin talked about how her mother was not only criticized by the mainstream press, but by black civic groups as well. "Who remembers 1984? Do people really remember when Whoopi Goldberg hit the scene? Do people remember saying how ugly she was? Do they remember saying she can't represent us as black women? Do they remember the NAACP stating those comments and asking those questions," began Martin.
Goldberg was often chastised for her appearance, not having eyebrows, sporting dreadlocks and her appreciation for comfortable, baggy clothing. "Dreadlocks are considered beautiful now, right? Baggy clothes are cool right now and most people credit only hip-hop for that," griped Martin.
Now Martin, who is Goldberg's only child, wants people to recognize the contributions her mother has made in Hollywood and her role as a pioneer for blacks in the entertainment industry.
Goldberg was the second African-American female to win an Oscar -- the first was Hattie McDaniel -- when she earned a golden statue in 1991 for her role in the film 'Ghost.' She was also the first woman to host the Academy Awards when she did so in 1994 and the first African-American woman to be nominated twice -- her role in 'The Color Purple' earned her a nomination in 1986. Her accolades also include a Grammy (Best Comedy Recording/'Whoopi Goldberg: Original Broadway Show Recording'), a Tony Award (for producing 'Thoroughly Modern Millie') and an Emmy Award (for hosting 'Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel').
But despite Goldberg being one of the only entertainers bar genre to ever earn all of entertainment's highest honors, Martin still feels as though people have overlooked her significance. "When will people remember what she has done for us as black people?" she asked.
Martin will be glad to know that the BV Buzz contacted several African-American comedians and all of them acknowledged the impact Goldberg has had on them.
Kym E. Whitley: "Whoopi has always been one of my favorite comedians. I have a picture of her on my refrigerator, actually. She has inspired me because she was one of the first to get on Broadway and have her own one-woman show with multiple characters. She has always stepped closed to the line, but never over the line without offending. She opened doors also for comedians to be able to do drama. She was able to do both sides doing 'The Color Purple' and 'Clara's Heart,' showing she's excellent at dramas, while still being able to be funny. She inspired me not only to be a comedian, but to be a true artist."
Adele Givens: "Without Whoopi Goldberg, there would be no 'Queens of Comedy'! She's just a trailblazer. I personally would like to meet her and say, 'Thank you!' Not only is she a great comedian, but she's shown that you can expand that talent. She's just the bomb! She really is. This lady is theatrically supreme. Who in the hell could forget Miss Celie? I'm just grateful that she was there before me, because without her, there would be no me."
Thea Vidale: "I've been doing this for 20 years and aside from myself, Whoopi is the bravest b---- I know. I think her courage speaks for itself. Whoopi speaks from the core of her heart and she's not afraid to say what she wants to say. That's what she's brought to the industry. Men have always been allowed to say what they wanted to say, and Whoopi came along and began saying what she wanted. I applaud her for not apologizing for who she is or what she is. She puts her heart out there and either you can get it or not get it."
Hope Flood: "I had aspired to be a comedian for years and years. I just didn't know how to go about it or know was there a need or a market for a black female comic. But when I saw Whoopi Goldberg's one-woman show years ago, she made an impact on me. It let me know that I could do it no matter what color I was, no matter what size I was or what my hair looked like or anything. She is an innovator, and she steps outside of the box. In addition, she was a single mother on welfare. I was that, and I was able to relate to her life and her story. She really motivated me to go ahead to pursue my comedy."
Coles' Crush
Actress-comedian Kim Coles finds nothing wrong with a little innocent flirting. The talented star of VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club' and BET's 'Coming to the Stage' admitted to BV Buzz that she did, indeed, have a crush on her 'Fit Club' trainer Harvey Walden IV.
"Well, he's tough, he's sexy and who wouldn't develop a crush on him," said Coles, giggling.
Do you always develop crushes on married men?
"Well, uh, that doesn't stop a person from having a crush," she answered. "I can have a secret crush that the world finds out about. But it's not like I shoved my tongue down his throat. I think he is sexy. I developed a crush, and the show filmed me talking about it."
Renaissance Man
R&B superstar Brian McKnight already admitted to having his sights set on conquering television with a planned late-night talk-variety series in the works, but now the entertainer is hoping to take on acting as well.
McKnight has been approached by several Hollywood types about possibly portraying music legend Nat King Cole. The singer admits he'd jump at the chance of playing the late father of singer Natalie Cole, but that "there's a problem getting the rights to it. The family has been reluctant."
Cole isn't the only entertainer he'd contemplate portraying. McKnight has also expressed interest in the late jazz trumpet player Miles Davis.
In the meantime, McKnight recently released his newest album 'Gemini' and continues to work as a correspondent on the news magazine series 'Extra!' The singer, who hosted the short-lived 'The Vegas Show' with Sheena Easton in Las Vegas last year, says it's his "Extra!" producer who is developing his late-night endeavor.
"The head person at 'Extra!' is being really instrumental in taking me under her wing. After Arsenio Hall there's been a real void. Not just for our people, but for everybody because Arsenio used to have everyone on that show. So we have an idea for a show out of Vegas that would be a nighttime talk-variety show," he concluded.
Can't Say Names
"Sources say a popular R&B singer is pregnant and that her record company is trying to keep it under wraps for now. Said singer was rumored to be pregnant years ago and there was even speculation that an ex-boyfriend's child was really hers. Nonetheless, her record company is soliciting tracks for her upcoming album in hopes that as soon as she gives birth, she can get back in the studio and finalize her fourth album.
Whispers
'American Idol' finalist Trenyce will appear on the BET reality series 'College Hill.' Trenyce will be joined by fellow 'A.I.' contestant Ricky Smith and both will judge a talent competition on the last episode of the season. In addition, Trenyce also recorded an original song called 'Amazing' that was produced by Jason Edmonds that will be featured in the eighth episode of 'College Hill.' Word has it that Trenyce is also working on completing her debut album, which will feature production by 'American Idol' Ruben Studdard.
Ray J is headed out on a promotional tour with Seventeen magazine. The R&B singer will headline a mall tour that will help set up his upcoming album 'Raydiation' on Knockout Entertainment/Sanctuary Records. Ray J can also be seen hosting 'BET.com Countdown' and on '106 & Park,' in addition to conducting red carpet duties for BET's news magazine series, 'BET Style.'
Former 'Felicity' star Tangi Miller will star in a feature film called 'Love and Other Four-Letter Words.' The romance flick is about Miller's character wanting to please her grandmother so much that she fakes her own wedding. 'Love' starts shooting in July.
Neo-soul siren Erykah Badu is launching her own new record label, Control Freaq Records. Last weekend, the 34-year-old afro-wearing singer announced her newest endeavor at the South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin, Texas. For more on the label, visit www.ControlFreaqRecords.com.
March 21, 2005