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She launched her acting career with a small role in 1991’sJungle Feveras a waitress with a serious attitude problem.
Credit: Everett Collection (3)
All hail the queen!
She’s funny, warm, intimidating, and wry.
In short, all the things Matron Mama Morton should be.
David James/Miramax
There were talented men on the series, too, including John Henton and Terrence “T.C.”
At the time, Latifah was still mostly untested as a dramatic actor.
Latifah easily balances Cleo’s hardened, defiant exterior with sincere affection for her friends.
Erika Alexander, Queen Latifah, Kim Fields, and Kim Coles on ‘Living Single’.Everett Collection
(Perhaps Sasha watchedLiving Singleand was inspired by Latifah’s character Khadijah to pursue a career in media?)
Audiences rarely see women who aren’t a size zero falling in love on the big screen.
A backyard cookout scene where she goes toe-to-toe withCedric the Entertainer’s Eddie is the pinnacle of this.
Blue Sky Studios
Throughout the film, Charlene makes those in Peter’s life uncomfortable.
Of course, she’d be the star.R.C.
Plus, she’s never missed a deadline, no matter how difficult the writer.
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Related:Will Ferrell talks about playing it low-key inStranger Than Fiction
David James/New Line
Michele K. Short/Universal
Stephen Vaughan/Paramount
Frank Masi/HBO
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Sidney Baldwin/Searchlight Pictures
Everett Collection
SAEED ADYANI/NETFLIX
Everett Collection
Ralph Nelson/Columbia
