Nicole Beharie is a face and a name you might not know now, but this woman is the next big thing in Hollywood. BET.com has been keeping its eye on the Florida native and her new film, “American Violet.” Variety.com has already raved, “A real winner, bringing energy and fortitude to a woman who easily could have joined the ranks of society’s victims and losers. Bright things lie ahead for this charismatic thesp.”
Beharie stars in “American Violet,” along with Xzibit and Alfre Woodard. She plays Dee Roberts, based on the true life story of Regina Kelly, who challenges a corrupt and racist legal system. “American Violet” is deeply inspiring and coupled with Beharie’s performance, the first must-see Black film of 2009. More importantly, it’s a story that the African-American community needs to know. Beharie explains, “My worry is that it won't get out there, especially to young African Americans and the BET audience. I tell the people doing the press for the film, 'I haven't gotten in front of anybody who looks like me.' That's my fear. The film is for everybody, but it's good for us to see it.”
We had to know more about this up and coming actress.
How did this role come to you?
In a really basic way, my agency gave me stack of scripts to read for upcoming films. I think because I was new there really wasn't an intention to send me in for any of them. I read this one and I was totally moved. I was like, "I really want to go in for this." I actually had a dream about it which is a rare thing to even think about a script after you put it down, especially because a whole bunch of them are garbage. I said, "Please let me know." I went in for casting and had a real good time, got called back and met with the producer, writer and director. When they started telling me how they came about the story, their investment, their work with the real Dee, Regina, and with the town -- I was moved like in that very space. I remember telling them and my manager even if I don’t get this lead part, which I didn’t think was very likely, I wanted to have some part in the project. Lo and behold, I ended up getting the lead part! [Laughs] I’m so grateful that they took a risk because that is what it was. There aren’t a lot of scripts out there for young Black women—Black women period! A story about a young Black woman? You don’t see that.
How was it working with the legend herself, Alfre Woodard?
Shut up! Shut up! [Laughs] When we were shooting it, it's like an independent movie, nobody knew who the director and the writer was -- it was just like, "Who knows? I'm going to go do this thing, who knows who is going to be in it." I showed up and I remember driving to the set and having her sit in the front seat of the van and just sitting behind her, making small talk but texting to my sister, "I am sitting behind Alfre Woodard! She is playing my momma; I know you don't believe me!" [Laughs] She was so generous and she is one of the actresses who’s had longevity. She picks great material. One of the things I loved is I saw her in between takes checking her son's homework. I just thought she was an example of edict and talent.
What do you think "American Violet" does for people who feel trapped in their community?
The thing about the real character I played, her name is Regina Kelly, was that there is something beyond yourself. If you feel like everything around you is isolating you or asking you to go against your beliefs, you have to look beyond yourself. For her it was her children. I think we have each person in our community to be responsible. People complain, but nobody wants to do anything. For the most part to make a change or when you're stuck it doesn't require the same amount of sacrifice as Regina or Dee had to actually go through. I think seeing someone who has everything against her, who has such a disadvantage in the situation, still be victorious -- it’s so clear for her. She said, "Am I going to just give them my freedom or am I going to fight for it?" I should be entitled to whatever you are entitled to.
There are a lot of A-list Black actresses who experience so much struggle in Hollywood. What type of struggles have you faced as an up and coming Black actress?
Being a young Black woman, we are a people who are ignored a great deal. Even if you are talented, you really got to prove it. When you walk into a room, no one is going to stand up for you or look to shake your hand. You tend to be the person on the periphery. People aren't paying attention to you unless you are singing a song or showing them a dance - I'm serious! [Laughs] Or, you are wearing something shiny. Also, I have to say... always being compared. My other White actress friends can just be themselves. There are so few opportunities, people get locked into a certain type.
For all of the R&B and hip-hop artists going into acting, does it make it more challenging for an up and coming actress like yourself?
It does make it more challenging. I feel like if they get the opportunity -- who can fault them for it? I understand it, it just makes my job harder and I just pray that when I drop my album I'll outsell everyone! [Laughs] Let me stop! I don't know, what to do? People are trying to make money, they are popular and they already have a fan base. Sometimes people shock you, like people didn’t think Queen Latifah was going to be who she is, but she can carry it. She is fascinating to watch, I enjoy her.
What's in your iPod right now?
Bill Withers, Billie Holiday, Bjork, Chaka Khan, Coldplay - little bit of everything! [Laughs]
Are you single?
I am single!
Do you have any celebrity crushes?
[Laughs] I'm not telling you! I'm so embarrassed because if I say it, it's really a crush.
That might get you linked on Mediatakeout! Then the movie will open big.
I don't really have a celebrity crush. I think there are some cuties out there, but I'm going to leave it alone. [Laughs]
What do you want people to walk away with from "American Violet"?
I would like for it to further what has happened recently, following the Obama election. People getting excited and feeling like they do have power and their vote counts, that we are citizens. Feeling like we are citizens and that we can actually make a difference. I think seeing this movie, the story happened nine years ago, it's like, this can happen and we know it now. We can create more change despite the economic hardship looming over many of us. I think things will probably get worse in the near future so we have to start being more creative about how we are going to take control of our lives.
“American Violet” is in select cities Friday, April 17th and nationwide on May 1st. Click here to watch the trailer!
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Clay is a blogger for BET.com's What the Flick. You can read more of his work at www.claycane.net.