Golden Brooks: “Honesty…TRUTH…GOD FIRST!”

Prior to now, you’ve been somewhat under the radar since Girlfriends went off the air in early 2008 — Just to catch everyone up to speed, where have/had you been? And, what all exactly have/had you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during this career hiatus?

After GIRLFRIENDS, I wanted to just immerse myself in the indie film world. I LOVED GIRLFRIENDS and playing Maya [Denise Wilkes], but, of course, as an actress I was dying to get my feet wet with some other characters. I did a movie called the INHERITENCE, which awarded me an ABFF [American Black Film Festival] Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Movie. It felt good to play a different role. Shortly after that, I got pregnant and had a child…Which kinda slowed things down…Obviously..Haha! Which was great because just as GOD would have it, we are forced to do his plan sometimes over ours. I wanted to spend time with my daughter and not JUMP right back into work. But, shortly after Dakota was 3, I went back to work shooting over half the season of HART OF DIXIE for The CW. Many people saw it and loved it! However, was not on social media then, so you had to catch it by knowing about it. That show brought about a whole new fan-base. Also, did TV LAND’S The EXES.

You recently returned to television via TV One’s new reality series vehicle, Hollywood Divas — How did this whole situation actually come to fruition?

Well….I must say, I never thought in a million years I would do a REALITY show! Hahaha! But now that I have, I pretty much feel I can handle anything! Hahaha! My manager got the call from Carlos King’s camp [The Real Housewives of Atlanta], and basically said they wanted to see me. The premise was a show about African American actresses and our journey and struggles in the business; how we maintain, how we celebrate our wins and ultimately come together to actually put a show together on a show. I thought, “Wow, I have never seen that done before!” I thought it was a novel take on a genre that I was not too familiar with.

It’s still early on in season one, but how are you enjoying the experience thus far?

YES! …I mean, look all I can do is speak my truth. The world of REALITY is interesting; it’s kinda like rooting for your favorite team…Either you want that team to win or lose…Haha! It’s so different from scripted TV; you can hide behind a character, but in REALITY it is all you front court and center. Also, that lovely part of what we do that we have NO control over is EDITING…So you just hope for the best.

On it, you are joined by fellow cast-mates; Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal, Countess Vaughn and Lisa Wu — Truthfully, how do you all really get along?

ABSOLUTELY! I love each and every one of those women. I have learned a lot from each of them.

Because it has been billed as a “reality” show, does this mean that it is 100% unscripted TV?

Yes, it is totally unscripted! Some scenarios we know about, because we all come together for a project on the show. It’s kind of like doing an improv class; you have got be on your game…From an acting technical standpoint, REALITY TV is a great acting exercise. You have to be very in touch with whatever emotion is going on in your life at that moment.

When did you first become interested in acting?

I have always been in love with the arts; I must give kudos and thanks to my hero, my mother. She was a hard working single mother who with very limited resources kept my older brother and I engaged in activities. Mine, of course, at a very young age were the arts; dance, theater, ice skating…She took me to the opera when I was like 6 and said, “I will never allow our socioeconomic status prevent us from exposure.” So my mother was so influential in my love for the arts……Did Shakespeare plays in high school, did summer stock (theatre) and danced for a ballet company for 6 years. It all spilled over into my schooling; UC BERKELEY and SARAH LAWRENCE…Continued to do theater in New York City.

From a professional stand-point, when did it all begin for Golden Brooks?

I have to say that my first introduction to Hollywood and my career was when I booked the SHOWTIME series called LINC’S. Tim Reid produced it; starring Pam Grier. It was my first job out of grad school, and it brought me to L.A.; I was soooo excited! From that, it spring boarded so many opportunities for me; GIRLFRIENDS being one of them.

Now you are a native of the San Francisco, CA, Bay Area, correct? So growing up, who all were/are some of your strongest influences?

I love being from Berkeley! I grew up also in Daly City; another part of the Bay Area. My mother was/is my biggest influence. My father, who is a college professor, also was a huge inspiration. Even though he and my mother separated when I was young, my father was very political. And, growing up in the Bay Area during the ’70’s, African Americans we were very strong in our fight for equality. My dad moved the family to Africa — Nigeria — so he could do research. I feel very privileged to have had that experience. And then as a writer, the likes of the late female poet June Jordan. I have always been inspired by strong black female speakers. Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur has always moved me. Growing up in The Bay, it’s hard to not be an activist. I also spent some time in L.A. when I hit my teens.

Success, define yours?

Honesty…TRUTH…GOD FIRST! …Being able to provide for my daughter from doing what I love. Staying true to your art or passion, no matter what. Being able to give back to young girls, staying true to who your are no matter the magnitude of the storm, always stay rooted in who you are and where you come from. IGNORE the negative; always follow light, love and compassion.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to? And, what will continue to sustain you in this grueling business of entertainment?

My faith in GOD and my love for my family keep me grounded. My amazing friends and support system. Listen…This is the toughest business anyone could ever get into, you are at the mercy of others to say, “YES…You got the job!” That being said, even with the rejection all artists know in their hearts that they are doing what their spirit tells them.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Yes, I love writing! Have been working on a few literary projects and design. Working on some interior design endeavors. And, love working with kids.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment?

Wow! I think when I worked Pam Grier and Holly Hunter; admire them both. And, don’t think it ever gets old to see yourself plastered on a billboard…Hahaha! Also, when I gave my first acceptance speech for my first award; I cried on stage.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years down the line, where do you see yourself?

…I see myself writing mainly and teaching.

As for the immediate future, what’s next for you, Miss Brooks?

Two movies in the can…Up for something currently…Shh! And, working on my book…AND being a mom!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

I am supporting this new hair company called PINK AND PRETTY HAIR [www.pinkandprettyhair.com]. Portions of their funds go to support women who have battled CANCER. PLEASE support them! We all know someone who is struggling or has lost their struggle to the illness.

Do you have any “closing” thoughts for our readers?

I want to thank and continue to thank my fans and supporters. I know on Hollywood Divas, (it) is sometimes harsh…Haha! But, the show does have a silver lining and please keep watching to see it unfold.

@therealgolden47
By: Todd Davis

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