Breaking out of the box
Mary J. Blige tells Michele Manelis about becoming a ‘badass’
What attracted you to The Umbrella Academy?
My character just made me so excited. I’ve never played an assassin before. A shoot-’em-up, bangbang, hand-to-hand combat woman. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.
Had you read any of the graphic novels?
No. I never read of the graphic novels, I just was attracted to the script because there was so much action in it.
Did you know [co-star] Ellen Page before shooting this?
I didn’t. I was so glad I got the chance to tell her what a huge fan I’ve been of hers since Juno. I also loved her in Inception as well as Hard Candy. I am a huge fan of her work.
Do you watch martial arts movies?
When I was a kid I used to watch them and I used to try it on my cousins. I used to beat them up really bad, but we were playing around. I always wanted to learn it because it’s a form of protection for women. It teaches us discipline.
You must have learned about weapons training?
Yes! I always wanted to learn how to do martial arts and how to shoot different firearms. Now I know how to shoot a Glock, a Smith and Wesson, a Desert Eagle, an MP-40, and I know how to do my own stunts.
So you’re a real badass now!
Definitely, I’m now more of a badass.
If the word “super” came before your name — what would it be?
Super Cool! I wish I had a super power and could do something other than just be a human. We live in a world where the majority of people are negative. So I wish I had that super power of blocking out all of the bad stuff.
What’s your acting goal?
To be as diverse as possible, so people can see that I can do different things.
How so? Did you feel like you were trapped in a box?
Of course. But as long as you face your fears and go for the challenges, you break out of the box. When I did Mudbound, last year, that was breaking out of the box, but The Umbrella Academy, now that is really breaking out of the box because this role is not expected from Mary J. Blige. It’s good to go for such a big challenge. Otherwise it gets boring.
Valentine’s Day is coming up. What’s the worst Valentine’s Day you’ve ever had?
Man, I have had so many worst Valentine’s Days but I no longer have to worry about Valentine’s Day because I am happily divorced.
How would you describe this moment in your life?
I just turned 48 and I feel great. I feel youthful and strong. I feel like there is nothing I can’t do.
You sound like you’ve got over some rough times.
Well, in 2016 I filed for divorce. I was married for 16 years and I was going through all types of hell. And I didn’t think I would even make it to see that day, this birthday. And I made it.
It must be worse when you go through tough things in the spotlight?
The whole world watches you suffer when you’re a celebrity. If you’re sad, they watch you suffer, if you go through a divorce they watch you suffer, and if you go through any kind of embarrassing thing — and I have been through a lot of embarrassing things — it’s not fun. But at this point in my life, it’s no longer so embarrassing, it’s triumphant. I want people to know that I am a winner and I have survived it, and I will do it again.
If you could go back in time and change anything in your life, what would it be?
I can’t change the world, none of us can. I really wish that I knew how to love myself back then. Right now, it’s like a beautiful thing to be able to say, “Gosh! I love myself.” But if I had that information then, that strength then, I probably wouldn’t have been in so much trouble. I would want to have more self-love and, in general, more love for myself.
How has money changed your life?
Money has changed my world because I am able to give to my family and take care of my mum and siblings and help them out if they need it. And I like to give to charities.
What’s the last thing you bought for yourself?
Maybe a pair of boots. I love boots. I am always buying boots and shoes.