‘Self Made’ tells of 1st female millionaire
Madam C.J. Walker may be one of America’s most successful “pull yourself up by your own bootstrap” stories, but many have never heard of her. However, that’s changing, thanks to the recent release of a Netflix limited series starring Octavia Spencer.
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker”, which also stars Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Bellamy and Carmen Ejogo, tells the story of America’s first female millionaire, who was also black, at the turn of the 20th century. Her path to riches would be noteworthy in any era, but it’s particularly impressive given the discrimination and roadblocks women and blacks had to endure at the time.
“I knew about her since I was a little girl because my mother taught us about her. We were from humble beginnings and Madam was from humble beginnings,” said Spencer. “She dictated her path in life, and what an inspirational and aspirational story to use as an example for young people who were from nothing . ... She was able to do all of that without having the right to vote or the right to own anything because of her gender and color.”
Walker, whose real name was Sarah Breedlove, created and marketed hair products for African American women at the turn of the 20th century. The four-part drama is based on the book “On Her Own Ground” by author and journalist A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great granddaughter. Kasi Lemmons, who helmed last year’s “Harriet” film and DeMane Davis both direct two episodes.
Although Bundles says this has been a project “50 years in the making” with many starts and stops, it almost failed this time as well. Spencer says she nearly walked away from the project before basketball superstar LeBron James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, intervened (both are executive producers on the project, along with Spencer).
“There were things that I felt that, in my career, that I needed within my contract,” said the Oscar winner. “Sometimes you reach an impasse. And I am always prepared to graciously walk away, especially now, understanding my value as an actress, as a producer, and understanding what will be required of me when I’m on set.
“So I was graciously bowing out and LeBron (James) and Maverick (Carter) advocated for me. And it’s terrible that they had to, but they did. And that’s what we all need sometimes in the negotiating process. But you also have to be ready to say, ‘Thank you for thinking of me.’”
Walker, who died in 1919 at age 51, was not only an extremely successful businesswoman, but a philanthropist as well. She gave generously to what are now known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and fought for anti-lynching laws.
Inspiration
Bundles hopes that her great-great grandmother will serve as an inspiration to those who know about her and those who are just learning of her, and that everyone will dig even deeper into her story.
“What has been meaningful for me in these many years of telling her story is to find the other dimensions: that she was not only a woman who was a pioneer of the modern hair care industry, but who employed thousands of African American women and helped to create generational wealth,” Bundles said “She created a hair care company, but she used her money and her influence to make a difference in her community.”
While some celebrities try to keep details of their personal lives to themselves, Pamela Adlon turns her life into content for “Better Things”, and nothing is too private for the TV comedy.
Last season, scenes showed the show’s main character, Sam, suffering the indignities of night sweats, weight gain and prepping for a colonoscopy.
It’s that willingness to go there on unconventional television topics that has earned “Better Things”, which recently returned on FX and Hulu for a fourth season, critical praise and a loyal fan base.
“I keep little moments and details in my head … things that I want to remember. It’s almost like, you know, I’m journaling my life,” Adlon told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “Some of those things that I think are crazy or funny or weird to me, I’m able to put it in… and it works in the world of this show.” Both Adlon and her character, Sam Fox, are single mothers of three daughters, managing acting careers and their feisty British mom, who lives down the street. The third season saw Sam challenging a movie director on issues of safety and respect for cast and crew on set, navigating her rebellious teen’s unapproved departure from home, and the humbling aging process for women over 50. The authenticity and fearlessness of the show has struck a chord with viewers.
“People are thanking me….People are somehow feeling seen, you know,” Adlon said. “(The show) goes deep and it’s resonating. And when it’s funny and dirty and raw, or when it’s the incredible feelings show – whichever part of it they’re reacting to – I’m so happy to be the David Copperfield of the weirdness in the show.”
In addition to her Emmy-nominated acting role, Adlon executive produces, directs, and writes “Better Things”, giving the show a unique rhythm and personal point of view. While typical iconic scenes of Los Angeles include sunshine and palm trees, season four of “Better Things” opens with a dreamy montage of mellifluous rain. The scene starts with wide exterior city shots: a bookstore, an empty beach, and a tent city created by a homeless community. It’s a subtle nod suggesting life isn’t always bright and sunny for all.
Sam’s interactions with her daughters can be messy, as is parenting. But Adlon says she likes to include positive parenting moments, things she may have wished she did or said in the moment, as an example of what could be.
“I say that Sam is like me in a cape, like she’s like super power of me,” Adlon said. (AP)