Story by Roz EdwardImages by Ashley Walker for Steed Media Service
When the remake of the 1980 hit film, Fame, rolled on to the silver screen on Sept. 25, the lead character, Denise, was revived by musical powerhouse, Naturi Naughton. In 1980, Irene Cara memorialized the role when she sang the title song and burned it onto the cultural landscape for generations to come. But Cara’s Denise was a delicate and sometimes conflicted chanteuse who stumbles into stardom. Naughton’s version of the character is that of a more resolute young woman who confronts her shortcomings and kicks adversity in the face to grab the brass ring.
“She’s very insecure [at first]. She’s overprotected and sheltered by her parents. [She’s also] an amazing classical pianist who discovers … that that’s not her passion … and she has to make some tough choices,” says Naughton, whose most recent credits include the very controversial role of Lil Kim in Notorious (Lil Kim’s was not happy with how she was portrayed in the film), and a two-year run on Broadway in Hairspray.
“[Denise] has to learn that she has to choose what’s she’s going to do for herself and that she can’t let other people dictate what kind of career she’s going to have,” adds Naughton.
Talk about art imitating life. Naughton, a former member of the all-girl group 3LW, who exited the group under less than amicable circumstances, talks passionately and sometimes bitterly about show business, the music industry, and avoiding the pitfalls associated with both.
You started performing at a young age and had your big break as a teenager. Did breaking through with 3LW at such a young age help in terms of learning the entertainment industry?I think that being in the group basically taught me the things that can be great about fame and also the down side of success. We had a platinum-selling album. You learn a lot and sometimes it’s a rude awakening. You learn how success, money and fame can change people. It can make situations very complicated. I also learned that despite how much success you have, and how much an album sells or how well a movie does — you want to be happy. If you’re not happy, you can’t enjoy it. That’s something I learned at a very young age that nothing is worth my happiness and I’m never going to sacrifice that again no matter what is put in front of me. … Even going through some things and being discouraged at some point, I think it all made me stronger. I am much more confident in myself.
When you left 3LW did you intend to switch careers immediately?
I didn’t intend to have a career. I mean I wanted to keep singing, but the way things had happened and there were so many legal issues. I wasn’t allowed to do this and that, and I was still under contract and all this jargon. I actually was very jaded and tainted by the whole entertainment industry. I didn’t want to be a part of it. Like I said my happiness isn’t worth it, nor is my sanity. So I went to school. … I was in school at Seton Hall University and I was studying political science. I just so happened to get connected with a casting director, Bernie Kelsey, who cast all the big Broadway shows in New York. I started auditioning and they really loved my voice and my ability. They told me, ‘You know what, you’re so talented we’re going to keep working with you.’ And after three years of school … I booked Hairspray. And I decided to leave school to follow my dream, which was coming true in kind of a unique way by doing Broadway. It’s kind of interesting because it’s what Fame is all about — taking chances and having faith in yourself.
Do you think the fact that you took that break and stepped away from the spotlight helped you switch gears?
Well, the public is really supportive and if I had jumped back into it I’m sure they would have supported me. It was nothing that I did wrong. So it wasn’t like I felt like I had to go hide or take a break. … I just didn’t want to be around griminess or people that were going to tear me down as a person. I refused to settle [and accept that] and that was why I took a break. … I just felt like it was a healthy part of my growth in my faith in myself. If it wasn’t for that time off I wouldn’t have been as smart. I wouldn’t have been as assertive or aggressive as I am now. I don’t think I would have been as good. To be honest, I needed that time to live outside of the business. Going to school and having some heartaches and being in different relationships, whether it was the break up of my girl group or like in a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship, I went through some things that just made me a stronger woman. It made me a bigger person and that is what I think can make the best artists and the best actors.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned professionally?
I think it was not to trust people so much. I had to learn to stop being so trusting. Growing up, a lot of people said, ‘Naturi you’re so naive, you’re so open. You give people the benefit of the doubt … you give too much information.’ I didn’t realize how important it is not to be that way because people take advantage of you … I think that as a young person that’s a tough lesson to learn. … I trusted people with my career. I confided in people and you learn the hard way that you cannot be so trusting, especially in a professional sense in the entertainment business. … It’s really sad to say, but so many people are not on your side and I’ve learned that the hard way.
On a lighter note, how would you describe your personal style?
I love to wear Bebe [clothing]. It fits me so well; I love all of their stuff. I love platform shoes. … I am really into platform heels now because I like to be comfortable. I’m a very round-the-way glam girl. There’s nothing wrong with being done up and glammed up, but I also love to be comfy. In the summer [that means] a great sundress. One that is really loose fitting and really cute with some room to be breathe. I also love accessories. I’m really into the cuff style bracelets that are like really thick and kind of vintage looking. And I always, always love to wear hoop [earrings]. I go to my hoops every day. I also like other styles of earrings, of course, but I love hoop earrings — gold or silver or the ones with the diamond studs. [And sometimes], like every girl, I just want to rock a great sweatshirt and some dope sneakers.
What are three dating ‘dos and don’ts’ that a guy who’s trying to impress you should heed?
I would like for him to make me laugh and show [me] that you have a great sense of humor. Secondly, a guy being a gentleman [is important]. Chivalry is still in and it’s so sexy and attractive. Opening the door and making sure that I’m OK. My mom’s from the South and my father’s West Indian. Being treated like a lady [is what I expect]. Thirdly, a guy that supports me is very good. These are things I like about a guy.
I don’t like guys to overdo the whole show me what they can do for me or buy for me. Don’t try to buy me; don’t try to buy it. I also don’t like guys that smoke and are always in the club half drunk and falling out — I’m not attracted. And the last thing [I dislike in a guy] is probably jealousy and trying to compete with me.
What is the most gratifying aspect of entertaining?
The fans, the audience, the people. I feel so good when I sing in front of people or when I perform in a movie and they come to me and say ‘You moved me.’ … I think just being an example and being able to inspire people — that is why I am here. God has given me a gift. It feels good to sing and I hope I make others feel better. That is the purpose [of] the journey — to make people feel good and to inspire them.
