Story by Mike James
Photography by DeWayne Rogers
Actress Malinda Williams’ character does not want to be home for Christmas. She just wants to focus on her career and loathes the holiday headache of being put under the spotlight by family members questioning why she is still single. Those are the heavy-duty emotions the star had to summon up in playing the career-driven character Marci Jewel in the upcoming UP original movie “Marry Me for Christmas.” Williams revels in the opportunity to play this smart businesswoman who isn’t in the holiday spirit and ultimately is torn between two men vying for her love.
Williams’ natural natural beauty and youthful appearance have served her well in the business she has been a part of for more than 30 years. Best known for her role as Tracy “Bird” Van Adams in the popular Showtime series “Soul Food,” her love life was briefly tabloid fodder during her marriage to actor Mekhi Phifer, with whom she has a son. She married and divorced again to rapper D-Nice, but complications in her personal life have made barely a ripple in her career, a testament to her ability keep work and family separate. Williams looks at Atlanta as the new mecca in the entertainment industry and with ”Marry Me for Christmas” she has embellished her résumé with a producer credit.
All Malinda Williams wants for Christmas is eternal happiness, and to continue to make resolutions year-round. Read on.
