If you’ve been watching OWN’s original series, “The Haves and the Have Nots,” you may have noticed something unique about God-fearing mother Hanna Young, played by the fabulous Crystal Fox. Unlike many Black women on television, Fox oftentimes rocks her natural hair on the hit show.
Fox, whose acting career spans over three decades, says that when she was first given the opportunity to be a part of the show’s cast, she felt it was her obligation to wear her hair in its natural state in order to portray an aspect of Black women that exists in real life, but is often ignored in the entertainment industry.
“When I got this role, there were two things that I wanted to be sure I was responsible for. I asked if I could show my hair in all its ways that we deal with it as women — it’s such a big deal in the African American community,” the 51-year-old says.
When Fox brought up her desire to the show’s creator, Tyler Perry, he was on board with the idea and even informed OWN founder and CEO Oprah Winfrey about it. When the actress met Winfrey for the first time, the mogul told her that she liked the idea of Hanna Young being natural.
“When she hugged me, she said, ‘I hear you want to wear your natural hair on TV.’ She was supportive, but even the fact that she mentioned that … she knows. Sistahs know … we know,” Fox says.
Even though she had acted while wearing her natural mane before, she still found herself nervous to reveal her hair to the world on such a popular show.
“I wear braids and extensions — it’s just easier when you have to go out in public and stuff. But when I had to take my braids out to get ready to do the show, I was disappointed with myself. There was a moment where I went ‘are you ready?’ ” she admitted. “Anything that’s not you, when you can’t take it off and be you, you need to examine that. So I was amazed that even knowing it was the right thing to do, you just worry about being judged.”
But the proud naturalista is no longer hesitant to flaunt her curls. Although “HAHN’s” season finale aired Tuesday, we can be sure to see Fox in a natural ‘do for season four. After all, she says her decision is serving an important purpose.
“I thought it would bring freedom to other people. It brought freedom to me.”
