Dondre Whitfield, Salli Richardson-Whitfield give advice to aspiring actors

Dondre Whitfield, Salli RIchardson-Whitfield & Tirrell Whitley
Dondre Whitfield, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Tirrell Whitley (Photo credit: Jonell Whitt for Steed Media Service)

Actor Dondre Whitfield and his wife Salli Richardson-Whitfield were recently honored at the Black Women in Film Untold Stories Luncheon. As veteran actors in the business, it was very refreshing and inspirational to hear words of wisdom coming from this couple who has managed to do the impossible — remained married for more than 16 years in the entertainment industry and maintained longevity as working actors.

Dondre Whitfield is to be congratulated for landing a role on OWN’s “Queen Sugar” series as a single Black farmer. His wife Salli Richardson-Whitfield is switching directions and had the opportunity to join Ava Duvernay as a director in her all-female directors’ crew for “Queen Sugar.” She even shared with us that she directed Dondre’s first on on-screen kiss with another beautiful actress, Dawn. “I was a little nervous and my wife was directing me to get more into the kiss,” exclaimed Dondre.


After the luncheon, there was a ladies panel during which Dondre and Salli Richardson gave some really great advice. Dondre reminded the audience to know the difference between your passion and your purpose. Providing an example, Dondre referred to acting as his passion.

In closing of the discussion, Salli had great words for those aspiring to act. She advised learning your craft by taking acting classes, and even reccommending panelist actress-producer Terri J. Vaughn as a perfect instructor for a new actor.


Check out the video below and listen to the advice Salli gave; then check out the photo gallery photos from the luncheon.

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