Danielle Brooks is happy to be a role model for young Black actresses.
The 34-year-old star has enjoyed significant success over the last decade, starring in “Orange Is the New Black” and ‘The Color Purple‘, and the actress now says she’s very comfortable with her role model status.
“This is what I’ve been ordained to do. And so it’s just up to me that I embrace it,” Brooks told The Independent after being asked if she ever gets tired of the responsibility.
“I embrace being that example for younger girls, for people that feel connected to who I am – physically, or spiritually. I will forever be okay with that assignment. My whole thing is just to break the mold, and to really expand how we are viewed and how people take us in [and] that we’re more than just sassy Black women; we’re more than just best friend number four. We can do it all,” she said.
Brooks previously suggested that she was underpaid for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” but the actress has now claimed to have learned from that experience.
“You live and you learn. I think I did what I could and I fought for myself as much as I could,” she said.
“I’m in a totally different place in my life and career. My needs are different. I have a family, and I have more agency to say yea or nay to projects and to the price that comes with that project.
“At the time, I needed to pay my rent and I didn’t have the luxury to say no. But now – what’s the phrase they say? ‘Yesterday’s price ain’t today’s price?’ That’s the world I’m living in now.”
