Gabrielle Union on her acting career, the banana boat photo and more
Alex Kennedy talks to Gabrielle Union about how she got her
start as an actor, her big break, her advice for aspiring actors,
her marriage to Dwyane Wade, the banana boat photo, dealing with
paparazzi, how the media covers her and Dwyane, speaking out about
the toxic workplace at "America's Got Talent," changes she'd like
to see in Hollywood, her children's book ("Welcome to the Party")
and more. Time-stamps are below!
:35: As a kid, Gabrielle wanted to be a lawyer. She discusses
how she got her start as an actor.
2:55: These days, with social media, is it easier for someone
to get noticed and become an actor?
4:20: What advice would Gabrielle give to aspiring
actors?
5:55: Gabrielle discusses her "big break" and how the
mainstream success changed her life.
8:05: Gabrielle says she didn't have to deal with paparazzi much (because they tend to focus on
white celebrities), but bloggers and fans with camera phones did
put her under the microscope.
9:30: In 2015, Gabrielle and
Dwyane Wade were photographed on a banana boat with LeBron James
and Chris Paul. The photo blew up and people started referring to
Wade, James, Paul and Carmelo Anthony as the "Banana Boat Crew."
Gabrielle talks about that day and her reaction to the photo going
viral.
12:20: Gabrielle and Dwyane
Wade are married. She talks about being in a celebrity relationship
where every little thing ends up making headlines. Does that
present unique challenges in their marriage?
14:55: Gabrielle spoke out about the toxic
workplace environment at "America's Got Talent." She has said that
she wants to help create a happy, high-functioning,
inclusive and healthy workplace. Is Hollywood taking the necessary
steps to head in that direction?
16:45: Gabrielle names specific changes she'd like to see in
Hollywood (and workplaces in general).
19:15: Gabrielle and Dwyane have both been in the spotlight
for years. She discusses how Dwyane's media coverage differs from
how she's covered.
22:40: Gabrielle was "the Rasheed Wallace" of her high-school
basketball team. She talked trash and got a lot of technicals. She
tells the story of the time she talked trash to an opponent's
mother.
24:25: "Welcome to The Party" is Gabrielle's children book,
which was inspired by her daughter and the fact that there aren't
many books about non-traditional families. She discusses the
feedback she's received since publishing it.
25:45: What are the biggest roles that Gabrielle turned down
or came close to getting but then they ultimately went to someone
else?
26:50: Gabrielle talks about the audition process and how
intimidating it is. She also talks about the time she auditioned
for an early Marvel movie.