Alfre Woodard Says She Built Her Career by Taking Roles ‘Meant for a Curmudgeonly, Older White Guy’

**Alfre Woodard Reflects on Nearly 50 Years in Hollywood and Her Latest Role in *The Boroughs***

Alfre Woodard, the celebrated actress known for her remarkable career in Hollywood, has shared insights into her nearly five-decade journey through the entertainment industry. In an interview with AARP The Magazine, she discussed how she has navigated a predominantly white landscape, often securing roles written for white men, and the foundational confidence that has propelled her forward.

At 73, Woodard’s resilience is evident, rooted in her beginnings in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Speaking about her extensive career, she highlighted the unusual trajectory of her roles, many of which were originally cast for older white men. “That has happened five times in my life,” said Woodard, referencing her character of a judge in the 1996 crime thriller *Primal Fear*. At that time, she was in her early forties and laughingly noted, “How do you think I have a career?”

Early in her journey, the veteran actress faced discouragement from a fellow Black theatre performer who claimed a “Black film actress” did not exist. However, Woodard remained undeterred. “In my mind, I just went, Well, that’s not my reality,” she explained, emphasising her determination to forge her own path in a challenging environment.

Woodard reflected on the pivotal role her family played in fostering her self-worth, particularly her father, Marion. He instilled in her a sense of value and confidence, often stating, “Nobody, no man in this world, I don’t care who it is, is better than you are.” This foundation of self-belief became especially significant during periods of professional drought, where she sometimes faced months without auditions.

Throughout her career, Woodard encountered barriers with her agents, who would dismiss roles based solely on their descriptions. She remembered instances where they would say, “Oh, Alfre, that’s not for you. It says ‘attractive young Black woman.’” Nonetheless, she held on to the belief that whenever she was invited into a space, it signified the right opportunity. “That was the kind of person I should be with,” Woodard said.

Her latest project, the Netflix series *The Boroughs*, showcases a different chapter in her illustrious career. The show revolves around residents of an upscale retirement community, and Woodard shares the screen with fellow acclaimed actors such as Alfred Molina and Geena Davis. The series is helmed by the Duffer Brothers, the minds behind the hit show *Stranger Things*.

At the premiere of *The Boroughs*, Woodard conveyed her delightful surprise at the cast’s camaraderie, likening it to a chance meeting of long-lost family members. “It’s not like a planned family reunion, which could be fun or not, but it’s just you were all at JFK,” she quipped, imagining a serendipitous gathering in a far-off place.

Despite her many roles, she finds it amusing that she sometimes forgets the vast array of characters she has portrayed. “I forget all the time because I think I work with somebody just because I know them well,” Woodard shared with a laugh, noting that she often needs to refer to her filmography to remember her extensive work.

The vitality and joy that Woodard brings to her craft are palpable, as she asserts that each role, each encounter, contributes to her ongoing narrative in Tinseltown. Now, with *The Boroughs* available for streaming on Netflix, viewers can witness yet another compelling performance by the veteran actress, who continues to defy the odds and challenge the norms of the industry.

As Alfre Woodard embraces the next phase of her prolific career, her story serves as a testament to resilience, talent, and the unwavering belief in oneself, proving that the narrative of success knows no single path.