Tracee Ellis Ross, the acclaimed actress best known for her role in the groundbreaking sitcom *Girlfriends*, has recently revisited the challenges faced during the show’s run from 2000 to 2008. Speaking candidly on Trevor Noah’s podcast, *What Now?*, Ross shed light on why she was seldom invited to late-night talk shows despite the series’ popularity and impact.
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During the conversation, the actress reflected on the stark divisions that characterised the television industry at the time. She recalled a sense of disbelief upon realising that, despite her success on *Girlfriends*, she had not received the recognition typically afforded to breakout stars. “I remember thinking, ‘What? What else do you have to get?’” she said, expressing her frustration at the lack of visibility afforded to her and the show.
*Girlfriends*, which aired for eight seasons, became a cultural touchstone for many within the Black community, yet Ross noted that mainstream acknowledgment was firmly lacking during its original broadcast. She explained that while the show is now celebrated and recognised for its contributions to television, this was not the case when it was on air. “It certainly didn’t have it back then,” Ross emphasised, underscoring the disparity between the show’s viewership metrics and its perceived value in the eyes of industry gatekeepers.
The actress recounted a particularly disheartening episode involving Jay Leno, the host of *The Tonight Show* during the early 2000s. Allegedly, Leno remarked that they would be interested in featuring Ross only when she landed a more prominent role. “We love Tracee. Call us when she gets something,” Ross claimed he said. This moment left her questioning the rationale behind such decisions, further deepening her concerns about the industry’s treatment of Black talent.
In parsing through her experiences, Ross pointed to an apparent anomaly in programming recognition. She noted that, although *Girlfriends* commanded a significantly higher viewership than shows like *Monk*, it was the latter that received accolades and visibility in mainstream media. “That show had a quarter of our viewership,” Ross noted, bewildered by the lack of parity in the recognition awarded to her show compared to that of others perceived as less popular.
This reflection led her to confront a difficult but possibly unavoidable conclusion about her experiences in Hollywood: “Is it just racism?” she questioned. For Ross, understanding the reasons behind these disparities is complex and frustrating, representing broader conversations about race and representation within the entertainment industry.
As of late, audiences and critics have reconsidered *Girlfriends* and its significance, shedding light on the often-overlooked narratives of Black women in television. Ross’s career trajectory since the show’s end further underscores this evolution. She has since received five consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for her performance as Rainbow Johnson in the series *Black-ish*, illustrating her enduring appeal and talent.
Notably, Ross was also recognised this year with a Daytime Emmy nomination for her travel series, *Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross*. These achievements reflect her growth as an actress and her ability to navigate a changing industry landscape.
Concluding her reflections, Ross expressed gratitude for her time on *Girlfriends*, recognising the experience as formative in her development as a seasoned actress. “You learn how to do it,” she said of the 173 episodes she filmed, affirming that such extensive work provided invaluable lessons in the craft.
Ross’s insights shine a light on the ongoing challenges of representation in Hollywood and the importance of discussing industry biases. As artists like her continue to break barriers and challenge the status quo, their journeys highlight the critical need for inclusivity and recognition across all levels of the entertainment sector.