Danielle Brooks has revealed that her involvement in the 2015 revival and the recent 2023 film adaptation of *The Color Purple* not only marked significant milestones in her career but also fostered a profound mentorship with media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who produced both projects. Their collaborative journey began when Brooks played Sofia in the stage revival, a role she reprised in the film adaptation, further solidifying her connection to Winfrey, who famously portrayed Sofia in the 1985 cinematic version directed by Steven Spielberg.
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During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Broadway premiere of *School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play* in New York City on 28 September, Brooks reflected on how her experiences with *The Color Purple* led her to a relationship with Winfrey that has been pivotal for her personal and professional growth. “I think she’s somebody that walks the walk and talks the talk,” Brooks noted, highlighting the authenticity and integrity that Winfrey embodies.
Brooks shared that one of the invaluable lessons she has taken from Winfrey is the importance of being true to oneself and standing firm in one’s principles. “Be about how you really want to be. Stand on your business,” Brooks articulated, echoing the advice often associated with the late Maya Angelou: “You stand as one, but come as 10,000.” This sentiment resonated with Brooks during the premiere event, where she felt the collective strength of Black women who have paved the way for future generations.
In addition to their previous collaborations, Brooks announced that she and Winfrey are teaming up once again to develop a new comedy series titled *American Comfort* for Apple TV+. This upcoming project is inspired by the life of Melba Wilson, a well-known restaurateur from Harlem. “We’re developing with Apple TV. So that’s going to be fun to watch. Hopefully, we’ll shoot it here in Harlem,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm about the project and the opportunity to work alongside Winfrey, whom she affectionately described: “I love her so much … *The Color Purple* has been the gift that just keeps on giving.”
Brooks’ performances in *The Color Purple* have not gone unnoticed, earning her a nomination for a Tony Award during the revival and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the film adaptation. Her dedication to the role and the narrative surrounding it reflects her deep connection to the themes of empowerment and resilience that the story conveys.
Oprah Winfrey’s own journey with *The Color Purple* has been transformative. In a previous conversation with PEOPLE, she noted that her experience in the original film profoundly altered the trajectory of her career. Winfrey revealed that participating in the 1985 adaptation was “the most important thing that had ever happened to me” and that it continues to serve as a central theme in her life.
She articulated how the film inspired her to create a culture of ownership and independence at her production company, Harpo. “The Color Purple is why I created the culture at my company that I did because I had seen at Steven Spielberg’s production company that you can own your own studio and make a family of your work,” Winfrey shared. This insight not only illustrates her personal transformation but also showcases the lasting impact of the film on her career and creative vision.
Throughout its history, *The Color Purple* has garnered considerable acclaim, including a total of 11 Academy Award nominations for its original film adaptation, featuring performances from Whoopi Goldberg among others. The narrative, which delves into themes of struggle and empowerment, has resonated with audiences and artists alike, bridging generations in its capacity to inspire and uplift.
As Brooks and Winfrey continue to chart new paths in the entertainment industry together, their partnership signifies a powerful synergy that blends personal growth with artistic expression. The anticipation surrounding their upcoming projects, particularly *American Comfort*, underscores a shared commitment to telling stories that honour the nuances of their backgrounds while championing representation in the media landscape.