Mara Brock Akil Reveals Which Surprising A-List Actress was Originally Intended for Tracee Ellis Ross’ Role in “Girlfriends”

Mara Brock Akil Reveals Alternate Casting for Joan’s Role on ‘Girlfriends’

Mara Brock Akil, the celebrated creator of the iconic series ‘Girlfriends’, marked the show’s 25th anniversary by unveiling intriguing details about the original casting choices. At the “Mara Brock Akil: Forever Our Girlfriend” event hosted by Hollywood Confidential, Akil disclosed that Tracee Ellis Ross wasn’t the initial pick for the role of Joan on the beloved series.

Akil recollected that during the casting process, Golden Brooks, who eventually portrayed Maya Wilkes, had intended to audition for a different character. Interestingly, Regina King was initially envisioned to play Joan in Akil’s mind when she first penned the character. However, King’s lack of response to the offer led to a pivot in the casting direction.

In a surprising turn of events, renowned female rapper Lil’ Kim also tried out for a role on the show. Akil reminisced about the challenges faced in finalizing the ensemble cast and the pressure from the network to garner attention. Despite the initial uncertainties, serendipity struck when Tracee Ellis Ross, suggested by Akil’s husband Salim Akil, impressed the creators with her audition for Joan.

The seamless synergy between Ross and Brooks, along with Persia White and Jill Marie Jones, culminated in the creation of a successful and acclaimed show that resonated with audiences across generations. ‘Girlfriends’ garnered immense popularity during its eight-season run before concluding due to the writers’ strike in 2008.

Despite the fervent pleas from fans for a revival or movie adaptation, Akil remains steadfast in her stance that any such endeavour must receive the necessary resources and financial backing to honour the show’s legacy appropriately. She emphasised the importance of valuing the cultural significance of ‘Girlfriends’ and ensuring that any future projects uphold its intrinsic worth.

The Hollywood Confidential event series, spearheaded by TV producer and author Steve Jones, serves as a platform to celebrate influential voices in the entertainment industry, with a focus on empowering aspiring artists from diverse backgrounds. Previous honourees at the event include Lupita Nyong’o, Regina King, Angela Bassett, and Issa Rae, among others.

As Mara Brock Akil continues to reflect on the enduring impact of ‘Girlfriends’ and its significance in television history, her insights into the casting process shed light on the meticulous craftsmanship and fortuitous casting decisions that shaped the show’s success. With a legacy that transcends time, ‘Girlfriends’ remains a testament to Akil’s creative vision and the enduring power of authentic storytelling in mainstream media.