Lets All Watch Love & Basketball, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/movies/love-basketball-sanaa-lathan-omar-epps.html. Shes living a life of her own, one she created. It Changed My Whole Life very appropriate title. WebSanaa Lathan. It took me there. She has a bachelors degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley and a drama masters degree from the Yale University School of Drama. Sanaa Lathans age is 50 years old as of todays date 18th January 2022 having been born on 19 September 1971. How evident were her talents? 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks produced Love & Basketball, and the clips you heard in this episode are credited entirely to them. Prince-Bythewood: We'd go back and forth on the lot. And Sanaa looked great in the movie and she could do things really well, like dribbling [two] basketballs at the same time. Lathan: That two-ball scene that I'm in -- one of my bones to pick with Gina is that she put it in a silhouette. And because of that people don't think it's really me. And even though Im so very conscious of that, she still has people-pleaser in her. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! And I remember, with Love & Basketball, Love and Happiness by Al Green playing even before the first shot was up on the screen. The actress is also known for dating high-profile men and one woman and remained single to date. [laughs] But I was starting to awaken to the reality that not being connected to what I loved came at a cost, a huge cost, really happiness. Co-starring Omar Epps Actress Sanaa Lathan is a show stopper and head turner that has fans swooning over a pic of her in a nearly nude swimsuit. The whole song theyre very, very intentional with the music, and it was a beautiful thing to experience, for sure. Writer Liara Tamani first saw the movie in 2000 when she was a reluctant student at Harvard Law School. Its a very powerful scene, indeed. Sanaa believes more in spirituality than religion. But its hard. Man, girls cant play no ball! huffs her neighbor, Quincy. the two were co-stars in the 2003s. And even though Ive seen this movie at least, like, probably eight times, Im always caught off guard by the fact that Gina Prince-Bythewood decided to write a scene in which the woman is the star, and shes watching her man take care of their kid. Tamani: Oh, Tupac, the jokes, the outfits, the language all of that, and just seeing people who looked like me loved, being loved, and loving other people up on the big screen its a big deal. Percy: I think its the connection to yourself that youre describing, right? So many of us suffer from different insecurities or different fears. I wasnt Sanaa Lathan, I was just some actress and I could feel them being like, Why did this bh get the part? How can I shape my life according to what I love, even more? She says Monicas dedication was a revelation to her. Fifteen years ago on Tuesday, Love & Basketball debuted in theaters. Shes the author of the books All the Things We Never Knew and Calling My Name. An American actor and former fashion model, Shemar is one of Lathan's boyfriend. And of course, she and Quincy have their drama to get through. I can laugh about it now, she said. Percy: Youre a parent too. For the record, while she initially wasnt crazy about Gina while shootingLove and Basketball, she considers her like family now and is grateful to have been a part of her classic film. Made straight As. Required fields are marked *. And every time, I ask myself, How can I be more free? (My partner-in-cinema, A.O. Growing up, she took part in gymnastics and dance and also indulged in performing arts and athletics. Tamani: And thats a part of her strength. Released in 2000, it stars Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps as childhood friends turned young adults bound by feelings for each other and a shared passion for basketball. I went to church. Allegra Edwards bio: height, husband, family, movies and TV shows. Those are your words. Its funny, when youre growing up, people dont emphasize to you, Hey you, and only you, can create the life you want for yourself. And watching Monica up on the screen, it kind of made me realize that. She likes to eat her salty popcorn by mixing it with some Raisinets (chocolate-covered raisins). It took me out of my misery, and it just swept over me, the feeling of love, and made me just so ready to take it all in. I was uncomfortable inside hersad, confused and anxious. When she did, she said she felt like she was somewhat unwanted, which is why filming, for her, wasnt as enjoyable as people might have thought it was. However, she got through it all by totally mastering Monica when it came to the actual acting. Tuko.co.ke shared an interesting article about Kourtney Pogue's nationality, net worth, career, and Justin Turner's relationship. When youre in college, it feels like school. Liara Tamani is the author of the acclaimed Calling My Name, which was a 2018 PEN America Literary Award Finalist and SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist, and All the Things We Never Knew, which was a 2020 Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year. Through my novels, I hope to pass on the same message that Love & Basketball gifted me with 20 years ago: feel free to be yourself and create the life you want. Karim Kharbouch, better known as French Montana is one of Lathan's boyfriend who is an American rapper. Percy: And thats one of the things that even watching this movie now I struggle with, and Im so glad that the message that comes out of it is that you are beautiful, if youre wearing your hair up in a ponytail and youre wearing a basketball uniform you dont have to be made up. Shes feminine simply by being who she is. And I know that the things that I do get were mine, and always mine., Your email address will not be published. Lily Percy, host: Hello, fellow movie fans. It has been a joy for our team to make this for all of you. She was sort of like a safety net, and because of that, she had to fight pretty hard to get the role. She wanted a basketball player who could act the role. Find those wherever you like to listen, or visit us at onbeing.org to find out more. While playing at USC and then overseas, she encounters more haters and difficulties. And each scene unfolds the movie opens up and the kids are there, and she walks over and wants to play ball with her neighbors. The two were co-casts and dated during the filming of Love & Basketball. I was miserable. No, in life, in real life for most of us, its just putting one foot in front of the other and taking one step and then another toward the things you love, in the direction of the things you love. And I was starting to get this terrifying sense that if I stayed in law school, I could get trapped in her the rest of my life. As a voice actress, she made her TV show debut as Donna Tubbs inThe Cleveland Show in 2009. Didnt curse, drink or smoke. She became famous as a voice actress from 2009 to 2013. She is best pals with actressRegina Hall. I felt empowered. I couldnt even entertain the question without the fear of judgment in my ear: Have you lost your mind? Thank you for subscribing! Sanaa used to do roller skating daily when in third grade. Lathans net worth is $5 million as of 2022. While Monica and Quincy are falling in love, theyre also trying to navigate the pressures that come with trying to make a career out of something that they love, basketball. And Id love for you to just close your eyes and think about where you were when you first saw that movie, how you were feeling, who you were with any memories that come to mind. I felt seen this girl who is like, shes gonna fight for what she wants, under any circumstances. Sanaa also goes to the gym and works out with celebrity trainer Mike T atForce Fitness Inc. in Los Angeles. In order to maintain a calm and level-headed state of mind, she practicesTranscendental Meditation for 20 minutes on a daily basis. Exactly. [laughs]. Lathan has bagged accolades throughout her career due to her outstanding movies and TV shows roles. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. WebLove & Basketball (2000) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Because its easy for other people to look at you and say, oh, how good youve done or how successful you are, and it looks all good from the outside. Not easybut possible. My favoritestill. Another commented, Great message and I cannot picture anybody else in that role! The 49-year-old said she thought hard about quitting and even was suggested to by several people in my life, including some of my representation said, Just drop out. Lathan revealed that the stress of chasing her acting dreams was getting to her, but at the advice of a close confidant in her inner circle, the actress realized there were other options. I cant my future cannot be here. Thats how I felt. Yoga and dance are a huge part of my life now. The two dated during the, Did Sanaa Lathan have a baby with Denzel Washington? We went on to do Disappearing Acts and Shots Fired and I love her. Were Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall in a relationship? The entertainment industry has continued to be among the best paying industries. Ive spent a whole lifetime, really, trying to break free from fear. Gina Prince-Bythewood made a modern classic with And when you are so focused or when I was so focused on success, success, achievement, achievement, and worried about what other people would think of me if I dropped out, or if I went down a path that was less traveled and less set up for the type of success that society thinks is successful, there was a great fear in departing from that, because its about setting up a version of success for yourself or defining success for yourself. Percy: Exactly. Monica wanted to play for the Los Angeles Lakers When she would go in for basketball auditions, she said it would go horribly. April 16, 2020 11:41 AM EDT. But I hated this sanitized, diminished version of myself. She realized watching it that this wasnt what was right for her that she had to listen to herself, to listen to what her body was telling her, and to change her career. Percy: So it sounds like when you went to see it for the first time, you went really to have this lovely, celebratory experience with your girlfriends. So you have to start defining that for yourself. I want her to be free. With many theaters closed and the industry on effective hold, audiences have been streaming and often yawning the hours away. Definitely, looking back, Im grateful to be able to see her intention. She likes the sweet-salty taste of the end product. SANAA LATHAN is a well-established American actress. Tamani: I would say, now that Im a writer, I have an appreciation for Gina Prince-Bythewood as an artist, as a storyteller. Monica may know what she wants in life, but getting it isnt easy. [laughs] I dont enjoy the marketing aspect. They want her! Copyright 2023. Thank you for subscribing! Thats freedom. [laughs] When you say that, its like, its so not true, though. And it not only has to do with work or even her relationship in general, but I think its relevant to every part of our humanity, what we believe and what we value. And every time I watch the film I watched it last week just to get ready again for this interview. Throughout the movie, its song after song. If I had been an actress who hadnt really done a lot, just a couple of acting classes, I would have probably been terrified. I worked for an interior design company. Warning, Ladies: If You Give These to Omar Epps, Hell Throw Them Out, Who Is Bubba Watson's Wife? Unfortunately, no. And I was already feeling like, I have to, because you know, when you get to that low point, its like, I cant stay here. Co-starring Omar Epps and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the story centers on a young Black couple navigating the challenging worlds of romance and athletics. Percy: No, those are your words! Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.kes Patreon programme. Thank you for listening, for your emails, for your support, and for learning and growing alongside us. Truth always rings. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. But its so basic, you know? I can laugh about it now, said Lathan. Talking about her persona life, she is yet unmarried and is single at the moment. I got the job and I think Gina [Prince-Bythewood] finally got to the point where she had to hire somebody. Watch Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan in the famously steamy scene from their 2000 romance film. Percy: And shes new to the neighborhood; they just moved there. Filming & Production Yes, she dated and married Shemar Moore, an American actor and former. Bankrolled by New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Brothers (Spike Lee was a guardian angel), it went on to premiere at the 2000 Sundance festival. Percy: It is, and when its also coupled and I dont know if this was your experience, but for me it was also coupled with how to be a woman. Though most people who watch Love and Basketball see it as the role that made Sanaa Lathan a star, looking back at it now, 19 years after the films release, the But I really started to look out into my future at that point and see misery. And I soon found out and soon realized that she really wasnt wanting to hire me. The 49-year-old said she I would always get to the last step and they would throw in another basketball player, she said. In the grassy patch between their bedroom windows, he reaches for a congratulatory hug, but Monica takes a kiss. And without having the bravery to at least move in that direction, that discovery doesnt take place. She had gone to University and pursued a degree in English. She already had more than 30 plays under her belt, and that gave her some of the confidence she needed to get through it all. But even with that, the overall message of the movie is that she falls in love, and she is loved, just for who she is, not because of this kind of way of showcasing femininity. And I had known for years that I did not want to be a lawyer, even before I applied, really. You say, At the end of the movie, Monicas running onto the court in a Los Angeles Sparks uniform with Quincy cheering her on from the sidelines. I wasnt thinking about the director or the writer. Shes a superstar, playing in Spain people know her on the street, people come up to her; she has, in so many ways, the dream that shes always wanted but shes completely alone. Her lovely essay for Time magazine, which inspired this conversation, is called: Love & Basketball Was More Than a Movie. I cant live here. | I got the job and I think Gina finally got to the point where she had to hire somebody. For me, I cant go any further without just talking about Sanaa Lathan, who I absolutely love. But I knew I could do the role, she said. She ended up training five hours a day for a while before actually getting the job. Is this just our lot? I love the film Love & Basketball. Gina Prince-Bythewoods Love & Basketball tells the story of two talented athletes who weave in and out of each others lives as they pursue big dreams. When he watches it now, he finds new lessons on parenthood in the relationship between Selena and her father, played by Edward James Olmos. Even when you recognize it and youre trying to fight against it and say, No, Im gonna be free, its hard. Yes, the two were in a relationship in 2005. However, she has read the holy scriptures of several religions like The Bible, Quran, Hindu scriptures. Debut Album 25 Years Later: 'A True Homecoming', Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes' Relationship Timeline, The Cast of 'Outer Banks' : Everything to Know, The Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video to Stream Now, Madonna's Dating History: From Sean Penn to Guy Ritchie, The Cast of 'Yellowjackets': Everything to Know, The Best Super Bowl Commercials of All Time. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. As she is so gorgeous, she has dated a long list of handsome fellow till now with some of whom she had created abuzz in the American media as well. And I was just at that point where this motivated me to start doing that. Does Sanaa Lathan have kids? Percy: Yeah, and one of the things that the movie shows, which honestly Im your same age, and so I saw the movie and had this very all I focused on was the love story, at the time. Here's everything you need to know, Jesus Ortiz Paz's parents, net worth, wife, and daughter, 20 female celebrities with black hair to follow in 2023, Germany hopes to help climate with discount travel card, 'Super Mario' is year's first film to pass $1 bn globally, Muigai Wa Njoroge's 2 Beautiful Wives Steal Show at Hubby's Event, JPMorgan to buy First Republic after regulators seize control. It was her baby, and it was her first time directing. Sanaa Lathan was born on September 19, 1971, which makes her 29 years old at the time that Love and Basketball was released in 2000. For those seeking summertime movie fun, this has been an interminable season of discontent. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But then, who is gonna drop out of law school? She has her career, and she has her family, and she has her man supporting her. And I wonder how Prince-Bythewoods filmmaking changed. Its almost like she hired me because she couldnt find somebody else, so there wasnt a lot of joy and there wasnt a lot of trust in me. And really it wasnt even hiding its at the center of the movie. The first time that I saw it, I was in college, and I was so struck by the relationship at the center of the movie the love story. Percy: So Im curious, as we end our conversation Im sure youve seen this movie many more times since that first time. And I was starting to get this terrifying sense that if I stayed in law school, I could get trapped in her the rest of my life.. Finally, however, she listened to her father's advice, and today she is one of the well-doing black actresses in America. Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan in 'Love & Basketball'. It might have crossed my mind to yank my head away from my mother as a child, but I wouldnt have dared. As one of my prophets, Roger Ebert, famously said, Ill see you at the movies., [music: Love and Happiness by Al green]. Your email address will not be published. She doesnt get there that dayher team loses the game. I had no idea what I wanted to be. Moreover, she earned a Master's Degree in Drama at Yale University. What would be the perfect song to cue up for freedom? Pay attention: Become TUKO.co.ke ambassador get a branded T-shirt, hoodie or water bottle at our TUKO Shop! In the end, he wins, but he chooses Monica instead, and the movie closes with her playing for the WNBA, with the name Wright-McCall on the back of her jersey. An American music entrepreneur, Steve started dating the gorgeous Lathan in 2009 and broke up in early 2010. Though most people who watchLove and Basketballsee it as the role that made Sanaa Lathan a star, looking back at it now, 19 years after the films release, the 47-year-old actress said shooting the project was a miserable experience. Looking up at this strong-willed girl who knew exactly who she was and what she wanted in life, a light flicked on inside me. I was very lucky I did a staged reading of the script when she was still working on the script. But she holds both confidence and strength alongside vulnerability in a way that just literally leaves me speechless, each time that I watch her, and I just fall further in love with her. Thats already stressful enough, without the added pressures that their parents bring. Her typical diet plan is as follows . Sanaa has appeared in numerous films and television series, taking great acting and voicing roles. She gets to the point where she makes this decision with me, but I felt like the default., Fans were shocked to hear this news, but also voiced that they were happy the actress didnt give up including one Instagram user who wrote, I am so glad you did not give up! There wasnt a lot of joy and there wasnt a lot of trust in me. She misses the Indian food in London, England. Shes worked steadily since, honing her craft and affirming her talent with movies like Beyond the Lights (2014) and the limited series Shots Fired (2017). Percy: And you wrote about that in your really just beautiful essay for Time magazine, called Love & Basketball Was More Than a Movie. We had other Black love movies at the time, like Love Jones and even Brown Sugar. Whos about to do that? Work is not the only thing. One of my all time favorites! When [Monica] turned around and looked at Quincy and their child, I almost felt like she was reaching through the screen, asking me, So what you bout to do?. But the gray gloominess that hung over New England was becoming hard to distinguish from the gloom I felt in myself. While the basketball players were being taught to act in the hopes of filling the role, Sanaa, for some time, was left on her own to learn basketball. Sanaa Lathan Monica Wright: Omar Epps Quincy First, she dated Shemar Moore, an American actor and former fashion model, from 1985, and they got married from 1991 to 1996. Wisdom Practices and Digital Retreats (Coming in 2023). Later, she went to the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 50 years old (as of 2022) Zodiac sign: Virgo; Place of birth: New York City, New York, Love & Basketball as Monica Wright (2000) The Smoker as Roxanne (2000) Brown Sugar as Id been trying to become a lawyer for so long that I had no idea what I wanted for my future. MC Lytes, I think Lyte as a Rock, when she then is the older character, when shes Sanaa Lathan, and shes schooling girls on the basketball court at school. Theres still a chance! she yells, defending her dream. When Gina Prince-Bythewoods Love & Basketball was released 20 years ago, it was celebrated as a mainstream romantic film featuring Black characters, but I treasured it for so much more. The story of April Bowlby, PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Kenyas #1 news app. Sanaa completed her schooling from theManhattan Center for Science and Mathematics. Id become a master at taming, hiding and cutting out the parts of myself that werent compatible with the person other people wanted me to be: the rebellious, curious and sexy parts; the questioning and fearless parts. Percy: One of the reasons why its so sincere. Does Sanaa Lathan have a husband? It was her baby and it was her first time directing. Producers of the film also wanted a real basketball player to play the female lead. The two have been together for a long time, having dated for a while before getting married, and are a perfect power couple. And thats a part of her recognizing her worth and recognizing the importance of her dreams, part of knowing where she wants to go and how important it is for her to get there a huge part of her character that Gina Prince-Bythewood wrote. And I think about yourself and what you had to go through in order to really understand your identity as a writer. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our cookie and, Sanaa Lathan Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics, Clare McConnell Height, Weight, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Jorma Tommila Height, Weight, Age, Wife, Family, Aksel Hennie Height, Weight, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Family, Lucia Lachkovi Javorekov Height, Weight, Age, Boyfriend, Bio, Veronika Rajek Height, Weight, Age, Net Worth, Boyfriend, Family, A. R. Ameen Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics, Toby Smiles Height, Weight, Age, Disability, Family. Special thanks to Grace J. Kim, who created the beautiful artwork for all of our episodes this season.