… Queen Latifah.
I remember watching this video as a kid and feeling absolute AWE at the waves of power coming off of this woman. I wanted her to like me. I wanted to be like her. She was tough and smart and cool and beautiful and brave. The absolute package.
As her career shifted from music to film, I was curious to see how she’d change. But Latifah has remained radiant, powerful, and true to herself throughout. She was stellar in “Chicago,” naturally, but my favorite role of hers was in “Stranger Than Fiction.” Husband Mike and I watch this film approximately every six months, and QL’s role as Penny, the editorial assistant, hits me right where I live. I can relate to the feeling of trying to impose order on a chaotic world, and simultaneously long for someone to step in to impose order on MY chaotic world. And Queen Latifah is serene and goddesslike in this role.
Like any full-figured woman working in Hollywood, Queen Latifah has had her battles with body image, dieting, surgeries, cosmetics campaigns, retouching, and that lovely lot of issues that plague all celebs. But, in my opinion, she has handled it all with remarkable aplomb. She mainly leads by example, dressing to her glorious figure instead of striving to change or mask it. I have never seen her look anything short of luminous. And, more than that, I have never seen her look miserable, ashamed, or uncomfortable in her own skin.
If you ask me, THAT is how a queen should be.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you. That video is awesome.
I totally agree with you. I've always admired her strong, spunky spirit, and the sense you get that she remains true to herself….she's fab!!!
I agree! She is one of my inspirations, and a celebrity that I feel is beautiful in a way I can relate to. Not only is her face beautiful, but her body is gorgeous in such a lovely voluptuous way. Just the same way I want my body to appear!
Have you heard her (non-rap) recordings as Dana Owens? Worth a listen.
Isn't she fabulous?? I've never seen Stranger Than Fiction, but now that I know she's in it, I'm adding to my list. She seems to have such integrity.
Dorky Medievalist: You know, I think my mom has at least one of those albums. I'll nick it when I go home for Christmas.
She is pretty fabulous and I'm really glad she's out there completely rocking it as a real woman.
That video started my day on a good note. I admire Queen Latifah's strength and beauty and grace.
Oh man! I was going to skip the video but figured I needed to witness some female strength. I knew there were solid reasons why I love Queen Latifah and this just backs it up.
Thanks so much for spotlighting a real world example of beauty and strength no matter what the size!
I'm sure to be singing that all day lol : )
She's definitely one gorgeous lady! I also really love her singing voice: beautiful!
Your comments are spot-on how I feel about Queen Latifah. Thanks.
Thank you for this post, she's one of the biggest role models in my life!
She is always radiant! I love Stranger than Fiction!
Couldn't agree more. I'd have to say that she is my most-respected celebrity!
Thanks the reminder about "Stranger Than Fiction," a criminally underrated movie.
Fritinancy: So true! And with soundtrack music by Spoon, no less.
I haven't heard of this song in so long! My brother and I loved it! This post inspired an overseas phonecall to say hi to my bro! Thanks for the post!
http://todayisabirthday.blogspot.com/
She's absolutely gorgeous and her acting range–really she can do anything. And good lord–those curves! She really has blossomed style-wise in the past several years, and whoever is dressing her has got it right.
Queen Latifah has always been one of the few actresses that inspire me to be beautiful and to not be ashamed of my height. It was kind of nice growing up when I saw women in movies that are tall and powerful without being super models (no offense to the models of course).
She spoke at a charity luncheon here in Dallas just last week to benefit an organization that promotes women's philanthropy. I wish you all could have heard her inspiring speech about the women who made a difference in her life. She inspired her entire audience, from society matrons to inner city high school girls — and raised a record amount for the organization ($1.3 million to date, with not all yet counted!)
Truly an example of a celebrity "walking the walk".
Sally, I one thousand percent agree with your impression of Queen Latifah. She is rock solid stylish royalty. Beautiful, pretty, cute and elegant all rolled into one. And above all confidant deluxe. Adore her.
This IS how a queen should be.
I watched "Just Wright" a couple of days ago, and was – once again – gobsmacked by the awesomeness of Queen Latifah. Thank you for sharing the video, as I became a fan of her acting but never really listened to her music much. I look forward to familiarizing myself with that part of her talent, too.
Love, LOVE, LOVE this woman! Thanks for putting this up.
What a beautiful picture of MS.Queen Latifah.
Thank you for posting that video. It really takes me back. I listened to that CD over and over and over again. It's been a while, long enough for me to forget how much I truly appreciate her (plus that was an awesome burnout in the video). I wish more young ladies were exposed to messages of empowerment and what it means to be a woman. She becomes more beautiful with age. Off to find my Queen Latifah CD.