The Best Words of Wisdom Danielle Brooks Has Ever Heard
The star of stage (Sofia in The Color Purple on Broadway) and screen (the spirited Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black) celebrates small victories and the Spice Girls.
Photo: Caitlin Mitchell
Best Childhood Memory
When I won $10 at a church raffle. I was about 12 years old, and there was a raffle held after our Wednesday night Bible study. When I heard my name called, I stood up with both hands in the air and screamed "Yes!" It was the first time I'd ever won anything—you would've thought I'd scored tickets to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.
Best Summer Tradition
Hanging out in New York City's Central Park with friends. We head to Sheep Meadow with blankets and picnic food, play music, and throw a Frisbee around. And while you're technically not allowed to bring wine into the park, we sneak it in anyway. You've got to have a nice bottle of red.
Best Late-Night Snack
Godiva dark chocolate truffles. I'm obsessed with them—and one is only three points on Weight Watchers! I'm not sure how. All I know is Jennifer Hudson did the math for me.
Best Way to Unwind
A bubble bath. I throw in a bath bomb that turns the water purple. I also toss in a little bit of a butter rum body scrub, which is made with sugar and real rum—smells like heaven! Then I lay out awhole bunch of candles, play some jazz, and chill.
Best Words of Wisdom
I've heard a lot, but one piece of advice that's on my heart right now is from Nina Simone: "I'll tell you what freedom is to me—no fear." That's the place I'm trying to get to in my life—as an artist, performer, and person.
Best Karaoke Song
"Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends. It's really the all-time best song.
When I won $10 at a church raffle. I was about 12 years old, and there was a raffle held after our Wednesday night Bible study. When I heard my name called, I stood up with both hands in the air and screamed "Yes!" It was the first time I'd ever won anything—you would've thought I'd scored tickets to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.
Best Summer Tradition
Hanging out in New York City's Central Park with friends. We head to Sheep Meadow with blankets and picnic food, play music, and throw a Frisbee around. And while you're technically not allowed to bring wine into the park, we sneak it in anyway. You've got to have a nice bottle of red.
Best Late-Night Snack
Godiva dark chocolate truffles. I'm obsessed with them—and one is only three points on Weight Watchers! I'm not sure how. All I know is Jennifer Hudson did the math for me.
Best Way to Unwind
A bubble bath. I throw in a bath bomb that turns the water purple. I also toss in a little bit of a butter rum body scrub, which is made with sugar and real rum—smells like heaven! Then I lay out awhole bunch of candles, play some jazz, and chill.
Best Words of Wisdom
I've heard a lot, but one piece of advice that's on my heart right now is from Nina Simone: "I'll tell you what freedom is to me—no fear." That's the place I'm trying to get to in my life—as an artist, performer, and person.
Best Karaoke Song
"Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends. It's really the all-time best song.
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