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Why Lynn Whitfield Was Hesitant to Play Lady Mae on Greenleaf

Season 6 Episode 606
Aired on 08/23/2017 | CC tv-pg
It's impossible to imagine any actress other than Lynn Whitfield embodying the shrewd strength, poise and grace of Lady Mae Greenleaf, but Lynn admits that she wasn't initially compelled to take on the role for which she seems born to play.

"They had her written as the stern Lady Mae, first lady of the church," Lynn says. "And I said, 'Eh [yawns], okay, no.' ... It didn't seem exciting."

After talking with Greenleaf creator and executive producer Craig Wright, however, Lynn had a change of heart. Here, she explains what made her say yes to becoming the powerhouse matriarch of the Greenleaf family.

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