( 📸: Getty Images )
Cousins, legendary actress Erika Alexander was moved to tears as she attended the 96th annual Academy Awards.
In conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Erika spoke on the Oscar-nominated film ‘American Fiction’ while also reflecting on the impactful rebirth of her long-standing career.
“You are an icon for so many of us and have been for decades—but I wonder with this film and the attention it has gotten, have you seen a new feeling, a newfound love for Erika in this business,” Erika was asked.
“Yes, I have. Also, people who are looking are people, younger executives that always liked me,” the actress responded while smiling. “But now they are in a position to do things. And they are spreading the love, asking me to work with them and inviting me places.”
She continues, “People you know may have liked me but may not have really known me very well.”
Erika was also asked about the emotions she was feeling while gracing the red carpet and celebrating the box office smash hit.
“I’m about to cry. I’m so happy. I am.”
“ I didn’t think I’d be as overwhelmed. But I’m grateful,” said with tears in her eyes.
‘I’m just feel really grateful now to have lasted this long. It’s forty years this year that I have been in the business, thirty years for ‘Living Single’ .
Erika portrayed the role of a fiery successful attorney and loyal friend, Maxine Shaw a part of the iconic 90s sitcom ‘Living Single’ alongside actors Queen Latifah, Kim Cole and Kim Fields.
“I just want everybody to know I didn’t get here alone. Everybody who is watching and wishing the best for me, thank you,” said the 54-year-old.
In ‘American Fiction’ Erika plays the role of Coraline, a divorcée who starts a relationship with novelist Monk, played by actor Jeffrey Wright.
’American Fiction’ successfully secured a total of five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. “I’m 40 years in business, and yet this is my first time to be mentioned in these types of articles,” said Erika to PEOPLE.
The film also stars actors Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Leslie Uggams.
“What I’m trying to do, is just not be afraid of it and actually just breathe and take it in,” she said while reflecting on awards season. “It really is wonderful for people to have you in their thoughts in a way that is in that kind of category.”
Erika paid tribute to her mother Sammie Alexander while speaking with Variety, by thanking her for making her career possible. “Hi, Mom. It’s Erica. Thank you.”
“Thanks for the sacrifice, putting me in that acting course, where they found me in a Merchant Ivory [Productions] film, like, 40 years ago, and spending your last monies on educating your children.” She referred to the 1986 film “My Little Girl,” she appeared in.
“I want to say this is your victory. And I walk in this space because of you. And we’re not done yet. Thank you, Mom. Love you.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours