"If you're a singer, not an actress, you should sing. If you're a rapper, you should rap," is what actress Nia Long told the U.K. magazine Pride.
In the July cover story, written by Jessica Huie, the 'Are We There Yet?' star was also asked what she thought about Beyonce Knowles' performance in 'Obsessed.'
"I didn't see 'Obsessed,' so I can't comment, but it's just not about how talented you are anymore. It's about how much box-office revenue will this person generate," Long said. "When you see certain people – we won't name names – they just don't have the skill, and no one on their team has said, 'You need acting classes."
The 38-year-old actress, who last starred on the ABC series 'Big Shots,' said there are some exceptions .
"If you take time to develop your craft, God bless you. Jamie Foxx is an example of both [an actor and singer]."
Long also vented to the glossy about the quality of roles Hollywood offers black actresses.
"If you were able to take all the black actresses and the choices we've made collectively, it's a pure reflection of what you see on film. People need to work. But the content? The opportunities for black actresses are more widespread today, but the quality has suffered," she offered.
For more information on Pride magazine, visit www.PrideMagazine.com.
Celebrity Look Alikes Vol. 5
Karrine Steffans
This 30-year-old New York Times best-selling author made a name for herself in the music industry as a music video model. After intimate relations with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Jay-Z, Ja Rule and Method Man, Steffans became known as "Superhead." The former adult-film star is currently working on her third book 'The Vixen Manuel: How To Find, Seduce & Keep The Man You Want.' You wouldn't believe which high-ranking officer of the court we think Steffans resembles.
Judge Glenda Hatchett
Judge Glenda Hatchett has starred on her own court television show for the past eight years. The Emory University School of Law grad also released a book 'Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say.' Before heading to television, Hatchett was a senior attorney at Delta Air Lines and the highest-ranking African American woman at the company. She also has the distinction of being Georgia's first African American chief presiding judge of a state court.
Karrine Steffans / Judge Glenda Hatchett
True, Judge Hatchett is a bit mature to pass for Steffan's sister, but they surely could be mistaken for mother and daughter. With their fair complexions, dark-brown hair, wide smiles and noses, they definitely resemble each other.
Ciara
These days, 23-year-old Ciara Princess Harris simply goes by Ciara. Raised in Atlanta, this R&B chart-topper, who once dated pint-size rapper Bow Wow, burst on the music scene in 2004 with 'Goodies.' Both her debut single and its follow-up 'Ciara: The Evolution' were platinum hits. She's currently wrapping up her new album 'Fantasy Ride' and will star in the upcoming film 'Mama, I Want to Sing.' But many have said she looks like a popular comedienne. Guess who?
Wanda Sykes
Comedienne and actress Wanda Sykes got her start as a writer for 'The Chris Rock Show.' And, though her two short-lived shows 'Wanda at Large' and 'Wanda Does It' haven't made her a television star, her more recent stint on the CBS sitcom 'The New Adventures of Old Christine' has been steady. In 2008, the stand-up comic "came out" as at a pro-gay marriage rally in Las Vegas.
Ciara / Wanda Sykes
They're not identical by any means, but Ciara and Wanda Sykes definitely favor one another. We aren't holding our breaths to see Wanda sport a dolled-up look like Ci-Ci, but with their similar noses and big brown eyes, the two ladies remind us of each other.
Iman Crosson
This 26-year-old Ohio native received a great deal of attention with his parody of President Barack Obama doing Beyonce's 'Single Ladies.' The YouTube clip 'If You Voted for Me' has scored nearly 2 million hits and landed Crosson an appearance on Entertainment Tonight. There's a certain banker who looks like the Dancing Obama. Can you take a guess?
Al Reynolds
Virginia native Al Reynolds is mostly known as the ex-husband of former plus-size talk show personality Star Jones. Their nuptials are rumored to have cost upward of $1 million dollars and became a public relations nightmare for 'The View.' Sadly, their union didn't last long. Jones filed for divorce in 2008. The former investment banker is currently finishing up his doctorate in organizational leadership and teaching at Florida Memorial University.
Iman Crosson / Al Reynolds
Talk about splitting image. It's easy to see how Iman Crosson might be mistaken for Al Reynolds over our President Barack Obama. The two light-skinned, handsome brothers both know how to hang a suit. And with such distinguished looks, if they can't pass for each other, they can pass for brothers.
Kathie Lee Gifford
Kathie Lee Gifford is best known for co-hosting the talk show 'Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,' alongside Regis Philbin for 15 years. In 2008, she returned to the small screen to host the fourth hour of NBC's 'Today' show.
Comments: (186)
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By: Yonie Davis on 7/13/2009 11:32AM
THE TRUTH!! BE'NONCE.....horrible actress! There are a few lucky artists such as Mos Def/Latifah who were blessed with an opportunity that turned out to be a blessing to the screen.
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By: SWD on 7/16/2009 9:29AM
Whitney, Beyonce. The Worst. Enough Said!!!!
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By: Nan on 7/17/2009 6:39PM
Amen!!! I knew I couldn't be the only one who thought "Bouncy" was a horrible actress. Not that she can even sing "to me." She just has the looks that Hollywood and music exec's like. I must give her some credit, she makes an occasional nice dance tune.
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By: mauriceclough on 7/13/2009 12:16PM
It's so painfully obvious that people were so eager to dog beyonce in this poll for their own personal reasons. Monica and Ashanti should've far outweighted her. Guess what? Beyonce is still going to get the movie roles :)
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By: borninchicago6 on 7/13/2009 4:45PM
No need to take in personally. Beyonce' is just not that great an actress. Though she was better in Obsessed than she was in Dreamgirls. She's coming along though. lol But if I created my own Worst of the Worst singers turned actresses, my No. 1 - 5 would be Whitney Houston. Hands down, no questions asked. Whitney Houston was sickening in Waiting to Exhale. I cringed every time that woman delivered a line. But the woman can sing her you-know-what off!!!
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By: Sheryl on 7/13/2009 5:11PM
Yes... Beyonce will bring in the revenues, BUT it will just mean more people will see how bad of an actress she really is. I am not a huge fan of Beyonce, eventhough she is talented, acting is just not one of them.
Some people have natural talent, but I agree with Nia...when you don't have that natural talent, and you don't take roles seriously enough to take lessons, then maybe you should stick to your craft.
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By: Blacklace101 on 7/14/2009 6:57AM
Why does anyone need to use this platform to dog Beyonce?
I don’t care about this poll on bit... You just made the same point Nia Long were making it doesn’t matter if someone is talented or really know the craft to perform the job properly any longer as long as they can bring box office dollars. Beyonce acting sucks it’s that simple. Does it suck more than Ashanti and Monica I don’t have a clue but it sucks and it sucks more each time she’s on the screen. I don’t call this hating/doggin I call this my honest opinion. I’ve watched enough great artists over the years to make that determination
Peace
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By: donna on 7/14/2009 6:59PM
Beyonce can't even talk, let alone act. The only thing she is good at is shaking her ass, and showing off her body. Her singing is only so so. Yes like Brandy I buy her music because I like the songs, can't really sing. Brandy is a great actor, and at least she doesn't promote her body to sell records
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By: Ernestine on 7/15/2009 9:34AM
Mauriceclough no one is hating on beyounce, the reason why she is getting the roles is because she is putting her own money up so that, she can get the roles
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By: Zuri Kyle on 7/15/2009 12:17PM
You know what bothers me the most is that IT's BLACK PEOPLE that hate on Beyonce' the most!! What does that say about our race? If Beyonce' wasn't as confident and strong as she is, she would probably be sitting in a corner rocking herself with a straight jacket on. This is insane, but I'm a firm believer that Beyonce' makes people insecure, and she's on top of her game, have you seen CADILLAC RECORDS? TAKE NOTE! Don't allow her confidence to collide with your insecurities and then turn around and say she can't ACT!
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