If there was a photo next to the word "resilience" in the dictionary, Naturi Naughton's image would be next to it.
After an unceremonious departure from her platinum-selling R&B trio 3LW back in 2002, Naughton not only had a three-year stint in the Tony Award-winning musical 'Hairspray,' but she's become quite the movie star.
Following up her impressive turn as Lil' Kim in the film 'Notorious,' the 25-year-old singer/actress is now playing the role made famous by Irene Cara in the remake of 'Fame.'
Naughton, who is putting her music ambitions on hold to focus on acting, said it was God who gave her another chance after her high-profile music career came to an abrupt end.
"In my life I have to give glory to God because if it weren't for him giving me the strength, I would not be here. There were so many times I wanted to give up. I would hear people say, 'Oh she ain't gonna do nothing after the group.' It was so many people saying that I couldn't be where I am today and that story speaks to every young person and every individual that says 'I want to do this' and people say 'no you can't.' Yes you can," she told BV Buzz.
The East Orange, New Jersey-bred talent hopes that others can be inspired by her approach to dealing with adversity and can also bounce back from the obstacles they face in their professional endeavors.
"I think my career has been what so many people go through. The journey itself shows that no matter what trials and tribulations or what hurdles you have to jump over, just jump over them and get through it. That's my motto. Look at us, we have a Black President of the United States of America and we're making history. To me, just holding on to that dream and other people can do it too," she she concluded.
Hot Shots May 4, 2009
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