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Sanaa Lathanhas been successful in Hollywood for over 20 years now and she’s not slowing down—or letting any negativity get to her.
In this week’s issue, the actress, 47, explained to PEOPLE what she has learned from being in the business that has enabled her thick skin—and how the rise of African American directors plays a role in her two upcoming projects,Native SonandThe Twilight Zone.
“One of the best things I’ve learned years ago is that what people think about me is none of my business,” she said. “In the age of social media, whatever somebody says can be believed or not believed, and you have no control over that.”
Some of the public opinion pointed towards Lathan comes from “Bitegate”- an alleged incident in 2018 whereTiffany Haddishclaimed an actress—whom she later stated was Lathan—bitBeyonce, which kicked off a social media uproar.
Lathan, who recentlyposed for a picturealongside Beyoncé’s momTina Knowlesat the2019EssenceBlack Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon,feels that ignoring outside opinions is the best route to take.
“In order to be healthy in this world, you need to [brush it off]. So it’s really about focusing on what matters, focusing on the work and just keep it moving.”
Tina Knowles Lawson/Instagram
“One of the things I am happy about is that there is a real value to entertainment that has consciousness and art that raises consciousness,” she explained aboutNative Son, in which she will portray Trudy Thomas.
Furthermore, Lathan expressed her excitement about the increase of African-Americans directing films, saying, “I think it is an exciting time for us especially with black film makers likeUsdirectorJordan Peeleand Rashid, that we can have these beautiful pieces of art to enjoy and go on this journey with, but it is also dealing with real issues we can raise consciousness and awareness and make change.”
Along with her HBO role, Lathan is gearing up to enterThe Twilight Zone. The actress will appear in the new CBS All Access remake, starring in the April 11 episode “Replay.”
“I used to watchThe Twilight Zone,too, and there are a couple of episodes that just stay with you forever, she explained. “I play a woman who is taking her son to college, and I have an old cam recorder and I discover that on the trip when I press rewind, it rewinds time, for me.”
As busy as she is, Lathan does not always say yes to initial offers for an acting gig.
“It’s really always a gut thing. There’s different aspects. There’s no one specific thing, but generally, if I can read a script and get an emotional reaction,” she says, “You’d be surprised how many scripts don’t do that.”
“Often it’s really about stepping into the shoes of another perspective,” she added. “I feel really lucky and blessed that I got both of these roles, because I’m excited about those stories.”
source: people.com
