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![Meagan Good Says She Was ‘Pigeonholed’ As The ‘Young Sexy Girl’ After Shedding Her Child Star Image](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMzYyMjQ5OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3NjE3NTIxMH0.Mh-dye3VYhmIRIMJxSIzUgGLg0I27afO_huYHSJtH3s/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C99%2C0%2C451)
Meagan Good Says She Was ‘Pigeonholed’ As The ‘Young Sexy Girl’ After Shedding Her Child Star Image
Meagan Good is speaking out about the challenges she encountered in her career as she transitioned from a child star to an adult actress.
The 41-year-old has been a part of the entertainment industry for over three decades but didn't gain recognition until her teen years when she starred in the 1997 film Eve's Bayou alongside Lynn Whitfield, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jurnee Smollett.
Since then, Good has been in about 83 projects, which consisted of movies and television shows, according to IMDb. The star's most recent work includes the hit Amazon series Harlem and Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
In a recent interview with TV One's Uncensored, Good opened up about the extremes she had to take to shed the image that comes along with being a child star and how she felt being typecasted as the "young sexy girl" as she looked for acting roles in her 20s.
Meagan On Transitioning Into An Adult Actress
During the discussion, Good shared that when she was about 21 to 22 years old, she continuously got teenage roles. So as an attempt to seek out more age-appropriate projects, Good decided to star in 50 Cent's "21 Questions" music video, released in 2003. The Intruder star claimed that she used the music video as an opportunity to showcase to everyone that she has "arrived as a young woman," which she admitted worked in her favor.
"When I started getting 21, 22, and I was still playing 16, 17, I was trying to figure out like how do I make this transition because we all go through this awkward stage, and sometimes it's really hard to transition out of it into the next phase of your career. But how do I get people to see me as like a young woman?" said Good.
"Really, one of the things that I used as a tool that ended up being a blessing was the '21 Questions' video. You know, I was 21, and I thought, 'How do I get people to see me as older?' and I was like, 'Oh, I'll use a video as a national commercial saying I have arrived as a young woman in essence.' That's what I set out to do, and boy, did it work."
Meagan On Being Typecasted
Good revealed that although the music video helped change how people viewed her in the entertainment industry, it also created a setback.
The Think Like a Man actress disclosed that throughout her 20s, she was typecasted as the seductive girl in most of her projects, and when she sought out other opportunities that could potentially challenge her abilities, she was discouraged from auditioning or participating in any meetings.
"But then when it worked, it worked so well that I kind of got pigeonholed in that kind of space it was like, 'oh, well, she's the young sexy girl. So let's just let her do that in everything,' she continued. “Then when I would look at other material that was more serious or way more challenging and all these things, and I would be more excited to audition and meet on that, they’re like, 'no, you're just the sexy girl. Like don't think too hard.'"
Good added that although she was typecasted and had to find her way out of the "box" many people had placed her in, she didn't regret the overall experience because she had some "great" moments.
"Throughout my 20s, there were points where I enjoyed it, and then there were others parts where it was like they tried to put the glass ceiling and just like put me in a box and say 'just be this one thing.' It was an interesting time because it was both great and both really, really challenging," she said.
To this day, Good continues to move away from the sexy girl image by displaying her talents as an actor, producer, and director in various projects.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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