Issa Rae Explains Why She’s Happy Her Success Came Later In Life
Actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae highlights the advantages of achieving success and fame later in life and showcases how the timing has uniquely enriched her journey.
The 38-year-old, who has been involved in the entertainment industry for over a decade, captivated fans' hearts in 2011 with her comedy web series The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black Girl, which she created and starred in. Although the series and the book of the same name earned Rae recognition, the star's career would elevate to new heights in 2016 with the release of her hit HBO series Insecure.
The show lasted for five seasons and ended in 2021. Since then, Rae has starred in countless films, including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the live-action Barbie, which has generated $1 billion at the box office, and created another HBO series Rap Sh!t.
In a resurfaced Masterclass video, Rae revealed why she was grateful that her accomplishments in the entertainment industry happened when she turned 30 while uplifting others still attempting to accomplish their goals by sharing stories of different celebrities who have succeeded at an older age.
Issa Rae On Why She Feels It's Never Too Late To Become Successful
In the clip shared on Masterclass' official Instagram page in July, The Photograph star disclosed that there is no timeline to start working on a particular goal.
Rae added that she felt that way because of the stories she heard of individuals, including actor Morgan Freeman and director Ava Duvernay, learning more about their craft and pursuing that career later in life.
"I don't think it's ever too late to get started. There's too many stories of people learning and getting their opportunities later," she said. "People like Morgan Freeman, who started late, and I think about Ava, who didn't pick up a camera until her mid-30s."
Issa Rae On Achieving Success In Her 30s
Further, into the conversation, Rae shared that she was "thankful" that her show Insecure was "greenlit" when she was 30 because she would have negatively impacted the experience.
"My show didn't get greenlit until I was 30. I'm thankful for that. Because I always say if I had started to pop in my early 20s, I would be out here hoeing," she stated.
Rae wrapped up the discussion by reminding her fans that although they too may be in the same situation, they shouldn't let that moment define who they are.
"So maybe it's good that you're popping later. You're more mature, and this doesn't define you," she said. "[It] doesn't define who you are, and I do feel I have more sense of self because I started later. Because I knew I really wanted to do this."
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Jada Pinkett Smith Says Her Hair Is 'Try'n Make A Comeback' Following Alopecia Revelation
Actress Jada Pickett Smith has provided an update about her journey with alopecia years after discussing the struggles she endured with the condition.
According to the National Institutes of Health, alopecia is an autoimmune disease in which the "immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss."
The site also states that those suffering from alopecia could lose their hair in small patches or large clumps. Alopecia can affect men and women of all races equally, and signs of the condition could occur at any age. Despite the negative impact, there are no known causes for alopecia. However, medical professionals claim that genetics and environmental factors can play a significant role.
In a recent Instagram post, Pinkett Smith revealed that her hair is attempting to "make a comeback" as she showcased a past bald photo of herself and a present-day image. In the newer snapshot, the mother of two is seen rocking her hair growth.
In addition to the upload, Pinkett Smith informed her followers that even though she is still experiencing "trouble spots," it is still being determined if she will continue growing out her hair.
"This here hair is act'n like it's try'n [to] make a comeback. Still have some trouble spots but — we'll see," she wrote.
Jada On Her Experience With Alopecia
Pinkett Smith initially opened up about her experience with alopecia during a 2018 Red Table Talk episode. In the show, the star revealed that she excessively wore turbans and cut her hair because it was falling out.
"A lot of people have been asking why I've been wearing turbans. Well, I haven't talked about it. It's not easy to talk about, but I am going to talk about it," she said. "I was in the shower one day and had just handfuls of hair in my hands, and I was just like, 'Oh my god, am I going bald?' It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking in fear. That's why I cut my hair and why I continue to cut it."
Years later, in July 2021,The Matrix Resurrections alum shaved her head bald due to her hair loss. In December of that same year, Pinkett Smith showed her legions of followers in a video the side effects she had been experiencing, including an unexpected bald line that appeared across her skull as she sported a low buzz cut.
"Y'all know I've been struggling with alopecia," she stated while describing the bald line. Now this is going to be a little bit more difficult for me to hide, so I thought I'd just share it so y’all not asking any questions. I'm just gonna make me a little crown — that's what Mama's gonna do."
With Pinkett Smith sharing her alopecia journey, it could inspire others to be open and support others going through similar struggles.
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Victoria Monét Dishes On Relationship Boundaries And Having Trust With Her Partner
Singer and songwriter Victoria Monét discusses her sexuality while shedding light on the boundaries within her relationship.
The 34-year-old, who is openly bisexual, has been with her longtime partner John Gaines for over three years. The couple also share a two-year-old daughter Hazel Monét Gaines. Since their union, Monét and Gaines didn't disclose many details regarding their relationship with the public aside from their future plans of taking the next step. Still, all that changed during the "On My Mama" vocalist's recent appearance on Baltimore's radio station Radio One.
In the July interview, while promoting her upcoming album Jaguar II and a sold-out tour, Monét revealed why trust and a solid foundation are essential in her bond regardless of what sex she is with.
In the discussion, the mother of one shared that her partnership with Gaines works so well because even though she is physically attracted to both men and women, the pair's open line of communication, trust, and a solid foundation has played a massive role in their successful relationship.
"Whether I'm dating a man or woman, I feel like it's more so about the connection you have with each other and the trust that you have," she told the outlet. "Because even if I was going on a girls' trip and I don't like any of my quote-unquote friends, and I was doing something shady, there's a guy that has to check us in the hotel. There's like so many opportunities. It may not be one of my friends. It could be anybody I walk past."
Further into the conversation, Monét added that the pair's trust and the tight unit had created a safe space for her to participate in any activities she chose without fear of infidelity.
"It's really about the grounding you have at home and making sure that feels strong. So there's just trust there. That opens up a whole world of trips wherever. It doesn't matter who in the world you come across, you know that I'm yours, and we trust each other," she said.
Jaguar II is scheduled to be released on August 25.
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Ciara, Rihanna, And 6 Other Celebrities Who Announced Pregnancies In 2023
Congratulations are in order for Ciara and her husband, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. The couple recently announced they were expecting their third child on social media days after the singer released her new track "How We Roll" featuring Chris Brown. Ciara and Russell share a daughter Sienna Wilson,6, and a three-year-old son Win Wilson. The "Level Up" vocalist also has a 9-year-old son, Future Zahir Wilburn, with rapper Future.
In the pair's respective posts, Ciara is seen posing in what appears to be a form-fitting bodysuit, displaying her baby bump, and dancing to one of the verses in "How We Roll. The verse said, "You look at me like that again, we make another kid. You my heart, I'm your rib."
Since then, Ciara and Russell's loved ones and fans have been celebrating the exciting news by sending well wishes to the happy couple.
But the Wilsons aren’t the only ones who are expecting. Here’s a list of other celebrities who have announced their pregnancies and or welcomed their little ones this year
Sanya Richards-Ross
Real Housewives of Atlanta star and Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross and her husband, former football player Aaron Ross, announced they were expecting their second child together last month after uploading various images from their People magazine photoshoot.
In the post, the 38-year-old opened up about the struggles she and Ross faced before her second pregnancy and how excited everyone is for the new addition's arrival in December, including the couple's son Aaron Ross Jr.
"Some things happen in our lives to remind us that there are no guarantees. To go from not being sure if I wanted to have another baby, to deciding that I was ready and suffering a miscarriage, which was one of the toughest experiences in my life,” she wrote.
"God knew my heart, and I feel blessed to have another opportunity to be a Mommi. This gift is for all of us… but I'm most excited to make Deucey a big brother. He prays for his sister/brother every night. My heart and belly are so full. Thanks for all the love today. Ross party of 4 loading….. I'm taking you all on the journey, so hang on for the ride!"
Uzo Aduba
Next on the list is actress Uzo Aduba. In June, the Orange is the New Black star revealed that she and her husband of almost three years, director Robert Sweeting were expecting their first child together in an Instagram post that featured a video and a touching caption.
In the clip, Aduba is holding up a miniature onesie and saying "tada" as the camera pans to her face. In addition to the video, the 42-year-old disclosed how happy the pair were to "enter this new chapter."
"What a blessing," she said. "My husband Robert and I are so happy to enter this next chapter together as parents. I am beyond excited. I get to be someone's Mommy! I know as the three of us continue to grow, our only, ONLY goal will be to love you, little one. My goodness. Look what God has done."
Chanel Iman
Model and actress Chanel Iman and her fiancé NFL star Davon Godchaux announced that their blended family of five was expanding in May by sharing intimate moments from the couple's photoshoot on Instagram, which included the star's growing belly.
Alongside the images, the 32-year-old wrote the caption, "Our family is growing, and we are so excited to meet our new little one." Weeks following the announcement, the pair shared during their gender reveal that they were expecting a baby girl.
This latest addition will be Iman's third daughter while Godchaux's first—the Dope star shares two daughters, Cali and Cassie Shepard, with her ex-husband Sterling Shepard. At the same time, Godchaux has a son from a previous relationship.
Serena Williams
Tennis legend Serena Williams and her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, stole the show during the 2023 Met Gala in May after the couple arrived with the 41-year-old’s baby bump on display.
In addition to Williams' red carpet appearance, the star confirmed the news on her Instagram page by including other images from the night.
"Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala," she said.
Months later, Williams and Ohanian shared at their gender reveal party that they are expecting a second daughter. The couple shares a 5-year-old daughter Alexis Ohanian Jr.
Da Brat
Rapper and reality television star Da Brat announced that she and her wife, Jessica Harris-Dupart, were expecting their first child together in February during an interview with People Magazine.
Prior to Da Brat's pregnancy, which occurred with an anonymous sperm donor that the couple selected, she had a miscarriage. At the same time, Harris-Dupart, who has three children from a previous relationship, experienced health complications, including blood clots during an "egg retrieval procedure" for the in vitro fertilization process.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the purpose of the egg retrieval procedure is to manually combine them with the sperm and place the fertilized egg in the embryo in hopes it "implants itself into the uterine wall" so that a pregnancy can occur.
On July 6, Da Brat and the Kaleidoscope Hair Care CEO would become the proud parents of a healthy baby boy named True Legend Harris-Dupart.
Rihanna
The sixth person on the list is singer and mogul Rihanna.
The 35-year-old, who shares a one-year-old son Rza Mayers with longtime boyfriend Rakim "A$AP Rocky" Mayers, stunned the world during her highly-anticipated Super Bowl performance in February, where she flaunted her growing belly in a red jumpsuit and sang a melody of her hits.
Since the jaw-dropping announcement, Rihanna has showcased her baby bump in various appearances and modeling projects.
Naomi Osaka
Tennis star Naomi Osaka revealed that she and her boyfriend, rapper Cordae Dunston were expecting their first child at the top of the year after taking a break from the sport.
The 25-year-old shared the news on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, alongside a photo of her ultrasound. In addition to her official statement, which listed her pregnancy as one reason for her tennis absence, Osaka shared how excited she was to become a mother.
"The past few years have been interesting, to say the least, but I find that it's the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun. These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game l've dedicated my life to. I realize that life is so short and I don't take any moments for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure," she wrote.
"I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing l'm looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, 'that's my mom' haha. 2023 will be a year that'll be full of lessons for me and I hope I'll see you guys in the start of the next one cause l'll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely."
Fast forward to July 11, Osaka and Dunston welcomed a baby girl.
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Usher Explains Why Being Single Was 'The Hardest Thing That I've Ever Had To Do'
Veteran singer Usher Raymond candidly reflects on the challenges he endured following his failed relationships and reveals the steps he took to become a better person and partner.
Over the years, Raymond, who has been in the music industry for nearly three decades, has reportedly had high-profile relationships with TLC's Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas, fashion stylist Tameka Foster, and talent manager Grace Miguel. Since then, the 44-year-old has been dating music executive Jenn Goicoechea, and the couple welcomed two children together in their blended family. At the same time, the "Glu" crooner shares two sons with ex-wife Tameka Foster.
In the August digital cover of Vibe Magazine, Raymond opened up about why remaining single was challenging and how therapy helped him heal childhood traumas.
Usher On Why Remaining Single Was Difficult
In the discussion, the "U Got It Bad" songster revealed that he found remaining single after a breakup difficult because he had envisioned himself "creating a life with someone" despite having his fair share of heartbreaks.
"I think the hardest thing that I've ever had to do was be single," he told the publication. "Because I don't like to be alone. The idea of creating a life with someone is what I would like to do, maybe because I didn't have or didn't see that. And I get to remedy that idea by having an incredible partnership. I can then have the thing that I ultimately wanted to see. You know what I'm saying?"
Usher
Photo by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Usher on Therapy
When the topic shifted to Raymond's current relationship and why it's been more fulfilling compared to his other unions, the "There Goes My Baby" singer credited attending therapy as a fundamental part of his healing journey.
Raymond added that going to therapy helped him uncover why singleness and the need to be in a relationship stemmed from the hardships he experienced as a child having an estranged relationship with his late father, Usher Raymond III.
"Man, healing took a lot," he said when describing why his relationship with Goicoechea has been successful.
"Maybe I was suffering a lot from—just maybe not necessarily having the kind of love that I would've wanted as a kid. And wanting to figure out what that was all about. I didn't have that relationship that I would've wanted to have with my father. And that the relationship that I had with my mother was slowly beginning to be under pressure. Because one, we were working together. Two, we had our differences. Three, I was getting older, but I think it was just life lessons. The therapy really did help me be able to be by myself."
Raymond’s recent admission about healing from past traumas can help inspire others to face their challenges head-on.
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For many, education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity, empowering individuals to reach their full potential in any field they choose to pursue.
Because of that advantage and the possibility of wanting to learn a different profession, a handful of celebrities have chosen to go back to school to earn a college degree after obtaining success within the entertainment industry.
With that information, xoNecole lists ten celebrities, ranging from actress Yara Shahidi to Oprah Winfrey, that have pursued higher education after fame.
Sabrina Elba
Sabrina Elba
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Model and entrepreneur Sabrina Dhowre Elba is well known for her collaborative projects with her husband, Idris Elba, including the couple's humanitarian efforts, genderless skincare brand S'ABLE Labs, and their Coupledom podcast.
In addition to her professional achievements, Elba is also a college-educated woman. Elba attended Howard University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. Although the timeline of when Elba graduated is unclear, the star revealed in a past interview that she was planning on going to law school when she met her husband in 2017 through a chance encounter.
However, in a recent interview with The Break podcast, the model shared that she was going back to school. “I think I wanna do my masters and then my phD, so I’m starting that in September,” she said.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi got her start in the entertainment industry as a child star and landed a few modeling and acting opportunities in commercials, television shows, and films.
The actress ultimately landed her big break when she portrayed Zoey Johnson in ABC's hit show black-ish, a series about a Black father struggling with his cultural identity as he and his wife raise their children in a predominately white neighborhood. black-ish also stars Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis, Marsai Martin, Miles Brown, and Marcus Scribner.
Over the years, while filming black-ish and the show's spinoff grown-ish, Shahidi, who was homeschooled, attended Dwight Global Online School and graduated in 2017.
That same year, The Sun is also a Star alum, announced that she was accepted into Harvard University and began attending the Ivy League in 2018 after taking a gap year. According to a past cover story in Vogue Magazine, as an undergrad, Shahidi studied at Harvard University's social studies and African American departments, focusing on "Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape."
Shahidi graduated from Harvard in May 2022. Since receiving her degree, Shahidi has kept busy with work and is starring in the sixth and final season of grown-ish.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné
Photo by David Livingston/ Getty Images
The next celebrity on the list is actress and singer Raven Symoné.
Symoné, who has been involved in the industry for over three decades, has starred in various hit shows and films over the years, including The Cosby Show, Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Doctor Dolittle and Doctor Dolittle 2, That's So Raven, College Road Trip, and Raven's Home to name a few.
In addition to having a successful acting career, Symoné pursued music, and by 2013, the star announced that she was briefly retiring from the industry to focus on other passions.
During that time, Symoné enrolled at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, to major in fine arts. Three years later, The Cheetah Girls alum obtained her associate's degree and returned to the spotlight for her co-hosting gig on The View, which lasted until December 2016.
When asked in an interview with Oprah Winfrey why she decided to go back to school at what appeared to be the height of her career, Symoné shared that she wanted to break the common stereotypes about celebrities.
"I'm going to college. It's giving me a new lease on life," she told Winfrey on the Where Are They Now series. "[I'm taking] art. I want to take jewelry. I want to take sculpting. I want to take printmaking. I want to take finger drawing. I want to turn over that stereotype of what I can become, and to me, it's just an extension of when I was younger."
Although past reports claimed that Symoné would be pursuing a bachelor's degree in arts, it is unclear if she completed that goal.
Tia Mowry
Actress and entrepreneur Tia Mowry is widely recognized for her various roles in Sister, Sister alongside her twin sister Tamera Mowry, The Game, and Netflix's Family Reunion.
But many may not know that following Sister, Sister's cancellation in 1999, Mowry attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. During undergrad, Mowry studied psychology and ultimately earned her bachelor's degree.
Since then, Mowry, who shares two children with ex-husband Cory Hardrict, has continued to expand her empire by showcasing her culinary skills on her cooking show Tia Mowry's Quick Fix, and releasing a cookbook, The Quick Fix Kitchen. In addition to her culinary endeavors, Mowry has created a hair care brand, 4 U by Tia.
Tamera Mowry-Housley
Tamera Mowry-Housley
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Tamera Mowry-Housley has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, just as long as her twin sister Tia Mowry. Mowry and her sister landed their big break in 1994 with the hit series Sister, Sister.
The show --which aired on numerous networks, including ABC and The WB, now known as The CW- lasted six seasons and was ultimately canceled in 1999. After Sister, Sister's cancelation, Mowry took a break from acting to focus on her studies at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. While attending the university, Mowry also majored in psychology, just like her sister, and earned her bachelor's degree.
In addition to earning her degree, Mowry also met her husband, former journalist Adam Housley after her college professor set the pair up. The couple has since welcomed two children. To date, Mowry has returned to acting and starred in various films and television shows, most recently Hallmark's Dreams Moms. Mowry is also the co-owner of Housley Napa Valley, a winery in Napa, California.
Storm Reid
Actress Storm Reid, whose career spans over a decade, rose to fame in 2014 following her breakout role in Disney's A Wrinkle in Time. Reid's success only continued from there. In 2019, Reid portrayed Gia Bennett in HBO's hit Euphoria, and a few years later, she also starred in the show The Last of Us.
Over the years, throughout her career, Reid was homeschooled and after graduating high school, the model attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. The 20-year-old, who is currently a sophomore, is majoring in acting and African American studies.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE
Oprah Winfrey, the well-renown television host, actress, producer, and mogul, once attended college before making a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
Winfrey attended Tennessee State University in the 1970s and majored in Communications. Still, by 1975, the star, who was one credit shy of graduating, dropped out of college to pursue her career in broadcast journalism. A decade later, in 1986, Winfrey returned to Tennessee State University and earned her bachelor's degree in Communications and Performing Arts.
When Winfrey is not running her television network, OWN, and Oprah's Book Club site and newsletter, the star is working on films. Winfrey's most recent work is the highly anticipated musical adaptation of The Color Purple.
Megan Thee Stallion
The seventh individual on the list is rapper Megan Pete also known as Megan Thee Stallion. Pete burst into the rap scene in 2019 following the release of her mixtape Tina Show, which included the hit song "Big Ole Freak."
Since then, Pete's career has only skyrocketed from there, having released two studio albums, Good News and Traumazine, and earning various awards, including three Grammys.
But prior to Pete's fame, the Texas native attended public school and graduated from Pearland High School in 2013. That same year, the "Savage" emcee briefly attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Shortly after, Pete dropped out when her rapping videos went viral online and gradually built her fan base.
Despite obtaining the accolades years later, Pete decided to pursue her bachelor's degree in health administration, this time by studying at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Pete ultimately graduated in December 2021.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BET
Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam became a household name in the early 1980s after starring as Rudy Huxtable in the hit sitcom The Cosby Show.
The Cosby Show aired on NBC for eight seasons and ended in 1992. Immediately after the series ended, Pulliam and her family moved to Virginia, where she attended Potomac School and Foxcroft School. In 1997, Pulliam graduated from high school and later attended Spelman College, where she studied sociology.
The star ultimately earned her bachelor's degree in 2001. Since then, Pulliam has continued to act in various films and television shows and is currently married to actor Brad James. The couple are also raising their blended family together.
Jamira "Cuban Link" Haines
The last person on the list is Jamira "Cuban Link" Haines. Haines, who is recognized for her work as a model and fitness trainer, is currently dating mogul Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.
Aside from showcasing the pair's bond on Instagram and promoting her work, Haines is an aspiring attorney. Haines reportedly graduated from Rutgers University in 2020 and received a bachelor's degree in law.
Following her graduation, it was unclear when Haines would continue her education and attend law school, but that all changed in July 2023. In an Instagram post, Haines revealed she had started law school while sharing images from a photoshoot.
"The winner plots one step ahead of the opposition and plays her trump card just after they play theirs," she wrote. "It's about making sure you surprise them, and they don't surprise you. Let the journey begin #lawschool #lawgirls."
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