Actor Danielle Brooks has blessings to count

Danielle Brooks reflects on her multifaceted acting career, from her breakout role as Tasty in *Orange Is the New Black* to her acclaimed portrayal of Sophia in *The Color Purple*. Raised in a devout household by a minister mother and deacon father, Brooks credits her church upbringing for her deep emotional connection to gospel music and her nuanced approach to performance. She discusses the challenges of navigating industry beauty standards as a plus-sized woman and her evolving journey toward body positivity, including her decision to use GLP-1s. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the influence of her Juilliard education and her enduring creative partnership with John Batiste, emphasizing how she uses characters to explore truth and vulnerability while maintaining a commitment to personal gratitude and growth.