Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe

In the season finale of Legacy Talk, Lena sits down with the incomparable Phylicia Rashad live from Tribeca X. From The Wiz to The Cosby Show, A Raisin in the Sun, Creed, and Purpose, Phylicia's career has embodied grace, depth, and quiet power. She reflects on freedom, family, and the generations of women who shaped her and showed love for their community, sharing how true artistry means exploring the full range of the human experience. A conversation as luminous, soulful, and eternal as Phylicia herself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Legacy Talk, Lena sits down with comedy powerhouse Kym Whitley. From The Sinbad Show and Martin to Next Friday, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Master of None, Kym has built a career on fearless humor and unforgettable characters. She opens up about pushing past fear, embracing her softer side, and finding freedom in comedy—reminding us why she’s one of the culture’s most essential voices. Just like Kym herself, her story is equal parts hilarious, vulnerable, and inspiring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Lena talks to Cree Summer - the beautiful face behind film and TV roles like Freddie Brooks on A Different World, but also the golden voice behind hundreds of animated characters, from Penny on Inspector Gadget to Susie Carmichael on Rugrats. Cree tells Lena about how she overcame the stigma of voice acting to get cast in onscreen roles, the excitement of guest starring on iconic TV shows like Living Single and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, voicing the first Black Disney princess in Atlantis: The Lost Empire -- and agreeing on the one woman in Hollywood they'd do anything for. Cree is beloved in Hollywood, and beloved by Lena -- and you'll fall in love with her too after hearing this conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivica A. Fox has lit up the screen for decades, starring in some of the biggest blockbuster films of all time like Independence Day, Set It Off, and Kill Bill, to household-name TV shows like Days of Our Lives and Curb Your Enthusiasm. But in this conversation with Lena, she opens up about everything -- from an audition fashion misstep she'll never forget, working alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names, and being memorialized in one of the most memorable Oscar speeches. Vivica candidly traverses her four-decade-long career with laughter and humility, reflecting on her on-set memories with these fellow luminaries and how she learned from her star-power surroundings to carve her own path toward a legendary career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this supersized episode, Lena reunites with someone who has known her and watched her grow for a long time -- the incredible, inspirational director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, known for films from Selma to Middle of Nowhere to 13th. The two old friends have a lot to catch up on, from how Ava learned to work magic on a shoestring budget, Lena's memories of seeing the world premiere of Selma (and how that film changed Ava's life), the power of reaching a global audience, and how Ava discovered the privilege of learning and evolving her perspective on the world while making documentaries. Throughout the conversation, it's clear that both Lena and Ava share a deep reverence for history -- and the stories we can find to tell from our pasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Lena sits down with one of culture's most beloved: Taraji P. Henson – the genuis behind classic roles such as Cookie Lyon, Katherine Johnson, or Yvette from Baby Boy. In this episode, Taraji reflects on a career defined by vulnerability, authenticity, and a refusal to let fear lead. Listen as the two of them discuss the lasting legacy of Hustle & Flow, the cultural impact of her roles in Empire and Hidden Figures, and stepping into the shoes of Shug Avery in The Color Purple. Taraji reminds us what it means to lead with grace, not judgment — and through each role, she reminds us of our own strength, our own greatness, and that we, too, can weather anything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of Season 1 of Legacy Talk, Lena speaks with the influence behind many of the women who have been on the show already: the inimitable Debbie Allen. Debbie says she's not a workaholic, but she certainly has amassed quite a list of credits and accolades, including Emmy awards, Tony nominations, and a trailblazing Golden Globe win. In this conversation, she shares with Lena some of the best advice she's received over her storied career -- including a meaningful moment with Bob Fosse -- and Lena brings Debbie to tears by reflecting on the lasting impact that Debbie's role in the TV movie Polly had on her life and career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jada Pinkett Smith is a true multi-hyphenate: a prolific actress on TV and film, a business maven, a talented musician, and an Emmy-winning talk show host. But her star first started to rise when she was cast on A Different World, where her character, Lena James, was named for Lena Horne -- just like Lena Waithe was. These two Lenas catch up this week on the importance of physicality in acting, some of Jada's most influential co-stars from over the years, and how she navigated filming some of her most intimate scenes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Lena is asking the hard questions of Gina Prince-Bythewood -- the incredible director whose name is synonymous with her first feature film, Love & Basketball. Fun fact -- Lena was also Gina's assistant back in the day! Neither Gina nor Lena ever gets sick of talking about Love & Basketball, but the two also touch on the importance of positive self-talk, the alchemy of a good soundtrack, and the women Gina partners with project after project, both behind the scenes and on screen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy-winning writer, actor and producer Lena Waithe (Master of None, The Chi) presents Legacy Talk, a series of conversations celebrating the brilliance and artistry of some of the most iconic Black women in entertainment. Join Lena as she sits down with powerhouses like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debbie Allen, and more, as they explore how these legends shaped the industry and inspired a generation. They’ll dive into their creative process, how they prepared for their roles, and the legacy they continue to build. Informative, inspiring and unforgettable– lock into your legacy with Legacy Talk. Coming November 12th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.