
MALINDA WILLIAMS
words by: Winnie Caldwell | photography:Will Sterling | Style: JBolin
We all know her as that woman with the naturally beautiful smile, bright spirit complimented by a vibrant personality. Being a veteran in the entertainment industry as one of the most successful African-American actresses, Malinda Williams brings us up to speed on her career, life and love. Williams starting out as a model at 10 years old, and acting at 12 years old, she knew what her calling was. âAn actress is not what I wanted to become. An actress is what I have always been. The skill came naturally. What I did learn was the business aspect and thatâs when I decided to make it my career.â
Williams admits with a smile, that sheâs aware of the popularity of her character âBirdâ she portrayed in the HBO Television Series âSoul Foodâ. âI love when people refer to me as Bird. Thatâs actually a compliment to me. Acting is what I have always wanted to do, so why not love being referred to as such a loving character?â Williams exudes her positivity and loving qualities in various ways. Being a close friend of families dealing with Autism, Williams is always there to support. Although Williams isnât an advocate for Autism, she is an advocate for love. âI am adaptive in most environments. I always know how to find happiness. Content with being single, I donât need anyone to complete me. Iâm not looking but Iâm also not opposed to dating anyone.â
Williams is focusing on loving the most important aspects of her life right now, herself and her 13 year old son Omikaye Phifer, of actor Mekhi Phifer. âMy priority is my son. Itâs family first. As an actress who is also a mother, it is not any different from being a mother working in any other industry. It is a challenge in any aspect. Within every family, it is important to give our children the proper environment to grow into a successful individual,â says Williams. In relation it has been revealed that Omikaye is not a fan of the spotlight like his parents but he is passionate about filmmaking.
Williams is apart of an all-star cast for a recent film being aired Easter weekend on TV One titled, The Undershepard,â written and directed by Russ Parr. The cast of âThe Undershepherdâ also includes Isaiah Washington (âGreyâs Anatomyâ), Lamman Rucker (âMeet The Brownsâ), Elise Neal (âBelles,â The Hughleysâ), Vanessa Bell Calloway (âShamelessâ), Clifton Powell (âRayâ), Bill Cobb (âGo Onâ), Robinne Lee (âHitchâ), Keith David (âBelles,â âCloud Atlasâ) and Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr. The stimulating film exploring the underbelly of power and corruption in the church premieres Saturday, March 30, 8PM/ET and Sunday, March 31, 5:30PM/ET exclusively on TV One. âWorking with Russ Parr was amazing. Russ is generous, humble and a very talented man. He respected the fact that he was working with seasoned veterans in the industry and was always open to our suggestions. Russ had an amazing piece with an all-star cast so things just intertwined perfectly,â Williams states. In The Undershepard, Williams plays the first lady of the church. Her role in this film is a bit darker than what her fans are accustomed to. âPlaying the first lady was challenging because itâs a dark piece. Thatâs not typically my role. Having a cast that was so supportive helped a lot. I went to a place I never had to go to when acting in a film. But I will say people will find inspiration from The Undershepard, especially those people who are going through similar situations,â William says. That is confirmation why we love Malinda Williams.
Any role that she plays, her audience is touched. She advises upcoming actresses to respect the entire industry when coming up. âThe entertainment industry is challenging. You have to want to be in it for the right reason. Also remember for every one person in front of the screen, there are fifty people behind the screen making it happen. Respect everyone involved. Keep it all in perspective, and be persistent. Believe in yourself, even when no one else does.â
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