Spike Lee

“She’s Gotta Have It” Netflix Stars: Where Are They Now?

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In 1986, visionary filmmaker Spike Lee introduced the world to Nola Darling and her complex love life in the groundbreaking film, She’s Gotta Have It. Decades later, Lee revisited his iconic work. He brought the characters to the small screen as a Netflix series in 2017. The show not only rekindled interest in Nola’s unique journey, but also sparked a global conversation. Furthermore, it put a spotlight on the talented cast that brought the new versions of the characters to life. Let’s take a look at where these stars are today. 

Read More: “She’s Gotta Have It” Canceled, Spike Lee Working On War Drama For Netflix

DeWanda Wise (Nola Darling)

she's gotta have it cast
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: DeWanda Wise attends the Los Angeles special screening of Netflix’s “Someone Great” at ArcLight Hollywood on April 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Dewanda Wise stepped into the shoes of the fierce and independent Nola Darling, captivating audiences with her powerful performance. Since her breakthrough role in She’s Gotta Have It, Wise has continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. She starred in the supernatural drama series The Twilight Zone and made appearances in films like Someone Great, Fatherhood, and Jurassic World Dominion. She is also set to star in the upcoming supernatural horror film Imaginary. Wise’s undeniable talent and charisma have solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood, and she’s finally receiving her flowers.

Anthony Ramos (Mars Blackmon)

she's gotta have it cast
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 07: Anthony Ramos attends the European Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” at Cineworld Cinemas on June 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Anthony Ramos portrayed the energetic and charismatic Mars Blackmon. He has experienced a meteoric rise in his career since his breakout in Hamilton. After She’s Gotta Have It, Ramos appeared in the series Will and Grace and also voiced Tito in the animated series Elena Of Avalor. He has also taken on prominent roles in major films like A Star Is Born, Honest Thief, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, proving himself as a versatile actor. Ramos will also be starring in the upcoming Marvel series Ironheart. 

Cleo Anthony (Greer Childs)

she's gotta have it cast
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 06: Cleo Anthony attends Vanity Fair x Instagram Celebrate the New Class of Entertainers at Mel’s Diner on Golden Globes Weekend at Mel’s Diner on January 6, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Vanity Fair/Instagram)

Cleo Anthony portrayed the suave and sophisticated Greer Childs in the series. Following his stint on She’s Gotta Have It, Anthony continued to build his acting portfolio. He appeared in the drama Sex/Life and showcased his talent in the action thriller The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus. Anthony’s dedication to his craft has positioned him as a promising actor in the industry. 

Read More: Anthony Ramos’s Best Roles

Lyriq Bent (Jamie Overstreet)

she's gotta have it cast
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 09: Actor Lyriq Bent, winner of best actor in a leading roll attends the Canadian Screen Awards at Westin Harbour Castle Hotel on March 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic)

Lyriq Bent, who brought Jamie Overstreet to life, has enjoyed a successful career after She’s Gotta Have It ended. With an impressive filmography, including roles in series like Mary Kills People, Long Slow Exhale, and Delilah. He also appeared in Acrimony, which brought him a great deal of attention as well. Bent has proven himself as a versatile actor capable of tackling a range of characters. 

Chyna Layne (Shemekka Epps)

she's gotta have it cast
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: Chyna Layne attends the Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season Two Tastemaker event at Bowery Hotel Terrace on August 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for STARZ)

Chyna Layne portrayed the aspiring artist and Nola Darling’s best friend Shemekka Epps, whose journey resonated with many viewers. Since the show’s conclusion, Layne has continued to take strides in the entertainment industry. Her talent has shone in films like We Are Family and The First Purge. She is also starring in the legal drama Judge Me Not. Layne has also demonstrated her ability to take on emotionally charged roles with finesse.

Margot Bingham (Clorinda Bradford)

she's gotta have it cast
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Actor Margot Bingham attends the AOL Build Presents series at AOL Studios In New York on April 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)

Margot Bingham, who played Clorinda Bradford, has continued to make waves in the industry. Known for her versatile talents, Bingham has appeared in series such as Blue Bloods, One Dollar, and New Amsterdam. Her filmography since She’s Gotta Have It includes projects like Sunday Church, A Vigilante, and Then Came You. Bingham’s commitment to diverse roles showcases her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she portrays.

Joie Lee (Septima)

she's gotta have it cast
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 29: Joie Lee attends the 2014 BAMcinemaFest closing night party at Hill Country Barbecue Market on June 29, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)

Joie Lee portrayed Nola’s mother in the series. The veteran actress is a multifaceted talent who has not only contributed to the success of many Spike Lee projects but has also made her mark in the entertainment world. She is an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and producer. Since the end of She’s Gotta Have It, Lee has appeared in projects like Broad City, Farewell Armor,and Harlem.

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Bill Lee, Father of Spike Lee, Dead at 94

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Bill Lee, Father of Spike Lee, Dead at 94

Prayers go out to Spike Lee and his family as his father, Bill Lee, passed away. Bill died at his Brooklyn Home on Wednesday (May 24). He was 94.

Spike Lee confirmed the death of his father on Instagram, sharing images of his father, captured by his brother, David Charles Lee. “DEEDS NOT WORDS,” Spike captioned the photo collection.

Bill Lee was a talented jazz bassist, composer, and actor. His contributions to music, especially jazz, have established him as a notable figure.

Bill Lee was raised in Snow Hill, Alabama, where he was born, and he became enamored with music at a young age. He learned to play the bass by himself and quickly advanced to proficiency. Jazz, blues, and gospel were just a few genres that influenced his musical style. Over the years, Lee’s ability and originality on the bass allowed him to work with various well-known musicians.

Bill Lee rose to prominence as a jazz musician in the 1950s and 1960s by performing and recording with well-known musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Art Blakey. He served on cello, double bass, and electric bass, demonstrating his adaptability and aptitude in various musical contexts.

Bill Lee has contributed to the civil rights struggle and his musical endeavors. He actively took part in racial equality and social justice marches and demonstrations. His son, Spike Lee, who would later include similar themes in his films, was moved by his dedication to these causes.

Bill Lee has artistic abilities outside of music. Including “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986) and “Do the Right Thing” (1989), he wrote the music for several of Spike Lee’s early movies. His music gave his son’s films a unique and heartfelt touch while also showcasing their similar aesthetic sensibility. He was born William James Edward Lee III on July 23, 1928.

The post Bill Lee, Father of Spike Lee, Dead at 94 appeared first on The Source.

Spike Lee’s Greatest Films Of All Time

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The phrase film d’auteur is especially potent and necessary when defining the work of Spike Lee. As a term, it describes a director’s complete oeuvre, recognizing and acknowledging the themes and powerful tropes that offer a prismatic peek into the passions and personalities of the creator. When examining Lee’s vivid portfolio (or various film joints), those themes run the gamut of unpacking race relations against social and personal backdrops. This includes the media’s invasive role in contemporary society, crime and poverty in urban areas, as well as colorism and politics.

When someone watches a Spike Lee film, they will learn something and question their assumptions and misunderstandings. This occurs as they appreciate and marvel at his use of long shots, color schemes, and layers of music. To welcome those feelings of discomfort that lead to clarity is all part of the Spike Lee Joint experience.

School Daze (1988)

Recently, publications have started to revisit Lee’s 1988 film School Daze. The website Shadow and Act examined its status as a classic. Lee recalled how the film was a victim of colorism. The shooting moved locations because the president of Morehouse did not like that the fictional president in the film had such dark skin. Lee recalled how that adverse reaction only reaffirmed that he was making the right choices. “I know what we were doing was right. Because I had the president of Morehouse telling me the man I cast as the president was too dark-skinned.” The film, starring Laurence Fishburne and Tisha Campbell, examined the world of fraternities and pledging at a historically black college.

When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)

In 2006, HBO premiered perhaps its most important documentary to date: When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. This Spike Lee film took viewers to the hours leading up to Hurricane Katrina. It held the audience’s hand while the storm raged and fully displayed what happened in the New Orleans aftermath. Lee interviews residents from all walks of life, the cameras taking people into the Super Dome and the Ninth Ward.

Divided into four acts, this documentary has an operatic scope and feel. Jazz music is applied throughout, using the soundtrack of the Big Easy to its fullest effect. It also manages to still come across as scathing without pointing fingers. The footage’s skill and direction forever ensure that the audience can understand who was responsible for the dereliction of duty as New Orleans floundered. Yet, Lee does not allow the tone to be hopeless. He crafted a narrative that promises eventual resurrection while making it clear that the city’s people deserve all the credit for the city’s survival.

Do The Right Thing (1989)

It is difficult to know where Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing belongs in the pecking order. Released in 1989, it was his third feature film and perhaps one of his most brilliant. Undoubtedly, it is a classic used in both film classes to discuss style and the director’s voice. Additionally, it is discussed in sociology courses to catalyze deeper conversations about socio-economic realities. With a stellar cast that includes John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Lee, and Danny Aiello, the writing is as tight as any script can get. The action occurs in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood during the hottest day of the year. With Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” pounding like a heartbeat through the city, the film looks at how tensions build in a city that represents a nation that has yet to deal with its racist past or present.

Malcolm X (1992)

Spike Lee’s 1992 Malcolm X forced America to reckon with the legacy of one of its Civil Rights Leaders who not only pointed out racism and hypocrisy embedded deep within every layer of society (“The Ballot or the Bullet” being one of his most outstanding speeches), but who did not give way to compromise to further the agenda of the middle. Although the production had a slew of budget issues, many of which were ameliorated thanks to such celebrities as Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, the film debuted at the height of a new wave of police brutality, epitomized in the Rodney King case.

Those emotions ripped through the audience with the words: “We’ve never seen Democracy, all we’ve seen is hypocrisy! We don’t see any American Dream; we’ve experienced only the American Nightmare!” Starring Denzel Washington, the film demonstrated Lee’s ability to tackle historical material and make it applicable to modern-day audiences. That relevancy is why it remains one of his most appreciated films.

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Happy 66th Birthday To Legendary Filmmaker Spike Lee!

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Spike Lee Boycotts Gucci and Prada 'Until They Hire Black Designers'

On this date in 1957, filmmaker, actor and New York Knicks enthusiast Shelton “Spike” Lee was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved to Brooklyn as a chid, which became the backdrop of Lee’s most famous movies including Do The Right Thing, He Got Game, Summer Of Sam She’s Gotta Have It and Crooklyn.

With two dozen feature films under his belt, the Academy Award winning director has faced his share of criticism. From his depiction of women to accusations of “blaxploitation” to antisemitism, Lee has always stood in the eye of the storm when it comes to controversy on film.

Lee’s 40 plus years as the eagle eye of the Black experience in America will always be remembered for generations to come. The Northstar Group/The Source Magazine would like to wish Mr. Lee a happy birthday today and wish him many more in the future!

The post Happy 66th Birthday To Legendary Filmmaker Spike Lee! appeared first on The Source.

Denzel Washington & Spike Lee Trade Oscars For Knicks Game

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Denzel Washington is someone who typically finds themselves at the Oscars around this time of year. Overall, Washington is one of the best actors in Hollywood. Moreover, his performances are typically good enough to get him nominated. The same can be said of director Spike Lee. Lee is a legend of Hollywood, and he has won some massive awards throughout his career. Last night, one would have expected these two to be at The Oscars. Although, they opted to take their talents somewhere else, understandably so.

Neither Denzel nor Lee were nominated for anything. That said, why bother attending the ceremony? Instead, they decided to combine their interests and head to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Of course, Spike Lee loves his New York Knicks. Additionally, Denzel Washington is a big Lakers fan. Both of those teams were playing each other last night, so it only makes sense that they would link up. As you can see below, both sat next to each other courtside, and they were all smiles for the cameras.

Denzel Washington & Spike Lee

Overall, it feels as though Denzel Washington and Spike Lee made the right choice. The Lakers and the Knicks ultimately engaged in a fantastic game. In the end, the Knicks won by four points in a final score of 112-108. Although it was a rough night for Washington, it was a joyous night for Spike Lee. His Knicks are currently on a roll, and they seem to have a shot at a playoff run. Moreover, the Oscars were dominated by Everything Everywhere All At Once and bad Will Smith jokes. Simply put, these two men did not miss a single thing.

As for the Lakers, they are still trying to secure a playoff spot right now. Overall, they have been fantastic over the last 10 games. However, they are still in a play-in position which means the postseason is not guaranteed. That said, if LeBron can come back soon, then their fortunes will be overturned. Meanwhile, the Knicks are having a season to remember, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.

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Spike Lee Isn’t Mad At Harry Styles But Called Beyoncé’s Album Of The Year Snub ‘Straight-Up Bullsh*t’

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Beyoncé won Best Dance/Electronic Music Album with Renaissance at the 2023 Grammys on February 5. It marked 32nd career Grammy, making her the winningest artist of all time. That felt inevitable.

The surprise came at the end of the night when Harry Styles won Album Of The Year, and many were left flabbergasted that Renaissance became the latest album of Beyoncé’s four albums to be snubbed by the Recording Academy for Album Of The Year.

Jay-Z downplayed the snub, but leave it to Spike Lee to lay it all out there.

“I’m not the male president of the Beyhive, but I love and support Beyoncé,” Lee said in a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian. “Her album is amazing. I know she’s won multiple Grammys, but four times nominated for Album Of The Year, and she’s lost every time? No disrespect to those artists like Adele or Harry Styles who won. It’s not their fault, but that’s some straight-up bullsh*t.”

The transcendent filmmaker continued, “There’s a history of great Black artists who come up for these awards and don’t win. We all know their work is great because art speaks for itself. But then, it always comes down to this tricky territory of validation. Do Black artists say: ‘F*ck it,’ or seek white validation and chase awards? I just want to give a shoutout to my sister Beyoncé. We know what the deal is. It’s straight-up shenanigans, skulduggery, subterfuge. Or as the British say: It’s some poppycock!”

The Grammys are in Beyoncé’s rearview. She’s preparing to start her Renaissance World Tour this May in Sweden. The intensely sought-after tour will hit North America this summer, beginning in Toronto on July 8 and finishing in New Orleans on September 27.

Spike Lee Comments On Beyoncé’s Album Of The Year Grammy Snub: ‘Straight Up Bullsh*t’

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Spike Lee is usually one of the quieter celebrities, which means if something he says makes headlines, it must be really important.

The legendary director was recently interviewed by The Guardian and was asked what he thought about Beyoncé once again losing Album Of The Year at this years Grammy Awards.

“I’m not the male president of the Bey Hive, but I love and support Beyoncé,” Lee said. “Her album is amazing. I know she’s won multiple Grammys, but four times nominated for Album of the Year and she’s lost every time? No disrespect to those artists like Adele or Harry Styles who won. It’s not their fault, but that’s some straight-up bullshit.”

He continued: “There’s a history of great Black artists who come up for these awards and don’t win. We all know their work is great because art speaks for itself, but then it always comes down to this tricky territory of validation. Do Black artists say, ‘Fuck it,’ or seek white validation and chase awards? It’s straight-up shenanigans, skulduggery, subterfuge. Or as the British say: It’s some poppycock!”

Despite losing to Harry Styles, Beyoncé became the most-awarded musician in Grammy history, having won 32 Grammys throughout her career. However, being nominated for AOTY four times and not winning at least once does seem very suspicious.

That night, Bey won four Grammys: Best R&B Song for “Cuff It,” Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Plastic Off The Sofa,” Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Break My Soul” and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for Renaissance.

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Spike Lee Calls Beyoncé’s Grammy AOTY Loss “Straight-Up Bullsh*t”

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The 2023 Grammy Awards are behind us, but people are still talking about the wins and losses. It was a monumental night for Beyoncé, who became the most-awarded artist in The Recording Academy’s history. The acclaimed singer earned herself several accolades at this year’s Grammys, but her Album of the Year loss still hits hard for her supporters. Spike Lee recently sat down with The Guardian for an interview, and during the conversation, he shared his thoughts on Bey’s loss to Harry Styles.

“I’m not the male president of the Bey Hive, but I love and support Beyoncé,” said the film icon. “Her album is amazing. I know she’s won multiple Grammys, but four times nominated for album of the year and she’s lost every time? No disrespect to those artists like Adele or Harry Styles who won. It’s not their fault, but that’s some straight-up bullsh*t.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (L-R) Beyoncé and Jay-Z attend the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Read More: Beyoncé Shares Grammys BTS Video, Dances With Jay-Z & Poses With Trophies

Each year, the Grammys are entangled in controversy due to their choices of winners. Both Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z have missed out on coveted awards, but they seem to take it all in stride. That is at least publicly. “There’s a history of great black artists who come up for these awards and don’t win,” Lee said. “We all know their work is great because art speaks for itself.”

“But then it always comes down to this tricky territory of validation. Do Black artists say: ‘F*ck it’ – or seek white validation and chase awards? I just want to give a shoutout to my sister Beyoncé. We know what the deal is. It’s straight-up shenanigans, skulduggery, subterfuge. Or as the British say: it’s some poppycock!”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Beyoncé accepts Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for “Renaissance” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Read More: BBC Apologizes For Calling Viola Davis Beyoncé After Grammys

Ahead of the Grammys, Jay-Z caught up with Elliott Wilson for TIDAL and was asked about Bey’s Album of the Year nomination. At this point in his career, he hopes The Recording Academy doesn’t miss out on awarding artists who spark pivotal movements. “Yeah, I remove myself from the process and hope they just get it right,” said Hov. “It got to the point where I was like, it’s just a marketing thing. You go, you got an album out and it could help the sales go up. It got to that point, but deep down … Again, we grew up idolizing this. It was like one of the pillars for us. It was like, ‘We want to go Gold.’ Yeah, I’ve been in it that long. Haaaaa!”

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Spike Lee & Gersh Agency Launch Atlanta HBCU Fellowship Program

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Spike Lee Says 'I Got Questions' About 9/11 While Promoting Upcoming Documentary

Iconic director and Morehouse alum Spike Lee partners with Gersh Agency to launch the HBCU Fellowship Program in Atlanta, Georgia. The partnership will create more opportunities for students at historically Black colleges and universities.

MORE: Spike Lee Throws Shots at Bill Cosby; Claims He Stole Something From Him #RobbiReed

“It is with great honor, privilege, and excitement to announce the Spike Fellows in association with my partners The Gersh Agency and the AUCC,” Lee noted in an official statement. “From the jump, from the get-go, I knew when (not if) I opened a crack in the door, I was bringing as many Black and Brown folks with me in front and behind the camera.”

Lee, who has contributed timeless films representative of the Black community from Mo’ Betta Blues and School Daze to She’s Gotta Have It and Do The Right Thing, has teamed up with Gersh for the debut of the Spike Fellows Program, which was created to nurture the innovation of creative talent from four historically Black institutions within the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC): Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and The Morehouse School of Medicine.

The Spike Fellows Program will begin this month with five fellows selected by a panel including Lee, members of the AUCC community, and Gersh management. Led by Gersh’s Head of Culture, Jayson Council, the Spike Fellows Program will provide five graduating students from AUCC academic debt relief, industry mentorship, post-graduate internships, and full-time employment.

As Lee continued on the occasion:

MORE: New York Knicks Release Statement Following Spike Lee Feud

“I know firsthand the education one receives at a Historically Black College and University. I am who I am because of my grandmother (Zimmie Jackson) and my mother (Jacquelyn Shelton Lee) who both graduated from Spelman College. I am who I am because of my grandfather (Richard Jackson Shelton) and my father (William Lee) who both graduated from Morehouse. It’s on the campuses of Spelman and Morehouse where they met, fell in love, and got married. As my elders often told me, ‘Deeds not words.’

In November 2022, Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, joined Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle to honor their family’s legacy with the renaming of the College’s Admissions Office in honor of Spike’s grandmother, Zimmie Reatha Shelton, and mother, Jacquelyn Shelton Lee, both of whom were Spelman College alumna from the Class of 1929 and Class of 1951, respectively.

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