Source: Presley Ann / Getty
If you have yet to catch Netflix’s new limited series Hollywood, you need to, because you are seriously missing out.
Set in Los Angeles in the 1940s after the end of WWII, this new Ryan Murphy project, with Janet Mock writing and directing a few eps, is centered on one important notion: what is Hollywood took risks with diversity back then?
This revisionist history of the industry explores that courage and focuses on Camille Washington, a Black actress played Laura Harrier, who becomes the first Black woman to be the star (and love interest) in a studio-backed feature film. Harrier, who is giving us all the Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horne vibes, is fantastic as Camille, trying to pushback against the stereotypical maid roles and show that she has the chops to be the leading lady.
It’s a fun and moving series about the importance of representation. Oh, and did we mention that Queen Latifah has a guest spot in this playing the first Black Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel?
Take a look at the trailer:
Now if Harrier looks familiar, it’s probably because of her roles in Marvel movie Spider-Man: Homecoming—as well as the Oscar-nominated Spike Lee film, BlacKkKlansman. And if you’re a soap fan, she played Destiny Evans on One Life To Live.
Here she is with her boo, Golden State Warrior player Klay Thompson, slaying:
Source: John Shearer / Getty
Speaking of slaying, as Camille in Hollywood, sis got to rock some serious retro fashion, telling Oprah Magazine that she was channeling iconic Carmen Jones actress Dorothy for this role.
“I drew a lot from Dorothy Dandridge, mainly because she the first Black woman who was able to be a leading lady and considered a movie star,” the 30-year-old Illinois native said.
She continued: “Yet at the same time she was this huge star, she faced a lot of adversity and had a really difficult life. She faced so much racism, even at the height of her career.”
“I wanted to pay homage to her and to all of the people who didn’t get an opportunity at the time because it wasn’t available to them.”
In addition, Harrier is also a red carpet darling. Take a look at her some of her best lewks:
1. Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week
Source:Getty
Come through trousers!
2. 2020 13th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon
Source:WENN
Short, flirty and fun.
3. Netflix Hollywood Tastemaker
Source:Getty
With her Hollywood co-star Jeremy Pope (another rising star), Laura is mixing up prints and winnin’ at it!
4. Balance Not Symmetry Premiere
Source:WENN
This crop top two-piece is pretty dope.
5. 50th NAACP Image Awards
Source:WENN
Looking like sunset in this gold gown.
6. 71st Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards
Source:WENN
You can never go wrong with a little black dress.
7. Vanity Fair and Lancôme Women In Hollywood Celebration
Source:Getty
That plunging neckline and that slit are giving us life!
8. 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
Source:WENN
Lady in red!
9. Morgan Stanley Presents Alfre Woodard’s 11th Annual Sistahs’ Soirée With Absolut Elyx
Source:Getty
Suited like a boss!
10. 24th Annual Critic’s Choice Awards Arrivals
Source:WENN
Come through long sleeves!
11. 2019 InStyle Awards
Source:Getty
We’re green with envy in this two-piece badau and skirt.
