Today, The Color Purple added six new cast members to the upcoming film adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the film will chronicle the journey of Celie as she experiences the trials and triumphs of life, highlighted by an amazing musical score that is influenced by the sounds of African American jazz, blues and gospel.
1985’s period piece of the same name was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Whoopi Goldberg in her breakout role, along with Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. The film told the story of a young Black girl named Celie and explored many of the problems the African American women faced during the 20th century – ranging from racism, poverty, sexism, and domestic violence. Its storyline, character development and stellar performances made the original an instant classic and received nominations during that year’s award season.
The Color Purple features a star-studded cast, with the recent addition of Louis Gossett, Jr., David Alan Grier, Tamela J. Mann, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Deon Cole and Stephen Hill.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Color Purple will begin filming later this month in Georgia and is set for a global theatrical release in December of 2023. Take a look at the six actors added to the film’s cast.
01
Louis Gossett, Jr. as “Ol’ Mister”
Louis Gossett, Jr. has an acting career spanning over 50 years, and has been awarded for his roles in An Officer and a Gentleman, and Roots. Now, he’s earned the role of “Ol’ Mister” in the new The Color Purple.
02
David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery
Known for his classic performances in the 90s sketch show In Living Color, the comedic legend and talented actor David Alan Grier will portray Reverend Avery.
03
Tamela J. Mann as “First Lady”
The star of films such as Madea Goes to Jail and Diary of a Mad Black Woman, the gospel singer and veteran actress Tamela Mann is set to play “First Lady.”
04
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Young Celie
Newcomer Phylicia Pearl Mpasi will play Young Celie in her feature film debut.
05
Deon Cole as Alfonso
Actor and Emmy-nominated writer Deon Cole from The Harder They Fall and Kenya Barris’ Black-ish has been cast as Alfonso.
06
Stephen Hill as “Buster”
Magnum P.I.’s Stephen Hill will play “Buster” in the film.
If you’ve ever been to ESSENCE Hollywood House, you know it’s more than just a series of panels—it’s a gathering of visionaries. A space where Black creatives and leaders come together to share stories, strategies, and solutions. This year’s conversation, Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City, presented by AT&T, was no different.
The discussion brought together three voices, each deeply invested in shaping LA’s future: D. Smoke, the Grammy-nominated rapper and educator; Olympia Auset, founder of SÜPRMRKT, a grocery service tackling food apartheid in LA; and DJ HED, a radio personality and advocate for independent artists. Though their paths differed, their mission was the same—creating opportunities, protecting culture, and ensuring Black spaces in LA don’t just survive but thrive.
For Olympia Ausset, the work she’s doing with SÜPRMRKT goes far beyond providing fresh groceries—it’s about laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier community. “The LA we love, the cultural beacon it’s known as today, was built by people who worked hard to create their own spaces,” she shared. “The reason I do what I do is because it’s essential. We can’t achieve any of the changes I want for my community without being in good health and having access to affordable, organic food. Without places where we can gather, heal, and support each other, none of the other goals will be possible. It starts with taking care of ourselves and building those spaces together.”
From Olympia’s focus on wellness and accessibility to DJ HED’s belief in the power of self-worth, the discussion explored what it means to dream beyond individual success and invest in collective progress. “I see a lot of people who aren’t proud of where they come from, what they look like, or where they’re at in life,” he said. “I had to learn to give myself grace, to grow. I grew up in Inglewood, raised by a single mom. We lived in a car, we were on welfare, but I knew I wanted to be bigger than my circumstances. That’s what dreaming in Black is—believing in something greater and nurturing it until it grows.”
DJ Smoke also touched on this, emphasizing the importance of intention and fulfillment. “You don’t want to climb that ladder and realize you went real high in the wrong direction,” he warned. “A lot of people in LA are ambitious, but if you don’t understand your ‘why,’ you can get to the top and still feel empty. The goal isn’t just to make it—it’s to make it mean something.
Sometimes, as Black creatives, we only dream as far as the next gig or the next check, but dreaming in Black means going beyond that. “It means thinking bigger than what’s right in front of you,” said host Donye Taylor.
This conversation was a call to action – a reminder that preserving LA’s Black culture means investing in community, honoring our history, and building a legacy that lasts.
