By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
"The album and the movie were all over each other," Jill Scott recently revealed -- referring to her new album 'The Real Thing' and her starring role in 'Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?,' which opens Oct. 12.
The Grammy Award winning neo-soul diva has been on a whirlwind of activity since returning from South Africa to film the upcoming movie -- as the lead in the 'No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency' -- two weeks ago.
While at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons hotel last weekend, the North Philadelphia native candidly discussed her role as Sheila, a super-sized, good Christian woman who, unfortunately, is married to a real son of a bitch -- played expertly by 'Judging Amy' hunk Richard T. Jones.
From getting kicked off of an airplane for being too obese, to being forced to spend the night in an empty jail cell, Sheila's trials and tribulations are some of the most harrowing aspects of the plot revolving around four married couples coming together once a year to fellowship and take a look at their marriages.
Scott, who had minor acting experience with the cable film 'Cavedweller' and in a touring production of the Broadway musical 'Rent,' played the role effortlessly.
"Having the divorce experience influenced everything," she confided.
Earlier this year, her divorce to graphic designer/former business manager Lyzel Williams made headlines.
"It influenced everything that I write, everything that I was lacking I wrote down and I sang," the 35-year-old singer continued. "All of the emotions that Sheila was going through I tapped into my own experiences to reach these places, to cry unabashed, to feel so low. And when we were finished shooting, I still felt it. It was hard to let go of these things."
"Sometimes, when you're doing a play or you're acting or something, you fall into the character and you play it and then when they say 'cut,' you walk away. This wasn't like this," she emphasized. "It wasn't that way for me. I felt it later. I felt it at night. I felt it before I got to work."
"And Richard T. Jones was such an amazing actor that he made sure I did," she added. "He wanted to hurt my feelings. It wasn't Jill he was trying to hurt but to get to Sheila, he had to go through me and he definitely hurt me. He wanted me and he did."
Already in its second week of release, 'Real Thing' sold over 200,000 copies and has garnered rave reviews. People magazine gave it four stars, hailing it as the "the sexiest album of the year."
During a recent press conference, Perry (who also stars in the film alongside Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Lamann Rucker and Denise Boute) summoned journalists that they "had to get the album."
So the pain of divorce -- Scott and Lyzel were married six years ago, after knowing each other for seven prior -- has morphed into something good for Scott.
And believe it or not, she has not ruled out doing it again, either.
"I'd get married because I want to share all of this with someone," she shared. "I just mean who I am and the blessings that I have, I want to share it. That's why I would get married again."



Comments: (117)
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By: Ms. Neycco T. Adore on 1/26/2008 5:33PM
I love Jill reguardless.
but her role as Sheila, and recent cd
has moved me to explore a bit more.
I am truly moved and will always take my
hat off to such a soft spoken, dreamy faced,
and talented sista. keep doing yo thang girl!!!
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By: Teena on 5/25/2008 12:19PM
Yes Sista Jill!
Although people say that they look like you? You know when people say "my name sake"? Well, I AM TRULY your "face sake" :) NO WORD OF A LIE! I look like you! Love your music, love your delivery, I sing too with my choir in Toronto Canada and anytime we sing in the U.S especially they beging to say "do you know who you look like..." And I finish the sentence by saying, "Jill Scott. I know :)" I love you and enjoy your performances on all levels. I also sing your music at weddings. I appreciate the compliments. You are lovely.
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By: Louis Lorenso Diaz on 6/06/2008 9:40PM
I have fell head over heels with Jill. I seen her acting over hear in the middle east and I must admit, I would Jill - - - MARRY you for "I'VE BROKEN THIS SEAL FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE AND PASS MY THRONE TO NO OTHER THAN MY EBONY QUEEN". "SOMETIMES LIFE HARDENS LIKE THE RUST ON AN OLD BED OF NAILS, I JUST CAN'T STOP SEEING YOUR FACE BEHIND THIS WEDDING VEIL". GOD SPEED JILL, KEEP IN TOUCH - THE DIAZ FAMILIA.
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By: sheryl on 7/16/2008 12:52PM
hell yeah jill scott is the best i think she should have won a acadamey for her role in married she took the show. if janet got it its because her name is janet jackson because she can not act!!!
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By: wayne mitchell sr on 10/11/2007 8:39AM
To miss Jill Scott,keep your head up,god is in control!you will make it through.
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By: RJ on 10/13/2007 9:04PM
Jill Jill Jill,this is truly your season!I purchased the new CD this past weekend and you have truly taken music to a new level! OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Phenomenal. May God continue to bless you and , thank you personally for the song "HOW IT MAKE YOU FEEL' ".
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By: linda aka lindalu aka lindy aka linne* on 10/10/2007 10:59PM
Jill Scott's CD "REAL THING" is hands down the BEST CD of the YEAR ! It's the one we've been waiting for since her debut "WHO IS JILL SCOTT" (I sho hope thats the right title) Well, peoples we ALL know who Ms. Scott is NOW. Jill is one of the best, if not THE BEST neo-soul artist out there. EVERY track is good listenin'. EVERYone ! It's smart and sexy and just damn good. Better than good, most EXCELLENT. Kudos to Ms. Scott and continued success in her career. And, may God bless her with someone to share it all with. I luhs me sum jill scott. lol
***peace***
PS: looking forward to seeing her in Tyler Perry's new film. Anyone remember her small role as William's "almost" girlfriend in "GIRLFRIENDS". He met her on the bus stop. lol And, she was just a lil too much for Po' William to handle. lol Can't wait to see how she does on the big screen. Everyone should get her new CD. One of THE best of the year.
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By: Ms. Jones on 10/11/2007 12:03AM
Oh Hell Yeah Jill Scott reaches new heights and depths in her career. I can say that I know when I buy a Jill Scott CD I won't be disappointed
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By: Melody on 10/11/2007 6:27AM
This album is the BOMB!!!! Listen to the lyrics. Worth every penny.
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By: Audrey Daniels on 10/11/2007 6:28AM
Alright now! Now THAT's what I'm talking about! You GO Jill and keep your head up because GOD isn't finished with you yet! I'm so proud of you! :-)
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