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Along with neo-soul diva Jill Scott doing investigative work on HBO's critically acclaimed series 'The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency,' Jada Pinkett Smith is one of the first black women to star in her own TV series in 35 years.For the new TNT medical drama 'HawthoRNe', Mrs. Will Smith plays Christina Hawthorne -- a compassionate and headstrong chief nursing officer who is overcoming the recent death of her husband and dealing with a precocious teenage daughter. The show, which is produced by Pinkett Smith, premieres June 16. To see a clip, please click on the image pictured left.
In her new groundbreaking return to television, Pinkett Smith joins a short list of notable black actresses that took on caretaker roles in television.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Black TV Nurses/Caregivers Through the Years (In No Specific Order):
1. Chandra Wilson: Dr. Miranda Bailey
2. Debbi Morgan: Dr. Angie Baxter Hubbard
3. Audra McDonald: Dr. Naomi Bennett
4. Jenifer Lewis: Lana Hawkins
5. Diahann Carroll: Julia Baker
6. Michael Michele: Dr. Cleo Finch
7. Tia Mowry: Melanie Barnett
8. Gloria Reuben: Jeanie Boulet
9. Tonya Lee Williams: Dr Olivia Barber Winters
10. Angela Bassett: Dr. Cate Banfield
11. Aloma Wright: Nurse Laverne Roberts
12. Vivica A. Fox: Dr. Lillian Prince
13. Anna Deavere Smith: Mrs. Akalitus/Dr. Letty Jordan
14. Jada Pinkett Smith: Christina Hawthorne
Comments: (167)
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By: "DimePiece" on 6/15/2009 9:09PM
I won't be watching Nurse HawthoNO!
Come on, the scenes looked like a comedy series instead of being a DRAMA series? I know if I watched it, I would be on the floor crackin up laughin? Jada,"You can't be serious"? She over did this one to the MAX! Jada can't compare to the legendary black nurse actresses' that were on a TV Series. NOT FEELIN IT!
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By: "DimePiece" on 6/15/2009 9:12PM
I still wouldn't watch Jada if the TV Series was called, "Doctor HawthoMD".
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By: Chanell on 6/15/2009 9:25PM
I will be watching this show. I have always liked Jada's work and I am very grateful for her style and representation on this ground breaking show and the breaking the mold so to speak. I know I usually get tired of seeing the same thing and people always assuming that black people can only do "comedy" or look like an idiot-especially with this generation. I believe Jada is restoring class to the art and she is truly an inspiration.
I have always respected shows like this that open a new insight and look into the lives of nurses and working people of color. And I do not think she is over doing it in this role, I think that she is presenting a strength and backbone that we usually do not see in a role like this and with people of color.
Good job Jada Pinkett Smith on the show and I look forward to watching the story of Nurse HawthoRNe!
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By: C.C. on 6/16/2009 11:04AM
I am so happy we have another nurse show on TV that is not showing nurses as sex objects ( check out advertising or cards) nurses are always being depicted in uniforms to tight to walk in, with nursing caps and high heels! Get real - have you looked at nurses lately? They are older, size 12 and larger, have short hair or if long worn up in a bun, wear scrubs or (as in my case as a WOCN: wound/ostomy/continence nurse) wear all black with a white lab coat with my initials and I guide physicians in their choices of wound care for our patients. Thank you!
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By: Why is everything racial... on 6/29/2009 3:29AM
Tired of everything being about whether it is black or white.. It is a TV show regardless. Why can't we refer to her as a actress or producer, not a BLACK actress. Tired of that adjective....How bout a new one like, talented, beautiful, educated, experienced.. Get over the black thing...
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By: micbedn on 6/16/2009 7:43AM
Then Black Voice wouldn't have anything to write about.
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By: Carol Parker on 6/16/2009 11:10AM
AMEN!!!
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By: Naomi on 6/16/2009 6:45AM
WE see them everyday
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By: bastion on 6/16/2009 10:10AM
And exactly why do you need to see a list of white women's accomplishments in television? White women have been starring in television shows for at least 50 years: Lucille Ball - I love Lucy, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Laverne & Shirley, Mary Tyler Moore, Charlie's Angels, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kate Mulgrew - Star Trek Voyager, Lena Headey - Sarah Connor Chronicles, Alias, Eliza Dushku - Dollhouse. Within ten seconds I was able to rattle off eleven shows that have caucasaian females in the starring role. It is more commonplace to see white women in starring roles and therefore a big deal is not going to be made about it.
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By: hancockjbh on 6/16/2009 7:05AM
Why does everything have to be about race? Living Single, wasn't that a TV show with leading black women?? Then there is Tyra, Oprah, Cosby show. Whomever wrote this artice is obviously an idiot or just so over the top racist, they shouldn't be writing for a general audience. Regardless, I love the Smith's. I will definately give it a shot.
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