Malik Yusef: Blowing Money Fast
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 )
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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 )
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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 )
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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: KJ on 6/17/2009 1:31PM
I know white folk are TIRED of the whole racism issue but this is America. This countrie's foundation was BUILT on racism and a Black President does not change that.
*American Indians were "savages" so it was OK to take their land*
*Africans are not really human so it's OK to enslave, work them to death and sell them*
Without these two ideals THIS COUNTRY DOES NOT GET EXPAND OR GET BUILT.
This is a great country to live in but race will ALWAYS be an issue.
YOU'RE tired of it? How do you think WE feel?
As for the main topic, I dont like DR Shows but I do like Jada!!
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By: Wanda on 6/19/2009 6:36PM
Very well said,KJ.If this last Presidential election has taught us anything,it's that a LOT of white people have big problems with people of color in any positions of power. I have never seen such vile things written about a US President,not even Bush who did nothing but screw up for eight years or Clinton,who wasn't a bad leader,but had some unsavory personal habits. Now look at the things they are saying about Judge Sotomayor! It's disgraceful! And it's all because the people that have had all the power for 400 years are threatened by the fact that it's no longer all about them. So,yes,we are tired of it too.
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By: Sandy Burgess-Hyman on 6/18/2009 7:36PM
I am a nurse of 20yrs and would like to add some content to Hawthrone.
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By: gayle on 6/20/2009 1:42PM
My son who is now 11 and has been modeling/acting professionally since age 4, was up for the part of Will Smiths son in the "Pursuit of Happiness". We did not hear a word from productions and figured it may have been because of budgets. Next thing I see posters everywhere of the Movie,come to find out that Will and Jada's son was choosen for the role.
Will and Jada's kids have money. Why couldn't they have given some unknown minority kid a break. If not my son then some other child actor. My son who is half puerto rican/ half black was just right for that part and he is a better actor than their kid is. That one movie could of gone towards my son's college fund and help pay for his Ice Hockey fees.
I don't like either Jada or Will and will not ever watch any of their movies ever again.
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By: A real RN on 6/26/2009 7:09PM
As a nurse for 16 years I can guarantee you that I have NEVER seen a chief nursing officer at the bedside like this one is. the relationship with the doctors is a joke. This show is insulting to the nursing profession. At least Er had a little more reality, not much but a little more. What a waste of time. Maybe your technical adviser needs to see how nurses really work.
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By: Louise on 7/05/2009 11:33PM
I watch the show and it is a very good show at that! The show has a family feeling, a show that you don't have to put your chilren out of the room to watch, a show that characters a black woman, a widow, single parent, and educated....with the struggles of raising a daughter and being the boss on her job. I think this is a positive show, and Jada is doing a very good job! Mrs. Will (Jada) Smith take a bow, you are doing a beautiful job. Haters, hate on, Jada girl you go on!
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By: MS. J on 7/11/2009 5:26PM
Jada is a very gifted young lady. It is not about a black young lady. It is about a woman using her talents,in a GOD given positive way. WHOM EVER decide not to watch the show; it will be their LOSS. Keep goin' MS. Jada ,YOU GOT HATERS...........!
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