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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 )
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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: justme on 6/16/2009 9:50AM
I'd rather see a list of real women who are nurses and doctors, not actresses who PLAY them on tv.
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By: Rob on 6/16/2009 9:58AM
Why is it about Black and White again?
We have worked so hard to make it about the content of character and not the color of skin. I guess we don't want that anymore. If we keep acting like this, the White people are going to make sure Obama will be in office for only 1 term.
We need to really end segregation, we need to stop being White, Black, and Hispanic. We need to be Red, White, and Blue or this Country will be like a third world nation soon.
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By: Norma on 6/16/2009 10:02AM
Evidently, it is more important for us to know that Jada is black instead of whether she is an accomplished actress. Therefore, if the show is a hit, she will be the greatest BLACK actress to ever be on television. However, if the show is a bomb, then it will only be because racial whitey wouldn't watch.
I, for one, will watch this fine actress, until the show turns into the typical bash race (white or black) format. At that point it will no longer be in my home. Get over the white/black thing, and appreciate this show for good scripts, and good actors, only!
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By: Mason on 6/16/2009 10:03AM
You forgot Madge Sinclair who was one of the best nurses on television from Trapper John, MD!
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By: Hmmmmmm on 6/16/2009 10:04AM
Like Jada Smith.
Not really interested in watching her show though.
Making an issue of her being black (or the need for having a black voice) only reinforces the divisions and stereotypes between the races.
There is a difference between ethnicity (French, Italian, Polish, Mexican, etc.,) and one's race. One can be proud of one's ethnicity without being a racist. However, one cannot be proud of one's race without being racist.
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By: Chris on 6/16/2009 10:18AM
What about the first black woman to star in her own TV show?????? Ethel Waters-Beulah (For some strange reason Diane Carroll is ALWAYS listed as the first)
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By: Matthew on 6/16/2009 10:23AM
There's no doubt this will be the worst show on television. It looks like a joke. A strong nurse who doesn't play by the rules! Come on. I"m laughing already. My dog writes better than this. If this is the first show starring a black woman in 35 years then after this show it will likely be another 50. And what do you call 227? Pretty sure a black woman was the star of that show which was less than 35 years ago. What moron writes this stuff?
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By: rich on 6/16/2009 10:25AM
Couldn't they have found a better actress? I know she's married to a very powerful (and good) actor, but she's so tough to watch. And I'm not talking about what she looks like....she's just not a very good actress. The show will probably stick around for a while (like so many other bad shows), but even the promos look terrible;
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By: Carrie on 6/16/2009 10:34AM
I'd like to point out that Jada is producing the show - wouldn't it have been nice for her to step to the side and allow an up-and-coming black actress to play the role of Hawthorne? I think Jada has enough money and acclaim just being who she is, and married to who she is... I'd like to see somebody else in this role.
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By: Sefard on 7/06/2009 3:11PM
Hmmm... where have you been in a cave? or on Uranus? Turn on the tv and see them. There are more shows with white actresses as leads compare to black actresses. Now if we can get some more Latina actresses besides Ugly Betty in their own shows we be making headway.
BTW: I'll be happy to through the following out there for you to appreciate, lets try Britney Spears, and Jessica Simpson in case you feel the list is too short and you're having an anxiety attack over your fear that people of color taking over.
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