How could there not be any reasons why we love Da’Vine Joy Randolph?
You may have been introduced to her through the 2012 Broadway production “Ghost” when she portrayed the Tony-nominated psychic Oda Mae Brown. Perhaps it was her 2019 breakout role in the Eddie Murphy-led film “Dolemite Is My Name” as Lady Reed or 2020’s “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” as Roslyn. Maybe it was even Hulu’s comedy series “Only Murders in the Building” as Donna Williams or last year’s blockbuster “The Holdovers” as grieving cafeteria manager Mary Lamb.
As a plus size woman of color, Randolph’s road to success hasn’t been the easiest. Despite the barriers, she continues to boldly beat the odds in an industry that often tries to quiet big, marginalized individuals. The 38-year-old star brought us all to our feet with a standing ovation after winning “Best Supporting Actress” for “The Holdovers” effort at the 2024 Oscars.
“For so long, I’ve always wanted to be different. And, now, I realize… I just need to be myself,” the Philadelphia native gushed in her tearful acceptance speech. “I thank you for seeing me. Ron Van Lieu, I thank you! When I was the only Black girl in that class, when you saw me, and you told me I was enough! And when I told you, ‘I don’t see myself,’ you said, ‘That’s fine. We’re going to forge our own path. You’re going to lay a trail for yourself.’”
These are the top things we adore about “The Lost City” phenomenon.
5 Reasons We Love Da’Vine Joy Randolph & Always Will
Sis is well-educated and degreed!
Randolph spent most of her younger years preparing for the center stage. From attending the Interlochen Center Arts Camp to studying classical vocal performance and opera (later musical theatre) at Temple University, she knew she was destined for worldwide acclaim. Following her time at Temple, Randolph went to the Yale School of Drama and graduated with her master’s degree in 2011. Additionally, she even studied Shakespeare at the University of Oxford.
She never misses in the style department.
Randolph has yet to back down from an opportunity to show up and show out YET. Her fashion sense is immaculate, and every look is on point! If you didn’t know, she has an exclusive glam team of around nine people who are responsible for her award-winning ensembles.
In an interview with Variety, she told the outlet that she likes to have fun with her style, and clothing is a way of self-expression for her as well. Randolph shared, “You know why I love clothes so much? Because it’s connected to one’s personality and sense of self. You don’t have to be as obsessive about it as I am, but I think it’s a good practice of self-love, too.”
Her personal life is pretty private.
What she doesn’t show, you won’t know! And that’s certainly an admirable trait about Randolph! Whereas we live in an age where social media is the new diary, the Pennsylvanian hasn’t offered much about Da’Vine behind the scenes. As far as we know, she’s serious about her craft, likes to step on a few necks with her fashion choices, and is good at winning awards. That’s it… for now.
When it comes to boos or babies, it appears that Randolph is in her single season, but we could be wrong. The Hollywood beauty isn’t that active on the internet either, which is understandable because she stays BOOKED and BUSY!
Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a multi-talented woman.
As we know, Randolph is a performer of all trades. Before she’d gotten bitten by the acting bug, singing was her first love. When on stage accepting her Academy Award, Randolph confessed that her mother had given her the push she needed to see beyond that.
“God is so good. You know, I didn’t think I was supposed to be doing this as a career. I started off as a singer,” she recounted to the audience. “My mother said to me, ‘Go across that street, to that theater department. There’s something for you there.’ And I thank my mother for doing that!”
Aside from tearing down the Broadway stage, Randolph lent her powerhouse voice to “The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show’s” official soundtrack in 2015. Clearly, she’s true to this — not new to this!
Despite her many accolades, she remains humble.
Randolph has won an Academy Award, AAFCA Award, Astra Film Award, Black Reel Award(s), British Academy Film Award, and Golden Globe Award, among others. But… although her work has earned her some important accomplishments, the passionate creative prides herself on keeping her humility.
“There’s a trophy in my house now, but I’m not different. You can’t come from Philadelphia and be changed; they won’t let you. This will be who I am. The roles will get better; the money will improve, the lines will get better,” she explained to Variety after her Oscar win. “I hope to make a legacy and leave an imprint with this career. I hope my work will matter and it will be something that people of all shapes, sizes, colors, creeds, and genders can connect to. But me, and the soul of me, won’t change.”
What are some reasons why you love Da’Vine Joy Randolph? Tell us below!
