October 31, 2019 

By Gary Gerard Hamilton 

Associated Press  

 

Tiffany Haddish recalls leaving the set of a big-budget movie in tears in search of someone who could properly do her hair. Lorraine Toussaint blithely recounts the times her tresses have been damaged by stylists inexperienced with managing black hair. And Tia Mowry-Hardrict recalls breaking down on set after seeing what was done to her locks.

 

“It's mind-blowing to me that we still have to – meaning Black actresses – have to fight to have Black hairdressers on set for us. There was one time in particular I was doing this movie and, my God, I was the lead. And after this person did my hair, I cried.

 

I was like ‘I cannot like I cannot go out there looking like this,’” said Mowry-Hardrict, star of the Netflix sitcom, “Family Reunion.” “I just don't understand why you have to fight to get someone to understand the importance of that.”

 

From Oscar winners to stars on the rise, many African American actresses have similar stories about hair struggles in Hollywood. In an industry known for its glamour and beauty, some say the lack of diversity behind the scenes has led to challenging situations for women of color.

 

While Black hair comes in different textures, it is generally defined by its curls ranging from wavy to very tight coils. For years, racism and segregation typically dictated that Black people exclusively worked on black hair. Today, that tradition remains as many non-black stylists, for the most part, have not learned how to successfully work with African American hair.

 

Halle Berry exploded on the Hollywood scene in the early 1990s with a short, pixie hairstyle that would become her signature.  Others heavily copied the style, but the Oscar-winner didn't set out to start a trend – it was a result of previous experiences with some Hollywood stylists.

 

“That's why I had short hair,” laughed the actress. “(Maintaining) it was easy. I think as people of color, especially in the business, we haven't always had people that know how to manage our hair. Those days are different now – that's when I started.”

 

Others say the lack of Hollywood stylists able to properly manage their hair remains a problem.

 

“I can relate to that 100 percent,” said Sierra Capri, the 20-year-old star of “On My Block,” Netflix's most-binged original show of 2018. Capri, who says she's multi-racial but identifies as Black, said it's a relief when an actress finds a stylist who understands black hair.

 

“We want to look and feel good and we want to feel our best,” she said. “If we feel that we have someone that understands us and understands what we want and what we need, then we're gonna feel great and we can do what we came to do.''

 

Queen Latifah said she encountered stylists who didn't know what to do with her hair, particularly early in her career.

 

“It's not because their heart wasn't in the right place – they just didn't have the skillset to do black hair,” said Latifah, who recently worked with Proctor & Gamble to form “The Queen Collective” to promote racial and gender equality in filmmaking. “As African Americans we have all different shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and you got to be able to work with that. We are always in a position to be able to work with what white people do. That's just how it's been, but it has to be reversed. It has to be some respect over here and figuring out what to do with our hair. . So we just really need to add more people to the industry.”

 

To work in a wide range of entertainment areas, from films to talk shows, hairstylists must be in a union. Local 706 is the union for hairstylists in Los Angeles; Local 798 is based in New York. Joining a union requires a license and experience on a production.

 

Local 706 doesn't keep records on the race and ethnicity of its stylists but is aware of the frustrations and is trying to find solutions. Randy Sayer, the business representative for Local 706, hopes that changes in the industry do take place. Sayer says the union has no control over which stylists are hired for a production, that decision belongs to producers, studios and other employers.

 

“I agree with every woman of color or every actor who says ‘we need more.’ I want to be the person who's helping us achieve that.”

 

Legendary hairstylist Robert Stevenson, who was honored by 706 last year with a lifetime achievement award, says it's hard for anyone to join the union, regardless of ethnicity: “It's no joke.”

 

The Emmy-winner began his career in the 1960s when he says the government forced Hollywood to hire people of color for all entertainment unions. He was the first black male hairstylist the union accepted.

 

Stevenson, who's styled stars like Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Samuel L. Jackson and Eddie Murphy, said with more opportunities for Black actors, unions are playing catch up.

 

“When I came in, we didn't have many black actresses . I mean, Pam Grier was like one of the biggest stars,” Stevenson said. “But now it's changed so much. There's so many more Black actresses. And the few black hairstylists that are in (the union) are working, so (the actresses) can't seem to get who they want. But Viola Davis can get whatever she wants.”

 

And while it's true that the Oscar, Tony and Emmy award winner may be able to get whoever she wants, Davis has been vocal about her past hair chronicles. As recently as May, she said she would no longer work with stylists who don't respect the craft of styling Black hair.

 

It's deeper than “just someone not being able to do your hair,” said DeWanda Wise, who starred in Netflix's “She's Gotta Have It” and is currently in post-production for Sony's comedy-drama “Father­hood,” along with Kevin Hart.  “It's people touching this texture with a certain level of trepidation and disgust.”

 

Andrea Pezzillo, a celebrity stylist who has groomed a wide range of clients such as Jhene Aiko, Chanel Iman, Jeff Bridges and Omari Hardwick, understands why many Black actresses are wary of White hair stylists.

 

“I always say this: it could take five years to grow your hair, and it could take one flat iron to break it all off,” said the Los Angeles-based Pezzillo, who is white.

 

Pezzillo says she began styling women of color after attending beauty school and becoming close with an Eritrean classmate. They'd often braid and explore each other's hair, and eventually, a black instructor took Pezzillo under her wing.

 

“When I started doing African American hair, I didn't look at it different. I just looked at it like hair,” she said. “I was never intimidated and I learned through my mistakes.”

 

However, actresses say White stylists like Pezzillo who are proficient with many hair textures are far and few in between.

 

“I would be a lie if I said it hasn't been a problem. And it's been tough-going for many years,” Toussaint said.

 

“Our hair is way more complicated,” the veteran actress explained. “If I've been told I have a not-Black hair person, the first question I say is, ‘Can they do a press-and-curl?’ If you can do a press-and-curl, we can work together. If you don't know what a press-and-curl is, we've got to start from scratch. But it is a challenge.”

 

Haddish said when she shot the movie “Keanu,” there was no one on set who could braid the cornrows she sported in the film.

 

“So then I had to go outside of the movie to find people in New Orleans to braid my hair. And I cried about it because it was a lot of extra time, and I could have been resting or learning my lines or just making sure I was on point,” she said.

 

Sanaa Lathan says she's worn wigs to protect her tresses.

 

“I've worked in London, I've worked all over the world and sometimes you don't know if you're gonna have somebody who's familiar with Black hair,” she said.

 

For Mowry-Hardrict, it's about more than just making an actress feel prepared for her job. “If your hair is all over the place, it will be noticed,” she said.

 

“When you have someone look at you on television, you want to make sure that you are represented in the correct way,” the former “Sister, Sister” actress said. “Our hair is really important. So we got to represent, and we need someone who knows how to help us represent.”

October 31, 2019

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

You might realize this week that there is a bigger problem between you and your partner when it comes to finances than you ever thought. You might discover that your love has been hiding money or a specific way he or she is earning or spending it. There may also be some serious confusion about a financial decision you need to make together. Do your best to keep the conversation going so that you can eventually reach a place of clarity instead of feeling duped or manipulated. If you're single, you could meet someone who has a radically different financial situation than you. It can go in either direction.

  

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

A need to break free from any pattern you feel holds you back from expressing your true individuality is a major theme in your life now that Uranus is in Taurus. On Monday, the Sun will oppose Uranus from your relationship sector. You'll shine a bright light on your desire to do your own thing and, if your partner isn't onboard, you aren't likely to care. Mercury turns retrograde in your relationship sector on Thursday, adding uncertainty about the relationship in many ways. Take your time to figure this out.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

If you're in a relationship, your love life is about to really fly high. On Friday, Venus moves into your partnership sector, and remains here through November 25. Venus here will not only add to the overall peace and harmony of your love connection, but it will make you and your partner feel a deep, abiding sense of affection and respect for one another that's hard to beat. If you're dating someone, then this is the time when things are likely to get more serious. Someone might even put a ring on it.

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

You might begin to question everything you ever thought you knew about love this week. Yes, that sounds like a dramatic statement, however, with Mercury turning retrograde in your true love sector on Thursday, a mental revision concerning matters of the heart is simply unavoidable. Fortunately, this can be a time of great healing if you can manage to get your mind right and eradicate outworn patterns that are only holding you back from your next great love experience. Another possibility is that, from now through November 20, an old flame might re-emerge. Do you really want to go there again?

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

If you're in a relationship, there could be some rumblings happening between the two of you this week. A major rift is possible on Monday as there is a pull between you focusing on career at the expense of dealing with a domestic issue. If this happens, your spouse or partner is likely to become quite explosive and might start to pull away from you. Address it. If you're single, then you've got amazing prospects on the horizon for new romance. On Friday, Venus enters your true love sector and remains here through November 25. Joy is about to fill your heart.

  

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

If you've been dating someone and the relationship is going well, then this might be the week you decide to introduce one another to relatives. After Friday, this will go extremely well thanks to Venus moving into your home and family sector. If you and your lover have been in a relationship for a while and know you're ready to make a stronger commitment, then this might be when you start talking about moving in together or you actually do. It'll be a positive decision and you'll find it easy to make this adjustment.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

An unexpected disagreement about finances might turn into a breaking point between you and your lover. There isn't much clarity happening for you this week when it comes to money, and there certainly won't be if you even attempt to mix money with love. As a result, steer clear of this lethal combination if at all possible. In other news, on Friday, Venus will move into the area of your chart connected to your neighborhood. If single, you might meet someone new who lives right around the corner – literally.

  

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

There's nothing predictable about your love life this week. The Sun will oppose Uranus across your relationship axis, making your romantic world resemble a roller coaster in many ways. Just when you think you know your partner, he or she may do something that turns your world (and your stomach) upside down. There might be an unexpected break between you or a massive miscommunication. Mercury will retrograde in your sign on Thursday, and nothing is clear. Maybe it's not supposed to be.

  

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

All of the dark matter in your mind concerning intimacy and vulnerability is about to be stirred up. Mercury will turn retrograde in your 12th House of Pain and Healing on Thursday, making it feel as if you can no longer hide from the mental cobwebs that haunt you concerning love. If you still haven't fully resolved any past feelings of betrayal or pain in matters of the heart, this is a ripe time for you to confront them. Fortunately, with Venus moving into your sign on Friday, you'll have the confidence you need to walk through the darkness and know that, in the end, you'll see the light. Love will prevail.

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, regardless of your belief, the planet Uranus in your romance sector is notorious for bringing the potential for lightning to strike your heart at any given moment. This week, the Sun will oppose Uranus, making it very likely that you're going to feel this electricity -- and in the most inconvenient way possible. Perhaps you're already spoken for and you'll meet someone you have undeniable chemistry with. Exciting? Yes. Messy? Definitely.

 

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Venus will move into your friendship sector on Friday, making it very likely that you're love life prospects until November 25 have everything to do with your social life. If you can make it a point to attend more parties and other functions with friends or in groups, then you can rest assured you'll find plenty of romantic opportunities. This might also be a time where you find that dating apps or social media helps you find romance. Be open and willing to try something new -- it's the only way to get the love you've always wanted, but never had.

 

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

Communicating your feelings about love might not go as expected this week. You might want to declare that your heart belongs to someone, only to find yourself unable to say the words when the time actually comes. Perhaps this will be a case of cold feet where you do actually love the person, however, you're not entirely ready to commit. Don't be afraid of owning both perspectives, Pisces. It's OK to know you love someone while also knowing that you're not ready to completely devote yourself to him or her. Be honest ... with yourself above anyone else.

October 31, 2019 

By City News Service 

 

Friends and family were taking to social media to remember John Witherspoon, after the actor the who appeared in the “Friday” film trilogy and The WB comedy “The Wayans Bros.” died Tuesday in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77.

 

“It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away,” according to a tweet posted on Witherspoon’s Twitter account Tuesday night. “He was a Legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you ‘POPS’ always & forever.”

 

Witherspoon portrayed the father of the character played by Ice Cube in “Friday” and its sequels “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next.”

 

“So...my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel,” tweeted Witherspoon’s son J.D. Witherspoon. “I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together.

We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol.

 

Love U Dad...I'll miss u.''

 

Ice Cube tweeted: “I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him.”

 

“This day began with such joy. And it’s ending with this heart wrenching news of John Witherspoon’s passing,” Arsenio Hall tweeted. “One of our comic brothers. RIP.”

 

“My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons!” actress Regina King tweeted. “Rest In Paradise, King.”

 

“RIP my brother. You will be missed. Mannnnnnn this is a hard one,” actor David Alan Grier tweeted.

 

From actress Jackee Harry: “I’m absolutely shattered at the news of my great friend John Witherspoon passing. May love surround his entire family and fan base -- a comedy legend we’ll never forget.”

 

And from actress and comedian Marsha Warfield: “I’m so sorry to hear this. To me, Spoon was a friend, a brother, a funny, talented comedian and a good man. He was the first comedian I met when I got to Los Angeles, and he never hesitated to share leads, advice, contacts, introductions or anything else. ...”

 

Witherspoon’s other film credits included “Boomerang,” “Little Nicky,” “House Party,” “Vampire in Brooklyn” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

 

He made his first television appearance in 1977 on the short-lived NBC variety series “The Richard Pryor Show.” He also appeared in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Tracy Morgan Show.”