Photo by: Rowan Daly
*Salli Richardson quickly became a Hollywood sensation after relocating from Chicago in the late 80’s. She segued from ingenue to leading lady status in “Low Down Dirty Shame,” “Family Law,” “New York Undercover, “NYPD Blue,” “NCIS,” “Sin Seer” and “Being Mary Jane;” among many other roles.
In 2002 she married actor Dondre’ Whitfield, she became a mom and the Whitfield’s became a power couple in the entertainment industry. Dondre’ is known for shows and films such as “Between Brothers,” “Girlfriends,” “Make It Or Break It” and “Queen Sugar.”
Salli continues to be a highly requested actress but just a few years ago she encountered a shift that mounted her on another coveted platform. Salli started directing. Her first project was the OWN network’s hit drama “Queen Sugar.”
Salli directed two episodes and has since been in high demand. She directed “Blackish” for ABC TV and added her artistic guidance to the colorism episode, which aired in January of 2019. Other directing credits include “Scandal,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” and the BET drama “Rebel.”
Salli describes her dream come true: “I love what I’m doing. I love creating film. It is definitely an honor to be able to do this in this business.”
She credits Ava Duvernay for spearheading her life behind the camera: “Ava (Duvernay) was the one who, for some reason, saw something in me and said: “You may want to think about directing.”
While Salli is indeed living her dream life, it does not come without challenges. Hear more of Salli Richardson Whitfield’s interview (directly below) with EURweb’s LaRita Shelby aka Jazzy Rita.
EUR GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ‘FAST COLOR’ DVD
Salli Richardson Whitfield also directed “Doom Patrol,” a re-imagining of one of DC Comic’s most beloved group of outcast Super Heroes, which will air on DC’s new streaming service.
She’s also slated to direct an episode of the new Francis Lawrence series for Apple titled “See,” starring Jason Mamoa, as well as the last two episodes of Netflix’s “Altered Carbon.”
The talented Whitfield family is well etched in Hollywood’s past, present and future. It will be exciting to see what’s next for Salli, Dondre’ and their family as the industry continues to answer the call for more diversity throughout the entertainment business.
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