*Danielle Brooks, celebrated for her roles in “The Color Purple” and “Orange is the New Black”, recently shared her transformative journey to motherhood on the “Pregnant Pause” podcast.
As reports, initially, the 35-year-old actress had no interest in starting a family. “I did not want children. I was one of those women who believed I was not going to be married and I was not going to have kids, and I was okay with that,” she told host Danielle Cadet. Meeting her now-husband, Dennis Gelin, in New York shifted her perspective, sparking thoughts of parenthood.
While starring as Sophia in the Broadway production of “The Color Purple” and portraying Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson, Brooks faced an unexpected pregnancy. At the time, she was taking Accutane for severe acne, a medication that poses significant risks during pregnancy.
“You actually have to sign something saying that you will have an abortion if you get pregnant,” she explained, noting the strict precautions required. The news was overwhelming, but it revealed her true desire.
“I will never forget, when I saw that pregnancy test, I broke down, and it wasn’t out of fear. I broke down because I realized I wanted to be a mom,” she shared. Forced to terminate the pregnancy due to Accutane’s risks, Brooks carried guilt for years. Yet, hope emerged when she became pregnant again while wrapping up “Orange is the New Black”.
Scroll to continue reading
“We were excited,” she said of her and Gelin’s joy. On November 16, 2019, they welcomed their daughter, Freeya. “11.16.19 She’s perfect,” Brooks posted on Instagram. Brooks credits Gelin’s support as pivotal, describing him as a partner who “helped me through that time.”
Reflecting on societal views of pregnancy, she encouraged moms to embrace rest. “It’s okay to put your feet up, we NEED to put our feet up!” she told Cadet, advocating for self-care.
Now a devoted mother, Brooks’ journey reflects resilience, love, and the power of unexpected revelations.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Danielle Brooks is the King Kitty Kat We Khoose! + ‘Bad Guys 2’ REVIEW | WATCH
