Tasha Smith on portraying 'angry black women': 'I don't want to play the same kinds of roles'

theGRIO REPORT - In many of the characters Smith has portrayed onscreen, critics would label some as those that carry on the "angry black woman" stereotype. In an interview with theGrio, Smith addressed this concern.

Lilly Workneh

May 4, 2014

Over the years, Tasha Smith has built an impressive resume that boasts acting credits in numerous Hollywood films.

Perhaps most notable is her role as the outspoken and opinionated Angela Williams from Tyler Perry’s WHY DID I GET MARRIED? and WHY DID I GET MARRIED, TOO?

Now, that role has been extended as Smith continues to star as Angela on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s For Better or Worse.

In many of the characters Smith has portrayed onscreen, critics would label some as those that carry on the “angry black woman” sterotype. In an interview with theGrio, Smith addressed this concern and her thoughts on some her roles.

“I understand when people say that because no one wants to see a character who’s always negative,” Smith said. “For me, even with Angela, I don’t write her, I play her, and it just so happened that I’ve been blessed to have a character that has lasted over 5 years. It’s a beautiful thing, but of course I want to evolve as an actor too. I don’t necessarily want to play the same kinds of roles.”

Smith has also recently entered the beauty industry and has created her own fragrance named “Just Tasha.”

In doing so, she talked to theGrio about her thoughts on beauty, particularly among brown-skinned women, and Hollywood’s embrace of women like herself and Lupita Nyong’o.

Watch the interview above and tell us your thoughts below.

Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works