Sanaa Lathan Almost Quit 'Love & Basketball' During Auditions

Sanaa Lathan Almost Quit 'Love & Basketball' During Auditions | Jemele Hill is Unbothered

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2 жыл бұрын

"Love & Basketball" is a classic, and it's hard to imagine the movie without Sanaa Lathan playing the role of the main character, Monica Wright. On the podcast, the actress tells Jemele about the audition process and why she felt miserable. Eventually, it reached a point where everyone in her life was telling her to "drop out of the race," except for one person.
#SanaaLathan #LoveAndBasketball #Audition
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Award-winning journalist and culture critic Jemele Hill interviews the most compelling figures in news, pop culture, politics and sports. Expect unbothered and unfiltered conversations.

Пікірлер: 567

@TheAlkebulanTrust 2 жыл бұрын

Love and Basketball is a classic mainly because of Sanaa Lathan. There is no one else you could imagine playing Monica. Some things are simply destiny.

@laquandac_officialpage Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! She’s my favorite actress! 🦋🦋

@maryluvsmusic9298 Жыл бұрын

@ The Alkebulan Trust, I agree 💯!!! One of my favorite movies (in my top 5). She is a great actress & she nailed this character. Glad everything worked out!

@mignon1180 2 жыл бұрын

She pulled Monica’s role off so damn well! 🙏🏾

@DeCurtaRican 2 жыл бұрын

Right? The walk and attitude of a female baller! Just perfect!

@skyking3210 2 жыл бұрын

@@DeCurtaRican By today's standard I'm sure it looks like she down played it on the attitude

@traviswatkins9021 2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree! Being that I’m a ball player she looked better at playing basketball than Omar Epps.

@saxyman4u 2 жыл бұрын

I love how Jemele let her talk and didn't add comments or cut her off!

@derricknregina 2 жыл бұрын

I noticed that too. She's a much better interviewer than Angela Yee.

@Marleyfresher 2 жыл бұрын

4real tho like everybody on the breakfast club, gillie da kid, Joe budden and the line goes on and on. Don't get me wrong I love those guys and their platform but mannn watching their interviews have me cringing wit the amount on cutting off they do!

@sgtbrownty 2 жыл бұрын

A very under valued skill in interviewing. Drink Champs need to take note📝

@qballdavis3712 2 жыл бұрын

@@derricknregina ui

@kcorpora1 2 жыл бұрын

@@derricknregina it is easy to interview. you just don't become the focus as the interviewer. just like a ref don't become the focus of a game.

@iziahcarthens727 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa is so gorgeous--she will never age--I love watching her on movies and shows.

@DeCurtaRican 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa and Ashanti low-key could be half-sisters.

@klj5150 2 жыл бұрын

I agree, she was always beautiful, but she is ultra, super-model hot now. Plus, I think Brown Sugar is a great movie.

@iziahcarthens727 2 жыл бұрын

@@klj5150 I would really like her to be the mother of my children--they would be beautiful. I have Sanaa on my computer as HD Wallpaper, so I wake up to her. Shhh Don't tell my wifey ;-)

@klj5150 2 жыл бұрын

@@iziahcarthens727 Your secret is safe with me! We just need to figure out how to share and hide her!!! Lol

@blackentrepreneur244 2 жыл бұрын

@@klj5150 I just seen that movie for the first time like last month. That shit is a black love classic. The soundtrack was dope too🔥🔥💯

@iluvdissheet 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview! Cannot imagine Love & Basketball without Sanaa.

@deanakjefferson9278 2 жыл бұрын

I love that movie and watched it so many times to date every single time still feel the energy it gave off🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

@iluvdissheet 2 жыл бұрын

@@deanakjefferson9278 facts....like even tho I know how it ends I still feel uncomfortable when she finds him moving on....😖

@reneesmith983 2 жыл бұрын

You never can imagine the good roles recast!! It would be crazy with anyone elsw

@smokinglikeachimney7425 2 жыл бұрын

Jada Pinkett would have killed that role I’m sorry

@iluvdissheet 2 жыл бұрын

@@smokinglikeachimney7425 lol....like anyone would believe her short ass got a bball scholarship. At least make it believable....😏

@NikkijBerryman 2 жыл бұрын

To listen to her reminisce is amazing! I was one of those basketball players that auditioned for the movie. I remember when I saw it I was in awe at how well she did. Much love for Sanaa!

@GMacII Жыл бұрын

Dope Nikki. How was the experience?

@ZombiemanOhhellnaw 11 ай бұрын

Have you done anymore work?

@robertblount9985 2 жыл бұрын

As a public school basketball coach for 30 years, I was amazed that Sanaa had no basketball experience prior to the film. My basketball eye told me that she was a competent basketball player. I am amazed. How can you learn to look like a basketball player with only a few months instruction? And she wasn't athletically inclined. Impossible, but apparently not.

@robertblount9985 2 жыл бұрын

@@brandib9747 , there have been many basketball movies where actors looked like the non-players that they were. The basketball action in the movie was laughable. Fundamental basketball skill acquisition takes long periods of time. The male lead in the film obviously played basketball as a kid. You could see that his skill level was passable, but did not match his purported basketball status in the movie. Lathaan's skill level put his to shame. Whatever training she had (a few months if I remember correctly), I take my hat off to the trainer.

@mikestone7353 2 жыл бұрын

In Hollywood, they can do anything, we have to remember that.

@calstate Жыл бұрын

@@robertblount9985 Very well explained

@janiceburton7119 2 жыл бұрын

It doesn't matter what I'm watching on TV, if I scroll through and see "Love & Basketball", I watch it! It is in my top 5 movies I love of all time, and I have honestly watched it about 30 times. Great interview as usual!!!!!!!!

@chynadoll77cyn59 2 жыл бұрын

Me too my favorite part at end when she was playing for his heart ❤️ girl still cry.

@theebougieprincess3509 2 жыл бұрын

Yesss!🤗

@noble604 2 жыл бұрын

The Sanaa role that did it for me was Out of Time with Denzel. She’s beautiful

@ButternutBanyana 2 жыл бұрын

Yes ! I loved her in that movie👌👍

@DeCurtaRican 2 жыл бұрын

The Best Man…but she’s amazing in all of her roles.

@justicepower1255 2 жыл бұрын

Cos Denzel and her smashed.

@Joshuaeway03 2 жыл бұрын

@@ButternutBanyana ohh that's her Wowww

@quatishajames42 2 жыл бұрын

Out of Time was my least favorite movie of hers even though my friends and I went to see it when we were in college.( 😂 I did everything in college)

@dgmck6032 2 жыл бұрын

If they ever did a story on Phylicia Rashad, Sanaa could play her.

@bigsheed9003 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa definitely has the beauty and class to pull it off. Some woman have a beauty and a way about them that is regal. Elegant not arrogant. They both carry themselves that way.

@marcusadams4649 2 жыл бұрын

I agree %100

@chillinvillain8560 2 жыл бұрын

There should be and yes she should

@JchaseMusicTv 2 жыл бұрын

Phylicia's daughter is an actress. A successful one. That's the most likely choice. Looks like her to

@chillinvillain8560 2 жыл бұрын

@@JchaseMusicTv Yo Condola? Sorry falls short looks all like her father 😂 a different beauty then mother Phylicia

@yumyum215 2 жыл бұрын

Can you imagine how cheesey Love and Basketball would have been if they had went with a basketball player with no acting experience or passion for the art at all? She literally saved that movie if you ask me! I cant imagine another Monica Wright! That is literally my favorite movie because of Sanaa's performance! 💜💜💜

@dsmooth9702 2 жыл бұрын

Facts

@jones2277 2 жыл бұрын

i wouldn't go that far. Adam Pascal was a rock singer, not an actor, when he starred in Rent.

@yumyum215 2 жыл бұрын

@@jones2277 😑 you missed the point.

@jones2277 2 жыл бұрын

@@yumyum215 nah. just didn't agree with it.

@yumyum215 2 жыл бұрын

@@jones2277 you can disagree with what I said, but you bought up a movie that has nothing to do with my comment. My comment was VERY SPECIFIC. I didn't say all none actors and movies. Im speaking specifically about THIS MOVIE and THIS CHARACTER.

@localone1597 2 жыл бұрын

Basketball is a skill sport. You don't just pick one up and look like you've been playing for years. I have to admit she did a phenomenal job making it look like she had been playing for years.

@kcorpora1 2 жыл бұрын

She wasn't in a real game. It was acting!

@localone1597 2 жыл бұрын

@@kcorpora1 Everyone knows it was acting but to do what she did and make it look believable takes a lot of practice. She made it look believable. Thats not just saying some lines on a page.

@kcorpora1 2 жыл бұрын

@@localone1597 of course she practiced. But cameras, cuts, takes and editing does alot. One has to know film to know that.

@2ucebetta 2 жыл бұрын

@@kcorpora1 there have been tons of basketball movies and scenes in tv shows that were horrible and they were from people who actually played basketball. She never played a day in her life and made it look like she grew up playing. Acting or not sir she most definitely made it believable.

@kcorpora1 2 жыл бұрын

@@2ucebetta never said she did not. did you read such?

@philliprobinson-muhammad2034 2 жыл бұрын

I still say that the most powerful scene I the movie was when my bro knocked on Monica's window and she let him in and gave him a pillow and blanket and he went to sleep on the floor. That's a powerful bond that was shown in the scene .

@domtee 2 жыл бұрын

This was a great interview. I love the way Sanaa’s vulnerability came through. What a talent & she seems so sincere. That movie was made for her and Omar . Nobody else could have done it better! It’s a classic!!!

@chynabarnescb 2 жыл бұрын

This girl was made for this role… she was Phenomenal

@ltgshyne 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing interview! I am a big fan of Sanaa, and Love & Basketball is one of my all time favorite movies. It was really cool to hear the backstory on the process she went through to get the role. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

@ItsJemeleHill 2 жыл бұрын

We're so glad you enjoyed it!

@jeanettecrosier8893 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! These ladies are Amazing. I agree. Love and Basketball is one of my favorite movies. Much success ladies.💕

@phyllislawson3294 2 жыл бұрын

She has become Spiritual!

@ForeverDrunkckoi 2 жыл бұрын

This movie literally made her well made her bigger for more and more

@Pushin2thelimit 2 жыл бұрын

I LOVE Sanaa as an actress. Love and Basketball is definitely one of my absolute favorite movies!! When it 1st came out on DVD, I watched it 3x per week for a month and then a few times a month for another few months.

@sheliaroberson3799 2 жыл бұрын

I never would have guessed she never played. I love her name and she is so talented.

@fredajohnson506 2 жыл бұрын

Amen because she was determine

@umiiyabode 2 жыл бұрын

I just watched Love & Basketball last week, for the upteenth time! I LOVE this movie!

@weekendgrl 2 жыл бұрын

Shoutout to Colleen Matsuhara, former head coach at UC Irvine for working with Sanaa and teaching her the game of basketball. Was a fun time and great movie. I had a couple of former players in the movie so it was great to see them both on the big screen.

@crystaldevore9676 2 жыл бұрын

Love & Basketball is a classic African American movie. One of my all-time top favorites. Sanaa and Omar have a perfect vibe that I cannot see anyone else in the roles they play. Sanaa was looked awesome in basketball scenes, so kudos to her acting abilities!!!@

@JazWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

This role of Monica was so monumental to me. She committed to it and it showed. It redefined how I saw black women in film as it gave a unique angle on what women go through. It was the nuances in her acting. Her expressions. Her ticks. It literally made her pop off the scene. And mad her human. Definitely a movie I will never forget

@tye958 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sanaa for understanding basketball 🏀 is a Art... much respect for many skills not putting down others 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

@mylifesamilly 2 жыл бұрын

This interview is everything. I wouldn’t have guessed she had just started playing basketball. I’m glad she got the role because it was definitely a role meant for her. She gave so many gems that can be used in anything in life. It was always something about the actresses in the 80s,90s and early 2000. They gave a unique feel to movies which is the reason why most people still look at their older and current movies. Movies don’t really have that feeling now. We definitely need to be our own (black) support system. If we’re not going to have each other’s back then who will.

@kenniquaj 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview! So interesting. I definitely thought Sannah was a natural ball player lol. Love & Basketball is a classic!!!

@killuciferalmighty7956 2 жыл бұрын

If you thought that then you are definitely not a hooper nor do you watch hoops

@icandytv4169 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa ate Love & Basketball & I love the confidence she brings to every role ! 💕

@daviddunson5522 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa look like she rolling a blunt😂😂😂😂sorry I had to add that! Classy interview

@normabarros3124 2 жыл бұрын

I love this movie, it's so much chemistry , thank God she didn't give up on this role, what a lesson to learn when you just enjoy whatever your doing letting go of the rejection stress

@asiablackgrl6482 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview! Jemele, don’t overwork yourself, hun. It’s okay to take breaks.

@directorytaliwag4100 2 жыл бұрын

Love Sanaa’s spirit, intellect, personality. Love her Dad, too. Jemele is always 🔥🔥🔥

@mabelntefre4321 2 жыл бұрын

Love and basketball was one of my favorite movie back in late 90's

@brittanyjackson6432 Жыл бұрын

This is soo good. Especially the part about how to mentally deal with rejection and see things properly. Thankful for this message today!

@henbyrd4516 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. We Love listening to this interview

@empirecleanteamllc8175 2 жыл бұрын

Omg!!! So Amazing to to see you continue doing your thing!!! Great interview

@miamikc7519 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview! She allowed Sanaa do the talking and didn't talk over her , love it

@ashockablack1670 2 жыл бұрын

GREAT JOB WITH YOUR INTERVIEWS!!!!

@msjay025 2 жыл бұрын

I still watch Love and Basketball ball, Sanaa great job, you truly made us believe.

@dominicpatrick7550 2 жыл бұрын

I am so glad for this interview - I am a creator and content strategist and this advice about surviving the rejection - encouraged my heart - those who of us who are creative gifted artist are blessed to have an opportunity to do what we love... what God has 4 me is 4 me!

@starchild5009 2 жыл бұрын

She is a BELIEVABLE actress. I loved the movie because of the acting not the basketball skill:)

@dsmooth9702 2 жыл бұрын

Keep doing your thing Jemele you're the real MVP 👌🏾

@ericrobinson1789 2 жыл бұрын

I really like this interview. Great job Jemele. 👍

@SuperGman2011 2 жыл бұрын

Watching this interview just truly made me realize how much more important it is for the ladies to have podcast space for them! Jemele………I definitely think you are the woman for the job! Great stuff 🙏🏾

@shermanhaymon7702 2 жыл бұрын

I loved her and Omar in the movie I watched the move at least 30 times

@Bn99757 2 жыл бұрын

She’s amazing and beautiful and also well mannered person

@kevinshaw8507 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview!

@soniaspencer9337 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa this was one of my favorite favorite move💕 you did an amazing job!!!

@deidrafryer6630 2 жыл бұрын

Still love Sanaa Lathan , wrote her first IMDB bio back in the day just respected the talent and wanted everyone to know that she was not just beautiful but awesomely a gifted creative. I have been a fan for more than 20 years always ready to support her work. I love how she and her fellow contemporary Black actresses collaborate and go hard for each other. ❤️

@jeanettecrosier8893 2 жыл бұрын

Well said‼️🏆🌟💯

@gigijerrie322 Жыл бұрын

Sanaa and Omar Epps was excellent..... the chemistry was magnificent.....one of my favorite movies....🥰❤ it...

@DeCurtaRican 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa: “You can’t learn piano in a couple of months.” Me: …Learned piano in a couple of months…😆

@02WIFE 2 жыл бұрын

It's easier to pretend to play the piano than to pretend playing basketball. Jamie Foxx was a great musician and singer so his role in Ray was a natural. How good were you in a couple months. Btw I have been playing keyboard and organ for 30 years

@bwcarter921 2 жыл бұрын

God gave you a gift in learning

@GodsChosenMekAmoR 2 жыл бұрын

Gifted

@MrDarksprayer 2 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite movies of all time. I'm glad she stuck with it

@veeisher 2 жыл бұрын

I didn know you had a channel Jemele. Imma always rock witchu since ESPN!!! ✊🏽💯💪🏽❤️🙌🏽

@dorothykennady Жыл бұрын

Great, great movie, I still look for and follow all of these actors to this day. Thank you for this interview, wonderful.

@NahkymaGraham 2 жыл бұрын

Needed this today!! Thanks Sanaa, I’m going to keep going with a knew perspective.

@NeicyD14 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome interview 👏 I can't imagine anyone else playing the role of Monica. Sanaa nailed it. This is one of my favorite movies.

@me21464 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, Omar Epps would have probably left the movie if Sanaa hadn’t stayed!!

@reggionaanderson5792 2 жыл бұрын

Fun fact : my mom Lori Pawinski was the woman who worked on set yo help teach her how to play basketball for the movie 💛☺️

@starrknight8353 2 жыл бұрын

Coach Pawinski was my coach at St. Bernards High!!! I hope that she's doing well. 💜💜💜

@reggionaanderson5792 2 жыл бұрын

I will pass on the message ❤️

@Realness4sho 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful Ladies💯 Outstanding interview my darlings. ✅🌺🌺

@robertlascelle1602 Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to a part 2

@SS-qs3ml Жыл бұрын

Fantastic clip! Love both of them.

@esmeraldagarcia2848 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa is sooo beautiful! Love her movies. My favs are the family that prays, something new and Alien vs predator 🙂

@bsweat9230 2 жыл бұрын

Ooh! You do interview! I subbed today, you rock!

@anthonyspiller2891 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding interview

@createdsoicancomment2833 2 жыл бұрын

Great actress, great interview and great show. I love the fact that Love & Basketball was a love story that took us beyond the hood.

@Chris-ir8yy 2 жыл бұрын

My God...Beauty is her name. I hope I get to meet her some day. Jemele as well. Keep it up. Black is beautiful.

@cashoutsteve2495 2 жыл бұрын

Well factually said!

@annepaul5737 2 жыл бұрын

So crazy because this is still my favorite movie

@authorandrejerry2896 2 жыл бұрын

She should play Ashanti in her biopic.

@jenisarchibald4198 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve probably watched that movie about 50 times. I used to have it on DVD, I’ve had in on a flash and it’s always on my pc. Never gets old. Just love love love that movie.

@worldofharold 2 жыл бұрын

I loved this interview. And Jemele's preamble about hygiene was poignant, funny and necessary (Gotta listen to the whole podcast on Spotify for that :) )

@CitizenoftheWorld1 2 жыл бұрын

My ex claimed her fav romantic film was The Notebook. I showed her Love & Basketball and she fell in love with it despite not being a fan of basketball. I'm impressed that Sanaa was not a baller, she fooled me

@desireetownsend8194 2 жыл бұрын

I Love ❤️ this interview with Sanaa very good 👍. Love and Basketball 🏀 is one of my favorite movies. I ❤️ Love Out of Time also. Keep up the good work !! You are AMAZING 🤩!!!!

@saturnteatree 2 жыл бұрын

I luv this interview 🤍

@asavagehandproductions186 Жыл бұрын

Good interview

@22221mm 2 жыл бұрын

Jemele has great questions!

@losganns3674 2 жыл бұрын

That's crazy because I remember her follow through was so dam smooth on her jumper. Hell I actually believed she could hoop

@Lovenik77 2 жыл бұрын

Good, healthy, insightful conversation!

@daniellesimone02 2 жыл бұрын

Great life lessons in this interview, she said some powerful things that can be applied to anyone. What’s for you is for you ‼️ so I let it be what it’s gonnah be. Thank you Sanaa for your words because I needed them today. It’s no coincidence this was suggested for me to watch!

@antoniowoodard3949 2 жыл бұрын

SAME!!!!

@adrianborden1546 2 жыл бұрын

Enlightening!

@tallyfeaturinggranny8511 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate her transparency I will share this with my daughter.

@madblackjamacan9316 2 жыл бұрын

That’s was a very gracious comment about her friends ❤

@tiffanifloyd1552 Жыл бұрын

One of my absolute faves!!

@traceylennon1204 2 жыл бұрын

"Develop a philosophy"...Profound!!

@sbs2089 2 жыл бұрын

I love this!

@badaboone1268 2 жыл бұрын

Love Ms. Sanaa Latham, love Ms. Jemele Hill and loved this bit of the conversation. Jewels for any industry, I was sleep on this podcast…not no mo !!

@yvetterodriguez9411 3 ай бұрын

8:45. Thank you. So true and honest. Beautiful Sanaa. Keep shining Queen.

@gotalotta28 2 жыл бұрын

Still gorgeous the both of you. Ms. Hill I miss his & hers so much. You are the queen of the interview. Absolute professional.

@loron99 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview Sanaa is a very beautiful and talented woman

@GracefullySo 2 жыл бұрын

I just re-watched Disappearing Acts the other day. I love Sanaa.

@gpleeser5832 2 жыл бұрын

I forgot how much I love Sanaa Lathan's vibe...Shot right back up to my top 5

@Rook20 2 жыл бұрын

1 year ago my wife and I named our daughter after this beautiful woman. Sanaa.

@kimberlysmith8671 2 жыл бұрын

That is my favorite movie I am so glad you got to play that part you're acting is why I love that movie

@CopperCulture 2 жыл бұрын

As an actor, I love hearing other actors stories of their beginnings because we don’t hear them enough.

@CarlaMills 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa is an Amazing actress and this interview is Great also👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

@bestbetdan 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if she has any footage from the training that would be dope to see!

@drew2nice83 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview especially to hear about her bond with some of my favorite black actresses. She did great in the basketball scenes considering. They should of got Omar a basketball coach too but they both really gave good performances for L&B.

@LovingLife391 Жыл бұрын

I needed this! God speaks through people and i needed it.. when she said she said she had to give it to God and allow him to decide what roles were for her

@cguevara671 2 жыл бұрын

Gina’s first movie and Sanaa’s first time bouncing a basketball and it goes on to be one of the greatest basketball movies of all time? Damn!

@Jewn8ug 2 жыл бұрын

Seen Love & Basketball once when it first came out…….My favorites….I rarely watch again so it can be brand new again once I ever watch.

@jennifermarieakajmarie8992 2 жыл бұрын

Omg I love this!!! That’s my movie!!!!

@fayeburton650 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa is beautiful and extremely talented actress.

@ericmcmillan2831 2 жыл бұрын

Sanaa killed this role. Great acting.

@alfredmccoy5182 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome story. And great movie as well One of my favorite movies!!!

@levil4012 2 жыл бұрын

It's really shameful what Hollyweird THINKS it's beautiful, Sanaa, Nia, Gabrielle and many other beautiful black actresses should be in just as many(if not more) movies in starring roles..