In the season finale of Legacy Talk, Lena sits down with the incomparable Phylicia Rashad live from Tribeca X. From The Wiz to The Cosby Show, A Raisin in the Sun, Creed, and Purpose, Phylicia's career has embodied grace, depth, and quiet power. She reflects on freedom, family, and the generations of women who shaped her and showed love for their community, sharing how true artistry means exploring the full range of the human experience. A conversation as luminous, soulful, and eternal as Phylicia herself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Bill Duke
Lena sits down with visionary actor and director Bill Duke. From his first role in Car Wash to American Gigolo and Menace II Society, to directing Sister Act II and Dark Girls, Duke’s work has left an unforgettable mark on film and culture. He opens up about his journey from theater to Hollywood, paying it forward to mentor rising talent like Taraji P. Henson, and the power of telling our stories with truth and dignity. A conversation as rich, timeless, and enduring as his legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Kym Whitley
This week on Legacy Talk, Lena sits down with comedy powerhouse Kym Whitley. From The Sinbad Show and Martin to Next Friday, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Master of None, Kym has built a career on fearless humor and unforgettable characters. She opens up about pushing past fear, embracing her softer side, and finding freedom in comedy—reminding us why she’s one of the culture’s most essential voices. Just like Kym herself, her story is equal parts hilarious, vulnerable, and inspiring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Lela Rochon
This week, Lena dives into the remarkable journey of Lela Rochon – the unforgettable actress who gave us range and beauty in culture's most memorable films. Lela shares how she was handpicked by Eddie Murphy to play “Sunshine” in Harlem Nights, breathed life into Robin in Waiting to Exhale, and showcased her depth in Oliver Stone’s Any Given Sunday. Ambitious, hungry, and determined to be more than just “the pretty girl,” Lela pushed herself in every role, building characters holistically and intentionally, and showing Hollywood she had both the beauty and the talent to back it up. Lena reminds us why Lela Rochon remains undeniable – a true staple in Black culture whose performances continue to live on today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Cree Summer
This week, Lena talks to Cree Summer - the beautiful face behind film and TV roles like Freddie Brooks on A Different World, but also the golden voice behind hundreds of animated characters, from Penny on Inspector Gadget to Susie Carmichael on Rugrats. Cree tells Lena about how she overcame the stigma of voice acting to get cast in onscreen roles, the excitement of guest starring on iconic TV shows like Living Single and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, voicing the first Black Disney princess in Atlantis: The Lost Empire -- and agreeing on the one woman in Hollywood they'd do anything for. Cree is beloved in Hollywood, and beloved by Lena -- and you'll fall in love with her too after hearing this conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe is a love letter to Black storytellers in entertainment. Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, and producer Lena Waithe sits down with trailblazers like Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Ava DuVernay and more to discuss their creative process, their journey, and how they became the incredible people they are today. Legacy Talk is more than just a series of interviews; it’s a documentation of the stories and experiences of artists who shifted narratives, broken barriers, and inspired a generation.Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe, from Hillman Grad and Lemonada Media, is available on all platforms. And if you want to see all the magic unfold, catch the full episodes on YouTube.