Tika Sumpter has good reason to smile. Her soapy nighttime delight, The Have and the Have Nots, was just renewed for a fourth season on OWN. Not to mention that it ranked as cable TV’s second highest-rated show last week, according to zap2it.com. (It was bested by BET’s Being Mary Jane.) This means Miss Tee will continue to bring the drama as the saucy/crafty Candace Young, no relation to me, of course! I spoke with the New York native about seeing Oprah on set for the first time, being spotted while filming in Atlanta, being comfortable in her own skin and why its necessary to protect her soul in Hollywood.
On auditioning to be Candace Young on The Haves & The Have Nots
I put myself on tape because they wanted to see me in this role. One day I’ll release it, maybe… I made sure I looked fabulous and wore red lipstick…and served confidence and set a sensual vibe. Tyler texted me and said, “I just saw your audition tape and I love it. I’m sending it to Oprah.” She loved it and I was on cloud 20.
On seeing Mother Oprah on set for the first time…
I was a little nervous and it was a long scene. But then I just blocked it out and did my thing, but I could hear her squealing. She said, “You are so Yummy, Tika. Yummy!” I thanked her. What do you when Oprah says stuff like that? It’s like the ultimate compliment!
On the ultimate acting goal…
You know those Jason Strayham movies? I wanna kick some butt. I think he needs a girl version of him. I wanna do a movie with him. I want to be a bad*s chick who’s fighting—obviously for good.
On being spotted while out and about ATL…
It’s exciting that people are routing for you and excited about the show. If I look crazy, I just say remember this moment. Gimme a hug and capture that. Keep that in your memory box.
On loving who she is…
I love how confident I am in my own skin. I love me. I’m not gonna allow anyone to deny me, put me down over their issues… When you are comfortable with yourself that comes out in so many different ways. I’m feeling myself and it’s okay. I’m getting my grown woman on.
On her best facial feature…
My smile and eyes. I like the shape of my eyes. A smile invites all the goodness in the world. Your smile or excitement to see somebody just changes [someone’s] whole day.
On the ugly side of fame…
If you don’t have self-esteem and you have insecurities this business preys on that it, and it will rip you apart. Say you go into an audition, sometimes you’re not something enough for them. Maybe you’re not dark enough. Maybe you’re not light enough. Maybe your hair is not the right thing. If you take those outward criticisms personally, you’ll have issues… Those things will rip you inside if your soul isn’t whole.
