Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 84 Pam Grier

For Tavis Smiley's seventh season, episode 84, renowned actress Pam Grier takes the hot seat to delve into her life and career. Grier first found fame in the 1970s as the embodiment of the 'Blaxploitation' genre, starring in cult classics such as "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown." She then made a successful transition to television, with memorable roles on "The L Word" and "Smallville," among others.

In this episode, Grier opens up about her upbringing and the challenges she faced on her journey to success. She speaks to Smiley about her early years in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she grew up in a strict household with her mother and grandmother. Despite facing adversity from a young age, Grier was determined to follow her dreams, and she moved to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue a career in acting.

Grier discusses her breakthrough role in "Coffy," which catapulted her to fame as an icon of the Blaxploitation genre. She recounts the challenges she faced on set, including filming her own stunts and navigating the predominantly male crew. Grier also shares her thoughts on how Hollywood has evolved since the 1970s, both in terms of representation and opportunities for actors of color.

Throughout the interview, Grier showcases her wit and humor, speaking with candor and authenticity about the highs and lows of her career. Smiley poses insightful questions about the importance of representation in media, and Grier shares her own experiences with racism both on and off set.

In addition to discussing her past work, Grier also speaks to Smiley about her future projects. She talks about her upcoming memoir, which delves into her life and career in greater depth, as well as her role in the current series "Bless This Mess." Grier reflects on the importance of staying true to oneself as an actor, and how she continues to seek out roles that challenge and excite her.

Overall, Tavis Smiley's seventh season, episode 84, offers an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. Pam Grier's charisma and candidness make for a compelling interview, as she shares insights from her life and career that will resonate with audiences both young and old.