Need a reason to root for the Hollywood actors strike to come to a swift, positive end? How about seeing how much star power graces the new ESSENCE magazine with mounted hype for The Color Purple to hit theaters this winter holiday season.

The Color Purple cast glow up on the ESSENCE cover

From the stunning Taraji P. Henson and media mogul Oprah Winfrey to Fantasia and H.E.R., it’s a must-see type of vibe with the crew gracing the must-see issue.

This is what it looks like when you put sisterhood, talent, and joy in one room! Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks & H.E.R. take center stage as ‘The Color Purple’ cast graces the cover of our November/December issue, shot by Mickalene Thomas.

During our ESSENCE cover shoot, Oprah Winfrey led a discussion about the experience they shared of making the movie. She asked, "what would you say to the women who played your characters in the original 1985 cast of The Color Purple?"

Fantasia: "I would say thank you, Ms. Whoopi Goldberg, for not being afraid to play Celie. For being honest. Thank you for paving the way for girls like myself."

Taraji: "I would say to Margaret Avery: You taught me how to be sexy and how to see myself as a fully realized sexy woman."

H.E.R.: "Ms. Rae Dawn Chong, thank you for giving me an opportunity to show myself. A lot of people know me and my music, but they don’t really know me. They’re getting to see me: Who I am, having fun and feeling empowered."

Danielle: "I just want to thank you, Ms. Oprah, for surrendering to God and his plan for your life. You have shown me how to do that. Thank you for laying the blueprint for Sofia—because I know that she’s changed your life, and I can feel that mine is about to shift, too. Thank you for leaving space for me but also being there, to hold my hand and answer that phone call when I needed you. You have been such a light, such a beautiful soul."

It is awe-inspiring to witness this constellation of stars reflect on their work with such humility and grace. As the women affirm one another, it is clear they have built fortifying -relationships, on set and off.

There’s just something about The Color Purple 💜 Read the full story on #ESSENCE

Disclaimer: We recognize Black creatives are still fighting for their respect and equity; this fight has been displayed through this year’s labor strikes. It is important for us to let our readers know that ESSENCE conducted these interviews and photo shoot for our cover story in May 2023.

Photographer: @mickalenethomas

Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule, a multi-medium artist whose breakout first feature is the highly acclaimed “The Burial of Kojo.”  The film’s all-star producers are Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.

A story of love and resilience, THE COLOR PURPLE is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. 

“The Color Purple” stars Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo (“Euphoria,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Tony Award nominee Corey Hawkins (“Six Degrees of Separation,” “In the Heights”), Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Grammy nominee Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”), Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “Ray”), and Grammy-winning artist Fantasia Barrino in her major motion picture debut.