(WASHINGTON, DC) – MONARCH MAGAZINE’S Special Edition takes a look at the beautiful and talented Salli Richardson-Whitfield, a Hollywood veteran whose acting career began as a teenager. Now, Salli has found a passion and appreciation for managing the business and creative content process as a director and producer. Over the past decade behind the camera, Salli’s television credits include popular titles such as Queen Sugar, The Chi, American Gods, Luke Cage, and most recently, HBO’s The Gilded Age and Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty. In the cover story “Welcome to the Season of Salli,” Monarch talks to the industry maven about her leap of faith Hollywood start, future acting career plans, most significant career move to directing/producing, latest HBO projects, her biggest motivation…and what’s next.
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Pictured: Salli Richard-Whitfield and Will Walters (Diana Ragland)
“Salli Richardson-Whitfield graced our cover at the stunning Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills,” said Will Walters CEO of Monarch Magazine. “She is a triple threat…smart, talented, and beautiful. It’s no wonder she has begun taking over every aspect of Hollywood.”
Here are a few facts Salli tells Monarch:
HOW SALLI GOT TO HOLLYWOOD: “…I saved up my money, jumped in the car at 24, and drove to L.A….”
GOING FROM ACTING TO DIRECTING & PRODUCING: “I was the lead in Ava DuVernay’s first movie, and she had only done documentaries at the time. I probably put my little two cents in too many times, but at some point, she said to me, ‘I think you’re a director, and you don’t know it.’ There was just something about her saying that and then watching her doing it…So from there, I got a bunch of books, and Ava gave me a bunch of tapes. And I started shadowing some directors that I liked….”
ON ACTING AGAIN: “…of course, I would love to act again. It’s funny. It feels like it’s been so long; it makes me nervous to think about it. But right now, obviously, I just don’t have the time. I’ve been so focused on my directing and producing, but I know that eventually, there will be something. There will be something special. The right person will come to me. Cause right now, it really would have to be about something that was just great and challenging.”
WHAT INTRIGUED YOU ABOUT HBO’S THE GILDED AGE: “I love period pieces. I think that people didn’t expect Black audiences to be that into it, and we are. I run into so many people, so many Black women who are like, ‘Oh my god, I love this world.’ And now they’ve added this Black storyline of the Black elite. I love exploring worlds where we live and breathe in an authentic manner. And I think that’s why people love it so much. Because it was done in a way that every different kind of audience is going, ‘Oh, I learned something, and I was entertained.’”
In addition, MONARCH’s Special Edition package print + digital package also spotlights media icon Cathy Hughes’ incredible Caribbean milestone birthday celebrity bash fit for the queen she is.
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Pictured: Terry Lewis, Cathy Hughes, Jimmy Jam at Cathy Hughes’ 75th Birthday Bash (Diane Ragland)
“Ms. Cathy Hughes is one of my role models and mentors in media. Attending her 75th birthday in the Caribbean was incredible. And I can’t wait for readers to get the Monarch Back-Stage Pass All-Access look at her all-star celebration,” Will continued.
Also, check out Monarch’s delicious gourmet recipes, luxe fashion designs, dress how to’s, and premium spirits features, including:
Go Green: Recipes From Vegan Celebrity Chef Cynthia Pean That Are Healthy, Fresh, Bright & Flavorful Using Standout Herbs Like Basil, Thyme, & Cilantro.
Designer Billy Reid: A Lifestyle Customized For Those Who Enjoy Luxury That’s Built to Last.
Dress Codes: The Shirt Formally Known as Prints & the Next Generation Seersucker Suit.
Whiskey Business: Gordon & MacPhail has the Oldest Scotch in the World.
MONARCH’s 2022 Special Edition issue is on newsstands now. For more on the latest issue, visit MonarchMagazine.com.
