Tika Sumpter has been gaining an ever-growing momentum in Hollywood, having had major roles on hit TV shows One Life to Live, Gossip Girl and The Game, and in movies including Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming and blockbuster Think Like a Man.
Her latest role introduces a new generation to Sparkle, a cult classic many in urban communities grew up knowing about or watching. The film, to be released Aug. 17, centers around a young girl group’s rise to fame, their family struggles, the group’s ultimate demise, and one member’s final time to shine as a star of her own.
BlackEnterprise.com caught up with Sumpter about taking on new challenges with the role, exposing the world to hidden talents and positioning herself for more success in the arts:
BlackEnterprise.com: You play Deloris “Dee” Williams, the feisty, smart sister. Where did you draw influences to play that character?
Sumpter: It was a great script. I’m glad they expanded upon her role. I guess I drew from different people in my life who embody strength and intelligence: my mom, women in my family. I thought it important for the role to come across as Dee is like her mother: strong and protective. She’ll say truths that others are afraid to say. I love that about the role.
Sparkle is such a cult classic. How do you think the cast was able to bring a new freshness to it while still doing the legacy justice?
We brought the essence of original but filled in a lot of unanswered questions. We want people to relate to the family and people just trying to live life as a family. I think everyone can relate to each person, each character.
You had many scenes with Whitney Houston. What’s your fondest memory of her on set?
Her love … She’s just nurturing and so funny. She took us all under her wing and really
loved on us. She made it quite clear that there were parallels in her life with this story. When she was little she saw this movie a million times. She had the rights for years and was supposed to make it with Aaliyah  [to play Sparkle.] I think it was a dream come true for her and Jordin did a great job! It’s even her first acting gig.You also sing on the soundtrack. What was that experience like and how did you prepare?
It was so fun. I’ve always been around music and have sang most most of my life. I was signed to a record company and mom is opera singer. I sang in the choir and on One Life to Live we had to perform on Broadway cares. Â It can be nerve wracking because you want to do it justice and sing well. The choreography we learned in a little amount of time and it was def. more intense for Jordin and Carmen because they’re more of the forefront. My character was in medical school.
Sparkle has an overwhelming theme of following one’s dreams despite challenges or deterrents. What specific advice would you have for other young actresses that you either got when you started or wish you knew when you got into the biz?
I started from the ground up. I had to just research. I had to read books, and learn where I should take classes. It was trial and error. I went to open calls with a million people. I didn’t come into the industry knowing certain aspects of that process, didn’t know the correct way to dress. I grew up on watching tv, and watching shows helped me to see the look they were going for. My advice: Do your research and know your craft. Take classes. If you want to work and be an artist and actor, practice your craft. Read theater
books, and learn movies. I still have a ton of movies I need to see. Have a point of reference. You’d hate to get your chance meeting with Steven Spielberg and he mentions a classic movie you know nothing about and you’ve missed your moment.Let’s talk Hollywood branding. You’ve had many diverse roles, but people can often typecast soap opera actors or downplay their acting skills. What are your thoughts on that?
I don’t think anybody goes into it saying, “I’m a soap opera actor.” Many big names started on soaps…I mean, huge stars. I would say “Well look at them. Look at their body of work.” You try doing a soap and see how hard it is. I’ve had to learn 40 pages in a day. It’s a great training ground, and I greatly appreciate what the experience allowed. One Life to Live took a girl who was doing commercials and voiceovers to her first real contract role. You can never typecast someone into one scope.