Queen Latifah Reflects on Humble Beginnings: First Paycheck Was Just $87 from Burger King
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Before becoming a global icon in music, film, and television, Queen Latifah—born Dana Owens—had modest beginnings flipping burgers at Burger King. The 55-year-old actress and rapper recently revealed that her very first paycheck was a mere $87 from that fast-food job at age 15.
Speaking to First for Women magazine, Queen Latifah shared, “Burger King, at 15 years old: my first check was for 87 bucks.” This candid admission highlights the grounded roots behind the multi-talented star’s extraordinary rise to fame.
Advocating for Women’s Support and Self-Care
Now in her 50s, Latifah has become a vocal advocate for women supporting one another, especially as they embrace maturity. She emphasized to the publication the importance of encouragement among women: “In our 50s, we have to support each other as women. We don’t compliment each other enough, and we should.”
Latifah also celebrated the confidence and comfort that comes with age. “We are more confident in our skin now—more comfortable than we were in our 20s, 30s, and 40s. No one should think life is ‘over’ after a certain age. I still have so many things I want to do! This is the greatest time for women to lock in on their own health—and finally put themselves first.”
A Biopic to Tell Her Own Story
Beyond reflecting on her journey, Queen Latifah is excited to share her life story with the world. In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she revealed that a biopic about her life is in the works. “We’ve been talking about it for a while,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of people tell our stories who weren’t there and really have no idea how much more involved these stories are. It’s important to see how it all happened from people who were actively in the room.”
Her eagerness to authentically portray her experiences underscores her commitment to controlling her narrative and honoring the realities behind her success.
From an $87 paycheck at Burger King to international stardom, Queen Latifah’s story is a testament to perseverance, growth, and the power of uplifting women through every stage of life.
