Queen Latifah’s Secret TV Beginnings: The Surprising Role That Set the Stage for Her Stardom!

55 years ago today, Dana Elaine Owens was born—though the world knows her better as the iconic Queen Latifah. From her roots as a trailblazing teen rapper in the ’80s to becoming a household name in the entertainment industry, Latifah’s career has spanned genres and platforms, earning her numerous accolades including Emmys, Golden Globes, and even an Oscar nomination. While most associate her with roles in major films like Chicago and Last Holiday or TV staples like The Equalizer, Latifah’s journey to stardom began on the small screen, where she carved out a niche in sitcoms and ensemble comedies.

The Fresh Prince and the Queen

Before the world knew her as a multi-talented actress and singer, Latifah made her first TV appearance in 1990 on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A rising star in the music world, Latifah was already nominated for her first Grammy by 1991, the same year she dove into acting. Her debut on The Fresh Prince came in the form of Marissa Redman, a bold Hollywood actress who hires Hilary Banks (Karyn Parsons) as her assistant and sets her sights on Will (Will Smith). In her second appearance on the show, Latifah took on the role of Dee Dee Williams, a plus-sized girl who shares a romantic connection with Will, prompting a storyline that explored issues of body image and self-acceptance.

Reflecting on her early career in a 2018 interview with People TV, Latifah recalled how Will Smith gave her a significant break, saying, “Will gave me my first job on TV…I had never even acted on anything on television, ever.” She went on to credit director Ellen Falcon, who taught her the ropes and helped her transition from rapper to actress. “I was Queen Latifah the rapper, using whatever high school play skills I had,” she admitted, recalling how Will and his wife, Jada, have supported her career from the beginning.

Living Single…and the City?

In 1993, Queen Latifah landed her first major starring role in Living Single, the groundbreaking Fox ensemble sitcom where she played Khadijah James, an editor and journalist. Set in New York City, the show followed four young, single women navigating careers and relationships, reflecting the challenges and joys of life in their 20s. Alongside stars like Kim Coles, Erika Alexander, and Kim Fields, Latifah helped bring a new perspective to primetime television—one that centered on the lives of young Black women.

The show, which ran for five seasons, remains beloved in syndication and is credited with breaking new ground in television. As Kim Coles remarked in 1993, “Something like this has not been done before.” Latifah echoed this sentiment years later, noting that Living Single was “something that wasn’t on TV.” Even in 2022, Latifah expressed openness to revisiting the show, revealing that the cast remains close, often chatting in a group chat. “I would do anything with the cast of Living Single,” she said.

But the show’s legacy goes beyond its groundbreaking nature—many consider Living Single to have been an uncredited inspiration for HBO’s Sex and the City. Both shows followed a group of single, successful women living in New York City and navigating love and career, with one of the characters being a writer, much like Latifah’s role. While Living Single predates Sex and the City by five years, it’s impossible to ignore the uncanny similarities, and it’s a testament to the show’s lasting impact on pop culture.

A Legacy That Continues to Shine

As Queen Latifah celebrates 55 years of life and an illustrious career, it’s clear that her impact on television and film is undeniable. From a groundbreaking role in Living Single to an inspiring journey that has seen her evolve into an Oscar-nominated actress, Queen Latifah continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a multi-talented entertainer. Her career has not only paved the way for other artists but also opened doors for conversations about representation, body positivity, and the diverse experiences of women in media.

As she moves forward, we can only anticipate even greater things from the Queen herself—on and off the screen.