Queen Latifah on Happiness, Health, and Rediscovering Life at 55: ‘This Is Just the Beginning’ (EXCLUSIVE)

For nearly four decades, Queen Latifah has been a beloved figure in entertainment, known for her powerhouse performances and trailblazing presence in music and film. Most recently, she starred as Robyn McCall on the CBS hit The Equalizer, a fierce and compassionate protector of the vulnerable. When the show ended unexpectedly after five seasons earlier this year, Latifah’s response was one of gratitude rather than disappointment.

“My mom always said, ‘When one door closes, another opens,’” Latifah shared in an exclusive interview for the final issue of FIRST for Women magazine. “When something ends, I know a new thing will come.” She also credits her 97-year-old grandmother as a source of inspiration for her optimism: “When you talk to someone who’s lived for almost 100 years and has seen so much—great things and terrible things—and they’re still here, keeping the faith and trusting in God, it’s inspiring. I’m like, ‘I just need to be like Nana.’”

Embracing a New Chapter: Health and Happiness in Your 50s

At 55, Queen Latifah is embracing a powerful message of renewal and self-care. Inspired by her grandmother’s longevity and resilience, she recently teamed up with Novo Nordisk to raise awareness about obesity and cardiovascular health, particularly among women. “Being in your 50s is a rediscovery of life,” she said. “Finally, women have time to reset—and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Latifah’s approach to health is rooted in joy and sustainability. “I like walking, hiking, biking,” she revealed, but emphasized the importance of enjoying your chosen exercise to maintain consistency. “Sometimes I throw some music on at home and just dance for 20 minutes,” she said, highlighting music as her ultimate motivator for movement.

Confidence and Community: Celebrating Life at 55

Latifah is passionate about the strength and confidence women gain in their 50s. “We have to support each other as women. We don’t compliment each other enough, and we should,” she urged. “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.”

She celebrates this decade as a vibrant chapter, saying, “We 50-year-old women are on a fun ride, aren’t we? We are beautiful, we are interesting—and this is just the beginning.”

Words of Wisdom from Family

Latifah also shared simple but profound advice passed down from her mother: “My mom always said, ‘Girl, go to bed. Stop thinking of everything you need to do. Unplug. You can fix it all tomorrow.’ Sometimes it’s about leaning into the simplicity of things and giving your mind some space to relax.”

She carries a mantra given to her by a stranger: a small card with the words “Never give up,” which she keeps in her car and finds meaningful on difficult days. “Positive words are so powerful,” she noted.

Keeping the Faith and Looking for the Light

Despite life’s challenges, Latifah emphasizes faith and hope. “I think I’m in control, but it’s helpful to realize we aren’t. I can only do my part, and that’s it. With the rest, there’s something greater at play,” she reflected. “In dark times, I’m searching for some light—that’s just who I am. You have to remember these things on hard days.”

Fighting for Women’s Health: Life Imitates Art

Echoing her role as a protector on The Equalizer, Latifah is now championing real-world health causes. Partnering with Novo Nordisk, she’s raising awareness about obesity and its connection to cardiovascular disease, which causes nearly 70% of deaths related to obesity.

“That number is too high,” Latifah said. “We need to end the stigma around weight and bring awareness to this disease—we want folks to know it’s manageable. I want to empower people to speak to their healthcare providers—just take that step. Knowledge is power, and we owe this to ourselves.”

Queen Latifah’s inspiring journey reflects a woman who embraces every chapter of life with grace, gratitude, and purpose. At 55, she’s not slowing down—she’s just getting started.