Patti LaBelle Reflects on Her Bond with Queen Latifah: “She Always Called Me ‘Mom’”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
For Patti LaBelle and Queen Latifah, art has always imitated life. The legendary soul singer and the trailblazing rapper-turned-actress forged a connection long before they played mother and daughter on the hit Fox drama Star — a connection LaBelle says is rooted in genuine affection, mutual respect, and years of personal history.
In a 2018 interview with TheGrio, LaBelle shared that her on-screen role as Carlotta, mother to Latifah’s character, came naturally. “Knowing [Queen Latifah] as I do, as a friend, she always would call me ‘mom’ before we did this,” LaBelle said. “So, it was special working with her.”
A Maternal Presence
Their professional pairing on Star was more than just a casting decision — it mirrored their off-screen dynamic. LaBelle revealed she had been a source of comfort for Latifah “back in the day,” long before their collaboration on the show. “I don’t feel as though I’m taking her away from [her] mom. But she looks to me for comfort sometimes,” LaBelle explained.
The timing of that interview gave her words added poignancy. Just two days earlier, Latifah had lost her mother, Rita Owens, to heart failure. LaBelle noted that she and Owens had been “very good friends,” deepening the emotional resonance of her bond with Latifah.
From Music Legends to Screen Partners
LaBelle, whose career spans from her early days with Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles to solo hits like “New Attitude,” and Latifah, a pioneering voice in hip-hop with albums like All Hail the Queen, share more than decades in the spotlight — they share a legacy of breaking barriers for women in entertainment.
When Star premiered in 2016, it offered the perfect platform for their worlds to collide. The show’s narrative of mentorship and perseverance echoed their real-life relationship, with LaBelle’s Carlotta guiding Latifah’s character through personal and professional challenges.
Mutual Respect on and off Stage
Their connection has continued beyond television. In 2022, the two reunited on stage at theGrio Awards for a stirring performance of “Superwoman,” reinforcing their ongoing camaraderie. While neither has spoken extensively about their relationship in recent years, moments like these signal an enduring mutual admiration.
For LaBelle, the bond goes beyond fame and career milestones. It’s about showing up — whether in a TV scene or a personal moment. And for Latifah, who once called LaBelle “mom” before any camera was rolling, it’s clear that the title comes from a place of love, not just a script.
If you’d like, I can also create a sidebar profile pairing LaBelle and Latifah’s career milestones alongside key moments in their friendship, showing how their personal and professional stories have intertwined over time.
