Q&A with the star of “Precious”
Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe

Prior to this film role, Gabourey Sidibe was an unknown --working as a receptionist with no idea that she would soon become an international film star.  What a difference one film role can make.

Transformed into the star of the gripping new film, “Precious,” from filmmaker Lee Daniels, (“The Woodsman’), Gabourey Sidibe may be this year’s Jennifer Hudson and walk away with a golden statuette for her exceptional performance as an illiterate teenage mother, 360 degrees away from her true identity.

I have spent some time with “Gabby” on several occasions talking about this emotionally abundant film and each time; her effervescence prevailed, demonstrating her adaptability and sensibilities for this whirlwind platform that she commands with grace and style.

Talk2SV: I describe this film as today’s “Color Purple.”  Are you familiar with that film?

Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe: Yes, very familiar.  I’ve seen it like thirty-two times and I’ve read the book like eleven times.

Talk2SV: Do you see that comparison as a fitting analogy or parallel to your role in this film?

Gabby: It’s so strange because I’m part of this film that’s not out yet and I think it’s different than ‘The Color Purple.  I have a completely different experience while watching ‘Precious.’  It’s so amazing that people would feel the same way about ‘The Color Purple’ as they feel about ‘Precious’ because I love that movie, I love that movie.  I mean, I have grown up watching it and so it’s such an honor but I certainly have a different perspective watching it.  I mean, for me, nothing is like The Color Purple:  that church scene, just everything, nothing is like it. But, it is an honor to be compared to it. 

Talk2SV:  I see it so fitting, just the evolution of a character whom many had cast away and who woke up to abuse every day and to come to that kind of empowering end.  I saw no other comparison that was suited to “Precious.”  This film has taken you on a whirlwind worldwide tour.  When you get a moment of free time, what do you find yourself doing?

Gabby:  I find myself sitting in bed or on the couch in the living room in pajamas.  Every day that I’m home --and home all day long-- I declare a pajama day, I sit around with my roommates, and we watch Oz.

Talk2SV:  No way. The HBO Oz?

Gabby: Yes. We’re like so lame, we don’t have HBO so we’re just now getting to Oz even though it’s been off the air for like six years or something.  We are on season four so that’s cool and, I order sushi.

Talk2SV:  Where do you call home?

Gabby:  Astoria, New York.  I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Harlem and just moved to Queens.

Talk2SV:  Do you think you’ll stay in New York or the New York area for the next few years?

Gabby:  I hope to.  I really love New York so much; it is all I’ve ever known.  If I move to L.A.,  I’ll have to learn how to drive and that’s going to be weird.  Laughter

Talk2SV:  What would be a lasting statement you want people to remember you by?

Gabby:  I want people to remember me for just being a girl because when it all goes away; I mean, when these lights turn down and these red carpets roll up, I’m still just a girl.  I am a girl who is just trying her best to live life as happily as possible.  I just really want to be happy, comfortable, and aware of myself.  I’m just a girl. 

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