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The Evolution of Gabrielle Union

Here are the best moments and roles from the career of the always-entertaining actress/activist.

It feels like Gabrielle Union has been a part of our lives foreverโ€”and honestly, she kind of has. Weโ€™ve watched her grow from TV guest appearances as the best friend and girlfriend into a bonafide movie star. Nowadays, we know her as an actress/producer/activist, so hereโ€™s a handy timeline of how we got here. With both The Inspection and Strange World set to hit theaters in November, itโ€™s the perfect time to take a look at the evolution of Gabrielle Union.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

1997: Sister, Sister

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHrd5UQyiMU

If you were a young Black actor, the list of shows you had to appear on included Family Matters, Moesha, Smart Guy and Sister, Sister.

1999: 10 Things I Hate About You

Screenshot: Entertainment Tonight

And of course, Union did her time as the โ€œBlack friendโ€ in teen movies like Sheโ€™s All That and this cult classic Julia Stiles/Heath Ledger rom-com.

2000: Bring It On

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ9RbgMGcYA

Though Black audiences already knew who Gabrielle Union was, her mainstream breakthrough came in the teen cheerleader comedy as the captain of the real champions, the Clovers.

2003: Deliver Us From Eva

Screenshot: Rotten Tomatoes

Do I have problems with how Eva was deceived and manipulated? Yes, absolutely. However, that doesnโ€™t mean Union isnโ€™t great as she makes the transition to lead actress.

2003: Bad Boys II

Screenshot: Bad Boys II

Yes, the Bad Boys movies are all about Will and Martin, but letโ€™s be honest: Syd is the real star of this one. I wish LAโ€™s Finest, the spinoff centered on her character, was given more time to grow. If you missed the two-season TV series, you can catch it on Netflix.

2007: Daddyโ€™s Little Girls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwUEvkBBn2I

The obligatory Tyler Perry film. At least she got to star opposite Idris Elba.

2013: Being Mary Jane

Photo: BET

As the star and executive producer of BETโ€™s critically-acclaimed drama, the actress cemented her status as a boss and officially began her world takeover.

2014: Marriage to Dwyane Wade

Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff

Union and NBA star Dwyane Wade have been very open about being equals in their relationship, inspiring #BlackLoveGoals in the whole community. Their unwavering support of their children makes them role models for how to guide and respect your kids.

2016: Almost Christmas

Screenshot: Universal Pictures

While A Christmas Story and Elf are considered modern holiday classics for some audiences, the star-studded Almost Christmas is on the list for Black families.

2019: Americaโ€™s Got Talent

Screenshot: Talent Recap

Our excitement over the extraordinary star joining the showโ€™s judging panel and adding a much-needed new perspective was quickly tempered by her exit and legal battle with the producers. Itโ€™s yet another example of how Black women are punished when they speak out and protect others.

2022: Cheaper by the Dozen, Disney controversy

Photo: Merrick Morton

Just as the star/executive producer was making the rounds to promote her remake of the family film, Disney CEO Bob Chapek caused a PR nightmare with his lack of criticism for Floridaโ€™s โ€œDonโ€™t Say Gayโ€ bill. Union, who is the stepmother to a transgender daughter, didnโ€™t hesitate to call out the entertainment giant for not supporting the LGBTQ+ community, showing that she puts morals above money.

2022: The Inspection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSeprzQM6gk

The Think Like a Man actress is receiving awards buzz for her role as a disappointed mother in this emotionally gripping drama.

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