Tracee Ellis Ross says Oprah Winfrey dubbed her the “poster child for singledom” in 2020. In her new Roku series, “Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross,” the “Girlfriends” alum elaborates further on what that title means to her today, as a woman who’s single, childless, and fully in charge of her life… on her terms. Now, she’s calling out the term and setting the record straight.
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The Emmy Award-winning actress doesn’t need permission from anyone to live life to the fullest and enjoy her “own company.” According to her, she’s responsible for her own happiness. “So much of what traveling is about for me, is not waiting for something in order to experience my life,” Ross, 52, stated in her series trailer.
“I think that was why I took my first trip solo. And I know that in some ways — I mean, Oprah said it. She said that I’m the poster child for singledom. I don’t want to be that,” she added. On the other hand, the “black-ish” actress wants to be a representation of one taking life into your own hands, and being confident in who you are.
“I want to be the poster child for being an inhabitant in your own skin,” she continued. “For living in your own skin.”
Winfrey’s comments came during a 2020 Vision Tour Visionaries interview, where she said: “In 2020 – I dunno if you realize this – A lot of single ladies point to you, as an example of what an unmarried woman could and should look like.”
“I imagine that’s not a role you ever thought you’d be playing,” the two laughed, to which Ross replied, “Not at all.”
“In the meantime, I’m choicefully single – happily, gloriously single. And I do wish there were more examples,” Ross said at that time. “So many people have asked, ‘Have you ever thought about having children? My child gave my life meaning.’ I’m like, ‘Are you saying my life isn’t meaningful?’”
See the interview below.
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