- [Narrator] Talented, fearless, regal,
and the true personification of Black excellence.
Who knew that this bright-eyed beauty
who played Brenda on "227" would grow up to be
one of our most treasured queens in Black Hollywood.
- I am Regina King and I'm a Black girl that rocks.
(audience cheering) (dynamic music)
- [Narrator] The world first caught a glimpse of Regina King
as a teen actress in the role of Brenda Jenkins
on the popular sitcom "227," back in 1985.
This character set the stage for what would become
a distinguished career in television and film.
No matter how small or large the screen,
Ms. King shows up and delivers.
King's early big screen appearances were directed
by the late great John Singleton,
and have become Black movie classics.
A steady stream of appearances in "Boyz N the Hood,"
"Poetic Justice," and "Higher Learning" in the early '90s
got audiences primed for Regina's bright film future.
Acting alongside Ice Cube, John Witherspoon,
and Chris Tucker in the comedy "Friday" in 1995.
Regina's performance as the wife of football player
Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr.
in the box office powerhouse "Jerry Maguire" followed.
Regina shined in hugely successful films,
including "How Stella Got Her Groove Back"
with Angela Bassett.
- When I met Terry, I'd already read the book,
and she was like, Vanessa, you're Vanessa.
And I was like, yes, I am.
So I was already feeling the character,
you know what I mean?
So it was fun.
I mean, an opportunity to work with Angela and Whoopi,
man, I wouldn't turn, it could've been three lines,
I'da done it.
- [Narrator] The $111.5 million grossing
Will Smith megahit "Enemy of the State."
And in 2004, King was praised for her role
in the biopic "Ray," starring with
Hollywood acting luminaries, Jamie Foxx,
Kerry Washington, Terrance Howard, and Larenz Tate.
"Ray" went on to earn multiple accolades,
including the best picture nomination
in the 77th annual Academy Awards in 2005.
Barry Jenkins' 2018 "If Beale Street Could Talk"
was praised for its direction,
cinematography, musical score, and its cast.
Especially Regina's breathtaking role of Sharon Rivers.
Adapted from the 1974 novel by James Baldwin.
The film received three Golden Globe nominations,
including best supporting actress for King.
Followed by three Academy Award nominations,
with King winning the Oscar for best supporting actress.
- I feel like I've had so many women
that have paved the way, are paving the way.
And I feel like I walk in their light,
and I also am creating my own light.
And there are young women that will walk
in the light that I'm continuing to shine
and expand from those women before me.
I'm blessed and highly favored.
- [Narrator] Winning!
On the small screen, King's TV credits
include countless guest appearances
and a host of notable roles.
Including the voices of brothers Huey and Riley Freeman
in the adult animated series "The Boondocks."
Starring in "American Crime," a TV drama series,
she earned a 2015 primetime Emmy
as a supporting actress in a miniseries or movie.
In 2016, she won a second Emmy for "American Crime,"
winning in the same category.
Adding to her list of Emmy wins, in 2018,
Regina King received the Emmy for outstanding lead actress
in a limited series or movie for her portrayal
of Latrice Butler in Netflix's "Seven Seconds,"
a dramatic series about the tragic death
and attempted coverup of the death of a child.
King's television accolades cannot be touted
without mentioning her more recent and notable roles.
Specifically as Angela Abar,
AKA Sister Night in HBO's "Watchmen,"
for which she took home her fourth Emmy award in 2020
for outstanding lead actress in a limited series or movie.
Regina King's brilliance and talent shine
both in front of and behind the camera.
In 2013, she made her directorial debut
directing the TV movie "Let the Church Say Amen."
She's helmed episodes of numerous TV series,
including "Being Mary Jane," "Scandal,"
"This is Us," and "Insecure."
In 2020, Regina King made her critically praised
feature film debut as director of " One Night in Miami,"
a fictionalized account of a 1964 night
where Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke
celebrate Ali's win over Sonny Liston.
The film's world premiere was at
the 2020 Venice Film Festival,
and was the first film directed by a Black woman
to be selected in the festival's history.
King received numerous awards and nominations,
earning another Golden Globe nomination,
this time as the best director.
As King has continued to grow in the entertainment industry
she's consistently pushed towards equality,
specifically for women.
Regina King made headlines in 2019
during her acceptance speech at the Golden Globe awards
when she vowed to give women in Hollywood
more opportunities by hiring women for her projects.
And also challenged others in all industries to do the same.
Always striving for equality,
Regina King has since revised her commitment
to make it more inclusive of all genders,
noting, she still feels women in positions of power
behind the camera are important.
- I think it's very important for
women of all different backgrounds
to be able to tell stories from their perspective.
That's what makes things unique.
- [Narrator] Regina King is a talented actress, director,
and beautiful soul that we cannot get enough of.
From her regal style to her heart-felt genuine smile.
Her accomplished career on the big screen
and behind the camera has made her Black Hollywood royalty.
Give flowers to Regina every single time
she graces our screens.
(dynamic music)