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In this episode, Eric sits down with actress, filmmaker & artist Angela Robinson Witherspoon. They discuss her early exposure to art and her experience of living in the Netherlands as young girl. How she followed her heart to live a life in the arts. Studying art, taking jobs where she used her artistic abilities, being a model in New York City, to studying acting. How she broke into the entertainment industry and has since cultivated such a long-lasting career as an actress in Hollywood! She reflects on her beautiful marriage to the late celebrated comedian John Witherspoon and the life they built together… including their two talented sons, their art collection, owning an art gallery and being patrons of the arts. How she continues to make art herself and has evolved into a filmmaker. They discuss her full-length documentary about artist Betye Saar and her passion to make more films that shed light on African American artists. Her exciting travels, philanthropic initiatives and mission of continuing to honor John Witherspoon’s legacy through their foundation..!
Guest Bio: Angela Robinson Witherspoon started her acting journey when she was cast in her first speaking role opposite Eddie Murphy in "48 Hours," by producer Joel Silver. Walter Hill was the director and he subsequently cast Angela in another movie, "Crossroads", opposite Ralph Macchio. In 1983, she traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico where she spent five weeks filming "Jungle Warriors" for German director, Ernst R. Von Theumer. She did all her own stunts and had the pleasure of working with Dennis Hopper and firing an AK-47.
In 1985, she traveled to the Cannes Film Festival and had dinner with director Howard Avedis, who later cast her in "Kidnapped," a Warner Bros. film starring David Naughton, where she would meet her future husband, John Witherspoon. Angela continued to work in film and television in "Ugly Betty", "Joan of Arcadia", "Soul Plane", "The Wayans Bros.", "L.A. Law", "Criminal Minds," "My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," "Black Jesus," and a starring role in "The Moment After."
She later married legendary comedic actor John Witherspoon on June 27, 1988 and they had two children together. Her husband passed away on October 29, 2019, aged 77.
In 2013, she directed her first short film, "Last Call". Soon after, she produced and directed a short documentary on artist Betye Saar. She then wrote and directed the short silent film "Sunset & Neverland." She also produced and directed "Wish Me Luck." Angela's first documentary was well received in 2017. In 2021, she looks forward to releasing a full-length documentary about artist Betye Saar, which she is producing and directing. She is currently working with young talent such as Juhahn Jones, Maia Modeste and director Abdul Malik Abbott.
Angela is a dynamic force and devoted patron of the arts and avid supporter of artists through The Angela and John Witherspoon Family Foundation; who’s mission is to help artists in their time of need.
About Eric's Perspective: A podcast series on African American art with Eric Hanks — African American art specialist, owner of the renowned M. Hanks Gallery and commissioner on the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; offers his perspective on African American art through in-depth conversations with fellow art enthusiasts where they discuss the past, present & future of African American art.
For more on Eric's Perspective, visit www.ericsperspective.com
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