Tracee Ellis Ross is reflecting on the lack of mainstream recognition “Girlfriends” received despite its popularity.
The actress recalled being turned down by “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and questioned whether racism contributed to the way she and her costars were treated by the entertainment industry.
Tracee discussed her experience during an appearance on Trevor Noah’s “What Now?” podcast.
“No talk shows. No ‘Tonight Show,’ no David Letterman, no Emmys,” Tracee said.
The actress starred as lawyer Joan Clayton on “Girlfriends” alongside Golden Brooks, Persia White and Jill Marie Jones.
The Mara Brock Akil-created sitcom followed four Black women navigating friendships, relationships and careers in Los Angeles. It aired for eight seasons from 2000 until 2008.
Despite the show’s longevity and loyal audience, Tracee said its stars were largely excluded from major promotional opportunities.
Tracee Ellis Ross Recalls Jay Leno’s Reported Response
On the podcast episode, Tracee remembered her representatives attempting to secure an appearance on Jay Leno’s late-night program.
According to the actress, the response was, “We love Tracee. Call us when she gets something.”
Tracee was confused by the comment because she was already starring in a successful television series. “I remember thinking, ‘Get what? What else do you have to get?’” she said.
The actress said the response made her feel that her work on “Girlfriends” was not considered significant by mainstream entertainment decision-makers.
She Questioned Whether Racism Played a Role
Tracee’s confusion increased when she saw actors from shows with smaller audiences receiving late-night invitations.
She specifically remembered seeing Tony Shalhoub promoting “Monk” on Leno’s program.
“That show had a quarter of our viewership,” Tracee claimed. “I remember seeing him on the show, and I was so confused,” she continued. “I was like, ‘I don’t understand. Is it viewership?’”
Tracee then questioned whether race explained the different treatment.
“The only thing you can boil it down to, you’re like, ‘Is it just racism?’” she said. “I’m not sure how you categorize it.”
‘Girlfriends’ Received Limited Awards Recognition
“Girlfriends” received 29 NAACP Image Award nominations during its run.
The sitcom earned one Emmy nomination for outstanding cinematography for a multi-camera series, but its principal cast members were not nominated for their performances.
Tracee said she did not attend the Emmys until her later sitcom, “Black-ish,” began receiving nominations.
However, she credited “Girlfriends” with giving her invaluable experience as a performer.
“I became a seasoned actress,” Tracee said. “I had an opportunity to do 173 episodes of a show. It’s no joke.”
‘Black-ish’ Changed Her Career
Tracee later starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on “Black-ish” for eight seasons.
The performance earned her five Primetime Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award. Tracee previously explained that winning the Golden Globe changed how the entertainment industry perceived and compensated her.
She has since expanded her career through film, theater, television production and her travel series, “Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross.”
Although “Girlfriends” has received greater appreciation in the years since it ended, Tracee’s experience illustrates how a popular series centered on Black women could still be excluded from mainstream Hollywood institutions.
