About Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

"Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" is a TV show in the drama genre that premiered in 2020. It tells the inspiring story of Madam C.J. Walker, the African American entrepreneur who became the first female self-made millionaire in America through her hair care business. The show takes viewers on a journey through Madam C.J. Walker's life, from the challenges she faced as a washerwoman to her rise as a successful businesswoman in the early 20th century.

The plot revolves around Madam C.J. Walker (played by Octavia Spencer) as she builds her hair care empire, facing obstacles such as discrimination, betrayal, and personal struggles along the way. The show also explores the relationships between Madam C.J. Walker and her husband, C.J. Walker (played by Blair Underwood), her daughter, Lelia (played by Tiffany Haddish), and her rival, Addie Munroe (played by Carmen Ejogo).

Making / Production

"Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" is based on the book "On Her Own Ground" by A'Lelia Bundles, Madam C.J. Walker's great-great-granddaughter. The show was created by Nicole Asher and executive produced by Octavia Spencer, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Mark Holder.

The production team aimed to accurately portray the life and legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, meticulously researching the historical context and consulting with A'Lelia Bundles. The show beautifully captures the era with its costumes, sets, and attention to detail.

Actors

• Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker: Octavia Spencer delivers a captivating performance as the determined and ambitious Madam C.J. Walker, showcasing the character's resilience and unwavering spirit.
• Blair Underwood as C.J. Walker: Blair Underwood portrays Madam C.J. Walker's supportive husband, who believes in her dreams and stands by her side throughout the challenges they face.
• Tiffany Haddish as Lelia: Tiffany Haddish brings depth to the character of Lelia, Madam C.J. Walker's daughter, as she navigates her own path and struggles with her mother's success.
• Carmen Ejogo as Addie Munroe: Carmen Ejogo portrays Addie Munroe, a successful hair care entrepreneur and Madam C.J. Walker's rival. Her performance showcases the complex dynamics between the two characters.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" is a four-part limited series.
• The show sheds light on the cultural and societal challenges faced by African American women in the early 20th century.
• Madam C.J. Walker's great-great-granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles, served as a consultant for the show to ensure accuracy in depicting her ancestor's life.

Awards

No awards have been won by "Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" at the time of writing.

Quotes

• "I've got the cure for the black woman's hair." - Madam C.J. Walker
• "There's no limit to what we can achieve." - Madam C.J. Walker
• "I'm going to do things my way, even if it means I have to do them alone." - Madam C.J. Walker

Music / Soundtrack

• The soundtrack of "Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" features a mix of period-appropriate music and original score composed by Larry Goldings.
• The music enhances the storytelling and captures the spirit and energy of the time.