In this radiant episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams sits down with the one and only Gabourey Sidibe—award-winning actress, director, and mother—to talk about choosing self-worth, navigating colorism, and embracing joy in a world that often tells you you’re not enough. From her unexpected journey into stardom with Precious to raising twins and reclaiming her own story, Gabby opens up with humor, honesty, and an unshakable spirit.
She shares how her mother’s influence, her unconventional path into Hollywood, and her deeply grounded sense of self have kept her centered through fame, criticism, and cultural expectations. This conversation goes beyond celebrity—into what it means to love yourself loudly despite the noise.
Expect laughter, real talk, a few tears, and a reminder that every person deserves good things. Whether you're an artist, a parent, or just someone trying to find peace in your own skin, this episode is for you.
✨ This is Choosing Joy at its most soulful and powerful.
Chapter Markers
00:00 – We All Deserve Good Things
03:00 – Gabby’s Unexpected Journey into Hollywood
06:00 – Spirituality, Serendipity & Precious
09:00 – Gabby’s First Time on Set
12:00 – What Hollywood Really Is 1
5:00 – Colorism, Casting, and Identity
18:00 – Exhaustion, Projection & Protecting Joy
21:00 – Gabby on Self-Love and Her Mother
24:00 – Marriage, Kids & Redefining Want
27:00 – IVF, Motherhood & Living Fully
30:00 – The Power of Storytelling
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