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Tiffany Haddish's latest lead role is that of Tuca on animated TV series Tuca & Bertie - a show by women, for women.
Even with Netflix's praiseworthy Strong Black Lead project, there are still very few animation titles with women leads and even fewer with a woman showrunner. However, Tuca & Bertie has both and this is something even Netflix considers to be a "BIG deal".
This animated series has been described as "BoJack Horseman meets Broad City," where sensitive themes including substance abuse - Tiffany reveals that Tuca has a drinking problem, relationships, anxiety, gender dynamics in the workplace and sexual harassment are addressed in a thoughtful and sophisticated manner.
According to Netflix, Tuca and Bertie are the "birds next door" because the show explores many relatable themes about being a woman in the world in a surprising, surreal and feel-good way.
So who better than the two powerhouse comediennes Ali Wong and Tiffany Haddish - who are both celebrated for their candour and chutzpah - to voice Tuca (Tiffany) and Bertie (Ali)? Tiffany was not shy to express that she "just loved" working with Ali whom she says she's known for years.
READ MORE: 'She's Gotta Have It' star DeWanda Wise says portrayals of black women who explore sexuality on their own terms are important
W24 recently got an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with this admirable comedy star, whose humour was something she employed to cope with her tumultuous childhood, but has since made her one of the most relatable Hollywood personalities since her breakout role in 2017 blockbuster Girls Trip.
READ MORE: Why women of colour need more films like Girls Trip
And if you watched this movie, you also wouldn't have resisted the urge to ask if Tuca also has any grapefruit tricks up her sleeve - a question Tiffany laughed heartily at before exclaiming that Tuca doesn't, but she (Tiffany) certainly has "some new moves that she learnt in her 30s".
But beyond grapefruit tips and tricks, this is what we learnt about the woman and voice behind Tuca's character:
What's the thing you value most about creating content, primarily for women?
I'm a woman, so I want to make sure that I'm looking out for people like me. It's also so much easier to work with women because we understand each other, we go through the same things, so we get it. And the fact that we're creating content for each other is commendable - it's super dope. Girls rule, boys drool.
I mean, they said we talk too much, that we use 80 000 words a day, so why wouldn't we be good storytellers, huh?
So what can we expect from Tuca & Bertie?
You can expect some serious laughs, some life lessons and you can expect some sisterhood. We're addressing gender equality, work place issues and finding independence as a woman.
How much Tiffany do we get from Tuca?
Tuca and I are very similar. We both like to dance, we both love men (chuckles) and we both say what's on our mind.
What will millennial women relate to the most on Tuca & Bertie?
They'll relate to the dynamic of the friendship [between the two birds] the most, and how they have fun together.
Tuca and Bertie are both 30, and turning 30 is often considered a big deal - a decade of many expectations, excitement and a make-or-break season. What have been the biggest lessons you've learnt in your 30s?
In my 30s, I learnt to embrace all my mistakes. Also, even though I couldn't dance as hard as I used to or jump as high as I used to, I figured out ways to get things done. I've also become a better cook in my 30s.
What's next for Tiffany Haddish?
I have the second season of The Last O.G. coming up, my Netflix special is coming soon, a gangster drama with Melissa McCarthy and I've a got a lot surprises up my sleeve as well. There's drama, action and dramedy.
Images: Supplied
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