Margaret “Shug” Avery has always been more than an actress to me—she is a symbol of strength, elegance, and unapologetic self-expression. Growing up, seeing her on-screen felt like seeing a piece of myself reflected in a world that didn’t always make room for women like us. From her iconic portrayal of Shug Avery in The Color Purple to her enduring presence in film and television, Margaret embodies the grace and determination that Black women have carried through history, both on-screen and off.

When I had the privilege of sitting down with her recently, it felt like coming full circle—a chance to celebrate not only her career but also what she has meant to so many of us. Her latest project, A Man On The Inside, proves she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

In this delightful new comedy series created by Michael Schur, Margaret stars as Florence Joanne Whistbrook, a wealthy and conservative best friend to Virginia Folder (Sally Struthers). The show is set in the quirky Pacific View Retirement Community and follows Charles (Ted Danson), a widower and retired professor turned investigative assistant, as he hunts for a missing ruby necklace. Margaret’s performance as Florence is a masterclass in wit, sophistication, and heart—qualities she has radiated throughout her career.

“I appreciate that we are all experienced professionals in our field,” Margaret shared with a warm smile. “And I’ve developed a wonderful friendship with Sally Struthers, who plays my character’s friend, Virginia. Plus, it’s a relief not to be the eldest member of the cast!” she added with a hearty laugh.

A Legacy That Resonates

Watching Margaret on-screen has always felt deeply personal. She represented a kind of beauty, confidence, and complexity that was rare in the roles Black women were offered in her early years. Her portrayal of Shug Avery in The Color Purple was not just groundbreaking—it was soul-stirring. As a young Black woman, I was mesmerized by her boldness, her vulnerability, and the way she carried herself with such unapologetic pride. Seeing her unapologetically take up space gave me the courage to believe that I could do the same in my own life.

But Margaret’s journey wasn’t easy. Despite earning widespread acclaim for The Color Purple, she shared that she faced significant hurdles, including being typecast. “Following The Color Purple, I was often pigeonholed and primarily recognized as Shug, which made it challenging to land diverse roles,” she admitted.

Still, she forged ahead, showing us all what resilience truly means. Margaret’s impressive body of work spans decades and includes roles in Amen, The Cosby Show, Being Mary Jane, Meet the Browns, and countless others. She revealed that her career breakthrough came with Magnum Force, a role that helped her step into a brighter spotlight.

Reflecting on Shug Avery, Margaret shared: “I had to gain 30 pounds in 30 days to embody Shug’s physicality. And learning to lip-sync the songs perfectly (to the powerhouse vocalist TataVega) was incredibly challenging, but it was worth every ounce of effort.”

Breaking Barriers with Grace

Margaret Avery has always been a trailblazer in an industry that hasn’t always been kind to Black women. Her elegance and strength taught me what it means to carry yourself with dignity, even when the odds are stacked against you. She showed us that a Black woman can be soft yet powerful, joyful yet complex—never confined by the stereotypes often thrust upon us.

During our conversation, Margaret emphasized how much representation matters: “I encourage today’s youth to learn their history and appreciate the contributions of those who paved the way for them. There are no limits to what you can achieve if you remain dedicated and keep the faith.”

It was a powerful reminder that Margaret’s legacy extends beyond her acting. She is an elementary teacher, licensed psychologist, a role model, and a guide for generations of Black women navigating industries that weren’t built with us in mind.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Even now, Margaret continues to light the way with her undeniable talent and radiant spirit. At 79 years young, she reflects on her journey without regret: “I’ve endured five major strikes and periods without work. Though the industry has its challenges, I feel fortunate to still be working at this stage of my life.”

Her latest project, A Man On The Inside, showcases her timeless charm and dynamic acting range, reminding us why we fell in love with her in the first place. Now streaming on Netflix, the show is another example of Margaret’s ability to adapt, grow, and excel.

For me—and I know for so many Black women—Margaret Avery will always represent what it means to shine in the face of adversity, to carry oneself with pride, and to leave a legacy for those who come after. She is the roadmap, the inspiration, and the proof that there are no limits for us, as long as we believe in our own brilliance.

Photography Credit: Kelly Balch