Woman of Many Hats Interview by Lissha Sadler
Trisha Mann is an award-winning film, television, and stage actress, writer, motivational speaker, and talk show host. I’ve had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Grant many times over the years, so when I asked her to be the featured cover and interview for my first print magazine, she was all for it. She has also worn the hats of producer and director on various stage and film productions and hosted a live U-streamed radio show called Gospel Rhythms for eight years. Trisha created a talk show for men to have a platform called MANN TALK in 2009. She also wrote and mounted a stage production called MAMA’S WILL that she later turned into a film. This former Beauty Queen and Ebony and Jet Magazines print model grew up in Chicago, moving to Los Angeles, California, in 1997, where she would pursue her acting career. Trisha has landed roles on Cold Case, The Parkers, Eve, All About The Andersons, Love Thy Neighbor, and other television sitcoms and series. She toured on National stage musicals such as David E. Talbert’s, His Woman His Wife, and two of Priest Tyaire’s productions, Mrs. Independence and Momma’s Boy. She also toured with Changes, Something Miraculous, and The Clean Up Woman. Trisha starred in numerous films such as Reunion and Who Can I Run To, including the theatrically released, The Man In 3B, which can also be seen on Netflix and BET along with The Last Fall. Trisha is on the board of HELP ME HELP U, an organization that gives aid to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, she and her husband, actor/singer Tony Grant are the U.S. Ambassadors for BAFOL (BOOKER AUTISM FOUNDATION OF LEARNING). Currently, Mrs. Grant is on the hit BET show The Family Business, where she plays Dominique Le’Roe. Lissha Sadler: A black woman who writes is powerful. What does that power mean to you? Trisha Mann Grant: It means having a voice and pinning words that are in print forever. That’s awesome to me. Something that can be turned into film, television, or a visual story, influencing, inspiring, and making a difference are things I greatly desire to do, even in my everyday walk. LS: What intrigues you the most about writing and storytelling? TMG: Writing is healing for me, to be honest, because I write to make a difference. I love making characters come to life, even if it has truth to them or something I make up. Being able to combine those two worlds alone is fascinating to me. I enjoy that. I go into another world when I’m writing—like when I play the piano. I drift away from reality. And I’m able to relax.
LS: Your book, “Amazing Testimonies,” is a significant change from acting. Talk a little about your book and the importance of creating this book. TMG: In 2000, the Lord spoke to my spirit and heart to write a book that tells true stories of people’s trials and tribulations. And in my spirit, I felt God meant all people. There was no difference in race or gender because so many have been through so much in their lives. But I procrastinated because I didn’t think I could do it. I’ve done print work with Ebony and Jet, been on the runways, put out a record, and been Miss Black Chicago, but there was still that fear. I said to myself, “How do I write a book? I don’t even know where to begin.” I was confused. And so I started and stopped, then started and stopped again. Finally, in 2015, I decided I would get this done, so I started getting out and having interviews with people, and then two weeks later, I had a stroke. For the next six months, I had panic attacks every 30 minutes. I remember sitting in a wheelchair the day I had my stroke, half of my body was shut down, and one of the paramedics said, What’s your name? Where are you from? When’s your birthday? I could not get past the first question. After that experience, there are no ifs, and, or buts. And when I was able, I sat in that bed with my computer for months, determined to get it done. I found a publisher, but a year later, I decided to self-publish, which I encourage everyone to do. THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE
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