WINNING HIGH PRAISE FOR HER ROLE IN 'THE COLOR PURPLE' FANTASIA BARRINO ON LEARNING THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS AND HOW HER LIFE HAS CHANGED SINCE 'AMERICAN IDOL'

'I believe everything I went through was necessary to make me the woman I am today'

- KATIE ELLIS

Stepping into an iconic role is daunting enough, especially in a remake of a multi-Oscarnominated film that remains as loved today as when it was first released almost four decades ago.

But for Fantasia Barrino, the role of Celie in the new big-screen production of The Color Purple also came with bad memories.

“I played her on Broadway, back in 2007, but it was a tough time for me,” says the 39-year-old actress. “It was eight shows a week, I was so young and I was going through a lot personally.”

This time, however, it was different. “I loved the experience. Celie taught me so much. She loved everybody. She was full of forgiveness and that is what I want to try to be. I carry Celie with me and I hope to make her proud.”

Although Oscar glory has eluded her this year, the former American Idol winner has been savouring awards season, especially with a Golden Globe nomination.

She lost out to Emma Stone for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, but being a contender was exciting enough.