What Now? with Trevor Noah - Tracee Ellis Ross Isn’t Waiting to Be Chosen

Episode Date: August 13, 2026

Tracee Ellis Ross has spent a lifetime forging an independent identity. She regales Trevor and Eugene with stories of growing up in the embrace of her iconic mother, Diana Ross, building her own beauty empire with Pattern and starring on Broadway. Together, the three candidly dissect the societal pressures women face to be "chosen," the racial biases of '90s television, and how to reclaim your agency in work and love. Packed to the brim with lessons on life, love, and picking the perfect heirloom tomato, this episode is a masterclass in belonging to yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I know when you have posted a bikini picture. I know. But I am not even on Instagram in that way. I know. Because I will just get texts. Varying degrees of Tracy. Oh my God. That is...

Tracy. Damn. Yo, bro, Tracy. Then I know, okay, Tracy has just posted something. First, let me go and see what was posted. so that I can understand. I'm dying right now. Because with other people,

it would be they've said or done something in public that has brought, you know what I mean, great shame to them and their lineage. That's what most people would be texting me about somebody. Yo, did you see what your man said? I'm like, oh, what happened? I'm dying so hard. With you, I know every year you are in Europe somewhere.

Yep. A picture has been posted in a pool on a boat in the ocean. And then I must now feel this. dating requests from people. But is there no one that's been worthy? Tracy, would I not have sent them to you if I thought they were worthy? Okay, okay, okay, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes.

Yes, yes. Oh, God! No, but in their defense, they're not saying like a real, but they're just expressing it to me as the person. You know what I mean? What do they expect you to do? They just need to tell someone and they can't tell their wife. They just need to tell the person who's there.

I don't know why. Oh, they need to tell. Because they're going like, you know her. Then I'm like, you know her. Then I'm like, okay, so what do you want me to do with that? Why are you doing this to me? I can't. Why are you doing this to me?

This is What Now with Trevor Noah. Oh, Tracy, wait, wait, wait, wait. I want to share this with someone who'll understand because Trevor won't. I discovered heirloom tomatoes the other day. What color? Red ones. The yellow ones are the best. Yellow ones are the best.

Yeah, I say this because I can't eat tomatoes because they're too acidic. Okay. And I love tomatoes. And heirloom tomato season in the summer, sometimes I fucking do it anyway. I'm like, fuck it, you know what? I'm just going to have acid reflux, and I'm doing it anyway.

But the yellow ones are the least amount of acidity. Ah. And they're sweeter. Sweater than the red? Yes. Yes. Unbelievable. And so you just discovered them?

Just discovered them. I mean... It's a wonderful time to be. What were you doing that you discovered them? I went to the park, to the market, the Washington Square market. Yes. And then there were average tomatoes. Then I was like, I just got paid.

No. No. Did you go cash your paycheck and bring all your cash for them? By the way, at the farmer's market now, do they take Apple Pay? Yeah, they do. Okay, good. So I had the confidence of knowing that I could afford it. So I went.

I just. That was wonderful. It was a connection that we were not expressing. I never thought anyone would say that about tomatoes. That's what I mean. He didn't say. I was looking for tomatoes and then I realized I just got paid. Because in all the weeks that I've been going, depending on my financial situation, at first, when I didn't have enough money, I would go to where the old people are.

So the stalls where the old people shop, then I'd be like, these are bargains, $2 for this. And then the more my financial situation changed, I went to where the young people were. How rapidly is your financial situation changing? In a week. We need to talk about how you're living your life, Eugene. First of all, we need to talk about what is happening here. We need to talk about how you're living your life, Eugene. Okay.

First week. First week, I have no need to laugh at that. Thank you, Tr. No, no, that's not, it's not funny. But it was unexpected was what the giggle came from. Because it was farmers market, tomatoes, and financial situation. That's what I'm saying. Which was not expected combo.

How do you think I felt? Obviously. I'm the one who made the realization. As I was standing by the store. Now, who called you into the heirloom tomato stall? First week, it was where the old people were. And I realized they were bargain shopping. And they didn't do heirloom tomatoes?

No, there was no heirloom to. Just normal Roma tomatoes. You know salad tomatoes. And then I went to the other side of the market where... Where younger people are. Yeah, where you have to weigh stuff. Because I've realized that's where the... Oh.

If you have to weigh stuff... Then it costs more. Yes. Also, because you don't weigh where you've just taken the stuff. they mess with your confidence. There's a whole thing going on in this farmer's market situation that I'm very unaware of.

And they play on your ego as well because once you've taken three aluminum tomatoes in a bag waiting in a queue and then wait to go pay them. You're not going to take one out. Yeah, you have to buy them. Yeah, when I discovered how much they were,

I was like, thank God I'm doing well in life. You have to buy them. Then I took them home. My life changed. I was never the same again. Everything is a look up how you define heirloom tomato. Like I know what they are.

The more grotesque, the better. Yes. Oh, you mean like the farmers? Yeah. By the way, that's the same with nectarines. Why did they look like that? Nectarines and stone fruits. Yes.

When they are more blemished and they have texture on the skin, they're sweeter. It's the ones that are pretty. The more patina, the better. Yeah. Air lune. Isn't that the general issue with American fruit is they've made it look beautiful and they've done that at the expense of the fruit actually being delicious? No way.

Yeah. All American produce. looks good. Yeah, because, and it doesn't taste like anything. Yeah, but in Europe, the produce, it's not about looking good. No, it tastes good. Yeah, you're in Europe like every year, aren't you? Yeah, and I grew up in Europe.

Oh, wait, tell me more. So I, I moved to Paris, and then I went to boarding school in Switzerland. Wait, what? You didn't know all this? I didn't know all of this. And in season two of solo travel, I go back to my boarding school after 40 years, and it hasn't changed. It was like walking into time machine. Wait, wait.

Hold on, this is really interesting. Hang on. I like how she cut out of her life to go to heirloom tomorrow. It's important. Wait, this is really interesting. Me. The heirloom tomorrow. Old varieties grown from seeds passed down through generations prized for their diverse, complex flavors and colors.

Unlike modern hybrids, they are used in many. Yeah, that's so interesting. It felt like somebody was reading our like 23 and me. Yeah, I thought that was. That's like how they were talking about us. They are known for rich, complex, and sometimes sweet or tangy. Yeah. Yeah, this sounds like our zodiac.

I'm loving this. Keep reading. Open pollinated and grown from seeds saved and replanted year after year. And here's the kicker. The grandmother, the not genetically modified. Yes. That's the key. So that's the key.

Yeah. And that's what they do with pumpkins. With like competition winning pumpkins. Oh, yeah. They take the mother. What competition are you winning? Pumpkin growing competitions. You know.

You're not in those? You know they have them here in the old country? I just like sometimes people will say something and then you just have to keep it moving as if things are normal. You know, like I've noticed that in pumpkin growing competitions or pumpkin, you just said pumpkin competitions, in fact. You don't know this pumpkin? Yes, but he just doesn't understand why you know about them.

Yeah, but you've said it. This is what Eugene does. Yes. Thank you. I'm glad Tracy's here now because it's not. Now, I have somebody who can at least see my point of view. You said, yeah, it's the same thing as in pumpkin competitions. As if you're in them.

Thank you. Have you ever been in a pumpkin growing competition? No, but I've seen them on YouTube. Okay. This is what I mean. My hope is to go to one. Your hope is to go to one? Yeah.

Okay. But wait, Tracy, I want to go back. I want to go back. I want to go back with you. Me, I didn't know. I didn't know. Yeah, you. You.

I want to go back. What do you mean you grew up in Europe? Okay. Okay, so I was born in Los Angeles. Yeah. And then my mom moved to New York to do The Whiz. Your mom, Diana Ross. Correct.

Okay. That is who that is. Just so in case you don't know. Yes. And so we were here in 1979. Yes. And then in about seventh grade, my mom was moving to Paris to do a movie that didn't happen. Okay.

But we moved to Paris, and shortly before that, she had met my stepfather and they were dating. And he had three kids. My mom had three kids. And we moved into this beautiful apartment in Paris on the Avenue Montagne, right three doors down from the Plaza Antenay Hotel. There's some really wonderful stories about that. And then we went to boarding school in Switzerland. My stepdad's kids were there. And I went to a boarding school called Le Rose, which is in Aroles, which is just outside of Geneva.

Do you parle French? Yes, I'm a French. Oh, okay, yeah, because the way you're saying all those words. I was like, you better speak French. You better speak French if you don't. Roll, Rol, Rol, Avenue de Monta. Avenue of Monta. Aux, Stade.

In Swiss. You see? So, yeah. So we then went to boarding school. What do you want to be to do? What's wrong? Oh, just your mic down a little bit of a little shot. When you say down like this?

Oh, yeah, yeah. Oh, what is it? Who? Who? Me? No, it's okay. Like this? Okay, great.

Perfect. I moved it when I coughed. You moved it again. They have to do the work again. But technique, flawless. Yeah, I don't want to cough. You can tell people who've, like, worked in the business for a while. Like a professional singer.

And I know. And then they go, no. Or when the note gets big, you go, ah. Oh, is that what they're doing? Otherwise you're ha. Yeah. But I just loved your technique there. You know, and like, ha.

but like a performer who's been in the game forever. And they have like the autopilot of the performance part. You know, so they're on stage. Body is falling apart. They get like wheeled out onto the stage and you basically hit play. And they just know how to do it. And they just get out there and it's, and then it's like silky smooth. And I dream of a world where you find me.

Yep. And the audience has no clue this person is dying in front of them. No clue whatsoever. No clue whatsoever. But mute the cough. What do you mean? So the cough has to happen, but no sound. Oh, yeah.

And you find me again. Exactly. No. Dreaming of you. That's... Dreaming of you. You did it so flawlessly. Okay, wait, wait.

So... Boarding school in Switzerland. How old are you boarding school? 13 and 14. Did you like boarding school? I'm always torn on boarding school. It was terrifying. I found it really terrifying.

I mean, especially, I'd lived at home with my sisters and my family. I mean, my sisters were there. How old were you? 12, 13. Perfect age to get rid of someone. My mom went to London with my two, her, my stepdad, my youngest step-sister and my youngest sister.

Yeah. Me and my older sister, Ronda, and Katinka, my step-sister, we were all at Rose. There for a year and a half. And then when my mom got pregnant with my brother Ross and Evan, we moved home to the States. but my stepdad always had a place in Switzerland. So for the next 10 years, every summer, Christmas, we were back in Switzerland. So Switzerland was a huge part of my growing up.

But also those are such formative years, 12 to 14. Perfect age to get rid of someone. He keeps saying this. And yet you might, you mean because that's a tough age. Do you have kids? Yeah. How many kids and how old? Jesus.

How many does he have? Oh my God, that was like, what happened there? I was one in Bangladesh. No, no, no, no. How many kids do you have? My daughter's 19. 19, I'm in turning 18, sorry. So you made it through the tough years?

Yeah, yeah, but I did contemplate boarding school. You contemplated shipping her off. I just didn't have the guts to do it. But you did it. You know what would help you ship off your child and new spouse? Because alone it makes... If I had one of those, she would have been long gone. I mean, the thing that's ridiculous, what's so ridiculous is my mom had a new spouse.

I've never thought of it from that perspective. But you did, you kind of, you put it in a, you know, different frame. Maybe. I don't know. I loved it. It changed my life. Did it? Yeah.

It changed my perspective. I became a child of the world, not an American. Oh. And that completely changed everything. Also, I learned another language. I was living with and around kids from all over the world. Like everywhere. So I became a child of the world and you, I realized, I mean, there's a thing as Americans

that you're very American. There's that sense of patriotism that is unlike anywhere else in the world and slightly bizarre, you know, when you go elsewhere, you realize like, it's like, what is it for that sense of that kind of patriotism? Right. Because I love the connection of being a human. And when you live elsewhere, you really go, God, we're all the same. same. Yeah, I think sometimes America's patriotism is a little adversarial. And I find in other

places, and it's also because America's been so big and so dominant for so long that it, it's sort of, it makes sense, you know, not in a negative way, but it's like, it's very like America versus America, you know what I mean? Yeah. But most people in the world who come from most countries, you just come from your country. You just come from your country. That's it. And, I mean, listen, I am, depends on how you want to define patriotism. I mean, I love being. American. I love America. You know what I mean? Absolutely. But there's a different thing that I, if you only have lived here, you haven't experienced that other thing of like, yeah, this is where I'm from. And these are the special things that we do here. This is part of our culture. And so I just had a sense

and an ability to kind of learn the world in that way. And also to be comfortable traveling. Like from a young age, my sister and I were on planes by ourselves. We would take the train. Europe is like that. Europe is like that. You know, we would take the train from the Geneva. airport to roll and just, you know, you're just figuring it out. You like do that, but there's a sense, and that was, that's very European to do. Yeah, you see teenagers on trains there all the time. All the time. Little cruise of backpacks. Yep. Just rolling, hopping on a train going to Italy and then Belgium and then the Netherlands and then, like, it's, it's, it's, huh, I never thought of that as a, as a way of like, it's interesting because America's, quote unquote, very free, but I'll say

more restrictive than any other country when it comes to its parenting. Yes. That I agree. Kids are not free in America. How so? Well. You've walked around New York for like a few weeks now. Have you,

have you seen the kids in the streets? Tethered to each other? Literally. Yeah, yeah. Have you seen them like walking? Like a, like a... Like on a leash. Like a prison gang.

You know, you know, in, what's that movie? That's a bit... What's the Nicholas Cage movie? Where they're all, it's the famous one. Conair. Thank you. Conair, yeah, yeah. There's that scene where they're all like walking.

It's not quite like that. But yes, but it is. It is like that. It's not changed, but it's leash. Yeah, but it's like mega, it's like a whole squad of leash. Yeah. Go to a park. Yep.

No kid is playing with their parents. Yeah. Kids don't just like walk home alone. No, I mean. There's like a, I'm just saying there's a, there's a different level of like, clamp down on kid. Yeah. I mean, I also think now with safety and security, I mean, growing up,

latchkey kids and all of this. And New York is different. Being in a city is different growing up in New York versus being in the suburbs. But yeah, I mean, it did change my life. Who was your first friend in boarding school? Who's the first, like, who's the first, like, international friend you got?

Well, there was Fabio and Fabiola. Fabio and Fabio and Fibola. They were twins, Brazilian. There were, my best friend was Muhammad Al-Karegi and Khaled al-Zubedi. And I dated, I mean, when you say dating, at that age, like, what did we do? I don't know.

We kissed on the lips once or something, maybe kiss on the cheek, but Juan Jose Pujana Fernando Luis, who we called Puti. But my two best friends were Muhammad Al-Kareji and Khaled al-Zabedi, and Mohammed and I are still friends.

Till this day. And I dated also, I say this, it's so funny to me, but I was in love with him. This guy, Moody Al-Fayad. You've ended two relationships now. Yeah. I was just tossing him.

Toss in him. Tossed him. Tracy Alice Roth. Yeah. I was Tracy Silverstein then. Tracy, I don't know. Tracy Joy Silverstein is my real name. And then who else? The twins, Jada and Rosie Ardizone, these two Italian girls, had the best style in the world and changed.

Like, I feel like I became a style person when I was in Switzerland. What was the school? Was it like a specialty? Very fancy, very expensive boarding school called Le Rose. L-E-R-O-S-E-Y, and for the winter season, so it was three semesters. Yeah. And we were in Rol for the two summer and spring, or the first, whatever, fall and spring. And then you went skiing for the final one?

Yeah, we were in Stad. Oh, so you did go skiing. And we would ski every day for sport. There you go. Mm-hmm. There you go. Fancy, fancy, this answers so many questions I've always had about you. Yes?

Because you, from the first time I met you, you've always seemed like the most normal, like, like born celebrity person I know but you also exude levels of luxury that I've never quite understood yeah true jeanesee coa because you don't you don't have it like like you have money that that's different that's not what I'm saying

I'm saying like there are some people who exude like a it's like a thing about them and you're just like where is this from because you're extremely one of the funniest people I know genuinely that's from Trevor No, no, no, no, comedy, and you know what I mean. Tracy just lives in like, it's like the music is always playing comedy.

She can just like, she can just jam anytime with anyone. Oh, thank you. You know those musicians where it's like you can be like strumming something and then they can just jump in. They can just jump in with you. They can just jump in and start playing with you. That's what you have with comedy. Thank you, Trevor. But then you're very normal for a very funny person, which is abnormal.

That one is not normal. That's not normal. But you're also normal for fun. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Nobody is. No, no, no, you are. You totally are. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I mean, Trevor and I, we have dined. I fight hard to be normal. Do you? No, you don't. Shut up. That's ridiculous. By the way, when I said to you before, I look back at my phone, you were like, that was ages ago.

It was 2024. It's been two years since I saw you. No. It's been two years. That was the last time we were. When I saw you to the museum? Was the airport or museum? When does the last time we saw each other?

The museum was before the airport. No way. Yes, it was. Damn, time. Yeah, it was two years ago. I was like, that is embarrassing. No, if I had bet money on our order, I said like six months, eight months. That's why when you said that was ages ago, I'm like, what are you talking about?

Yeah, yeah, no, no, no. I text you after whatever the last thing you hosted, I text you then, but I haven't seen you. When I look back to the last time I told you, it was 2024. It's weird. Because I text you to tell you, I text you to tell you you did a great job hosting. Thank you. Did he reply?

Huh? Did he reply? Yeah, he did. Okay. What is that supposed to mean? Ah, he, I'm not jeek, Anji. Wow, Eugene. What is that?

On J. J is just. It's like, you know, just. I'm just checking. Yeah, I said hi. Oh, I first of all, I said the Tanaasi Coates interview or conversation was great. You said thank you. And great job tonight, as usual.

Thank you, Tracy. Yeah. That was February 2nd. That must have been after the... That is so insane. You add the words as usual. Yeah. But this, yes.

Look, July 12th, 2024, that's when I saw you. How often do you see your friends from boarding school? I'm not... Muhammad, very rarely, because he lives overseas. Isn't this like the ultimate curse of being... I sometimes feel this. The more you've traveled and the more you've had the privilege of living in different places, the more you also have the...

joy of knowing different people, but it also means as life progresses, your people are just everywhere. You don't get to like, there is like a charm of coming from a place and staying there because people go like. And then you have your people. I mean, I have my group of friends. We travel every year in July together. I've seen those on Instagram. You know that group. Yeah. Can I tell you the amount of, how can I phrase this? There are two people in my life that I loathe hanging out with in public or having people know

that they're attached to me it's Tracy Ellis Ross and it's Idris Alba No, no, no, no, no, I need to understand this The amount of thirst messages I get On your behalf Secondhand first messages Let me tell you something, Tracy

But are they ever people that you should set me up with And are you failing as my friend? Let me tell you something, Tracy The amount, let me tell you something. I'm so ready. Let me tell you something. No, tell me.

I know when you have posted a bikini picture. I know. But I am not even on Instagram in that way. I know. Because I will just get texts. Varying degrees of Tracy. Oh my God. That is.

Tracy. Damn. Yo, bro, Tracy. Then I know, okay. Tracy has just posted. something. First, let me go and see what was posted so that I can understand. I'm dying right now. Because with other people, it would be they've said or done something in public that has brought,

you know what I mean, great shame to them and their lineage. That's what most people would be texting me about somebody. Yo, did you see what your man said? I'm like, oh, what happened? I'm dying so hard. With you, I know every year you are in Europe somewhere. Yep. A picture has been posted in a pool on a boat in the ocean.

and then I must now I must now field dating requests from people. But is there no one that's been worthy? Tracy, would I not have sent them to you if I thought they were worthy? Okay, okay, okay, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Half of them are married?

Yes, oh, God! No, but in their defense, they're not saying like a real, but they're just expressing it to me as the person. You know what I mean? What do they expect you to do? They just need to tell someone and they can't tell their wife. They just need to tell the person who's there. I don't know why.

Oh, they need to tell, okay. Because they're going like, you know her. Then I'm like, yes. Then they're like, yo. Then I'm like, okay, so what do you want me to do with that? Why are you doing this to me? I can't. Why are you doing this to me?

Such a burden, eh? Ah, bra. Idris Elba's the other one. I can imagine. Let me tell you something. Let Idris Elba be anywhere close to me. Shake my hand, hug me. Guys, it's finished.

It is finished. It is finished. The women in your life just lose it. Every woman that knows that I have a phone number uses it. And those people all said the same thing. Idris, ooh. That man.

That's hilarious. Sorry about that. No, don't be. I'm just letting you know. Okay. Well, I'll trust it. So I know about your yearly trips to Europe. Yeah.

How many friends? There's a group of us, Smira, Romi, Karen, Monica, Kevin. There's five of us that are always there. And we've been doing it for 21 years. This was the first year. 21 years. Same place.

And this is the first year I didn't go because I was doing the play. So how many of the six are civilians? And how many are... Everybody's a civilian. I think Trevor might be the only famous person I know.

In that group, that can't be true. No, I mean, I'm just not... My friends, I've known them for 30, 40 years. So they have normal jobs? Yeah, Monica is a creative director and creative director. Samir is the editor in Teef of Harper's Bazaar. Romy's a makeup artist.

Karen is a designer that works, you know, for different brands and her own brand. Kevin works with Martha Stewart. My hero. So, but no, I mean, and then I think of my other best friends. Anna is the manager of vintage stores in Los Angeles. And my other friend, Anna, is a therapist. So, yeah. This is sounding more like your friend group.

Yeah. But I've, remember, I've always said this. Yeah. I have a, I don't want to say this in a way that sounds too judgmental, but I'm always suspicious of celebrities that only have celebrity friends. I do. I just find it weird. I don't understand.

You're telling me all your friends. I don't get it. All your friends. Yeah, it makes me uncomfortable. It's different if like your friends or celebrities that you've worked with. Yeah. That I understand. You've been on a movie for six months.

You did a TV show for 10 years. But if all your friends. I'm saying all your friends. And then you get. new ones as well, by the way. I've seen people get new friends along the way, and then their new best friend is also a celebrity, and then they're at their wedding,

and the celebrities there. I'm like, wait, wait, wait, wait. The only thing I'll say is that some people that grew up in the business, like that's just who they know. I'm, one of my best friends is Kelvin Harrison, who played my son in the high note. Is that the DJ?

No, Kelvin Harris. Oh, sorry. Harrison Jr. Oh, oh, oh, sorry. Okay, yes. And he and I remained just best friends. He's like a really close friend who's an actor.

I was trying to think. The fact that you have to think. I'm talking about the all. You've done good. That's what I love about like. So for instance, like Rihanna. Nope. Have you ever seen like her?

It's her peeps. When she post, now she like post like more like fenty stuff and everything. But when Rihanna used to post like her travels. Yeah. No way. Who's that? There's none of your business. That's who it is.

Yeah. The only one we, there's one we know. Yeah. But other than that. And we know her through Rihanna. Yeah. No way. Oh yeah.

No, it's her friends from her friends. That's like one of, I think that's one of the most important things you should try and maintain or keep. Yeah. Is just like people from all walks of life. But it's also something that for me, like my, with my people that have known me forever, that know my family, that know my siblings. Like they just know my people. There's, my entire nervous system calms down. Like there's, you don't have to do anything.

You're just yourself. You don't have to be someone. Yeah. You know, and we, when I'm here, go to dinner at there, you know, we cook dinner at someone's house or whatever. Like, we're all going over to Kevin's on the 13th. And it's so nice. It's so nice to just be with your people. Kevin's the only guy in this group?

He's one of the only guys. There's husbands and stuff. Husbands! Yeah. There's husbands and children. Like, Monica, like my best friend Monica from college. Yeah. Monica from college, her, she had the first kid of the group.

he's going to college. Like, we met in college. Does that make you feel like now? It's crazy. I mean, I have so much pride, but also like, like I, we knew each other in college and now her kid is college age. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, I remember when he came out. Do you know what I mean?

Like, I remember the night we went to dinner before he gave, like, there's like so many things like that that are just nutty to me. But then also I have a really big family and I'm really close with my siblings. Seven. No, there's five of us and then there's three step siblings. But the five of us are really close. all of their kids, we're really close. So I'm the only one that doesn't have kids in my family. So my older sister, Rhonda, her son, is about to turn 17, Raif. He lives here in the city with her. My sister Chudney has two kids, Calloway and Everly, who were just here, came to see the play

and came over to the apartment the other day. And then Ross has two kids, leaf and indigo, beautiful names. And then Evan has two kids, Jagger and. Ziggy. And so there's like, we have a big squad of a family. That was another thing that blew up my phone is there was a post going around about you that said you were looking for a sperm donor and then you, or you had accepted one. That was the weird, by the way, I was like, was that a slow newsday? Like what, who out of nowhere decided to come up with? And they took a picture of a pregnancy test. My favorite thing was whoever was holding the pregnancy test, everyone underneath was like, those aren't Tracy's fingers.

Those aren't her nails. That's not her. Uh-uh. That shit was nuts. I thought that was crazy. I was like, what are you guys talking about? What are you talking about? I never understand things like that.

Like out of nowhere. Was like, like, I, if there had been a picture of me with like a bloated tummy, I would have been like, okay. No, it just was a. Just. So, so what I've learned in the weeks, you know, or months since that story came out is there are, I don't even know if you call them like companies. There's like a bunch of people online. who generate fake content. Is that true?

Yeah, yeah. And all they're trying to do is create engagement. That's all. No, they just create fake stories about everyone, everywhere. But what does that do for them? Views.

It's views and clicks. Look at how much this story, it's views and it clicks. We're talking about it now. And it goes and it blows up and it blows up and it blows up and it blows up and they're getting money from it. Oh, really?

Yeah, you get paid. If your tweet gets viewed a certain amount of times, you get paid. If your Facebook posts get viewed a certain amount of time, you get paid. So now, because we live in a world where clickbait is Yeah, you're awarded for attention

people now use any means to get attention So you find that's one of many stories about you Oh, just the one that got popular So you find they'll make up I've seen ones about me That range everywhere from I like retired with my family on an island somewhere You didn't?

Yeah, with my wife and kids I'm like on an island You have a wife and kids Yeah, apparently. Neat. And then there's another one where Did she seem nice? That's so nice.

There's another one. My favorite one is like, there's a series that does very well on Facebook where I like save people's lives and it does very well on Facebook. I'm so dead right now. I save people's lives. Oh.

In one way, like, rescue them from the water. Like randomly, it'll be like, let me tell you a story about Trevor Noah that no one else will. One day my family and I were in our car and we had just been in an accident. The car caught a flame and started burning. We thought we were surely going to die.

I then heard a tapping sound on my window. No. I looked. There was a man beckoning for me to move away. He smashed the window, then pulled me out, then proceeded to pull out every single member of my family. And it was Trevor Noah. At the end, I looked up. It was this whole story.

And then like people in the comments like, yeah, I knew it was a great guy. Wow, this is so good. This is beautiful. And I'm just like, this is weird. That is great. And you know what? It doesn't very well. doesn't sound very far-fetched.

I could see you save you someone from a guy. I wouldn't save a person in America. I would save someone everywhere in the world. You know what? Let me explain why. Let me explain why. Let me explain why. I have judged you.

My lawyers have told me. My lawyers have told me. They've said in America, if you make that mistake, you can lose everything. What do you mean? If you help somebody who is in an accident, they can then sue you and say that you are the reason that they are now hurt or say. to paralyze whatever. Really? Do you have to be famous to avoid that trap?

No, no, no, no, anyone, anyone. No, no. And this, hey, man, I'm being, it's something I hate, but it's like, because the country's so litigious, if you, let's say you, someone's in their car burning and you pull them out. If they're injured. And listen, they have a spinal injury. Their skin peels off. Whatever, yeah.

And most of it is in your hand. There you go. And then they just half. Now they're like a zebra. Listen, you've gone too far. Now they're like a zebra. We've gone into another story. This is this you're wonderful

You you you But this is too far Okay Because yeah It's okay And I really enjoy your company I think he feels wounded He's picking lint off his pants

But yeah you can They can sue you That's really interesting They can say you cause their injury And then you'd have to disprove it You'd have to go to court It's a whole thing It's a whole thing

Wow Yeah, so you have to be very careful. It's sad, but it's a real thing. Huh. So I would try to save people in almost every country in the world. In America, I would be like, this is risky. It's a tough one. That's very interesting.

I mean. Aren't you, haven't you been told these things? I was told once, if I'm ever in a car that has an accident, I must jump out immediately and just walk away. Oh, what? Not me driving. Even if you're not driving. Yeah, especially if I'm not, if I'm driving, I have to stay at the scene.

Who's telling you these things? If I'm driving up... Tracy, do you not get the celebrity Snapple that has the facts on the bottom that tells you what to do for your celebrity? I've never... I don't drink Snapple, maybe that's why. Does Snapple still exist? It does.

It fully. Fully exists. No, but this is another thing. You've never been told this? No. Damn. Maybe the people I've met in life have just been like ultra-cautious

or they've just been scamming me. I was told... I'll go with ultra-cautious. Wait, do you have more? No, no, that's the one. I was told. if I'm being driven, you know, like those SUVs come and pick you up. Yes.

That car gets into an accident. Yes. Get out. Get out. Walk away. Well, now I know. Because otherwise, the person will now make it about you, not the driver in the car. Oh.

So how will they make it about, they'll be like. Because they'll go, Tracy Ellis Ross's car hit me. And you're like, it's not my car. They're like, no. We'll find a way to make it your thing because you are the person who has the highest possibility of paying. Like, you can pay a high amount of money. Yeah, wasn't there a story of someone who rescued someone from a building

or they caught them jumping and then they broke their fall and then that person sued them for breaking their fall? Yeah. I'm sure you don't know these things because of breaking the fall. What's the craziest thing? Surely your mom taught you

like crazy things that like you can and cannot do it. First of all, Trevor, please don't use the word your mom just right. What must I say? Someone's mom is Diana Ross. That's why I'm asking. No, but Trace, it's okay. I'll take this one.

Okay. I can't. Okay. Go! Oh my God. Yep. Okay. Please.

You can just say, oh, so how must I say it? No, he said it right because we're... You can say, Ms. Diana Ross, your mom. No, because... Oh, that's a nice way to say. Yes. Because also we mustn't pretend. No, no, but, okay, that's a nice way to say.

That's just for me. I appreciate... And everyone else who feels like I do. Okay, okay, okay. So Tracy, what were you taught by, were there any lessons you gleaned about the world of fame from Ms. Diana Ross, your mom? Is that good?

I thought that's good. That's very good. Thank you. Although I have to say maybe for the podcast and for you, but like if we were at dinner and you did that, I would punch you. And then you'd have to walk away. I would be like, Trevor, go to your room.

You'd punch him and then get away so he doesn't sue you. Exactly, exactly. And then I'd run so he doesn't sue me. Good circle back. Nicely done. Oh, sorry. So. Not sure about that.

You see? I don't. I did it, but then I was like, I don't know if I liked it. Oh, man. I don't know if there's some lessons. That's really interesting. I mean, I think there's so many things I learned that I don't know that I learned. You must have seen.

I mean, there's tons. But, you know, because I grew up in this. So it's different than coming into it and then sort of someone giving you lessons. There's many things that I'm very aware of that I know other people are not aware of. Okay. That I, I mean, I scan a room. I can feel and see and know what's happening in a room. I can tell people that are, you know, for example, so I'm doing this play right now.

Yeah. Every brilliant thing. And in the beginning of it, in the pre-show, it's an interactive play. So there's... What does that mean? That means that I tell the story with the audience. No way. Yes. So there are, I'm telling a story and there's a list in the story. And when I say numbers in the list, we've given out cards and people throughout the audience from balcony to on the stage, say the things that are on the card. And then we also cast five roles from the audience in the pre-show. And we bring, so we, so in that moment, I'm scanning the room along with the three other associate directors. And we are looking for the right people.

who are willing, who are a little bit reluctant. A little bit reluctant. He would be a no. He lost you. You see how high your arm was? I mean, he didn't even let me finish. You said willing and your arm's up and this is a little bit reluctant. Almost too high, right? Timing is too much.

And we look for five people who are willing to do five of the roles that make that part of the story better if I do them with someone. Why do they have to be a little bit reluctant? Because the onus on me is to keep the story moving. Okay. And to sort of conduct the room and the energy in the room. If people are too eager and they try to perform or be funny or act, it pulls us into and

away from the story. You get people who are going to come to the show to try and make this their audition. Yeah, ready to act. Yeah, yeah, okay. And it doesn't work. Yeah. The main thing that we ask of people is to be kind. Everything works if you're kind and if you're open and you're honest and you listen.

If you try to perform and be funny and pull the attention, even me. Like, my job is not, it's not about me. I'm there to be of service to the story. And so in those moments, this is back to the mom thing. Miss Dein Ross. So in the moment of scanning the room, I'm very aware, and this comes from my childhood, I'm very aware of which people are real fans, which people are pulling attention. Like, have you ever been in a room and you can tell people know that you're there?

And so they start laughing louder because they're being, they're conscious that you're there and they are trying to be comfortable. I've never caught the laughing one, but there's certain, mine is the opposite, silence. I know when the silence around me is artificial. Yeah. So people just quiet down because now they're listening to your conversation with your friends or whoever you wish. Or they're doing this? Yes. very casually doing that.

So I grew up. Then you just know. You also know because they've been cutting the same piece of steak for like five minutes. You know what happens in a weird way? No, it's really strange. Like people turn into background extras.

They just... Oh, because they're listening. Well, people get... Also, people just get uncomfortable. You know, if they haven't seen somebody famous that they, you know, know from a TV show or from your stand-up. It's always malicious.

It's understandable. Yeah. You know, it's like... It's like when you, this is what I was liking it to. Like if there's a guy or someone that you're flirting with you, like or whatever, and all of a sudden you're like, what do I do with my hands? Hands are weird. All of a sudden your hands become these like, these things that are just like, hello.

Oh, shame. You know, this happened to me, this happened to me yesterday. I was playing pickleball yesterday. And it was like a random session where no one knew anyone. And then. Wait, what? It was a random session where nobody knew anybody. Okay.

Do you guys find more ways to make this sport more awkward than it already is? So the place I was playing at has giant windows that look out onto the street. Have you been there before? Like the street? I know this. The street street. So if you're playing on the one court in particular, people are just walking by you in New York. Not one way.

Two-way glass. People are walking by you in New York. So at some point. No, a whole group of people gathered. Shut up. But they were really funny. It was like these kids, it was like, I want to say like eight, like 13-year-old white boys with like fluffy hair.

Just like they looked like they were having a lot of fun. And they came and stood by the window. And then they saw it was me. So first they were like, oh, it's Trevor's. Then they made it like seem like they were watching the US Open. Which made it so funny because it's pickleball. So they were like cheering. They were screaming.

Then when a point would go wrong, that'd be like, no. But you can't hear them. That's actually amazing. It was amazing. They were doing the most like extreme version of it. But then the people who we were playing with, shame, there was one kid, because we in like random rotations, one kid I was playing with, he didn't know what was happening.

So he turned to me and he went. Like, who are you? No, I played with. Because I played against it, but I also played with. You gotta get sued. Oh yeah, you're right. Sorry. There was a kid who was on the team that I was on.

Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, always looking up for me. I've got you. So the kid then he just turned to me and he went, what is going on? He's like, why do these guys love pickleball so much? That's so cute. Yeah, but then he couldn't play.

He's like, I can't do this. This is so distracting. Why does that guy have his shirt off? And one of the guys had his shirt up and was swinging it around and they were cheering. That's amazing. I wish people would be more like that. Just like, just acknowledge it. Or be obvious.

Yeah, yeah. Be like super, super obvious. As soon as Tracy Ellis Ross sits down next to you, just be like, Tracy Ellis Ross just sat down next to me. Well, my dinner got more interesting. They should just do that. It's out of the way. It's out of the way. Now it's out of the way.

I mean, people get uncomfortable. I don't know. I mean, it's such a funny. It's a funny thing. And our culture and American culture is so obsessed with fame in a way that's odd. You know what I think it is? I think it's because America doesn't have royalty. Maybe I was going to say, because I also think, like, I took some time to figure out, like, with sports and professional athletes.

And I was like, they're modern-day war. warriors. They are. So it's similar to, you know, it's like they're these gods that like do this thing. And then I guess celebrities, yes, it's, it's royalty in a way. It's this, you're held up in this way that you are super. I think this country understands, oh, the reason why I love celebrities so much is because it understands that fame is a, it could come to you at any time.

So people believe that if they're really good at something. Now I think people believe it. I don't think that always is decayed. Now I think they do. I mean, and it can. By the way. You can't be that person now. It was that people, that was unreachable.

The super famous kids that you and I don't know about. But in their world, on YouTube or whatever. For sure, for sure. They make a lot of money. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. But we don't know them. No, no, no. We don't even understand.

I don't even understand some of that. I mean, there's people, there were these kids that became famous for like opening up toy boxes. Yeah, yeah, huge. Like massive, massive, massive. Yeah. Fascinating. Ryan, I think is his name. Yeah.

Is he still a kid? I actually don't. That's going to be interesting. Who? He opened gifts? Yeah, the kid, yeah. He was massive. Massive, massive, massive. We're going to continue this conversation right after this short break.

Is this your first time on Broadway? No. My debut. I heard that the other day. I was like, that can't be true. And it's a one-person show. A Tony nominated one-person show. No.

Yeah. It's amazing. Give them the fistball if you don't want to. Is this something you do with other people? How is this the first time? The finger touch forces us to engage. Yeah, it's very. intimate. And also the attention

that is required. Yeah, you have to take a lot of focus. Which is very random. Yeah, no, no, and it's like bleh, you know. But the next level of it is locking in eye contact. No, no, no, no, it's too much. Okay, sharp. You were telling us about this. No, sir. We'll get there. We're not there yet. That's the we've gone too far.

No, but congratulations. Thank you. It's been really exciting. Why has it taken you so long as maybe the first thought in my head? And I mean, I mean I mean, this is a compliment because someone said this to me the other day. They said, this is Tracy's debut on Broadway. I was like, no, that's wrong. I confidently was like, nope, that's wrong.

They were like, no, it is. I was like, nope, that's wrong. It can't be, but it is. I mean, it's interesting. It's felt like coming home in all honesty. That's what I mean. Yeah, I mean, I, and this play in particular is extraordinary because it uses every aspect of my skill and my ability.

Like, there's improv. Okay. There's me telling the story. There's some singing in the middle of it. There's humor. It's a story about mental health and depression and suicide and removing the stigma around that. So there's that underneath it. Wait, the stigma around committing suicide?

Yeah. It's a story about a person whose mother has made multiple attempts. Oh, wow. And in response to that, this seven-year-old comes up with this idea. of making a list of everything brilliant about the world. And so it's both heavy, but it's told in this joyous, buoyant, like, life-affirming way. And it's a really beautiful piece of material. And it's like 75 minutes, 80 minutes.

And it's, you know, house lights up. There's audience on the stage with me. It's participation with the entire room. and it's not stand up because there's a script, but there's an element of that sort of energy. And it's glorious. It's glorious. It seems like you're having fun.

How long have you been going now? I did a five-week run. I'm in my last week right now. And then it's done? Oh, no. Yeah. Yes, but oh, no. Yeah.

I mean, it's been the perfect amount of time. It's been wonderful. So I took about two weeks to learn the material. I got to rehearsal pretty much off book. And so I had three weeks of rehearsal. And when I first started, it genuinely felt like swallowing a whale. Like, have you ever tried that? It's a lot.

I'm trying to understand what that analogy means. Too much. Exactly. It was just like, what is this? Trevor's like, I can swallow a whale. What's wrong with you? It's, okay, it's weird when you've been alive for more than 40 years. you hear a phrase you've never heard before.

Correct. I've never heard it's like swallowing a whale before. I was trying to figure out what it felt like, and it felt like trying to swallow a whale and then mama bird it back to the audience like it wasn't a whale. Like it was just the thing that I was delivering. And even though I had learned the material,

because of the improv, the novelty of every performance is different, choosing the people, like the whole thing was just like, what? And so even in rehearsal, you are sort of gaining your way. It's so, it was, I don't even know how to explain it. And then by the second week in rehearsal, in the rehearsal space, there's 25 people in the room that you don't know. And you're all of a sudden doing the play, bringing these people in. And so it was just like, I felt like every cylinder was firing. and then you get into the theater at the end of your third week of rehearsal.

And on Broadway, I didn't know this was a thing, but your dress rehearsals are called invited dress. And they invite other Broadway people who can't necessarily go to other shows because they're doing shows. And my dress rehearsals are at different times. Industry nights. But it's during the day, like they're weird times when there aren't shows. and the first dress rehearsal had 150 people.

The second dress rehearsal had 400 people. And then all of a sudden, it's the first night and the theater's full. And you're like, here we go. And I felt like I was flying with my feet on the ground. Oh, damn, that was crazy. Where did that come from? Who was that? And then what was it?

Here we go. That was so brilliant. Yeah, that was so good. It was like nuts. I was like, okay, and we're off. Like, it was... Have you done animation? Yes.

Okay, thank God. Thank God. I was hoping... I was like, surely there's like every, every different platform I would hope has, like, reached out to you. Which animation did you do? Huh? Which show? Oh, God, I did Rugrats at one point.

No way. I did a fun, silly role on there. I did a series recently that I had so much fun doing. I don't know why I can't think of what it's called. I'm about to do another one right now, a really fun one. I think I've done about five things. The series I did, what was that series called? I loved it.

What were you doing in it? I was playing like a blob. And it was, God, what was that called? Rachel, what was that called? Rachel, what was it called? Where's Rachel? Rachel is just what Tracy says when she can't think of an argument. Rachel's my alter ego.

Rachel, what was that called? That series was so fun. And I played a... Blob. Yeah, it was like a blob. I also just did another one that isn't out yet about the planets. That was fantastic. That is all about the relationship of the solar system.

But we're humanized. And I played, I want to say I was Saturn? I don't know. a really funny voice. You wouldn't seem like you're having fun. I enjoy what I do. No, genuinely. Like, every time I...

I mean, otherwise... I've never asked you this, but like, how do you... How do you keep finding the fun? How do you keep enjoying it? How do you keep... Some of it's gratitude. Yeah? I feel grateful to be able to do what I love.

You know, I run a business. I have a beauty company, and I'm a CEO and founder, and I'm day-to-day in that business. But there's like a real company. No, no, no. Like a real... No, no, I'm just saying this, because you know some people... Yes, yes, yes, yes.

...of founders and CEOs. Yeah, yeah, of nothing. Yes. And I say this with respect to them. Every time someone says that, there's no respect included. Because if it was respectful, we need to mention the respect. No, but a lot of people say CEO and founder. And the next thing, it's not.

But they are the only person in the business. Yeah, they're just an IP address and them. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, no, this is like a real thing. Yeah. How many years has Patton been going to be now? We're about to be seven. and, you know, we have 11 retail partners and...

It got a huge now. Yeah, it's really, it's a, you know, a booming company, and it takes a lot of work. So there's that part of my life, and I'm very good at that, and I love it, and I love being a boss lady, and I love going to the office, and I love that kind of solution work that I do, and the creativity that's in that for me, because the marketing and branding is really my, and storytelling and visual language. That is really my wheelhouse. And I love that. But every time I get to be an actor, every time I get to play,

to have a sense of play, to use my imagination, to be this, like, you know, just creature who is not afraid of anything and just has complete liberation within my body and my mind and all of that. And to just do that, I am lit up in a way that I cannot explain.

And I'm so grateful. I mean, also, you know, I'm a black actress in Hollywood. It's not like they throw parts at me. Do you know what I mean? That's not the way this business works. And still, I mean, I get great work, do you know what I mean? But it's still, it's a thing. You know, you got to figure it that it's a thing. And so when I, and I do say no to things now. Like, you know, I'm, it's wonderful. Some of it is pattern. Like I've been able to, I have,

you know, an income and I have made good money and I don't have to do things to uphold my life. And that is wonderful. And I say thing, I say yes to things. that either not for financial reasons all the time. Sometimes it's just that it like lights me up. You know what I mean? Like it's just something I really want to do or try. And I just feel grateful. I love it.

I love being a human. I love what being an artist and an actor allows me to do as a human to touch other people's humanity. Yeah. I love being silly. I love, you know what I mean? Like I always say to people like when it comes to dating, one of the things I'm like, you can't think that I'm going to be the person. prize on your arm and be that thing where in my life I get to fly like an eagle every day

and be as big as I want to be and as small as I want to be and as sexy as I want to be. Like to do all this and then I'm just going to, I'm going to cook it like, you know, and don't get me wrong. Like I'm a caretaker and I'm going to cook for you and all those kind of things, but not because you expect it, not because you want it. Just because that's part of who you are. You're not going to put me in a box and just be a little thing over here. Like, I'm a full planet. Does that make dating hard?

You're a solar system. I don't know. Yeah, I'm a solar system. Yeah, I don't think you're a planet. I think I'm a solar system. Yeah. And I don't know that it makes dating hard. It does.

You think it does? 100%. Why? I think what you've just explained is what a potential partner sees. Can I tell you that? What you've just, no, but also what you've said, one of the greatest pieces of advice I got too late in my life. but I wish everyone got was from Esther Perel.

She was a guest on the podcast and she said the number one thing she would encourage people to do is date as friend groups. And I was like, what do you mean? And she said, one of the worst mistakes people make is they go on dates as individuals. And when you're on that date, you're only seeing one side of the person

because it's a very natural thing. It's not like, you know, it's not always like people are pretending or not pretending, but it's very difficult to be all sides of yourself when you are with one person. Okay. But they said, like, if you go out as groups of friends, like literally, she said people should try their best to go, hey, me and my friends are going to do this. Would you like to bring some of your friends and we're going to hang out? She said, you'll be shocked at how quickly you get to know the person, like really, really quickly. That's actually sweet.

Because the other person can't hide themselves when all their people are around. No, you can't. So you'll see them. Like, you might be shy with strangers, but when you're with your friends, you really come. alive. You might be nice with strangers and with your friends the asshole. You're an asshole. Yeah. And and that thing you know to what you're saying now. Yeah. It reminds me of that idea. I get what Eugene is saying because if somebody meets you as Tracy in one dimension. Yeah yeah yeah. In one planet of your solar system. And they have met you. Yes. I can see them I can see them going oh this is who she is

all the time. And then the boss lady comes up and they're like, whoa, I'm a little intimidated by that. Yeah. wait, she can just go to Europe when she wants to and like I've always wondered that genuinely especially when it comes to ultra successful women

is how much harder it is to date but I think ultra because men can be very insecure about being with an ultra successful woman because what do I bring to the table no but that I think that cuts across everyone I think what ultra successful and famous people take for granted

is the fact that their potential partner wants what a normal partner would want They want exclusivity. And so do I. Yeah, they want to be with. But also, if you're ultra-famous, people already know you. And they've already known you before you knew them. Interesting, interesting, yeah.

So they want to decide of you. The guy who played pickleball didn't know who Trevor was. But he was a 14-year-old kid. Don't date him. This is not appropriate, Trevor. For me or for you. Sorry, I don't know where that went. I just, I'm sorry, I realized.

It was not what I thought. You see the comedian. I thought he was a grown person. So when you said that, I was like, oh, no. Don't that is a no. You see what I mean now. This is what I mean. That was so funny.

I had not pictured him as a 14-year-old. No, oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. I should have painted the- For some reason when you were painting the picture, I didn't picture him that way. So when you said that, I was like, ah, no. Sorry, okay.

The exclusivity thing is it. It's an interesting, it's an interesting, interesting idea. And also, you're loved by. more. Like, I mean, you know, if you're dating me and then I put up a bathing suit picture and Trevor's getting text. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I mean, I don't know. It's interesting. Who do you think it's been easier for you to date civilians or fellow celebrities? I've not really dated fellow celebrities a couple of times. No, no, I have a little bit, but not so much. I don't know. I mean, I feel like right now there's a question. I'm like,

should I be dating, like, because I'm 53. I'm like, should I be dating like a 62-year old man? No. He's so quick with his answers. He's already like... Because he believes... No, no, no, I know. But so here's the question then.

Make my profile. Like, what are we doing? Like, go. Maybe like, at a stretch, 45. At a stretch... What? Yeah, if you're like,

I'm dating someone who's old at your age and your looks and your ability... But 62 is not... And your effervescence. I have effervescence. It will overwhelm any 61-year-old. Really?

Yeah, you should do. be with someone who's as Sprightly. This guy said Sprightly. I know, I know, no, I used to move it away. This guy's just striped. By the way, I moved it away like it was him. Sprightly, get the fuck out of here. Oh, my God.

I don't know. I mean, I've dated younger guys. And that's been interesting. And then sometimes it's not, I mean, it's individual. Do you know what I mean? Yeah, it's individual. I men my age often. I don't.

I don't know. I don't know. I think it's individual. Every guy is different. I will tell you. Finish your sentence first. No. Men your age?

No, I'm not doing it. I'm not going to do it. But what I will say is there are really great guys out there. I'm not going to, I'm not one of those women who's like, I don't know. I don't agree with that. I think there's really great guys out there. I think my thing is, think of how many people I know like me, not so many. So maybe it'll take some time for me to meet the person that's a match for me.

I mean, how many people are out in the world like you? You're pretty unique. I don't know you well enough to say that about you. Do you know what I mean? I don't want to leave you out, but like I know Trevor decently well. You're a great guy. No, no, no. You're doing lots of options for you.

You're on the other hand. I don't know you. You just discovered enloom potatoes, man. Enlott tomatoes and tomatoes. Yeah, and you use words like Sprightly. And you make you do things like this. I don't know. I don't know you yet, okay?

I don't know if you're going to end up with any money, man. I don't know you, okay? But I know him And what he said was Okay, so I'll tell you This is what I've learned For myself and from my life There is a

It's interesting, I was having a conversation I was in Sweden, I was in Stockholm It was at some random dinner It was an event with mixed business people Actors, just a real smorgas board as they say of people, right? And I was sitting next to this woman who's just like, man, you want to talk about a boss lady?

Like, has connected everyone in the world of business and she's run successful businesses. She's like killed it. You know, she's like vacations on yachts and like full on, full on, you can even tell how far I'm from it because I say yachts. Because rich people say boats. That's what I've learned.

Yeah, if you've grown up with money, you say boat. Yes, you do. If you haven't grown up with money, you say yacht. Like I say yacht. That is correct. That exposes how I grew up. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

I have, like, internalized money. It is a tell. But when you, when you've grown up around money, you say boat, always. Do you want to join us on Gerald's boats? And the boat could be as big as a city. It will be as big as a city. But it's a boat. Yes.

You always say boat when you have money and you've grown up in money, is the important thing. When you haven't, you'll say yacht. So anyway, she's, as she would say, she's on boats. I was like, oh, she vacations on yachts. So we're talking, we're talking, we're talking. And then she said to me, And it was really interesting because we had in this conversation. And then she said, I feel like I'm a failure in life.

I was like, this is strange. You've just told me about the greatest list of accomplishments ever. What do you mean? You think you're a failure? And she said, well, I'm 60, 62 years old. I, you know, my kids are amazing and they love me and we vacation all the time. And they're great and they're doing well. And my businesses are doing well.

And like, you know, my friends and my ventures and everything I touch turns to gold. but I just, I can't find the person for me and, you know, it feels like love is a story that I will never, you know, complete and I feel like a failure. That's hard, hard perspective. Yeah, but it was interesting because I said to her, I said, maybe it's because it's so clear to me because you're saying it from the outside. But I found it interesting that she was willing to define her entire life through that. Through one lens alone, when every other metric, and I mean every other, she's in shape, she's healthy. But you know, I've done speeches about this. Really?

Oh, yeah. But that's societal. She's pushing up against a societal norm and a cultural and a patriarchal and misogynistic norm. Okay. That is you, even if you don't know that's what you're fighting against, that's what you're fighting against. The thing that defines your value as a woman. Yeah. Who wants you?

Yeah. Oh, damn. And I won't subscribe to it. I don't. My life is wonderful. And I experience loneliness and all of it. And I want a partner. And I might not find one.

I don't know. You know? And I'm not going to make that mean something about me. And I'm not going to decide that because I, and you know, and then the other thing is on girlfriends, I talk about this all the time, but on girlfriends for eight years, 173 episodes, I was a successful woman who couldn't find a partner and was waiting to be chosen. And I didn't realize it, but when I left the show, I have spent years, and I talk publicly about it now because I didn't realize how much I had spent years waiting to be chosen.

And I started to realize, I'm like, what the f I'm the, I'm the, I'm the chooser. I can choose my partner. And I can choose, I don't have to sit around being a prize, making a life so that I get chosen. I'm also the person looking for a partner. And society tells women that that's our worth, that have. having children. And I mean, not everywhere, but that is, that is the most, no, for the most part. No, it is. And finding a partner. I mean, and then it's the thing that people ask you all the time. And I'm like, oh my God, why are we so interested in this? You know, um.

You know what I've noticed, though? It's, it's similar to alcohol. People press you until you say you went too far and you've stopped. But if you just say, I'm not drinking. So if you go, people will like, a drink and you go, I don't drink alcohol. They go like, why not? Why do you do any drink, but if you say, I stopped, people like, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, same thing with your relationship status. If people say, are you single, are you married? You say, no, never married? You've never been, no.

But if you go like, yeah, divorce and I'm, then people go. Oh, I understand. I understand. Okay. Yeah. You have, okay, okay. Or here's my favorite, you know, I'm 53. People are like, for a while there, there was, have you ever thought about having children?

No, never thought about it. I'm so glad you brought it up. Should we talk about it now? You and I? Should we talk about it? why let's let's get into it what the fuck are you asking me I never thought about

I'm so glad you brought this up sir I never thought do you think what is I mean is it time do I do it now I would hate to meet you on the wrong day in the wrong setting your brain because you see that's what I mean you're the perfect combination all cylinders yeah but like she's too smart and too funny to not eviscerate you now imagine meeting this person

randomly can I tell you funny stepping on the wrong landmine yeah it's finished bruh you finished And you don't know what happened and I'm laughing. I'm like, ha ha ha ha ha. Can I tell you a really funny story about a famous, a very famous comedian.

Yes. Who came on, I'm going to make it as vague as I can so that no one feels called out. Go, go. Who came on a show that I, was my show. Yeah. And came and was doing a funny bit and decided

in front of everyone to try and viscerate me with his comedy. Who, we. tried to think that the pretty girl who was, this was back in the day, nobody really knew what I was capable of or not. But, you know, when I get pushed into a corner, you have that. Yep.

That's going to happen. And so I, with humor, on camera in front of everybody, and it was my house, you know what I mean? I eviscerated him. And I was like, and then when I walked away, I was like, wow, that was harsh. But I was like, he did it to me first. Yeah, no, no, no, no, that thing.

But, you know, when two standard comedians, Don't put us in the corner. Don't do that. I've seen people with Eugene where I watch and I see Eugene's eyes like slowly like build and I'm like oh goodness. Oh goodness. You'll get him on, no, I've seen you. I've seen you.

You'll get like a random people like like, look at this. What's up with that shoe and you look like a and they start like and you just see Eugene like sitting there like. You know what it reminds you of a fighter that like these. That's what I, yes. That's exactly what you're saying. These are lethal weapons. It's like but like he's in the movie and he's that guy who. like stopped fighting long ago

and he's just sitting there and guys are like hey man you're gonna get up you're gonna do something and he's just there like breathe breathe and then when you jean starts

you like you have that but I think we all have that if you have like a comedic like real it's not about being funny I'm not a funny person it's not that you have this thing where it's like

oh man don't don't put me in a corner that version of Trevor I call him the Shabin Queen yeah he does the Shabin Queen yeah

so in South Africa We had Shabines, Taverns. I don't think... Speak Easies. Speak Easies. Like in America. And... But in the...

It's funny. In black America, you had it as well. Where it was like the woman who ran the underground... The Duke joint, I think it was called. Yes. And they ran it. And they had a comeback for every drunk man in there. They had a line for the cops.

They had a... Yeah. Like, they were ready all the time. Eugene calls me that. He calls me a Shabin Queen. He's like, you don't want Trevor Shabin Queen to come out. That's fantastic. Because I'll be very chill.

And then at some point I'm like, all right, all right. But also, you know, what I love about you, Trevor, which is similar to me is that your humor is kind. Yeah, I don't try, like, yeah, I'm not trying to. I'm not that person either. I'm not mean at all. No. But. Don't push me in a corner, man.

You will lose. You will lose. Don't put baby in a corner. Don't put baby in a corner. I was, yeah, yeah. I mean. And I know. And also, they don't.

Don't always expect it from a woman. No, never. Don't press anything. We've got more. What Now? After this. Girlfriends. Why didn't girlfriends get the

mainstream acclaimant dessert? You think of the time period. Think of what was happening then. So it was 90s, and it was very segregated television at the time. Was it really? Oh, yeah. So I'll give you my perspective,

just so you understand why I'm so confused by this. In South Africa, Girlfriends was one of the biggest sitcoms on television So in our world, in my world in fact When I hear people talk about shows like friends I don't say this with any like disrespect I'm not just saying this disparagingly But I go, what bullshit are you coming with

Telling me that this is the greatest sitcom of all time I like him It means no disrespect No no Yo I grew up with friends And girlfriends and girlfriends And all of these came on around a similar time. Yeah, yeah. So I was watching them back to back, granted I was much younger, but still

on the same level. Yeah, and they, and we didn't have the hierarchy that American TV had. So family matters and full house were like, let's go baby. Back to back. Same channel. Really? Yeah, so there was no like, oh, this is, there was no indicator. It's a mixback of similar. So there was no indicator that one should be perceived in a way differently to the other. So for me, I remember watching girlfriends going the comedy, the six, the six, The situation, the elements of the story, what is being defined here, that to me was revolutionary. But it was never credited with the revolution, which was weird to me. No, and it's been given that in hindsight.

Oh, it has? A little bit. Okay, good. But we certainly didn't have it back then. No. I mean, never had gotten, no talk shows, no Tonight Show, no David Letterman, no Emmys, had never been to the Emmys. You are lying. Had never been to any...

You were never asked on a late-night show? No, as a matter of fact, I have a story. It was Jay Leno, and I had girlfriends, and the comment was, we love Tracy. Call us when she gets something. While on girlfriends. Oh, yeah. And I was like, I remember thinking, get what? Like, what else do you have to get?

I don't know. And it just was not... We love her, but it was not considered... And the other thing was, I remember, this I remember specifically, the show Monk, do you remember that show with Tony Jaloup? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. That show had a quarter of our viewership, a quarter of our viewership. And I remember seeing him on the show, and I was so confused. And I was like, I don't understand. Is it viewership? And the only thing you can boil it down to, you're like, is it just racism? Like, I don't, like, I'm not sure how to, like, how do you categorize it? Like, I don't know what it is.

never went to the Emmys. The first time I went to the Emmys was on Blackish. Yo, this is crazy. Yeah. This is like this is, to me, this is mind-blowing. So yeah, it just wasn't that. Because they all existed in the same. Yeah.

And ignorantly, because we're in South Africa, we're just watching this going, these are all the same. That's really, they all occupy the same level. That's so interesting. I've never heard that before. Yeah. Thank you for sharing that.

Quality. The show was great. Prestige, all of it. So we did, we at no point watched any of these shows and thought that they were not of same caliber whatsoever. It was really interesting to me when I came to America and, wait, why, go for, and then it was like almost only black people knew about girlfriends. And by the way, when I first did blackish, I remember I first went in to do my looping session,

like, you know, for voiceover or whatever, with the stuff, the lines that weren't working. And I remember the team was like an old school, like TV like veterans. Okay, yeah, yeah. And the guy was like, my God, I mean, it's like you've done this before. Oh, God. And I said. Eugene and I talk about that all the time. And I said, no, but I have.

And he was like, I mean, but it's not like you were on a comedy. And I said, no, I was on a comedy. He's like, I know, but it's not like you were a lead. And I was like, no, but I was. He's like, well, it's not like it was network. And I swear to God. Who is this guy? Exactly.

And I said, no, but it was. And he was like, but it wasn't prime time. I mean, he kept going. It was like a calm. Exactly. And I was like, but it was. And he was like, oh, I see. What was it called?

Oh, wow. And I was like girlfriends. And he was like, I'll have to look that up. Wow. And I remember thinking, wow, it's like we were just not even, it didn't even exist. But, you know, again, back to my gratitude. I'm like, but I had eight years. I started on girlfriends.

I was pretty talented. You know what I mean? I thought I was pretty whatever. But I became a season. actress. I became a, you know, 173 episodes. Yeah, you're okay. Yeah. You learn how to do it. You know, and it's different than movies, but like, it's a real thing. You learn, you get, you become a veteran, you know, I had an opportunity to do a hundred and seventy three episodes of a show. It's no joke. And then I did a hundred and seventy somewhat episodes of Blackish. Sixteen years of my life on show.

shows, 16 years. I'm like, girl, that's okay career? Do you know what I mean? Yeah, no, for real. Like, that blows my mind. And I remember, after girlfriends, I remember Christina Applegate, she had her third, so it was married with children, and then there was the third show. Her and Julia Louis Dreyfus were two actresses that I was like, I want that career. I want that. I wonder if a black woman could get that. I wonder if I could do that. I've done it. That's, I mean, I mean, it's pretty, it blows my mind. Like at 53, you know, you take stock, you look at things and you're like, okay. And I just go, wow.

And then even with this Broadway show, you know, it came to me. It just felt like a divine moment. And I'm like, I didn't go looking for it. And it came to me. And I thought, wow, in this chapter of my life, which is such a beautiful chapter at 53 years old, to experience something that like is a dream, a dream. My first time on Broadway, a one-person show, a Tony nominee. show that I didn't ask for and I came in here and I'm like what a what a treat like look at this

I'm still working this is great this explains no this explains it now you sound like how I sound inside whenever I'm doing something just like no no like can I tell you know you know it's funny is yeah you have that one of the greatest gifts in my life is how Eugene reminds me to do that about like the world I'm good at doing that for like world like things. Strangely enough, I've struggled to do that with the world. Mm-hmm. I understand that. So Eugene is the person who'll go, man, do you ever appreciate all these trees that we get on our walk? Aw. And I'm genuinely like, I'm never actually, yeah, I mean, the trees. And he's like, Eugene's like, no man, look at, yo, look at these trees.

That's really. And I'm like, these, okay. He's like, yo, look at, I mean, look at the, wow. Look at that river there. I can't believe that river just floating. I am very much that person. Yeah. So, but you have, I would argue, this super combination of us. Because I can do it with like work things. I always appreciate. He's around the corner very quickly.

I have to remind him on the work things. And then he has to remind me on the life things. But even when I've been with you, when we're in an art gallery, a museum, at dinner, you have, that's a real. Now it actually explains it to me now. I've always wondered how you are so not just. Just normal but radiance. But I... That's nice.

I wonder where you get... Where do you think you got it from? I think I was born with it. I do. I think I came out with a... I mean, my middle name is Joy. And my mom said... No way.

You want to know what my middle name is? What? Which means? Joy. There you have it, folks. I want you to know I a little bit feel like E.T. When we do it... That's exactly it comes from.

from one species to another. Fantastic. Oh, joy. Yeah. But I don't know. I mean, you know, I also know that for me, the capacity I have for joy is matched on the spectrum with the capacity I have for darkness.

Oh, interesting. You know, I would say more. I just that full spectrum of who I am. Yeah. But the truth is my genuine, temperament is joy. Okay, that's your... It's my default.

The way I think of it is. Like, I always think of, like, people like coins when we're spinning. There are two ways the coin can spin. It can be spinning almost silently and balanced. And then it can be spinning like in a wobbling. And I go, like, you want to be your ideal spin. But there's also the other side of your spin,

which is like, it's still going, but it's like, roll, roll, roll, okay, I hear what you're saying. So your defaults. Yeah, my default. Default is joy. I ran at a pace of anxiety for many, many years of my life. And I don't anymore. When did it stop and what changed it? I've said this to him the other day. About you or about him?

About myself. Yeah, you've settled. How old are you? How old are you? 45 this year. Yeah. Wait, what changed? 100%. All the work I've done. Yeah, but something must have changed. I want to dig and understand this because I think it's valuable selfishly to me, but to anyone else is like, what clicks?

Some people won't hit that until 70. Some people don't hit that until their deathbed. Some people never hit it. So my question is, what changed? Because you had, like you just said, eight years on a prime time show, eight years on another massive show. I was terrified and anxious through girlfriends. Okay. Not comfortable in my skin.

Yeah. I've done a lot of work that has felt like chewing on ground glass in the attempt to get comfortable being where I am and trusting that I'm okay. And that has been hard earned. And it's something, it's a daily reprieve, you know. And then blackish, I started to settle. I think I became a woman during girlfriends, but I didn't have time to eat. integrate who I had become. And then I spent years, you know, thinking the pearly gates of Hollywood were going to open,

they didn't, and having to self-generate my own sense of creativity and ambition and make my own way. I spent, you know, my childhood tangled in the rainbow of my mother's extraordinary light. Yeah, right. Also in her embrace, not in her shadow, in her embrace. I've never felt, but it fanned a flame for me to figure out who I am. I felt like a fraud if I just enjoyed her attention. Oh, okay, that's interesting. I needed to know who I was and fill up my own light and my own planet and my own system, you know.

And then blackish has been extremely. was an extraordinary experience for me, and that partnership with Anthony was something. I found a sense of safety and an ability to explore my gifts and my talents in a way that I hadn't before. Pattern occupied something for me. I felt like I built something that meant something that had purpose. Pattern was the first thing that I made that was just absolutely mine. What was that? What do you want to do? There's a thing that you want to do that? No, I was saying, I was saying this to Eugene, literally in the car the way here.

I said to Eugene, one of the things we take for granted in life is that we very seldom have been asked the question. What do you want to do? What do you want to do? And people be like, no, no, people ask, oh, what do you want to? No, no, no, not casually. I mean, like, in the meaningful moments of your life. How many times we take it for granted literally from the beginning of our lives. when you're a child,

you are very lucky if your parents or carers, whoever caregivers, who ever say, what do you want to do, like, and really mean it. What would you like,

if you have all your agency, what would you like to do? And then facilitate it, not a platitude. And then you look at it like when you're older, what would you, and then you become an adult,

your work doesn't ask you, what would you like to do? No. The things you do in life don't ask you what would you like to do? And it's interesting, as you keep moving through life, when you stumble upon it, you go, oh, this is the first time it was what I wanted to do. Not where I was pulled, not what I was offered, not what I'm good at?

No. Yeah. Yeah, what do you want to do? Talent can be a trap. Yeah, absolutely. That's true. That's true. Yeah, then people assume that just because you have it, you must use it.

then they give you what they think is good for you. And then you start feeling ungrateful for not taking what they think is good for you. It is especially I think, I don't know if it's the same as a man, as an African man, but as a woman to not take what you're offered. Same. And as a black woman is like, it takes a lot to learn how to do that. It's the same. Yeah, same, same.

I think it's layered for us because it's like, one, you've, got the color side of things. So remember in South Africa, we saw the first generation of non-white TV or public anything, right? Wow. Comedy wasn't legal in the country before 1994. So there wasn't even like a comedian that you could like look up to. That wasn't a concept as a child. So that's why the American TV we saw was so formative because it was like, oh, that's a thing. And then people laugh and then, you know. But when we entered those spaces for the first. So that's a lot. But when we entered those spaces for the first. time the custodians were still generally white people who without realizing it at times still approached you with an attitude of hi you oh wow well you're lucky to oh you're lucky to be here

there was that feeling and so i think that that still has and then i mean i know for us sharing this like coming from very modest backgrounds there's also that element where it's like you should be grateful for everything, even if you do not wish for it to be. Oh, yeah. I mean, the politics of gratitude are intense as a black person. Intense. So you just have to be, you have to, have to, have to have to have to. But then what people don't realize is gratitude isn't gratitude when it's forced.

No. It's very different than genuine compliance. Yeah, that's acknowledgement. I can acknowledge what I have. To be grateful for it is different. Yeah, it's very different. So people will say like, I'm grateful for everything. You must work.

No, no, no, I get that. But then you, I genuinely believe something. you're just acknowledging that you have it, being grateful for it is the difference. It's like, it's the difference between eating something and being full and tasting and savoring something going, oh, oh, my God. To be in the actual enjoyment of it. That to me's gratitude is to go, wow, what a delicious. I'm sorry, where's this from?

You know, it's like, it's that feeling. You just said the word compliance, which is really interesting in that context. Gratitude as, I think that's in the politics of gratitude, is there's a, a sense of compliance. It's like it is a way to be deferential and to say, yes, I'm grateful for what you've given me as opposed to this sense of being of this is what is mine. Yes. Yeah. This is what I'm worth. This is me as a human being. You can, whatever you're doing out there. Yeah. But this is, and I think that is what shifted for me, a sense of belonging to myself, a sense of belonging to myself, and also to my humanity, which I think is something that I've

grown into and discovered. And having a sense of that for myself has allowed me, not every moment, I mean, you know, I'm human, but it really has allowed me to be inside my life in a different way, that I'm deeply grateful for. See, that's beautiful. That's what it is. That to me is Tracy. Now, your friendship makes sense to me. These two?

You too. Yeah, these two. It makes so much sense. Yeah. I mean, it's so funny. Trevor, I think you know this. I don't know. But like I don't, you know, I've gone to your house for dinner.

And like, that's not something I do. Like I don't, I'm not. I don't have people over. Yeah. No, you know what I mean? You will tell you this. Yeah. Even you saying you've been to my house for dinner is like a, some people who know me,

would be like, what? She's been with you. By the way, same thing with me. The people that have been to my house for dinner, I'm like, people are like, oh, so-and-so, maybe I can come over. I was like, no. No. No.

Maybe I can join dinner. No, I don't think so. I'm so, like, I just don't, you know, I don't do that. And it's, there are certain people that you go, oh, that feels safe. That'll be, that'll be good. This is a real person. Like, it's always your same. Same friends.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, and by the way, the guy, like, we share now, makes the food, you know. So, and those are things that, like, I don't take for granted. In this industry that we're in, you know, there's a lot of stuff. There's a lot of bells and whistles. There's a lot of fun. It's nice. It's fun.

I love to enjoy it and all that kind of stuff. But then there's something different, you know. And I'm grateful for those touchstones that do exist that you see. You know, we see each other at a event. You're like, I know him. You know, that's a good one. But, you know, it's a, the business is funny. Yes.

And it will take what it can from you. I think, I think life is like that. The business is a, is an amplified version of it. Yeah. But I think life is like that. That's true. And in life, I'll often say this, you know, like now I'll be asked to like talk to high school kids or whatever, go and do these things. I was like, I'm like, what am I doing?

Because I still feel like a high school kid. But. Keep that forever. But genuinely, one of the only pieces of advice I'll give them is something I wish I had when I was younger, and that is I go, choose your friends by how they make you feel. Oh, yes, Trevor. That's like the big one.

Trevor, you want to do it? No, that's his thing. There's rock papers that this. No, like, choose your friends. But it's true. By the way, this is also what I say about dating. Yeah. I always say to people, when you leave that date,

ask yourself how you feel. Yeah, even when you're on it. Ask yourself how you feel. Not what you're doing, not what he looks like. No, no, no, no, no. How do you feel? Did you feel small? Did you feel like yourself?

Exactly. Like all those things. Because people forget to ask themselves those questions and they don't check in. Yeah. And then you're like in a relationship and you're like, oh, you're like, yeah, well, how did he make you feel in the first date? Yeah. The thing I say to people is you, you should never take for granted that every part of you is you, right? I've always, like I shouldn't have, but I've like, I fought with a few like gurus and monks.

I have, man. He just said I fought with. Maybe that's what's what I'm doing now. I have. No, I have. I'm dead. You know me, bro. You know me too.

Because I like, if I, there's something I don't agree with or I don't understand or I think it could be like clarified. I just, I'll say it. And there's like a few gurus and monks who would be like, you know, there's one who was like, he's like, you are not nervous. That is not a part of you. That is nerves is an external. And I was like, yo man.

I was like, yo, I don't agree with you. I was like, no, you are nervous. All of these things are a part of you. The difference is there's a state that you are most not comfortable, but you're sort of vibrating at your best frequency. I call it my favorite part of me.

Yeah, that's the best way to put it. Your favorite part of you. And so when I'm When I think about my life. Outside Eugene? Yeah. You're going, who are the people in my life who in some way, shape or form remind me of that person? So even when I'm not them, they sort of go like, hey, hey, hey, where are you?

Then you're like, oh yeah, okay, that's a nice thank you without judging you, without pushing you, without pressuring you. And there's even like work that you will do or activities that you will do that will remind you of that part of you. and those things like everything you've said clicks it's funny you say this I haven't asked her about this because I mean it's not like we're like friends and speak but from the few conversations I've had with Rihanna

she had like that like and I don't say this in a familiar way honestly but she she just like she's real she may have always had it but man you cannot deny that Fenty like it just because what it does is it's exactly what you said about Patton

depending on who you are in life depending on where you are in life you may feel like you are always in a position where you are waiting on so you're waiting for a train to stop and pick you up you're waiting for the bus to stop and pick you up you're always waiting for the thing you're always on the platform

and then if you're lucky enough you get to build your own station and you're the one now you're the conductor you're driving yeah you know what's interesting about Rihanna I mean I'm I really enjoy her she's I just not not necessarily

personally, but just what, but I remember when she did the halftime show, I saw something I'd never seen. That's what I'm saying. That's what I mean. She was like, we had never seen it. No.

A black woman who at the height that she's at and who she is, do it in this way of like, I'm not giving you guys all of me. I'm going to give you what I want to give you. And I'm doing this. I don't even know how to describe it. Here's what it felt like to me.

It felt like Rihanna was saying, I'm happy to be here but you are also happy to have me here so the halftime show is not me coming to peddle my wares it's not me coming to it's a showcase and I'm enjoying this showcase and I'm having fun

and I'm like hitting my little you know what I mean it's like and she had you're not wrong it wasn't like a please go and buy my records and this is why you should love me as a performance I have something yeah this is why there was none of it no she's like and then she whipped open that fenty mirror and I was

Like, girl, it was so beautiful. Watching her is so beautiful in a way that we don't talk about it enough. No, it really, it's really beautiful. And it teaches us something when we see it. You can even see it in her interviews. Look at her interviews when, before she has Fenty and people are asking her about when the new music is coming out. Look at how she responds. And then look at her interviews when Fentie's come out and they ask her, where's the new music?

previously she would have like a slightly like apologetic like oh yeah you know I'm working on it and we're trying to find yeah you know the album she's in her body you know and then after Fenty people ask her yo the music she's like yo bra relax with that question the music will come when it comes she's just got like a you're not an asshole but she's like no man why are you doing this she the music will come when it comes the same way we can't ask Charday when's the music coming out if Charday comes back she comes back she doesn't she doesn't But it's it's

It's something I wish for everyone in life In any part of your life I agree It's just the ability You said it articulately To feel like you belong in yourself That's it And you see it in her and it's beautiful

I really love it Yeah I really It's it's um That that Super Bowl moment Was something very special for everybody No man But Tracy Especially from a black woman

This is lovely This is you You are Lovely. Come on, one more. Also, when he does it, he goes... Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's really good.

I'm channeling all the energy. Oh, is that what you're doing? He, like, focuses it. Do you have a show tonight? I do. Yeah, I have a show tonight. I don't want to let you... What's your pre-show routine?

I don't want to, like... I usually... I like to be there an hour and a half before we open the doors because I'm in the audience for the door opening. And I do vocal exercises. What do you do, lip trills? I do trills. I do hums.

Do you do the blowing straw? No. No. No. I do ha ha haas. I had two weeks about 10 days where I was sick as a dog. You're lying in the middle of the run. And I had to keep going.

No. Let me tell you something. No, understudy. First, no. It's just me. No. First of all. I could have come on and I could have done a lot.

You could have come and done chasing. No one would have known. I would have been like, you guys haven't seen me in person. You don't know. That's what I look like Trevor Shaw. I do. But I will tell you, it's fascinating what your body can do when it's sick. You can still do it.

But what is crazy is the show I did with a fever, I have no, it felt like a fever dream. Yeah, you have no memory of it. I was like, wow. But I, you know, my body knows what it's doing. It's done the show enough. Yeah. It does it. And it was still a great show.

But boy, did it feel fucking wonky? Oh, yeah. And then for a minute there, I couldn't hear out of my right ear. And thank God I didn't have anything contagious. I had no, you know, I had been, I tested. for everything. So I was sure that I wasn't like spreading it around everybody. And then there was that one show that I was just like...

You just hit like the... You know what it was that made me feel like I was so out of it? That night I hadn't slept. I couldn't sleep. And I, you know, I'm a sleeper. So if I get my sleep, then I can do all these things. Then I can really be present. You got to sleep, right?

Got a sleep. Got a sleep. Professional sleeper. Yeah. And my sleep editing... The ticket is like no joke. I don't fuck around with my sleep. Now, you have good sleep etiquette.

I just focus on my sleep, but your etiquette is impeccable. I do. You have sleep etiquette? Yes, I do. The wind down. Yes. No, Tracy's a GA when it comes to this. Otherwise.

There's a wind down? There's a wine down. There's a, you know, no sugar like before bed and stuff like that. Like I just and I, the screen goes away. How long before? At least a half an hour, if not more. Because the audience is. coming in and then she has to

she has to she been queen is out the Shabin Queen Yep yep Is it the Shabine's time? Yeah there's a 12 o'clock spike Oh my God I'm dead

And then there's a 3pm spike And then from 6pm I'm always like Guys you're in God's hands Now man anything happens Oh my God that's so funny So now the time is 2 o'clock 2 o'clock Yeah so we're in between

two time zones Yeah, I'm going to try and get myself some lunch and then I'm... This was so beautiful. This was so nice, thank you. Let's not make it two years. I can't believe in two. That is stupid. I will say this though.

When you have that feeling with people, that's when I feel like you guys like vibe. You like them. Yeah. And it's normal where whenever you... But I also think that becomes the downside is that you, genuinely, until you said it, I did not, like now when you like two years, I was like, no, not two years. Two years seems crazy. But I am in the city for the next two or three weeks,

so maybe we'll go to dinner or something. You let me know. Okay, great. You let me know. All right, this was great. Fantastic. You are amazing. Fantastic.

What Now with Trevor Noah is produced by Day Zero Productions in partnership with Sirius XM. The show is executive produced by Trevor Noah, Sanaziamen, and Jess Hackle. Rebecca Chain is our producer. Our development researcher is Marcia Robiud. Music, mixing, and mastering by Hannes Brown. Random Other Stuff by Ryan Paduth.

Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for another episode of What Now?