The book has been in her personal library for several years and when she read it four years ago, she instantly “recognized” the characters in the novel Push by Sapphire.
However, Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe never fathomed the idea that she would be on the big screen as the lead character in the movie based on the book.
Sidibe portrays Claireece “Precious” Jones, an illiterate, obese teen who has two children by her father, and who has been mentally and physically abused by her mother, Mary, played by comedienne Mo’Nique.
“I recognized Precious and Mary in friends and family that I’ve ignored in the streets. That’s what drew me to the role; just the reality of a girl like this. We walk by her all the time,” 26-year-old Sidibe told the Defender.
With no acting experience, the New York native was urged by friends to audition for the role. And while her life in no way mirrored the character’s, Sidibe said it wasn’t hard to get into character.
Having already read the novel, she re-read half of the first page before entering the audition room. After she got the part and filming time came close, she read the book in its entirety – about “nine or 10 times,” she said.
“It was pretty easy. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I put every fiber of my trust in Mr. (Lee) Daniels and the other actors. Whatever he wanted me to do, I was going to deliver to him. It wasn’t tough at all,” said Sidibe as she sat alongside Daniels, the director of the film.
Sidibe said her own feelings towards Precious eased her transition into the character.
“I brought the guilt I felt. With that guilt, I was able to open my heart more and feel more compassion towards Precious. I just wanted to see this girl justified. That’s what guilt helped me do,” she said.
When the movie opens Friday, Daniels hope viewers take away the message to “not take life for granted” and “any dream is possible.”
“When I read the book, I was blown away that I could read it in one sitting.
“I normally wouldn’t read that way. I knew that the book was so powerful that it would need to be brought to screen. It stayed with me like some good, hot grits. It stuck to my bones,” said Daniels, before praising Sidibe for an “excellent” portrayal of the teen.
She recently won the New Hollywood Award for her role.
Sidibe said her character is a “warrior” who realized “doors don’t shut for very long.” If there’s one thing viewers take away after seeing the film, it has to be the message of hope, she said.
“Life keeps throwing things at her and while she doesn’t necessarily dodge them, she gets up after falling.
“It’s certainly what I learned while doing the film. You have to keep your fiber of hope alive,” Sidibe said of her character in the film.
“Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire,” also stars Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shephard and Paula Patton.
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