Jada Pinkett Smith recently sat down with Lena Waithe on her podcast Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe for an engaging discussion about her trailblazing career in Hollywood. From her breakout moments in A Different World to unforgettable roles in films like Set It Off, The Nutty Professor, Girls Trip, and The Matrix, Jada has consistently proven herself as a transformative force in entertainment. Whether in front of the camera or as the creator of Red Table Talk, she’s redefined what it means to build a multifaceted career in Hollywood while opening doors for future generations.
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During their conversation, one surprising revelation emerged: her iconic character Peaches in A Low Down Dirty Shame was initially written with another actress in mind.
When Lena asked Jada how much of Peaches’ unforgettable persona was scripted and how much she brought to the role, Jada shared, “A lot of Peaches was on the page.” She credited the film’s director and writer, Keenen Ivory Wayans, for understanding her comedic instincts. “He knew my funny. That’s why I feel like it’s the funniest I’ve ever been,” she said.
But Jada went on to drop an unexpected tidbit: “At first, it was Rosie Perez. Rosie Perez was supposed to be that character.” Scheduling conflicts prevented Rosie from taking the role, and Jada was ultimately cast. Still, she played a part in shaping Peaches, even naming the character.
Jada recalled a memorable moment while filming one of Peaches’ standout scenes: a confrontation involving gunfire. “So I’m from Baltimore, right? I’m thinking I’m all tough,” she joked. During rehearsal, Keenen asked her to react to a gunshot. When she gave a subtle response, he quipped, “Jada, you gotta react to the gunshot!”
On the next take, Keenen fired a blank for realism, and her genuine reaction made the final cut. “You see it in the movie—I jumped over that couch so fast in that yellow sweatsuit,” Jada said, laughing.
She credited Keenen’s directorial style for guiding her performance, describing herself as a “paintbrush” in his hands. “It was one of my favorite roles to play because I so trusted him,” she reflected.
While the role wasn’t originally hers, Jada made Peaches an unforgettable part of her career and a lasting figure in the culture of ’90s Black cinema. Her ability to bring depth and humor to the role demonstrated her unmatched talent and cemented her place as a Hollywood icon. Watch her full interview below.