Fresh Air - Best Of: Actor Leslie Uggams / Martha's Vineyard's Indigenous Past & Present
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Host/Authors: Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley
Interview 1: Leslie Uggams on a Remarkable Career
Introduction: The episode opens with host Terry Gross introducing Leslie Uggams, an accomplished actor and singer whose career spans over six decades. Uggams discusses her early beginnings, notable achievements, and recent projects.
Early Career and Breakthrough: Leslie Uggams began her performing career at the tender age of six. By nine, she was already performing at the renowned Apollo Theater. Her breakthrough came with the 1967 Broadway musical Hallelujah Baby, a civil rights-themed production for which she won a Tony Award. This role established her as a significant figure in the entertainment industry and paved the way for her historic role as the first black woman to host a TV variety show.
Notable Roles and Recent Projects: Uggams has continued to evolve her career, taking on diverse roles across film and television. Noteworthy performances include:
- Roots (1977): Portraying Kizzie, the daughter of Kunta Kinte, in this groundbreaking miniseries.
- Empire: Playing Lucious Lyon's mother, adding depth to the family dynamics within the series.
- Deadpool Films: Taking on the role of Blind Al, showcasing her versatility by using expletives and navigating the superhero genre.
- American Fiction (2023): Portraying a mother grappling with dementia, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced performance.
Key Quotes and Insights:
-
On Longevity and Passion:
"I just think, what's my next gig? I mean, that's how I've always been. [...] I'm working, baby, I'm happy."
(04:16) -
On Transitioning to Deadpool:
"I happened to be in Florida doing Mame and my agent called me and said, I have an audition for you for a movie. So I got the script and I read it and I didn't understand what the heck was going on."
(05:00) -
Regarding Her Role in Roots:
"It was very easy to play that scene. Because you thought, well, she's got Missy. That's her best friend."
(09:20)
Challenges and Personal Reflections: Uggams delves into the emotional challenges of her roles, particularly reflecting on her time portraying Kizzie in Roots. She shares the personal impact of playing such a harrowing character and the emotional toll it took on her.
Impact of Socio-Political Changes: When discussing the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Uggams expresses her dismay:
"Everyone can relate to the arts. [...] It brings joy. [...] I just don't get it."
(24:34)
Interview 2: Joseph Lee on Indigenous Identity and Martha's Vineyard
Introduction: Following a brief interlude, host Tonya Moseley introduces Joseph Lee, a journalist and member of the Aquanau Wampanoag tribe from Martha's Vineyard. Lee discusses his new book, Nothing More than This: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity, which explores the indigenous history and contemporary identity struggles on the island.
Martha's Vineyard: Beyond the Stereotype: Lee paints a comprehensive picture of Martha's Vineyard, challenging the common perception of it as merely a wealthy vacation hotspot. He describes the island’s diverse communities, including indigenous tribes, fishermen, hippies, and immigrant families.
Presence and Challenges of the Aquanau Wampanoag Tribe: With over a thousand tribe members, only a few hundred reside on Martha's Vineyard, and even fewer in Aquinnah. Lee emphasizes the deep cultural connections and the struggles faced by the tribe in maintaining their heritage amidst tourism and economic pressures.
Key Quotes and Insights:
-
On the Complexity of Martha's Vineyard:
"The thing about Martha's Vineyard is that it's more complicated than people think."
(36:15) -
On Visitor Interactions:
"People would ask all kinds of questions. [...] Somebody once asked me if we use iPhones."
(40:00) -
On Identity and Choice:
"I can control this relationship. I can control how much I engage with the Aquinnah Wampanoag community."
(49:38)
Identity and Stereotypes: Lee explores the internal and external challenges of indigenous identity, particularly for those who don't fit stereotypical appearances. He discusses how misconceptions and ignorance from outsiders affect personal and communal identity.
Global Perspectives on Indigenous Identity: Through his experiences at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Lee highlights the importance of language in defining indigenous identity and shares insights from conversations with other indigenous communities worldwide.
Key Moments:
-
On Language Revitalization:
"We’re still very much in this space where we're trying to bring back the language and help it grow and kind of nourish it."
(47:24) -
On Tommy Orange's Influence:
"I can control how much I engage with the Aquinnah Wampanoag community. I can control what I'm writing about."
(49:38)
Personal Journey and Empowerment: Lee reflects on his personal journey towards embracing his indigenous identity, moving from feelings of inadequacy to actively choosing to engage with his heritage through his writing and community involvement.
Conclusion:
The episode offers a rich tapestry of discussions—from Leslie Uggams' illustrious career and personal experiences to Joseph Lee's in-depth exploration of indigenous identity on Martha's Vineyard. Both interviews highlight themes of resilience, identity, and the ongoing struggle to maintain cultural heritage in the face of changing social landscapes.
Notable Segments Skipped:
- Advertisements from Amazon Pharmacy, Charles Schwab, Progressive Insurance, Capella University, Dell Technologies, and others.
- Musical interludes featuring Ken Tucker’s reviews and Addison Rae’s performances.
Production Credits:
- Produced by: Teresa Madden
- Executive Producer: Danny Miller
- Technical Director and Engineer: Audrey Bentham
- Managing Producer: Sam Brigger
- Interviews and Reviews Produced and Edited by: Phyllis Meyers, Roberta Shorrock, Anne Marie Baldonado, Lauren Krenzel, Monique Nazareth, Thea Chaloner, Susan Yakundi, Anna Bauman, John Sheehan
- Digital Media Producer: Molly CB Nesper
- Consulting Video Producer: Hope Wilson with Terry Gross
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Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Leslie Uggams and Joseph Lee for sharing their stories and insights. Also, gratitude to NPR sponsors for supporting the mission of Fresh Air.