Vault: Gabourey"Gabby" Sidibe Interview. She talks about her role in the movie 'Precious"

Summary

---

The Bert Show – Vault: Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe Interview

Episode Date: May 19, 2026

---

Overview

This classic episode of The Bert Show features an engaging, candid interview with Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe. She shares insights about her breakout role as Precious in the film Precious, her unconventional path to acting, the whirlwind of fame, and her personal reflections on her journey from psychology student to Oscar buzz. The conversation is lively, humorous, and inspiring, capturing Gabby's down-to-earth personality and infectious laugh.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Humble Beginnings and Unusual Path to Acting

• Gabby arrived on time and joked about not being used to stardom yet ([01:54]):

  • Gabby laughs about hosts joking she’ll be “15 minutes late when she’s a big star.”
  • Quote: “Thanks for waiting for me in the future.” – Gabby Sidibe ([01:55])

• Surprise reveal – Gabby was 26 during Precious, not a teenager ([02:07]):

  • The hosts assumed she was a teenager; Gabby clarifies her age with wit:
    • Quote: “Surprise. I’m grown.” – Gabby Sidibe ([02:21])

• No formal training, just an open casting call ([03:21]):

  • “I think they auditioned somewhere between 400 and 500 girls... I walked in, auditioned on Monday, called back Tuesday, and I was offered the role on Wednesday. So it happened pretty quickly.” ([03:29])

2. The Audition and Landing the Role

• Unique audition experience ([03:49]):

  • Performed a scene where Precious meets Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey’s character).
  • May have been the last person to audition, jokes the hosts:
    • Co-Host 1: “Your answer to that in the future is yeah. Because once they saw me, duh...” ([04:05])
  • Gabby humbly declines to “say that,” enjoying letting others praise her.

• Life before acting ([04:29]):

  • Gabby was a college student studying psychology and worked as a receptionist.
  • Felt “guilt” for not pursuing therapy, but realized film can help and reach more people:
    • Quote: “I’ll probably reach so many more people through this film and heal so many more people than I ever could as a therapist.” – Gabby Sidibe ([04:49])

3. Premiering at Sundance and Working With Industry Legends

• Sundance Film Festival experience ([05:11]):

  • Gabby describes Sundance as “camp with celebrities.”
  • Memorable anecdote — “Go to the pizza shop, and there’s Chris Rock.” ([05:21])

• Stretching her acting abilities ([05:27]):

  • Hosts note Gabby’s bubbly personality is a stark contrast to Precious, who is “scarred, abused, and introverted.”
  • Gabby credits director Lee Daniels for guiding her:
    • Quote: “He’s amazing at pulling these performances out of people who wouldn’t normally give them... He pulled it out of me.” ([05:53])

• On acting with Monique ([06:25]):

  • Monique “the embodiment of love,” “crack jokes... my stomach would cramp up.”
  • Despite on-screen animosity, off-screen they hugged, danced, and joked.

4. Navigating Celebrity and Oscar Buzz

• Intimidation and Pride on Set ([07:08], [07:52]):

  • Gabby initially nervous to work with icons (Oprah, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz).
  • Oprah and Tyler Perry joined later in production.
  • Instead of embarrassment about being a novice, Gabby was proud:
    • Quote: “I was really proud to say this is my first time and I’m still in your company.” ([07:52])

• Did she always want to act? ([08:41]):

  • “I never dreamed of becoming an actress... My family’s been telling me that I need to do it all my life, but I didn’t want to. It wasn’t until I was handed the role that I discovered that it’s what I want to do with my life.”

5. Fame, Fashion, and the Future

• Spotlight pressure and fashion scrutiny ([09:59]):

  • Gabby isn’t stressed, prioritizes comfort and authenticity:
    • “People can say whatever... they don’t have to wear it. So I try not to stress about it.” ([10:13])

• Lenny Kravitz stories ([09:47]):

  • “Hotter. Because you could touch him.” – Gabby on Lenny Kravitz ([09:47])
  • Confirms “he smells good, like cologne.”

• New film projects ([10:40]):

  • Worked on Yelling to the Sky at Sundance Labs — a “bad girl who drinks 40s.”
  • Hosts jokingly warn: “Stay in school. Don’t drink 40s.” ([10:57])

• Desire to continue acting ([11:10]):

  • “I love doing it. I love being on sets and, you know, and breathing life into a character. I think it’s amazing, and I want to do it for as long as possible.” ([11:10])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Thanks for waiting for me in the future.” – Gabby Sidibe ([01:55])
• “Surprise. I’m grown.” – Gabby Sidibe ([02:21])
• “I walked in, auditioned on Monday, called back Tuesday, and I was offered the role on Wednesday.” – Gabby Sidibe ([03:29])
• “He pulled it out of me.” – Gabby Sidibe on director Lee Daniels ([05:53])
• “The embodiment of love... she’d crack jokes and my stomach would cramp up...” – Gabby on Monique ([06:25])
• “I was really proud to say this is my first time and I’m still in your company.” ([07:52])
• “I never dreamed to become an actress. Really. Like, I seriously didn’t want to.” – Gabby Sidibe ([08:41])
• “Hotter. Because you could touch him.” – Gabby on Lenny Kravitz ([09:47])
• “People can say whatever... they don’t have to wear it.” – Gabby on fashion scrutiny ([10:13])
• “I love doing it... I want to do it for as long as possible.” – Gabby Sidibe ([11:10])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:54] – Gabby joins, jokes about punctuality and stardom
• [02:07] – Reveals real age; hosts discuss expectations
• [03:21] – Describes open casting process and landing the role
• [04:29] – Life before acting
• [05:11] – Premiering at Sundance and celebrity encounters
• [05:27] – On stretching to play Precious; crediting Lee Daniels
• [06:25] – Discussing Monique on set
• [07:08] – Dealing with nerves and icons
• [07:52] – Proudly admits inexperience to cast/crew
• [08:41] – Acting was not the original dream
• [09:47] – Lenny Kravitz anecdotes
• [09:59] – Gabby’s philosophy on fashion and fame
• [10:40] – New projects, sustaining her acting career
• [11:10] – Expresses love for acting and hopes for the future

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is upbeat, humorous, and heartfelt throughout. Gabby's self-deprecating humor, humility, and inspirational candor shine, making for a memorable and motivating listen.

---

For anyone curious about Gabourey Sidibe’s beginnings, her approach to fame, and her authentic voice, this episode is a must-listen.

Transcript

[Weight Loss Ad Narrator]

Okay, can we talk about how confusing weight loss has become? Like, one minute it's carbs are bad, and then the next it's no, actually, carbs are fine, but only if you walk 10,000 steps and drink a green juice. And honestly, it's just a lot. And then even if you do lose the weight, keeping it off is a whole different story. If you're struggling and want something that fits your real life, hers can help. It's designed to support you in reaching your goals in a way that actually fits your life. That's why weight loss by hers is getting so much attention right now. Hers connects you with licensed medical providers who create doctor developed treatment plans tailored to you. They offer access to an affordable range of FDA approved GLP1 medications, including the Wegovy pill and the Wegovy pen. It helps regulate your appetite so you eat less and keep the weight off. If you're ready to reach your goals and want to try something new, visit for hers.combert to get personalized affordable care that gets you. That's F O R h e r s.com Bert for hers.com Bert Weightliftsbyhurst is not available in all 50 states, but go via the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A s to get started and learn more, including important safety information with Gobi clinical study information and restrictions. Visit borhears.com

[Lowe's Commercial Announcer]

during Memorial Day at Lowe's. Shop household must haves for less. Save $80 on the Char Broil Performance Series 4 Burner Grill to chef up something special. Plus get up to 45% off select major appliances to keep things fresh. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Lowe's we help you save valid through 527 while supplies last selection varies by location. See Lowes.com for details.

[Weight Loss Ad Narrator]

Visit your nearby Lowes.

[Interviewer]

You're on the vert show. Here's how you know Gabby Sidibi is not used to her stardom just yet. On time for an interview.

[Co-Host 1]

Thinks she should be rolling in here about 15 minutes late.

[Interviewer]

I'll tell you what, she wins an Academy Award. I mean, this will be booked for 9, 10. She rolls in about 10:30.

[Co-Host 2]

Yeah, and we'll wait on it.

[Interviewer]

And we'll wait on it.

[Co-Host 3]

Right.

[Interviewer]

But she's not there just yet. Hey, Gabby.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Hi.

[Interviewer]

How are you today?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Thanks for waiting for me in the future.

[Interviewer]

Well, I will tell you that you are two minutes late, but you are worth the wait for sure.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Aww, thanks.

[Interviewer]

I thought, you know, initially when I found out that we were gonna have you on the show, I'm like, man, it's always so difficult to do interviews with teenagers cause they just don't talk a lot and what are we gonna do with a 16 year old? And then I found out you're 26 years old.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Surprise. I'm grown.

[Interviewer]

It happened quickly. It really happened quickly. Congratulations on all sort of the, what do you want to call it, like pre hype on the movie and your performance. Cause man, people are talking Academy Award already for you.

[Gabby Sidibe]

I know, isn't that crazy? It is. They've been talking about that for a while and it's been super premature and it scares me a little, but it's still nice. My name is Clarice Precious Jones. I want to be on the COVID of a magazine. I wish I had a light skinned boyfriend for real now. But first I want to be in one of them BET videos.

[Interviewer]

You're a dummy.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Don't nobody want you.

[Interviewer]

Don't nobody need you. School ain't gonna help nothing. Take your ass down to the welfare.

[Co-Host 2]

Gabby, I've seen Precious and I think you do a fantastic job in it. And if you do get a nomination for the Oscar, which of course you have to, then I think it's well deserved. But tell everybody how this came about in the first place.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Well, I seriously just went to an open casting call. I think they auditioned somewhere between 400 and 500 girls.

[Co-Host 3]

Wow.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yeah, none of like, I didn't know anything about that until maybe my last day on set and I walk into an audition and I pretty much got it within three days. I walked audition on Monday, called back Tuesday and I was offered the role on Wednesday. So it happened pretty quickly.

[Co-Host 3]

What did you do for your audition?

[Gabby Sidibe]

I did one of the scenes. They gave me a scene where she meets Ms. Weiss, who is Mariah Carey's character for the first time.

[Interviewer]

And you were the very last person that auditioned for the role?

[Gabby Sidibe]

I think. So I would go with that.

[Co-Host 1]

Because your answer to that in the future is yeah. Cause once they saw me, duh, who else did they even have to look at?

[Interviewer]

Which was really the truth. Cause there was nobody else to look at.

[Co-Host 1]

But she doesn't have to say that, right?

[Gabby Sidibe]

I'll let other people say that.

[Co-Host 2]

Gabby has arrived, Everybody.

[Interviewer]

Gabby, what did you do before this? I mean, if you're 26 now, you know, everybody keeps saying that this is your first acting role. So what were you doing before this?

[Gabby Sidibe]

I was a college student. I wanted to be a psychologist. And so that's what I did for the most part. And I was a Receptionist.

[Weight Loss Ad Narrator]

Really?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yeah.

[Co-Host 2]

Now, Gabby, I've seen where you've said because of your degree in psychology, that you thought this in this movie might actually help more people than you being a therapist would.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yeah, I kind of, like, I felt a lot of guilt for not actually being a therapist, but someone pointed out to me that I'll probably reach so many more people through this film and heal so many more people than I ever could as a therapist, and so I feel better about it now.

[Co-Host 3]

Did you get to attend the Sundance Film Festival when the film premiered and all the buzz got started?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yeah, I did. That was, like. That was our very first outing. And it was amazing because Sundance is kind of like camp with celebrities in a weird way. Like, it's like everybody's super casual, but you'll go to the pizza shop, and there's Chris Rock. It's just amazing.

[Interviewer]

We're talking to Gabby Sadebi, who plays Precious in the movie Precious. The more we're talking to you, the more I realize how much of a stretch this role must have been for you. Cause you seem so funny and extroverted. And the role of Precious is one that's. She's so scarred and she's abused and she's introverted. I don't even know where to start. Like, where do you find that to act with when you're not that.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Well, I think a lot of that credit has to go to our amazing director, Lee Daniels, who is. You know, he's. You know, he produced Monster's Ball and, you know, the Woodsman. He is a talent, and he's amazing at pulling these performances out of people who wouldn't normally give them. And so I'd have to say that he pulled it out of me.

[Co-Host 2]

Now, of course, the other hype on the movie Oscar buzz is for Monique, who plays your mom in the movie. How was it acting with her?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Oh, it's amazing. Like, seriously, she is the embodiment of love. She's so funny. And so whenever we had a scene and, you know, our characters are in a constant fight. They don't like each other. But in between, she would hug me, and we would dance, we would sing, and she'd crack jokes, and my stomach would cramp up because she's that funny. She's so amazing to work with.

[Interviewer]

There must have been a high intimidating factor for you. I mean, you're on the set now, and we're gonna throw around names like Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry and Mariah Carey and Monique. And this is your first time on a Movie set. You must have been so nervous that first day.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yeah, I was pretty scared. Well, the very first day, the only people I knew who were involved with it were Monique, Lenny Kravitz and Paula Patton. And so, like, Oprah and Tyler. Shout out to Tyler didn't come on until way later. And Mariah too. And so we'd already, like, done half the movie. But I was really, really scared when on my first day. But I had to suck it up and pretend like I belong there.

[Interviewer]

At any point. When you're on the set with all these actresses and these actors and you guys are just making small talk when you initially meet, you know, maybe they ask you what you've done before. Were you sort of embarrassed to say that? I gotta tell you guys, this is the first time I've ever done this.

[Gabby Sidibe]

No, I was actually super proud to say I don't have any acting experience. I mean, because I guess I was really proud to be on a set with these veterans, you know, like people. Not just, you know, people who were in the film, but casting, like, the crew who'd worked on 20 different movies and things like that. I was really proud to say this is my first time and I'm still in your company.

[Interviewer]

You know, when you turned around, they flipped you off. Right, right.

[Gabby Sidibe]

They probably did.

[Co-Host 1]

Except for Tyler Perry, who loved it because he loves stories like this. So, you know, this is his story too. Like, you know, not supposed to do it. And then all of a sudden it older than everybody else gets started and you're in, like, in big time. Yeah, like, he's like high fiving you. He's like, that's my little sister.

[Co-Host 2]

Aw.

[Co-Host 3]

When you were a kid and you were always dreaming of becoming an actress, who was it that you looked up to the most?

[Gabby Sidibe]

I never dreamed to become an actress. Really. Like, I seriously didn't want to. Like, I didn't want to do it. And my family's been telling me that I need to do it all my life, but I didn't want to. It wasn't until I was handed the role that I discovered that it's what I want to do with my life.

[Interviewer]

What an amazing story. So you're a receptionist beforehand, and then how do you even find out about the casting if you're not in that world?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Well, a friend of I'd done some college theater, which seriously wasn't a big deal, and a friend of mine at this college called me and told me about the audition and I didn't want to go in because I would have had to cut school, but I kind of cut school anyway. That's not good to do, kids. But I cut school, and I. Seriously, it just. It was so fast. One audition led to the callback, led to me getting the part like it was three days of my life, and it just kind of rolled out like that.

[Co-Host 2]

Now, Gabby, let's talk about Lenny Kravitz, because he is in the movie. He plays your nurse. And so, I mean, is he as hot in person as he seems? Like on posters and on tv?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Hotter. Because you could touch him.

[Interviewer]

They want to know, does he smell good? Does Lenny Kravitz smell good?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yes. Like cologne?

[Co-Host 3]

Now that you've been thrust into the spotlight, like, I saw your picture and what was it, Us Weekly or Entertainment Weekly? They're now analyzing your fashion, your clothes, and all that kind of stuff. Is that totally stressing you out? You have to worry about how you're seen in the public eye now?

[Gabby Sidibe]

No, because I like to. I try to make sure that every time I leave in something, whether it's, like, jeans or, like, a David Meister dress, that I really, really like what I'm wearing and that I feel comfortable in it. So people can say whatever. Like, whether they like it or whether they hate it, they don't have to wear it. And so I try not to stress about it.

[Interviewer]

Well, good for you. I mean, this whole new world is opening up to you. Have you already started to do another movie before this one has even really officially come out yet?

[Gabby Sidibe]

Yeah, I just did a Sundance Lab film called Yelling to the sky, and that was really cool because it's a character completely different than Precious. And so that was really fun. Like, I got to be a bad girl who drinks 40s drink 40s.

[Co-Host 1]

Kids, this is a lot of warnings coming from Precious. Stay in school. Don't drink 40s.

[Interviewer]

So this is something you're sticking with? It wasn't like, a one or two movie thing, and then I'm out of the industry. This is your life now.

[Gabby Sidibe]

No. Yeah, I hope it's my life. I love. I love doing it. I love being on sets and, you know, and breathing life into a character. I think it's amazing, and I want to do it for as long as possible.

[Interviewer]

Well, congratulations. What a great start. And I hope after you win the Academy Award and the next time we have you on the show and you're 30 minutes late, that you're still as. As humble and as fun as you are right now. This is awesome.

[Gabby Sidibe]

We'll see. Thank you.

[Interviewer]

No promises.

[Co-Host 3]

All right.

[Interviewer]

Gabby, Thanks a lot.

[Gabby Sidibe]

Thank you guys.

[Interviewer]

Bye bye. What a sweetheart. She's awesome. How charming is she, man? Yeah, listen, it's the vert show

[Lowe's Commercial Announcer]

during Memorial Day at Lowe's. Shop Household must haves for less. Save $80 on the Char Broil Performance Series 4 Burner Grill to chef up something special plus get up to 45% off. Select major appliances to keep things fresh. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's Lowe's. We help you Save valid through 527 while supplies last selection varies by location. See Lowes.com for details.

[Weight Loss Ad Narrator]

Visit your nearby Lowes.

[Weight Watchers Med Plus Narrator]

You're on a GLP1, but now you're wondering how do I manage my side effects? What do I eat to stay strong? Because reaching your weight loss goals can take more than meds. That's where Weight Watchers Med plus comes in. Get access to trusted experts, food plans that work with your body, and habit coaching to keep you on track, plus access to GLP1 medication. Get [e-mail] all medical services are provided through our affiliated medical group, Weight Watchers Clinic. Medications require eligibility and prescription. Individual results may vary. See site for more details.

[IQ Bar Narrator]

This podcast is sponsored by IQ Bar.

[Will, Founder of IQ Bar]

I've got good news and bad news. Here's the bad news. Most protein bars are packed with sugar and unpronounceable ingredients. The good news? There's a better option. I'm Will and I created IQ Bar Plant protein bars to empower doers like you with clean, delicious, low sugar brain and body fuel. IQ bars are packed with 12 grams of protein, brain nutrients like magnesium and Lion's Mane and Zero Weird Stuff. And right now you can get 20% off all IQ bar products plus free shipping, clean ingredients, amazing taste and you'll love how you feel. Refuel smarter, hydrate harder, caffeinate larger with IQ Bar.

[IQ Bar Narrator]

Try our delicious IQ Bar Sampler Pack with nine plant protein bars, eight hydration mixes and four mushroom coffee sticks. And now you can get 20% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping when you go to iqbar.com today and enter promo code BAR20 to get this exclusive offer for our listeners. That's iqbar.com promo code BAR20 to get 20% off plus free shipping iqbar.com code BAR20.