A.J. Johnson is a powerhouse actress, transformational coach, and wellness advocate. She has graced screens with iconic roles in films like House Party and Baby Boy while inspiring countless lives through her work in health and wellness. With a background in psychology from Spelman College, Johnson blends intellect, artistry, and advocacy to impact lives beyond the entertainment industry.

In this MadameNoire exclusive, the 62-year-old shares insights into her journey, challenges in Hollywood, and her commitment to uplifting others.

We also discuss her fiery role as Cynthia Curry in the BET+ film Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story.

MadameNoire: You have played iconic roles that our culture continuously references. Let’s discuss your origin story. Who is A.J. Johnson, and how did you get into acting?

A.J. Johnson: I’ve always loved performing—it goes back to when I was seven years old, entertaining family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I started studying dance at three, learning ballet, tap, jazz—you name it. But my family was very academically focused. No one in my family was in the arts, so I was expected to go to college and choose a stable career.

I attended Spelman College, majoring in psychology while staying active in the arts department. When it came time to decide on med school or Hollywood, I knew I had to at least try pursuing my dream. A few months after graduation, I landed roles in music videos, then In Living Color with Keenen Ivory Wayans, and soon after, House Party. My career just took off from there.

Congratulations on all of your success! You are a living legend showcasing Black excellence. How important is that to you?

Thank you! It’s incredibly important. I feel like that’s part of my purpose. Between my education, travels, and the sisterhood from Spelman and Delta Sigma Theta, I was built to exude and share excellence. Sisterhood, elevation, and excellence are at my core.

You’ve always been willing to uplift others, and we appreciate that. Hollywood, though, can be a tough space to navigate. What was your biggest hurdle, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest hurdle—and honestly, it still is—has been not self-sabotaging. Not self-criticizing. Knowing my value. I have a purpose, and God has given me this platform to share who I am and what life is about, both in front of and behind the screen.

My father, rest his soul, was always on set with me—whether it was House Party, The Inkwell, or Baby Boy. He reminded me to stay grounded. He would say, “Remember why you’re here, and don’t let the industry define you.” That guidance helped me remain authentic and confident in my journey.

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That’s powerful. It’s inspiring to see you maintain such a strong sense of self. What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to follow in your footsteps?

First, know your why. Why do you want to act? Is it passion or just a desire for fame? Because fame isn’t fulfillment. Second, study your craft. Don’t just want to be an actor—become a student of acting. Take classes, observe, and practice. Third, take care of yourself—mentally, physically, spiritually. Hollywood can test you, but if you are grounded in who you are, you’ll navigate it better.

You have a new film out on BET+, Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story. Your role as Cynthia Curry was emotional, vulnerable, and complex. What drew you to this project, and how did you prepare for such an intense role?

The only way we, as actors, know if our intentions are met is through the audience’s reaction. Hearing you describe Cynthia as complex is validating because that’s the first word I’d use for her—complex, colorful, and free, yet still learning. She owns her emotions and actions, and you either accept them or not.

I knew both Mama Cyn and Dwen in real life. Dwen was one of my first stylists when I moved to LA. However, I didn’t know them intimately enough to do this story justice without research. Dwen insisted I was the only person for this role—not just because I knew them, but because I could portray both the hard and soft, the vulnerability and the complexity.

Initially, I was nervous. How do I approach this? But their faith in me made me dig deep. I interviewed Mama Cyn and other mothers of gay and transgender children, particularly those in Detroit and Oakland, where the story is set. What I found was a common thread—fear. Fear for their child’s safety, fear of an unaccepting world. But they had to love unconditionally despite their concerns. I don’t think we’ve ever truly seen that depicted in this way, and if Dwen believed I was the right person for it, I was all in.

Representation is more important than ever. What do you think Hollywood still needs to improve on when it comes to telling Black stories?

Hollywood needs to release the fear. That’s part of why I wanted to do this film. I wanted to use my platform and career to publicly state that love has no gender. Gay and trans individuals are a significant part of our community and culture, and there’s no reason to ignore that reality.

I commend MegaMind Media CEO Tressa Azarel Smallwood, and Dwen for their courage in telling this story. It will spark important conversations within families and help many mothers release their fears. Even though the lives represented in the film are complex, it’s OK to live and lead with love.

Hollywood must embrace these narratives and understand that storytelling needs to evolve with our culture, family dynamics, and community. We’ve told many stories before, but now we need to catch up and tell the ones that reflect real life.

Beyond acting, you’re passionate about transformation and healing. How do you use your platform to inspire and uplift others?

My desire to live my best life is driven by my global perspective. I want to connect with different cultures and communities, which is reflected in my work and social media presence. I speak fluent French, immerse myself in diverse environments, and maintain friendships across different cultures—Italy, Jerusalem, various African countries, and beyond.

This exposure influences my appreciation for food, music, and fashion, which ultimately enhances my storytelling. But more importantly, it aligns with my divine assignment to help others transform into their most liberated selves.

Many of us carry trauma from family and relationships, but our trauma does not define our destiny. Healing is possible, and we don’t have to forget our pain to move forward—we can use it to become better versions of ourselves.

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The post A.J. Johnson On Her Fiery Portrayal Of Cynthia Curry In The BET+ film ‘Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story’ [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.