Before the world came to know actress, Margaret Avery, as “Shug Avery” in the film, The Color Purple, there was supposed to be a completely different “Shug” and her name is Patti LaBelle. Word on the Old School curb is that the deal was almost sealed with Patti playing the “Shug Avery” character, but just before everything was finalized on paper, Patti slammed on her brakes and was like “Nuh-uh!”
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You see, the “Lady Marmalade” R&B legend wanted to do the film, but there was this one minor detail she’d found out about, which made her axe that idea. A decision she later came to regret. Here’s what happened:
Via Contact Music– Soul legend Patti LaBelle turned down the chance to star in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple – because she thought the film would be too racy. … LaBelle says, “I told Steven Spielberg I couldn’t be in his film… I wasn’t kissing a woman. I regret it because it was just acting. “She (Shug) was in the tub, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. So after I saw the movie, I said, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten so nervous about doing something that’s acting.’ “I should have shut up and just done the screen test and maybe I would have been Shug Avery.”
We agree with Patti…maybe she shouldn’t have been so head strong about that kissing scene. Why? Because she missed out on the opportunity to be a part of not just a classic movie, but a film in which the overall message was far more powerful than the minuscule, although much needed same-sex kissing scene.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that Margaret Avery did a phenomenal job bringing “Shug Avery” to life. Matter of fact, now that we’ve come to know Margaret as “Shug Avery,” it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the role.
The Color Purple is a historical piece that many people will still be learning from for many generations to come, because they just don’t make films like that everyday. As far as Patti’s decision, it’s just like the Old School saying goes: ‘You live and you learn’…lesson learned for Ms. LaBelle.
