LC Meridian

Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Gabourey (Gabby) Sidibe

Up until a few weeks ago, Gabourey (Gabby) Sidibe lived a safe life. The 24-year-old Harlem resident attended Mercy College and worked as a customer service representative. A former student of Borough of Manhattan Community College and The City College of New York, Sidibe was in the midst of pursuing a degree in psychology and dreamt of becoming a therapist.

Her career goals were halted when she was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: the role of Clareece Precious Jones in the film version of the novel "Push," which will be directed by award-winning director/producer, Lee Daniels ("Monster's Ball").

Praised by critics, "Push" - written by Sapphire (a CUNY Graduate) - is the brutal, yet inspiring story of Clareece Precious Jones. Sixteen-year-old Precious is poor, illiterate and the victim of incest, giving birth to two children by her father. Tired of being a victim, Precious decides that education is the only way to a better life.

"[There] is a light of hope in her that is seen even [through] the midst of the darkness in her life," Sidibe said .

Although enrolled at Mercy College, Sidibe remained active in the CUNY community, performing in several Lehman Productions. In 2003, Sidibe had roles in the productions of "Peter Pan," "The Wiz," and "The Vagina Monologues." Sidibe cherishes those experiences because she was not conditioned to any one role. She has played a lesbian, a pirate, a witch, and an Indian.

A faithful Christian, Sidibe said that she always believed that God had a path set for her. She admits that acting wasn't a career that she was initially interested in pursuing.

"It's a shaky thing. I've always opted for something safer," she explained.

She credits Lehman for helping overcome her insecurities.

"I've often doubted my own abilities," Sidibe said. "Lehman Stages have certainly cured my shyness. I'm also learning that no matter what I look like, I have a talent. [My talent] is sufficient [enough] for people to want to work with me."

Henry Ovalles, assistant director of Lehman Stages, knew that Sidibe was an exceptional young actress.

"Gabby has wonderful stage presence," Ovalles said. "The first time I saw her perform was in a Lehman College Theatre Program production of 'The Wiz' and she definitely stood out with her acting and singing. Although she does not have loads of formal training as an actress she has very good natural instincts that I believe will come across very strong in film."

Sidibe read the novel "Push" after her mother, Alice Tan Ridley, was approached by a production company to play the role of Precious' mother. Sidibe's mother declined the role because she felt that it was too emotional. When Ovalles learned of this, it solidified his belief that Sidibe was destined for the lead role. With his encouragement, Sidibe took a day off from class in order to audition for the role of Precious.

The rest are the things that Hollywood dreams are made of. Sidibe auditioned on Monday and received a message later that day for a call back on Tuesday. By Wednesday, Sidibe was sitting across from Lee Daniels. Sidibe was offered the role of Precious. Filming for "Push" is expected to begin later this year.

"It sounds so cliché, but I just couldn't believe it. I'm just a girl from Brooklyn. I hugged him and cried."

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