Tasha Smith Spreads Her Wings In 'Addicted'

 

Tasha Smith

By Darlene Donloe

Tasha Smith is happier than anyone about the prospect of playing something other than a loud-mouthed, jealous wife, a character she has played numerous times in the Tyler Perry ‘Why Did I Get Married’ series.

‘Thank God,” exclaimed Smith during a recent interview about her role in the new Bille Woodruff film, Addicted, set for release Oct. 10.  “I want to thank Bille Woodruff (director) and Paul Hall (producer) for giving me the chance.”

A showbiz veteran, Smith, who has joined Fox’s new Lee Daniels hip-hop drama series, Empire, was stunning in a blood red fitted dress complemented by her long, brown flowing mane.  A striking beauty, Smith is not one of those women who holds her tongue. She’s an in-your-face sensation who is secure in the knowledge of who she is and what she wants.

Based on the best-selling novel by Zane, Addicted is a sexy and provocative thriller about desire and the dangers of indiscretion.  Sharon Leal plays successful business woman, Zoe Reynard, who appears to have it all.  However, Zoe is drawn to temptation she cannot escape or resist. As she pursues a secretive life, Zoe finds herself risking it all. Smith plays Dr. Marcella Spencer, a psychologist who is treating Zoe.

Although she’s a busy actress (Smith recently wrapped, Boxed In, her directorial short film debut), I caught up with the stunning thespian recently to talk about her new role and her career.

DD:  Why do you say, ‘Thank God’ to playing Marcella Spencer?

TS:  Because people don’t want to see you play that same riff over and over. 

DD: How did you prepare for your role?

TS: I made a conscious effort not to give her the essence of the other roles I’ve been playing. I talked to a lot of therapists and went to some group therapy sessions.

DD: While doing the film what were you trying to convey about sexual addiction?

TS:  I think it’s important to bring humanity so the audience can see a different face to therapy.

DD: In the film, Zoe, the character played by Sharon Leal, has a sex addiction. Most people probably don’t believe in sex addiction. Your thoughts?

TS: I couldn’t judge Zoe.  After I did my own research, I realized sex addiction is a real disease.  Like most people I was like, ‘Yeah, alright, you just a hoe.’ But after the research, I saw things differently.

DD: What is your hope for the film?

TS: My hope is it will take away the stigma. In the black community you don’t talk about mental illness or therapy.

DD: This film is heavy.

TS: This is a full body workout of a film.

DD: Um, you have Boris Kodjoe, William Levy and Tyson Beckford in this film as co-stars.

TS:  Yes, it’s fineman.com

Addicted, directed by Bille Woodruff, stars Sharon Leal, Boris Kodjoe, Tasha Smith, Tyson Beckford, Emayazy Corinealdi, Kat Graham and William Levy.

The screenplay is by Christina Welsh an Ernie Barbarash. The film is based on the novel by Zane, who is also one of the executive producers.

Addicted (Lionsgate/Codeblack Films) opens nationwide Friday, Oct. 10.

Running time: 105 minutes; The film is Rated R.