Young Celie, Desreta Jackson Says Colorism Made Her Leave Hollywood After ‘The Color Purple’

Charley Gallay via Getty Images

Desreta Jackson is best known for playing the young version of Celie Johnson, opposite Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah Winfrey in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 Oscar-nominate drama, The Color Purple.

The film hit theaters December 18, 1985 to critical acclaim.

In an interview with theGrio, Jackson opens up about her career-defining role as Celie and celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the film.

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