One Life to Live alum Tika Sumpter has landed a juicy new role in the Tyler Perry production, The Haves and the Have Nots, but the role has earned the actress some criticism. In a recent interview, Sumpter defends the role and offers insight into the character's true intentions.
Candace Young on Tyler Perry's The Haves and the Have Nots on the OWN network is a far cry from Layla Williamson on One Life to Live, yet Tika Sumpter has portrayed both women with style and conviction. She spoke to Michael Logan of TV Guide Magazine about her dream to work with Oprah as well as the criticism thrown her way over her new role as an escort who happens to be using blackmail. Sumpter thinks that her character is a bit misunderstood and merely does what she needs to do in the moment.
When TV Guide Magazine questioned Sumpter about criticism she received that her character's image is negative, Sumpter agreed that African-American women are portrayed in very limited ways. "It's like we're put in a box. When I was on One Life to Live I always wanted to delve into my character, Layla, to find out why she was the black sheep of the family. I so wanted to have some edge. I have no idea why there was a reluctance to do that or why we so rarely see it," she said.
When further questioned about whether Candace has a heart -- a question based on Twitter posts Sumpter had made -- Sumpter agreed she'd had questions, but that Candace does have a heart when it involves the right people. She explained that it is hard to judge when her background is so far unknown. She added that Candace's mother regularly worries about her next move. "Sometimes desperate situations call for desperate measures. The interesting thing about Candace is that her cards are always on the table. I wouldn't call her sneaky," Sumpter says
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Sumpter added that she'd always dreamed of spending time with Oprah, and her dream has been realized in every way imaginable. She compared Oprah's support to that of a family member. The full interview can be read at: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Tika-Sumpter-Haves-Have-Nots-1067467.aspx
Tika Sumpter appeared on contract as OLTL's Layla Williamson from July 2005 to July 2010 and made recurring appearances in 2011. She had various occupations, including actress and fashion designer's assistant.
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