Aunt Vi, the beloved maternal figure of the Bordelon family, has captured the hearts of viewers with her dynamic, complex, and relatable nature. Tina Lifford’s exceptional portrayal of Aunt Vi has allowed her to connect with the character and the audience on a profound level. As we eagerly await the 5th season of Queen Sugar, let’s delve into 10 lesser-known facts about the talented Tina Lifford.
1. A Proud Illinois Native
Born and raised in Evanston, IL, Tina hails from a large, close-knit family. Growing up as part of the first Black family on a predominantly white street, her Midwestern roots remain dear to her heart.
2. Over 100 On-Screen Credits and Counting
With a professional acting career spanning more than 30 years, Tina has showcased her versatility across both big and small screens. To date, she has amassed an impressive 106 on-screen credits, with more undoubtedly on the horizon.
3. A Published Author
While acting has brought her fame, Tina’s ambitions extend beyond the screen. In 2012, she released her first book, The Little Book of BIG LIES: And TRUTHS That Set You Free! followed by The Little Book of Big Lies: A Journey Into Inner Fitness in 2019.
4. A Health and Wellness Advocate
As suggested by her second book’s title, Tina is deeply committed to nurturing her body and mind and inspiring others to do the same. She founded The Inner Fitness Project, an initiative that teaches effective, reliable “inner” practices for navigating life with resilience, power, and vision.
5. Overcoming Self-Doubt
Despite her outward confidence, Tina has struggled with self-doubt and questioned her work’s quality. Fortunately, she has conquered these feelings and now seeks to empower others to do the same.
6. From Court Reporter to Actress
Tina’s initial career plan involved studying stenography and becoming a court reporter. However, she eventually realized her true calling lay elsewhere. In an interview with NBC News, she said, “That career would have actually been death to my spirit…so there’s a part of me that knew my value very early and knew that it was important to me to follow the yearnings of my soul.”
7. Unwavering Parental Support
Unlike many creatives who face familial rejection due to non-traditional career choices, Tina has always enjoyed her parents’ unwavering support. In fact, her father encouraged her to pursue acting when she was uncertain about her path.
8. A Beacon of Positivity
Despite the challenges she has faced in her career and personal life, Tina remains an eternal optimist. She consistently seeks the silver lining in every situation and shares her positive outlook with others through inspirational quotes and messages on her Instagram account.
9. A True Fashionista
Tina’s passion for fashion is evident in her impeccable sense of style. She views her clothing as an extension of her personality and relishes the opportunity to express herself. Unafraid to take risks, Tina knows how to make a statement with her outfits.
10. Overcoming Stage Fright
In her youth, Tina’s stage fright was so severe that she had to be carried offstage during a 5th-grade play. Since then, she has come a long way and now strives to help others overcome their own challenges.
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