Academy Award-winning actress, Halle Berry graces the cover of ESSENCE (for the seventh time!) for our annual Hollywood issue. CNN’s “American Morning” correspondent Lola Ogunnaike talks to Berry about her upcoming movie, “Frankie and Alice,” remaining a successful Black actress in Hollywood and playing her most important role-being a mom to her 9-month-old daughter, Nahla.

The Hollywood special also includes a photo spread featuring the legendary Diahann Carroll, Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson and “The Secret Lives of Bees” director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Each of the ladies will be honored at the second annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon taking place February 19 during Oscar Week at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The March 2009 issue hit newsstands on February 12.
On dating a White man:
“I tried Black men. I tried,” she wails in a mock southern accent. “I married two Black men. You know I tried.” She laughs again before making clear that “I don’t hold all Black males responsible because of the two bad eggs I got. I even dated Black men after my last divorce, but this is just where I found love.”

On her longevity in Hollywood:
“Setbacks energize me. They make me realize that I have more work to do.”

On being a mom:
“I thought I knew love before, but I never knew anything like this.”

On going bald for a role:
“I am shaving it off,” she says. “I know. Here comes the controversy, but I have to do it for the role and it will grow back – I hope.”

Video from behind the photoshoot.

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