Naturi Naughton’s #blackgirlmagic resides in her resilience, her talent, determination, her radiant brown skin and smile. The Power actress was once apart of the girl group 3LW, but when that ended on sour terms she didn’t give up, she persisted and pursued her career as an actress. Like the days she was singing No More, she found success leveraging her innate gifts.
She landed the role of Lil’ Kim in Notorious, which propelled her to her biggest role yet, Tasha on Power. With the show coming to an end after six highly praised seasons, the brown skin bombshell recently opened up about the tribulations she was going through while filming, but how she persisted nevertheless.
“I was devastated,” she told Essence. I didn’t tell anybody about our breakup for two years, because I was embarrassed and ashamed.”
The actress continued, “You know in your heart when you’re not happy and when you’re feeling undervalued. As soon as you realize that you are settling or conceding your worth, you have to make a move. Check in with yourself and say, “Wait a minute. Is this what I want? Is this who I really am?”
Naturi picked herself up by her stiletto and did what most Black women do, smile through the pain.
“The truth is, I was afraid to become a mother, and I honestly did not feel ready. I was uncertain about my relationship and unsure if I was going to get married. I wanted to have this perfect life because I had seen it in movies and my parents have been married for 48 years. Then it hit me: The perfect life that I envisioned may not be God’s plan for me right now, and it’s okay to be on my own journey as long as my daughter is healthy and happy.”
“Being a single mother doesn’t have to mean you’re unhappy: I bought my first home a few years ago, I star on Power and I’m dating again. I didn’t get married, and I don’t have a fairy-tale love story (yet), but I’m stronger than ever and having fun too.”
In celebration of the Power actress,here’s some fine an fabulous photos of her gracing the red carpet.
1. Black Girls Rock! 2018 – Red Carpet
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NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 26: Naturi Naughton attends the Black Girls Rock! 2018 Red Carpet at NJPAC on August 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for BET) vertical,photography,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,smiling,new jersey,females,purse,human body part,curly hair,silver colored,looking over shoulder,red carpet event,metallic,long hair,plunging neckline,brown hair,drop earring,naturi naughton,jumpsuit,newark – new jersey,black girls rock awards,cleavage,tied knot,hot pink,new jersey performing arts center,silver purse,metallic purse,mini bag,sleeveless,alternative pose
2. 2018 Black Girls Rock! – Arrivals
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NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 26: Actress Naturi Naughton attends 2018 Black Girls Rock! at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on August 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/WireImage) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,half up do,usa,topics,topix,bestof,smiling,new jersey,actress,females,braided hair,human body part,curly hair,three quarter length,long hair,hand on hip,plunging neckline,brown hair,drop earring,naturi naughton,jumpsuit,newark – new jersey,black girls rock awards,highlights,cleavage,tied knot,hot pink,new jersey performing arts center,mini bag,sleeveless
3. 2018 Black Girls Rock! – Arrivals
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NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 26: Actress Naturi Naughton attends 2018 Black Girls Rock! at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on August 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/WireImage) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,topics,topix,bestof,looking at camera,smiling,new jersey,actress,females,naturi naughton,newark – new jersey,black girls rock awards,new jersey performing arts center
4. Reign Presents Black Creators Unite Celebration
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 20: Naturi Naughton attends the Reign Presents Black Creators Unite Celebration at Ludlow House on September 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,celebration,new york city,looking at camera,smiling,females,unity,incidental people,naturi naughton
5. 56th New York Film Festival – "If Beale Street Could Talk"
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 09: Singer/songwriter and actress Naturi Naughton attends the U.S.premiere of ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ during the 56th New York Film Festival at The Apollo Theater on October 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,film industry,smiling,singer,actress,females,looking over shoulder,apollo theater – new york,songwriter,naturi naughton,new york film festival,if beale street could talk
6. 56th New York Film Festival – "If Beale Street Could Talk"
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 09: Singer/songwriter and actress Naturi Naughton attends the U.S.premiere of ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ during the 56th New York Film Festival at The Apollo Theater on October 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,film industry,singer,actress,females,apollo theater – new york,songwriter,naturi naughton,new york film festival,if beale street could talk
7. BET's "American Soul" New York Premiere
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Actress Naturi Naughton attends the BET’s “American Soul” New York premiere at New World Stages on January 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage) vertical,photography,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,television show,smiling,actress,females,black entertainment television,three quarter length,naturi naughton,new world stages,premiere event,american soul – television show
8. BET's "American Soul" New York Premiere
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Actress Naturi Naughton attends the BET’s “American Soul” New York premiere at New World Stages on January 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage) vertical,photography,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,television show,actress,females,black entertainment television,three quarter length,naturi naughton,new world stages,premiere event,american soul – television show
9. BET American Soul NYC Screening Event
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 29: Naturi Naughton attends the BET American Soul NYC Screening Event on January 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for BET) vertical,color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,screening,event,black entertainment television,naturi naughton,american soul – television show
10. 50th NAACP Image Awards – Red Carpet
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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Naturi Naughton attends the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for NAACP) vertical,photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,film industry,california,fashion,hollywood – california,red carpet event,naturi naughton,naacp,naacp image awards,the dolby theatre
11. 50th NAACP Image Awards – Arrivals
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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Naturi Naughton attends the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/FilmMagic) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,looking at camera,smiling,california,females,hollywood – california,three quarter length,naturi naughton,naacp,naacp image awards,the dolby theatre
12. The Hollywood Reporter's 9th Annual Most Powerful People In Media – Arrivals
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 11: Naturi Naughton attends the The Hollywood Reporter’s 9th Annual Most Powerful People In Media at The Pool on April 11, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/WireImage) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,smiling,the media,females,dress,sequin,annual event,mini dress,black dress,naturi naughton,long sleeved,sheath dress,sequin dress,the hollywood reporter,black color,power – television show
13. The Hollywood Reporter Celebrates The Most Powerful People In Media
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 11: Naturi Naughton attends The Hollywood Reporter Celebrates The Most Powerful People In Media at The Pool on April 11, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) photography,celebrities,people,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,celebration,new york city,the media,dress,sequin,mini dress,black dress,naturi naughton,long sleeved,sheath dress,sequin dress,the hollywood reporter,black color,power – television show
14. The Hollywood Reporter's 9th Annual Most Powerful People In Media
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 11: Naturi Naughton attends The Hollywood Reporter’s 9th Annual Most Powerful People In Media at The Pool on April 11, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,the media,females,dress,annual event,three quarter length,ruched,silver colored,mini dress,naturi naughton,long sleeved,shiny,pink lipstick,silver dress,the hollywood reporter,round neckline,middle hair part,power – television show
15. Celebrity Sightings In New York City – May 09, 2019
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 09: Naturi Naughton is seen on May 9, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,usa,new york city,smiling,females,incidental people,candid,celebrity sightings,naturi naughton
16. Momoh Private Dinner
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 09: Naturi Naughton attends the Momoh Private Dinner at 40 / 40 Club on May 9, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,red,smiling,females,striped,incidental people,shoe,pencil skirt,hoop earring,leather jacket,leather,high heels,naturi naughton,top – garment,jacket,mid calf length,see through,skirt,red shoe,red jacket,three quarter length sleeve,striped skirt,black color,see-through shoe,midi skirt
17. Cuba Gooding Jr. & Anna Rothschild Host Marble Downtown
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 22: Naturi Naughton attends Cuba Gooding Jr. & Anna Rothschild Host Marble Downtown at Marble Downtown on May 22, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) vertical,color image,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,smiling,females,naturi naughton,downtown district,cuba gooding jr.
18. The Grand Tour Ball In Barcelona
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 25: Naturi Naughton poses during a photocall for the ‘Power’ television series held at the Musuem National de Catalunya on June 25, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Robert Marquardt/Getty Images) photography,celebrities,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,looking at camera,waist up,portrait,television show,females,spain,barcelona – spain,photo call,naturi naughton,catalonia,power – television show
19. 'The Grand Tour Ball' Photocall
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 25: Naturi Naughton attends ‘The Grand Tour Ball’ photocall June 25, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Europa Press Entertainment/Europa Press via Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,attending,spain,barcelona – spain,photo call,naturi naughton
20. 'Power' Fourth Season Exhibition
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 26: Naturi Naughton attends the presentation of “Power” Fourth Season on June 26, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jordi Vidal/Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,topix,looking at camera,red,music,theatrical performance,television show,smiling,females,dress,multi colored,shoe,spain,short sleeved,barcelona – spain,high heels,naturi naughton,knee length,pointed toe,see through,cap toe shoe,multi colored dress,royal blue,round neckline,see-through shoe,power – television show
21. 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour – Day 4
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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: Naturi Naughton of ‘Power’ speaks onstage during the Starz segment of the Summer 2019 Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 26, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,usa,television show,california,talking,females,yellow,the beverly hilton hotel,green color,incidental people,shoe,blouse,summer television critics association press tour,television critics association,high heels,naturi naughton,long sleeved,open toe,skirt,crop top,high waist skirt,yellow shoe,green blouse,television critics association press tour,green skirt,three quarter length sleeve,beverly hills – california,power – television show,total look
22. Cast Of "Power" Celebrates Saks Fifth Avenue Window For Final Season
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 19: Naturi Naughton attends as “Power” celebrates its final season with a Saks Fifth Avenue window display on August 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,celebration,topix,new york city,looking at camera,smiling,females,window,three quarter length,naturi naughton,season,saks fifth avenue,power – television show
23. Cast Of "Power" Celebrates Saks Fifth Avenue Window For Final Season
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 19: Naturi Naughton attends as “Power” celebrates its final season with a Saks Fifth Avenue window display on August 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,pink color,celebration,topix,new york city,looking at camera,smiling,females,window,striped,multi colored,shoe,blouse,v-neck,leather,high heels,naturi naughton,season,knee length,long sleeved,open toe,saks fifth avenue,skirt,bestpix,black skirt,leather skirt,pink shoe,retail display,multi colored blouse,striped blouse,black color,power – television show
24. Celebrity Sightings In New York – August 20, 2019
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 20: Naturi Naughton is seen on August 20, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) vertical,photography,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,usa,new york city,smiling,yellow,dress,ruched,incidental people,candid,shoe,celebrity sightings,cocktail dress,form fitted,ankle strap shoe,high heels,naturi naughton,long sleeved,sleeved dress,draped,open toe,sandal,mid calf length,scooped neck,white shoe,yellow dress,white color,midi dress,slit – clothing
25. Celebrity Sightings In New York – August 20, 2019
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 20: Naturi Naughton is seen on August 20, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) vertical,photography,people,full length,one person,arts culture and entertainment,usa,topix,new york city,yellow,dress,ruched,incidental people,candid,shoe,celebrity sightings,cocktail dress,form fitted,ankle strap shoe,high heels,naturi naughton,long sleeved,sleeved dress,draped,open toe,sandal,mid calf length,scooped neck,white shoe,yellow dress,white color,midi dress,slit – clothing
26. STARZ POWER Season 6 Red Carpet And Premiere Event At Madison Square Garden
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 20: Naturi Naughton at STARZ Madison Square Garden “Power” Season 6 Red Carpet Premiere, Concert, and Party on August 20, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for STARZ) photography,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,new york city,looking at camera,portrait,headshot,concert,smiling,madison square garden,red carpet event,naturi naughton,season 6,starz – television network,power – television show,premiere event
27. Naturi Naughton attends the Power Final Season Premiere held…
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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES – 2019/08/20: Naturi Naughton attends the Power Final Season Premiere held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Efren Landaos/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,event,madison square garden,naturi naughton,season,power – television show,premiere event
