Queen Latifah on Happiness, Health and Rediscovering Life at 55: ‘This Is Just the Beginning’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Plus, find out the actress, singer and mom’s favorite feel-good workouts and the mantra she keeps in her car
Beloved for almost four decades as an award-winning singer and actress, Queen Latifah most recently starred on the CBS hit The Equalizer, where she played the enigmatic Robyn McCall—an anonymous guardian angel defending people in need.
When the fan-favorite show ended unexpectedly after five seasons earlier this year, Latifah’s first instinct wasn’t disappointment…it was gratitude. “My mom always said, ‘When one door closes, another opens,’ and so through all the chapters of my life and career, I’ve held this close,” Latifah shares as the cover girl of the very last issue of our sister magazine FIRST for Women this week (get your copy on newsstands now). “When something ends, I know a new thing will come.”
She also credits her 97-year-old grandmother as a force behind her optimistic outlook. “When you talk to someone who’s lived for almost 100 years and has seen so much—great things and terrible things—and they’re still here, keeping the faith and trusting in God, it’s inspiring. I’m like, ‘I just need to be like Nana.’”
In fact, her grandmother’s longevity inspired Latifah’s newest project: helping women get healthy. The 55-year-old star and mom of one has teamed up with Novo Nordisk to spread awareness about obesity and cardiovascular health. “Being in your 50s is a rediscovery of life,” she says. “Finally, women have time to reset—and that’s a beautiful thing.” Here, Latifah’s top tips for finding silver linings—just like her grandmother taught her. Plus, keep scrolling to watch an exclusive video interview with Latifah where she reveals how her family helps keep her positive no matter what.
Queen’s ‘keep moving’ hack keeps her healthy
“I like walking, hiking, biking,” shares Latifah of how she keeps her heart healthy. “But I think what’s most important is connecting with an exercise you enjoy—you’re more likely to do it. Also, just take it one step at a time. For me, it’s all about doing low-impact things that are easier on the joints.” Her movement motivator? Music! “Sometimes I throw some music on at home and just dance for 20 minutes.”
Looking for confidence? Celebrate your age
“In our 50s, we have to support each other as women. We don’t compliment each other enough, and we should,” says Latifah. “We are more confident in our skin now—more comfortable than we were in our 20s, 30s and 40s. No one should think life is ‘over’ after a certain age. I still have so many things I want to do! This is the greatest time for women to lock in on their own health—and finally put themselves first.”
“We 50-year-old women are on a fun ride, aren’t we? We are beautiful, we are interesting—and this is just the beginning.”
The advice from her mom that she lives by
“You can find hope in little things like an upbeat playlist or words of wisdom,” notes Latifah. “Years ago, a woman at a gas station was handing out these small cards—it’s a photo of a mantra written in the sand, and it says, ‘Never give up.’ It’s so simple, but I keep it in my car, and once in a while, I find it—and it’s always exactly what I needed to hear that day. Positive words are so powerful.”
Latifah also recalls helpful advice from her mother that has stayed with her. My mom always said, ‘Girl, go to bed. Stop thinking of everything you need to do. Unplug. You can fix it all tomorrow.’ Sometimes it’s about leaning into the simplicity of things and giving your mind some space to relax.”
To hear more about how Latifah finds strength and serenity with the help of family, watch our exclusive interview video above!
Always look for the light
“It’s all about keeping the faith—just like my grandmother always has,” Latifah shares. “I think I’m in control, but it’s helpful to realize we aren’t. I can only do my part, and that’s it. With the rest, there’s something greater at play. It’s also important to stay open. In dark times, I’m searching for some light—that’s just who I am. You have to remember these things on hard days.”
A look at her powerful partnership for women’s health
Robyn McCall, Latifah’s character in The Equalizer, protected and advocated for others—and in the star’s latest project, life imitates art. Latifah has recently joined forces with Novo Nordisk to spread awareness about the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
“About 70% of people die from the effects of obesity. And it’s connected to CVD—we’re talking heart attack and stroke,” she says. “That number is too high. We need to end the stigma around weight and bring awareness to this disease—we want folks to know it’s manageable. I want to empower people to speak to their healthcare providers—just take that step. Knowledge is power, and we owe this to ourselves.”
Quickfire Q&A: Queen Latifah’s firsts
First makeup obsession? “Probably eyeliner or red lipstick. You know I grew up in the ’80s!”
First concert? “I think it was a Jackson 5 concert when I was little, or it might have been a church gospel concert—there was a lot of church when I was growing up.”
First album you listened to on repeat? “Purple Rain by Prince. I ran it into the ground. It came with a poster—and I was so into it. I love Prince.”
First job? “Burger King, at 15 years old. My first check was for 87 bucks.”
First musician you loved? “Stevie Wonder. And also Elton John, James Brown and Michael Jackson. I’m also obsessed with David Bowie!”
To learn more about Latifah’s Novo Nordisk–funded public awareness campaign, visit TruthAboutWeight.com
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