by BENÉ VIERA
Photography: DENNIS LEUPOLD
Creative Direction: COURTNEY WALTER
Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross are a fine example of two people with a great working relationship. Their chemistry is just as powerful in real life as is in on screen. They laugh together and feed off one another infectiously. And the result is always the same.
Magical.
“It’s the magic that happens between us,” Ellis Ross, 44, tells EBONY. “That’s why it’s so fun working with Anthony, ’cause the two of us work the same way.”
For three seasons, the pair has graced our television screens on the hit ABC comedy black-ish. This quirky yet hilarious couple has navigated several real-life instances related to Blacks in America, from teenage sex to police brutality.
In 30 minutes, the entire cast, crew and its producers manage to reel us in with humor but also make us think. Each minute counts, and due to Ross and Anderson’s magnetic chemistry, they effortlessly hold the attention of millions each week.
That’s why choosing them for our September issue cover story made sense. They just … fit, much like the chemistry they possess, naturally.
EBONY’s very own Bené Viera, may have conducted the interview, but it wasn’t long before Anderson and Ellis Ross took over during our time with them in L.A.
ELLIS ROSS: My whole philosophy is if you get too big for your britches and [say,] “I’m not auditioning for that,” well, there’s someone who’s gonna come right off a bus and be happy to. So I went into the audition with Anthony [for ‘black-ish], Larry Wilmore was in there, Kenya was in there. It was Valentine’s Day. Anthony snatched my paper away from me, which he loves to do. He thinks it’s funny, and it’s just rude.
ANDERSON: But you know that character.
ELLIS ROSS: I know, Anthony, but sometimes it’s a safety blanket for people.
ANDERSON: You don’t need a safety net. As long as I have you, you don’t; as long as you have me, you don’t.
See?!
Chemistry.
In 30 minutes, the entire cast, crew and its producers manage to reel us in with humor but also make us think. Each minute counts, and due to Ross and Anderson’s magnetic chemistry, they effortlessly hold the attention of millions each week.
That’s why choosing them for our September issue cover story made sense. They just … fit, much like the chemistry they possess, naturally.
EBONY’s very own Bené Viera, may have conducted the interview, but it wasn’t long before Anderson and Ellis Ross took over during our time with them in L.A.
ELLIS ROSS: My whole philosophy is if you get too big for your britches and [say,] “I’m not auditioning for that,” well, there’s someone who’s gonna come right off a bus and be happy to. So I went into the audition with Anthony [for ‘black-ish], Larry Wilmore was in there, Kenya was in there. It was Valentine’s Day. Anthony snatched my paper away from me, which he loves to do. He thinks it’s funny, and it’s just rude.
ANDERSON: But you know that character.
ELLIS ROSS: I know, Anthony, but sometimes it’s a safety blanket for people.
ANDERSON: You don’t need a safety net. As long as I have you, you don’t; as long as you have me, you don’t.
See?!
Chemistry.
Read the exclusive article in full by Bené Viera in the September 2017 issue of EBONY magazine
Black-ish stars Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson behind-the-scenes during their EBONY cover shoot.
It isn’t always easy stepping into a new role, especially in the midst of seismic change, so just imagine how I felt a few months ago stepping into the role of editor-in-chief of both EBONY and JET magazines. After all, continuing to produce magazines that have highlighted African-American greatness for more than 70 years is no easy feat. One legendary brand? Cool, but two? Things are really heating up around here. So here we are! A new, combined team, an energized look and fresh digs in LA. We are elated about putting our own touch on this classic—EBONY. A rebrand? Not quite, but certainly a refresh. We thought it was time. What’s new? Well, you can expect a more fluid, more powerful combination of culture, lifestyle and inspired conversation from a modern point of view. In print and across our digital platforms, we’re changing, and you’ll notice… We’ll drive a broader range of conversations, inspire action (no idle hands here) and take you into the worlds of the most intriguing Black people. Also, our return to Hollywood will be felt. And fashion! Our team of trendsetters will work tirelessly to regain EBONY’S fashion and beauty footing with vibrant, eye-catching photo spreads to nurture and ignite your own creativity. Don’t worry—as we liven things up, we’ll continue to stimulate and champion rising conversations that matter most to our community. Speaking of which, in this issue learn more about the U.S. senator nearly everyone is buzzing about, Kamala Harris of California, who seems destined for political stardom. Eavesdrop on a quirky conversation between our two adorable cover stars, Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross of ABC’s black-ish, and see why one editor feels we should all manage our expectations on celebrities as role models. You may agree. Don’t miss the "e;City Spotlight"e; of my hometown, Houston. Bet you learn a thing or two about why we Texans brag so hard. Tacos, crawfish … an energy corridor. It’s pretty snazzy.
Nice to meet you, and welcome to the issue!
Yours,
Twitter: @tferg3 & Instagram: @tferg3
tracey@ebony.com
Catch my interview with Marlon Wayans on pg. 58 of the September 2017 issue of EBONY
12 Editor's Letter
14 Making the Cover
16 The Insiders
18 Letters
22 Culture
Sen. Kamala Harris: A Look at the Life and Accomplishments of a Modern-Day Wonder Woman; Fashion Knockoffs: Gucci and the Appropriation of Dapper Dan; A Peek Into the Evolution of Celebrity Activism; Why Edward Enninful Is #LIFEGOALS; Why Houston Is the Place to Be
34 Style
Five Big Fall Looks; Editor’s Pick: Millennial Pink Is the Color of the Season; Fall Boots to Maximize Your Wardrobe; The Style Evolution of Mary J. Blige; Expose: The State of the Black Designer; Get Mahershala Ali’s Look for Less
48 Beauty
Eyes, Lips & Hair; The Art of Shaving in Men’s Grooming; Editor’s Beauty Favorites: Be Bold in All the Right Places; SculpSure Is the New Alternative to Liposuction; How to Achieve Tika Sumpter’s Flawless Look
58 Lifestyle
Take a Tour of Marlon Wayans’ New Pad; Tease Your Taste Buds with Ayesha Curry; Where to Next in Travel: Napa Valley; Taking Control of Your Weight-Loss with Meal Preps; Why Shaun T Is the Fitness Guru You Need to Know; Celebrities Who Said "e;No to Nuptials"e;
76 Entertainment: Film/TV, Music
Billy Brown on Going with His Guts and
Trusting His Instincts; Fall Primetime TV
is Black by Popular Demand; The Fashion
Brands Behind Hip-Hop’s Biggest Influencers;
Page-Turners to Keep on Your Radar; Check
out Playlists from Your Favorite Celebrities
88 Sports & Gadgets
Will the NBA’s Ben Simmons Live Up to
the Hype? Best New Products in Tech;
Hottest Wheels for Every Life Phase
92 A Day In The Life
Fashion Stylist Jason Rembert
98 Back In The Day
Grace Jones