For Halle Berry, 1989 was a major turning point both personally and professionally — specifically, her role as Emily Franklin on the ABC series Living Dolls. Not only does the Oscar and Emmy winner consider it her breakthrough role, but it was also a pivotal moment for her health. One day, while taping the show, Berry, then 32, suddenly fell into a coma. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
So, at the same time she started on the path to becoming an A-list actress, Berry embarked upon a lifelong wellness journey to manage her disease. Juggling both has been tantamount to a tight-rope walk, but Berry has managed to keep her balance, hold her head high, and thrive throughout it all.
Since her diagnosis, Berry, now 54, has served as an advocate for diabetes awareness, becoming the first ambassador for the National Diabetes Education Program in 2004. In November, her new app, rē•spin, which launched in early 2020 to “democratize and provide accessibility to health and wellness content and products,” co-hosted the first annual Wellness Warriorthon. The virtual event, featuring speakers and workouts, was held in collaboration with the Sonia Nabeta Foundation to benefit African children with Type 1 diabetes.
Meanwhile, the mother of two just made her directorial debut with Bruised, in which she stars as an MMA fighter — rather appropriate, considering her ongoing fight against diabetes. It premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September and was picked up by Netflix.
Shondaland recently sat down with Berry to talk about her ever-evolving health journey, why she created her wellness app, and her mission to center female protagonists of color on the big screen.
CHELSEA GREENWOOD: Since your diabetes diagnosis, how has your wellness journey evolved?
HALLE BERRY: As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that what’s important in life is our attitude, sense of well-being, and sense of strength on top of being healthy and strong. It was never about me looking a certain way; it’s always been about achieving optimal health. I just wanted to strengthen myself from the inside out. That’s how we keep the impression of youth because we keep our bodies younger and feeling stronger, and we’re more active so we feel like we’re essentially aging backward. But we’re aging forwards and being mindful about how we do it.
CG: Why did you decide to create rē•spin? How is it different from other wellness apps?
HB: I started to think: What can I leave my children? And what is the greatest imprint I can leave on this earth when I leave? And I realized that it was to leave a brand that they could connect to that was also a part of who I was. I wanted to have a voice that mattered, that lived outside of my work as an actor. Our rē•spin community is rooted in helping people across the board to address the needs of people who are interested in health, wellness, and fitness and who are committed to living a mindful life and their best life.
CG: What are some of the key ways you take care of yourself these days? Any routines, special diets, etc.?
HB: Over the last few years, I’ve gotten into martial arts. It’s been a place where I’ve been able to go to find solace and where I’ve found strength. I’ve learned so many practices that have made me walk through my days with confidence, knowing that I’m strong, powerful, and that I can protect myself and my children. I felt so empowered by that.
CBD has also been a miracle product as I’ve been on my journey of martial arts and fighting. I use the full line from 324Brand by HyperflyLabs, including the topical roll-on, soft gels, and oil. It’s helped me on so many levels to deal with all of my aches and pains from training for Bruised.
CG: Why do you consider Living Dolls your breakthrough acting role?
HB: This was the first moment in my career where I felt like I could make a living doing something that I felt passionate about. But I think my true breakthrough was when I starred in the Spike Lee film Jungle Fever. That was when I felt like I was recognized as an actress and taken seriously.
CG: What film projects are you working on now?
HB: I’m still working on Bruised. I also just worked on a movie called Moonfall that will be coming out, directed by Roland Emmerich.
CG: Can you share anything about them?
HB: I’m just so proud of Bruised as my directorial debut, and having it picked up by Netflix was a huge moment. Getting to play the role of Jackie and go through [MMA] training was incredibly empowering. We just shot Moonfall in Montreal last October, and it was a blast. I can’t say too much about it, but it’s a sci-fi epic that’s been in talks since 2016 and will be coming out later this year.
CG: What’s next for you?
HB: I’m going to be doing another movie in May called Mothership for Netflix. I’m also actively looking for my next project to direct. It’s going to have to be something that I feel as passionately about like I did with Bruised. I’m looking for something that speaks to me and lets me convey a message that’s close to me. The project also has to center around female empowerment, especially women of color. All of the projects will be centered around a strong female protagonist of color.
Chelsea Greenwood is an award-winning lifestyle writer and editor whose work has been featured in InStyle, Teen Vogue, SELF, Racked, Vulture, Brit + Co, SheKnows and Vice. Follow her on Twitter @cpgreenwood.
Get Shondaland directly in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TODAY
