Queen Latifah’s Toughest Role? Why Playing Cleo in Set It Off Was a Risk She Almost Didn’t Take!

Queen Latifah’s career spans decades and showcases her immense versatility across music, film, television, and more. From her iconic role as Bessie Smith in Bessie to her memorable turn as an enthusiastic security guard in The Cookout, she has proven herself to be a multifaceted talent. Yet, despite the many roles she’s taken on, Latifah recently revealed that one of the most challenging decisions she ever faced was taking on the role of Cleo Sims in the 1996 film Set It Off.

In a heartfelt conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross for InStyle, Latifah opened up about the personal and professional struggles she faced when deciding to play the character of Cleo, an amateur bank robber, who was also a lesbian. The role was groundbreaking, and Latifah had to grapple with the potential consequences of portraying such a complex and unconventional character. At the time, the role was particularly challenging for Latifah, given that it was one of the first major roles she took on where she played a gay character.

“I sat down with my younger siblings and told them, ‘Listen, I’m playing a gay character,’” Latifah shared. “Your classmates might tease you or say negative things about it. But I’m doing it because I believe I can bring positive attention to the gay African-American community, and I believe that I can do a great job as an actor.” She explained that despite the potential backlash, her family supported her, and when those inevitable negative reactions occurred, her siblings were able to handle them with strength and understanding.

Latifah’s decision to take on Cleo was one that required both personal and professional courage, as she sought to break down stereotypes and use her platform to represent the LGBTQ+ community in a positive light. The film, directed by F. Gary Gray, became a defining moment in her career, showing the depth of her acting ability and her willingness to take risks in order to make a meaningful impact.

During the interview, Latifah also reflected on the importance of loyalty and hard work, sharing her admiration for Solange Knowles. “I respect people who started from the bottom and then grinded up—the ones who work as hard as I did when I started rapping,” Latifah said. She praised Solange for carving her own path, regardless of her famous older sister Beyoncé’s success, and noted that Solange’s journey was one of perseverance and dedication to staying true to herself.

Latifah’s admiration for Solange stems from a shared respect for humility and authenticity, qualities that Latifah has consistently displayed throughout her own career. For Latifah, success has never been about fame but about the integrity and loyalty with which she navigates her professional and personal life.

Queen Latifah’s reflection on her role as Cleo in Set It Off serves as a reminder of her immense courage in taking on roles that challenged both herself and Hollywood’s norms. It also highlights her commitment to using her platform to promote representation and authenticity. As her career continues to evolve, Latifah remains a powerful force in entertainment—unafraid to take on difficult roles, make bold career choices, and inspire others to do the same.