Our girl Mary J. Blige has been through relationship hell and back.
After her public divorce from ex-husband and former manager Kendu Isaacs in 2017, Blige had to work her way back to happy. But thanks to the natural strength and resilience that we all know and love her for, the R&B diva has bounced back with dignity and grace.
Vogue caught up with the singer as she prepares to take on one of the most unique roles of her career – a murderous villain named Cha Cha for the movie adaption of DC Comics’ Umbrella academy. Blige has enjoyed immersing herself into acting because its given her an outlet to release the painful emotions that come from real life experiences. “I’m totally sold on acting,” she tells the magazine. “It means that I can transfer all of my emotions from real-life situations onto another person – and that I lived through all of that hell for a reason.” That’s exactly what she did for her role as Florence in the Oscar-nominated film Mudbound, and the same will be true of Cha Cha whose job is to, “murder anybody and everybody.”
When it comes to heartbreak, Mary has endured more than her fair share over a lifetime. Thankfully, she’s come out on the other side with some lessons to share with others. Though there’s no quick fix or magic pill to cure the pain, she believes the best remedy is surrounding yourself with love.
“It’s going to hurt no matter what, she says. “Hang out with your girlfriends and your family. Just being surrounded by loved ones helps. Work hard. Always make some time for yourself.”
With heartbreak also comes the temptation to reunite with your ex, which Blige says is a big mistake. “Just don’t go back. If he’s looking for you, and you’re really done, be done. Stay off the phone. Let it go. Then get another date.”
Aside from getting her acting hustle on, Blige has been committed to staying in shape. The proof is in her super toned body, which she’s been showing off in a number of post-breakup vacation photos.
That’ll teach ‘em!
