Actress Patrice Covington On Broadway Career And Her New Role In ‘A League Of Their Own’

One of our favorite actresses!

From her broadway career to her endless TV roles, Patrice Covington is a true inspiration to young performers of color. And now, she continues her role-model role as ‘Gracie’ in the new Apple TV reboot of ‘A League Of Their Own’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Patrice about her favorite moment of the original movie, her support in this industry, and more!

You played the role of Squeak in the 2015 Tony, Emmy and Grammy award winning The Color Purple Revival. What was your experience filming that and winning all these awards?

P: “Playing the role of Squeak was life changing for me. Historically, the role has always been cast with a woman who was petite and fair skinned. Two things I am not. I loved that I had the liberty to create a new Squeak. Playing opposite Danielle brooks who played Sophia was a highlight. We explored new bits often and had a great time doing it. Playing the comic relief with lessons and growth was therapeutic and taught me much about myself and womanhood!”

You also shined in Berry Gordy’s Motown The Musical as Martha Reeves, as yourself in the Broadway National Tour of Ain’t Misbahvin’ for which she received your first Grammy nomination, as Effie in the Broadway National Tour of Dreamgirls and The Book of Mormon. How did you deal with going around the world touring and doing a bunch of shows?

P: “Touring is hard work. A different city as often as weekly. There’s a lot of “stuff”. Environmental changes like the weather, different crew members, unique social and demographic changes all play a part. However, being in Motown the musical has been a highlight in my life. It was that show that gave me my ticket to be a part of the Motown Family. So much history and so much love is in the name alone. I feel honored and blessed to be apart of music and Broadway history.”

What made you want to pursue a career in Acting?

P: “I have always been a singer. I started in church. I also studied musical theater at a performing arts high school in Virginia. Naturally, acting was never far away from my palate. On camera acting specifically came about in about 2017. I started to pay more attention to the actors and actress I was inspired by and began to want to see more types and characters like myself in screen to inspire those that come along the journey after me.”

You now star as ‘Grace’ in all 10 episodes of ‘A League of Their Own’ Apple TV reboot. How do you feel about starring in the reboot of one of the best baseball movies of all time?

P: “Playing the role of GRACIE was a blast. I am excited for my character to be introduced. I’m hoping GRACIE will help bridge a gap and be informative to people about life, sexuality and love from yesteryear and this year alike. The reboot is very exciting. One of the best baseball movies of all time! It’s gonna be a juggernaut.”

Did you have to do any training for the series?

P: “I don’t play baseball in the show! The ladies that do, trained fiercely and it shows.” 

Did you watch the original movie? If so, do you have a favorite moment or line?

P: “As a singer I of course love the song the ladies sing! You know the one! “Batter up!!!….we’re all American!”

What was the hardest part about filming the reboot of “A League of Their own”?

P: “We faced a lot of weather issues filming a mostly outdoor movie in Pittsburgh! So much rain!”

What is your experience as a woman in the Entertainment industry?

P: “I currently feel very supported as a woman and by women in this industry! I consider myself blessed to have 3 women on my team including an agent, publicist, and lawyer! They have my back on all things! I am excited to see more representation from women and women of color as the world gets its shit together. (If I can say shit!)”

Kylie Montigney-Music/Entertainment Editor– Kylie has been a Host/Producer for over a year with her Podcast Talk of Fame at only 14 years old. Kylie enjoys talking to all her guests that are in the Entertainment industry and learn more about their journey to where there are today and to inspire young girls & woman to feel represented in the media.