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Desreta Jackson AKA Young Celie from ‘The Color Purple’ Looks Different 35 Years after Film & Has 3 Kids - Meet Her Family

Stephen Thompson
By Stephen Thompson
Sep 20, 2021
03:20 A.M.
Fans of the 1985 movie "The Colour Purple" would never forget Desreta Jackson, who played Young Celie. It's been over three decades since the show premiered, and the actress is still successful.
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The 1985 classic "The Color Purple," featured notable African American actors, and earned an Oscar nomination. Some of those faces are Oprah Winfrey, who played Miss Sophia, and Desreta Jackson, who was Young Celie.

Jackson, who was born in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has featured in other movies and gained several recognitions. Lovers of the star have gotten to see her acting skills in "A Perfect Chaos," "Sister Act," and "Mancuso FBI."

A picture of Desreta Jackson playing Young Celie the movie "The Color Purple" | Photo: Getty Images

A picture of Desreta Jackson playing Young Celie the movie "The Color Purple" | Photo: Getty Images

Apart from being an actress, Jackson is also a producer. Before reality TV became a norm in the entertainment industry, she produced one of the first reality TV shows. She has also been rewarded for her contribution to African American history with a Prestige Award in 2011.

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LIFE AFTER "THE COLOR PURPLE"

Thirty-five years have passed since "The Colour Purple" aired, and Jackson has progressed in her career and personal life.

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She is happily married and often showcases the love she has for her husband by serenading him with sweet words, especially on special occasions.

To celebrate her husband's birthday last year, Jackson took to her Instagram page with a lovely tribute. The actress shared a picture of them posing side by side, and in the caption, she noted that her man always supported all her dreams and desires.

 Actress Desreta Jackson attends "The Color Purple" Los Angeles engagement celebration at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on May 29, 2018 | Photo: Getty Images

Actress Desreta Jackson attends "The Color Purple" Los Angeles engagement celebration at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on May 29, 2018 | Photo: Getty Images

She made it known that he was financially and mentally supportive, loyal, and trustworthy. Irrespective of Jackson's husband's 80hr work week, the actress noted that he made time for her and the children. Finally, she wished him a happy birthday.

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JACKSON'S CHILDREN

Jackson and her man are doting parents to three children. Just like she occasionally shares snapshots of her husband on social media, Jackson also loves flaunting her children on Instagram.

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In July, the producer's daughter marked a new milestone, and Jackson celebrated the occasion on Instagram. The proud mama posted a picture of herself making her daughter's hair.

In the caption, she described the raving beauty as her sunshine and made it known that she was always amazed by her daughter's talents and brains.

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A few days later, Jackson's son celebrated a new year, and the producer made sure to let fans in on her excitement. She updated her Instagram followers with throwback pictures of her son and accompanied it with a caption that read:

"Happy birthday, mama's baby 🍼🎉🎂 Love you. When I see you, I see your daddy, my son...my heart. My life 💜❤💜❤."

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RELATIONSHIPS OUTSIDE FAMILY

Jackson shares a very close bond with her family members. However, her relationship outside the family appears surprising. The actress was part of "The Color Purple," and almost twenty years later, she revealed that she had never seen or spoken to any of its cast.

A reunion show for the cast was held, and Jackson mentioned that although she had no intentions of reconnecting, she was interested in going. To her, it was all about going there as a woman and not a child anymore.

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JACKSON'S STRUGGLES IN HOLLYWOOD

While Jackson may appear to have a perfect life on social media, she has had her fair share of challenges in Hollywood, including abuse. Shortly after the release of "The Colour Purple," the actress was sexually abused, which eventually led to her withdrawal from the movie industry.

Another reason behind Jackson's exit was the problem of racism. During a chat with The Grio, the icon explained that she had always considered herself beautiful and never saw herself as dark-skinned. Her view on that changed after she got into Hollywood.

Jackson revealed that when she got into Hollywood, she discovered dark-skinned blacks and white-skinned blacks. In addition, she noticed that certain actors and actresses got certain roles based on skin color. Jackson left, and it helped her develop herself into a woman.

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