Brandon T. Jackson has always regretted wearing a dress alongside Martin Lawrence in the Big Momma’s House franchise. Jackson played Lawrence’s stepson in the 2011 film Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son, where the duo were undercover cops. However, in a recent interview, Jackson explained why he wore the dress and how it impacted his career. He opined that having proper mentorship would have prevented him from making the mistake. However, many pointed out several actors who have worn dresses and still had successful careers. This includes Tyler Perry (Madea), Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire), Dustin Hoffman (Tootsie), and Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies).
Brandon T. Jackson Explains Dress Part In Big Mommas
Brandon T. Jackson explained his Big Mommas role in an interview with The Breakfast Club published on Monday, March 17. The comedian told his hosts why he wore the dress and echoed his well-known sentiments about appearing in female clothing. Jackson claimed that at the time he starred in Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son, there was little to no discussion about the impact of such a decision.
He said, “There was no internet. Everybody was blind to it. And then after that era, Dave Chappelle comes out on Oprah and says this thing. That’s that was the start of it. No one knew the conspiracies or whatever it is about this. Now think about it: a kid growing up in the 90s, Brandon Jackson watching everything, I’m watching Sheneneh, I’m watching Martin, I’m watching everything.”
Jackson blamed his decision to wear a dress in Big Mommas on a lack of male mentorship in the industry. He asked why older black males didn’t advise younger actors about certain decisions. Jackson also noted that Katt Williams could have pulled him aside. “Katt never did that. I respect him very much but he never mentored and that’s why the mentorship in our community, especially with black man, we just want to say things in the media instead of calling somebody up,” he said.
Brandon T. Jackson Wanted To Work With Martin Lawrence
Brandon T. Jackson also claimed that he accepted his Big Mommas role to work with Martin Lawrence. Additionally, he got an offer for $3 million when he was only 24. He revealed that he didn’t think much of the role then and only considered it a great opportunity.
The actor said, “When Martin came to me and said,’ Let’s play this play in the movie,’ I was like, yes, I’m 25. You pay me $3 million to work with Martin Lawrence. He had this big ring. He’s eating steak. I’m like, ‘I want.’ I mean, you’re 25. I did that movie at 24, fresh off Tropic Thunder, so it’s like no one’s thinking about any of that stuff.”
Brandon T. Jackson Claims Wearing A Dress Ruined His Career
During the interview, Charlemagne Tha God asked Brandon Jackson about his claims that wearing a dress ruined his career. He inquired if the Lottery Ticket actor truly believed wearing dresses in Big Mommas cursed his career. The comedian replied that his career went downhill because he “strayed away from [his] principles,” which also affected his personal life. Jackson’s answer echoes what he said in a 2019 interview with Comedy Hype. He claimed Big Mommas ruined his career and personal life per Vibe.
“Everything went wrong when I put on that dress,” he said during the interview. “I believe it was cursed because nothing went right since then.”
Jackson also said Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son wasn’t a good film. “First of all, no offense, the movie wasn’t that good, to me. It wasn’t a prolific film,” he said. “I sound so mean, like, ‘Oh, You should be grateful for it,’ but I’m real. Be real. It wasn’t the best movie. It was an entertaining film…It was hacky. I did it for the money and to work with Martin Lawrence. I didn’t do it for the purity of comedy, but I did it for the purity to work with Martin.” He added that Katt Williams publicly warned him against taking the role.
Despite Jackson’s claims, many have pointed out to Jackson that his acting skills, rather than wearing a dress in Big Mommas, led to his dwindled career.
#Clique, what do you think about Brandon T. Jackson’s comments about wearing a dress in Big Mommas? Let us know in the comments.
