The latest “Girlfriends” reunion found Tracee Ellis Ross surrounded by Golden Brooks, Persia White, and Jill Marie Jones as the women celebrated her Broadway debut in “Every Brilliant Thing” at New York’s Hudson Theatre.
Ross’ special gala brought her former castmates together for a red carpet appearance and an emotional backstage celebration. Nearly two decades after “Girlfriends” aired its final episode, seeing Joan, Maya, Lynn, and Toni together again felt less like a standard television reunion and more like real friends pulling up for one of their own.
Persia White made that love clear while sharing photos from the evening through an emotional Instagram tribute.
“Tracee Ellis Ross delivered an epic performance on opening night of Every Brilliant Thing,” White wrote. “I feel so blessed to have experienced this with my lovely Girlfriends and some beautiful faces I haven’t seen for years, including Tracee’s handsome dad!”
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White closed her message by thanking Ross for “giving me a brilliant thing: #1 Watching someone you love deliver a mind-blowing performance on Broadway!”
That language matters. White did not simply congratulate a former coworker on a new job. She described watching someone she loves reach a major career milestone. This “Girlfriends” reunion was a public celebration, but the emotion behind it reflected a connection that has survived shifting careers, separate projects, and years outside the weekly rhythm of making a television series together.
Ross is performing 40 shows from July 7 through August 9. The solo play follows a narrator who begins building a list of life’s beautiful and meaningful moments while attempting to cope with a parent’s depression.
The production may feature one lead performer, but it depends heavily on audience participation. Theatergoers can be invited to read list entries, portray people from the narrator’s life, or take part in other scenes. Ross also moves through the audience before the performance, meeting people she may eventually bring into the story.
The role requires emotional honesty, sharp instincts, and the ability to control a room without losing the intimacy of the material. Ahead of her debut, playwright Duncan Macmillan told Broadway.com that Ross’ “quick-wit, intelligence and emotional depth” made her “the perfect fit” for the production.
Ross stepped into the role after Daniel Radcliffe and Mariska Hargitay led earlier portions of the Broadway engagement. Still, Ross intentionally avoided watching their performances because she wanted to build her own relationship with the material.
That confidence has been part of Ross’ appeal since “Girlfriends” introduced audiences to Joan Clayton in 2000. Created by Mara Brock Akil, the series followed four Black women navigating careers, romance, marriage, motherhood, ambition, disappointment, and the sometimes uncomfortable work required to maintain adult friendships.
“Girlfriends” aired for eight seasons between 2000 and 2008, beginning on UPN before moving to The CW. Ross starred alongside Brooks as Maya Wilkes, White as Lynn Searcy, and Jones as Toni Childs.
The show ended, but the connection between its leading women did not disappear with the final credits. This “Girlfriends” reunion is only the newest example of the cast finding ways to celebrate one another and honor the series that helped shape all four of their careers.
In 2019, Ross reunited with Brooks, White, and Jones on an episode of black-ish. While discussing the appearance with Entertainment Weekly, Ross explained that their chemistry did not need to be manufactured for the cameras.
Two decades later, this has proven true.
