Exclusive: Laverne Cox Talks About Navigating Hollywood’s Ugly Truths and Staying True to Herself

Laverne Cox didn’t hold back when she joined Baller Alert correspondent Ty Cole on the red carpet at the Uglies premiere. The Orange Is the New Black star got candid about the “ugly truths” she’s faced in her own life and how therapy has helped her work through them.

“I’ve been a mess at 19, a mess at 30, and I’m still a mess at 52,” Laverne shared with a smile. “But when I say I’m a mess, I mean I’m human and I’m always working on something. Recently, I had this big realization in therapy about boundaries. There’s this concept by Brené Brown called BIG, which stands for ‘What Boundaries have to be in place for me to maintain my Integrity and make the most Generous assumption about you?’ I realized that in my last relationship, I was so focused on making generous assumptions about my ex that I let my boundaries be crossed, and I compromised my own integrity.”

Laverne went on to explain that this pattern of over-giving and allowing people to take advantage is something she’s actively working on changing. “We’re all human and we’re all struggling with something. It’s a journey of understanding where we need to draw the line to protect ourselves, while still being compassionate to others.”

When asked about the role of celebrities in addressing societal and political issues, Laverne expressed her frustration with uninformed opinions. “If you choose to speak out, make sure it’s something you’re well-informed about. It’s harmful when people with big platforms speak without a clue. It’s important to research, cross-reference sources, and think about those most impacted by the issue,” she emphasized.

She continued, “For me, it’s about understanding the perspectives of the marginalized and speaking from a place of empathy and responsibility. If I can’t do that, then I choose not to speak at all.”

The conversation then shifted to her upcoming hosting gig, where Ty complimented her ever-growing skills as a host. Laverne credited her dedication to improving her craft. “I’m always working to get better. If I’m doing something, I’ve prepared and researched. I’m my harshest critic, and I always strive to balance that with having fun and being real with the audience. It’s all about being myself and enjoying the moment.”

Reflecting on her visibility as a Black trans woman in Hollywood, Laverne shared how she’s witnessed the evolution of trans representation. “Ten years ago, I became the first openly trans actor to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Now, we have more people like NomNava Mao, who’s been nominated this year. I’m so proud that I’m not the last, and I want to keep pushing for more representation.”

As the interview wrapped up, Ty asked Laverne how she stays resilient in an industry that’s not always welcoming, especially for those who identify outside conventional norms.

“You have to love what you do more than anything in the world. I’ve been misgendered on set, faced all kinds of challenges, but when the director says ‘action,’ none of that matters. You must be undeniable. It’s about doing the work, showing up, and shifting people’s consciousness through storytelling. You have to stay focused on your purpose and not let the noise distract you.”

With a deep breath and a grateful smile, Laverne added, “I’m here for a reason, and I won’t let anyone or anything take me away from that calling.”

Check out the full interview: