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Like allLifetime movies,Faith Under Fireis packed with feelings, and it really tugs on the heartstrings.
And if you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for?
“I was screaming and terrified on the inside,” Tuff toldNPRabout the incident.
“I didn’t even know I was calm until everybody kept saying that.
And to be honest with you, I didn’t even recognize my own voice.”
Lifetime’s Faith Under Fire premiered as the no.
1 cable movie of the year
Millions of people tuned in to watchLifetime’sFaith Under Firewhen it debuted in 2018.
ButFaith Under Firedidn’t just reach millions of viewers.
It also became something of a social media sensation.
The film was so popular that many took to Twitter, and gotFaith Under Firetrending in the United States.
“It was a deliciously chewy role,” she toldThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I came in prepared.
I had all my lines ready.
Then I arrived and they had 50 pages of rewrites!”
“But I talked to everyone who said, ‘Toni you’ve got to do it.
You got to be brave.
If [Antoinette Tuff] can do it, you’re free to do it.'”
The singer and actress also had to undergo a physicaltransformationin order to play Tuff.
She also gained weight for the role, putting on 17 pounds to complete the transformation.
Braxton explained that she wanted to truly commit to Lifetime’sFaith Under Fireand to tell a compelling story.
“I submerged myself into it,” she toldThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I wanted to ensure people didn’t seeToni Braxton the singer.
The aesthetics were important.”
Braxton certainly achieved her goal.
Between her incredible performance and her completely different look, singing superstar Braxton is virtually unrecognizable in the movie.
Her commitment to the role was a large part about what makes the film such an incredible viewing experience.
“I called for months, but I had the wrong number!
“My thought was, ‘I don’t want to mess this up,'” said Braxton.
“‘How am I going to play this courageous woman in front of her?’
Derrick also hasretinopathy of prematurity, which affects his vision.
That’s why he was hurt by her portrayal of him in her book.
“She was all about people not treating me sympathetically,” said Derrick.
“She didn’t view me as disabled, she viewed me as normal.”
Jakes, whofounded the The Potter’s House, which consists of over 30,000 members.
It was his faith in Braxton that made her agree to accept the part.
“When Bishop Jakes wanted me to do the role I was flattered and excited.
Bishop Jakes is like our uncle.
He gets our family together when we’re out of shape, he smacks us back together.”
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to have Bishop Jakes.”
Her story captivated the nation and even caught the attention of then-President Barack Obama.
Obama was so impressed by Tuff’s heroism that he called her after the incident.
Obama added that she made him and his wife,Michelle, proud.
Given their praise of Tuff, we wonder ifthe Obamaswatched Lifetime’sFaith Under Fire.
After the incident and after the recognition she received, Tuff decided to become a motivational speaker.
Tuff also starteda nonprofit organizationto give back to the community.
Kids on the Move for Success mentors children and also awards scholarships.
The film did, however, receive one major award: the Christopher Award.
Faith Under Firedirector Vondie Curtis-Hall spoke toCruxabout winning the award.
“We arelivingin such turmoil.
To honor what is beautiful.”
“And … verify that you prepare yourself for a purpose.
“All of us have a purpose in our life,” she said.
“And so God prepares us all for one.”
