Amber Riley Says New Documentary Celebrating Black Beauty Is 'Not About Struggle but About Triumph'

Photo: John Lamparski/WireImage Amber Rileyis lending her voice to an important project:The Black Beauty Effect, a three-part documentary series that delves into the change that has taken place within the beauty industry in recent years, as told from the perspective of successful Black women who galvanized it. For Lewis,The Black Beauty Effectis a project that ties together her experiences with Black beauty both in Hollywood and off camera. And because Riley also grew up in the industry, it was only fitting that she partake in the project as well.

Amber Riley SaysGleeWas Like 'Theater Bootcamp' and Will 'Always Be a Fond Memory' (Exclusive)

Amber Riley at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards in Inglewood, California, on March 6, 2024.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Billboard via GettyAmber Rileyis thankful for her time onGlee.While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE during Wednesday’sBillboard Women in Music Awardsin Inglewood, California, the actress — who played Mercedes Jones in the hit series — said the show trained her in many ways for future projects.Ahead of her upcoming role as Julie in the Atlanta-basedPreacher’s Wifemusical, Riley, 38, suggested the “lack of sleep” she had while filming nearly 100 episodes ofGleefrom 2009 to 2015 means she can now function on limited rest.

Amber Riley VetoedGleeScene Where Her Character Loses Virginity to Boyfriend: 'It Would’ve Been So Awkward'

Chord Overstreet and Amber Riley in ‘Glee’.Photo:courtesy Everett Collection courtesy Everett Collection Amber Rileysays she fought for herGleecharacter Mercedes Jones to stay true to her values. “I told [Gleeco-creator] Brad [Falchuk], ‘Absolutely not,' " Riley, 38, recalled, adding that she learned of the scene when it had already been finalized. “It was written. I said, ‘No.'" According to Riley’s memory of the conversation, Falchuk suggested that they tone down the more explicit sex scene and instead go with an implied scene where the two “hold hands and walk into the room and then close the door.

Amber Rose Is 'Happy' Ex Alexander 'AE' Edwards Is Dating Cher Because It 'Creates Stability' for Son Slash

Amber Rose (L), Alexander ‘AE’ Edwards and Cher (R).Photo:Patricia Schlein/Star Max/GC Images; Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via GettyAmber Rosehas no hard feelings about her ex datingCher.The model, 40, chatted withJason Leeon this week’s episode ofThe Jason Lee Podcast, opening up about where her relationship with exAlexander “AE” Edwards, 38, stands. The two, who broke up in 2021, share son Slash, 4. Edwards is now dating Cher, 77.“I’m very happy that he’s with Cher because it creates stability for when [our] son goes over there,” she told Lee.

Amber Rose Recalls Being 'Suicidal for 3 Years,' Says Ketamine Therapy Is the 'Only Thing That Saved My Life'

Amber Rose.Photo:Phillip Faraone/Getty Phillip Faraone/Getty Amber Roseis opening up about seeking help after struggling with suicidal thoughts. The Philadelphia-born model, 40, chatted withJason Leeon this week’s episode ofThe Jason Lee Podcast, recalling her difficult mental health journey over the past few years. “I think I’m strong because I’m still alive,” she said on the show. “I was very much suicidal. I’ve been probably suicidal for three years, maybe three and a half years,” she revealed.