Tasha Smith Talks 'For Better or Worse,' and Her Troubled Past

Smith is the star of Tyler Perry's new dramatic comedy

Onscreen, actress Tasha Smith brings one of our favorite characters to life. Angela from Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” franchise is loud-talking, sassy, spicy and quite hilarious. And now, we get to see a different side to Angela on Perry’s television spin-off For Better or Worse, which airs on TBS every Friday night.

Still, the success of that character has everything to do with Smith, who is much like her character in that she doesn’t care what people think about her. In fact, it’s her carefree attitude that makes Smith so open about her troubled past as a stripper and drug abuser. After finding “the grace of God” as she puts it, Smith has built a successful career as an actress, even launching her own speakers bureau, acting school and even a new fragrance called “Us” with new husband Keith Douglas.

Loop 21 caught up with Smith to find out what she loves about playing Angela, if there are any similarities between her onscreen marriage and her new one off screen and why she’s so open about her past.

Loop 21: What is the best part about playing Angela?

Tasha Smith: I’ve got to tell you--I think I’m having more fun playing Angela for television than I do for movies because we get a chance to show different dimensions of the characters. It’s not like oh, we’re just in and out or being the comedy relief for the film. Now, we get to sit in the humanity more and sit in the everyday life of this woman. I just love it!

Loop 21: Has any of the feedback from fans or critics surprised you?

Smith: It’s funny because some people would say prior to the show coming on that they hope that Angela isn’t yelling and screaming through the whole show...and now people are like well she ain’t crunk enough. When she gon’ get crazy? First people say one thing, and you think you’re giving them that but then they complain.

Loop 21: Are there any similarities between your on-screen marriage and the one you have with your husband Keith Douglas?

Smith: Listen, first of all, heck no! Thank God! The stuff that Angela and Marcus are going through, I guess that’s 13 year marriage stuff. Thank God me as a newlywed, I’m not going through any of that. I’m not sure how anyone could survive that kind of stuff in the first year of marriage.

Loop 21: After being married for a year, what advice would you give to newlyweds?