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Shug Avery is a major supporting character in the 1982 novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker, as well as its 1985 film adaptation by Steven Spielberg. She is portrayed by Margaret Avery in the film version of The Color Purple, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Shug is also portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in the 2023 film version of The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule. A beautiful, vivacious, and flamboyant blues singer who is considered a "loose woman" by some of the novel's characters, she is the ex-lover of Albert Johnson, Celie's husband, and later becomes Celie's lover and best friend. She helps Celie discover her self-esteem, her sexuality, and her voice. She also helps Celie reunite with her sister Nettie and her children, who were living in Africa.

Background[]

History[]

Shug's life is marked by rebellion, freedom, and love. She is the daughter of Reverend Avery, the town preacher, who disowns her for choosing to be a traveling blues singer. She is also known as the Queen Honeybee, a symbol of self-determination and self-love. She has a reputation as a woman of dubious morals who dresses scantily, has some sort of "nasty woman disease," and is spurned by her own parents. She has a long-term affair with Albert Johnson, whom she calls by his first name, and bears him three children, whom he takes away from her. She also has many other lovers, both men and women, throughout her life.

Shug falls ill and is brought to Albert's house, where Celie takes care of her. Celie is amazed by Shug's glamorous appearance and personality, and feels an immediate attraction to her. Shug is initially rude and dismissive of Celie, but gradually warms up to her and appreciates her kindness and loyalty. Shug becomes Celie's confidant, mentor, and lover, and teaches her how to enjoy sex, music, and life. She also encourages Celie to stand up for herself and to question her faith in a patriarchal God. She tells Celie that God is not a man, but an it, and that God is in everything, especially the color purple.

Shug also helps Celie find Nettie's letters, which Albert had been hiding from her for years. She reads them with Celie and learns that Nettie is alive and that she has been living with a missionary couple in Africa, who are the biological parents of Celie's children. Shug is overjoyed for Celie and vows to help her reunite with her family. She also decides to leave Albert and move to Memphis, where she invites Celie to join her. Celie agrees and finally leaves Albert, telling him that everything he ever did to her is already done to him.

Shug and Celie live together in Memphis, where Shug supports Celie's sewing business and introduces her to a more modern and urban lifestyle. They are happy and in love until Shug falls for a young man named Germaine, who is a member of her band. Shug decides to leave Celie and go on tour with Germaine, breaking Celie's heart. Celie returns to Georgia, where she inherits her father's house and land, and learns that he was not her biological father. She also reconciles with Albert, who has changed his ways and helps her fix up the house. Shug eventually comes back to Celie, after realizing that Germaine was only a fling and that she still loves Celie.

She also brings Celie's father's old car, which she had bought for her. Shug apologizes to Celie and asks for her forgiveness. Celie forgives her and welcomes her back. Shug also becomes friends with Albert and respects him as Celie's friend. Shug, Celie, and Albert live together as a family, along with Sofia, Harpo, and their children. They also celebrate the return of Nettie, who comes back from Africa with Celie's children and her husband, Samuel. Shug sings at their welcome party and expresses her happiness for Celie. Shug continues to sing and enjoy life and stays with Celie and Albert as their friend.

Personality[]

Shug is a complex and dynamic character who defies the stereotypes and expectations of her society. She is a sexy, confident, charismatic, independent, and compassionate woman who lives life on her own terms. She is also honest, free-spirited, and unapologetic about who she is and what she wants. She does not let anyone define her or control her, and she does not conform to the traditional gender roles or racial norms of her time. She is a successful and talented blues singer who travels the world and entertains many audiences.

She is also a loving and loyal friend, lover, and mentor to Celie, who helps her grow and blossom as a person. She is not perfect, however, and she has her flaws and weaknesses. She can be selfish, superficial, manipulative, and unfaithful at times. She can also be stubborn, prideful, and reckless. She suffers from a chronic illness that affects her health and vitality. She also struggles with her relationship with her father, who rejects her for her lifestyle. She is a human being who makes mistakes and learns from them. She is a woman who loves and is loved.

Physical Appearance[]

Shug is a beautiful, glamorous, and flamboyant woman who has dark skin, curly hair, and a curvy figure. She likes to dress in flashy and colorful clothes that show off her body and personality. She often wears makeup, jewelry, and accessories that enhance her features and style. She has a radiant smile and a captivating voice that charm everyone who meets her. She is a stunning and attractive woman who knows how to use her looks and charisma to her advantage.

Appearances[]

The Color Purple (1985)[]

Shug appears in the 1985 film adaptation of The Color Purple, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Whoopi Goldberg as Celie and Danny Glover as Albert. She is played by Margaret Avery, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. Shug's role and storyline in the film are mostly faithful to the novel, with some minor changes and omissions. For example, the film does not show Shug's three children with Albert, nor does it show her leaving Celie for Germaine.

The film also does not show Shug's reconciliation with her father, which happens in the novel. The film does show Shug's relationship with Celie, her discovery of Nettie's letters, her departure to Memphis, and her return to Celie and Albert. The film also features some of Shug's songs, such as "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)" and "God Is Trying to Tell You Something".

The Color Purple (2023)[]

Shug also appears in the 2023 film adaptation of The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule and starring Fantasia Barrino as Celie and Denzel Washington as Albert. She is played by Taraji P. Henson, who said that Shug made her feel "the sexiest I've ever felt in any role". Shug's role and storyline in the film are similar to the novel but with some changes and additions. For example, the film includes "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)", the song sung by Shug in the 1985 film, as well as "She Be Mine", a song cut from the stage musical.

The film also shows more of Shug's relationship with Germaine, the young man she leaves Celie for, and how she realizes that he is not the one for her. The film also depicts Shug's reconciliation with her father, Reverend Avery, in a touching scene where she sings "God Is Trying to Tell You Something" to him and he embraces her. The film received critical acclaim and several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Henson for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Trivia[]

  • Shug Avery's name is derived from the word "sugar," which reflects her sweet and seductive personality.
  • Shug Avery is based on the character of the same name in Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple, which was inspired by Walker's own life and experiences as a black woman in the South.
  • Shug Avery is one of the most iconic and influential characters in black cinema and literature, as she represents a strong, independent, and sexually liberated woman who defies the stereotypes and oppression of her society.
  • Shug Avery's songs in the films and the musical are composed by Quincy Jones, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. Some of her songs include "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)", "Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'", "Too Beautiful for Words", "Push Da Button", and "What About Love?".
  • Shug Avery's costumes in the films and the musical are designed to reflect her flamboyant and glamorous style, as well as her mood and character development. Some of her costumes include a red sequined dress, a purple feathered hat, a gold lamé gown, and a white lace dress.


v - e - d
The Color Purple transparent logo
Media
The Color Purple (soundtrack/video) • The Color Purple (2023) (soundtrack/video)
Books: The Color Purple
Characters
Celie Harris JohnsonNettie HarrisShug AveryMiss MillieSofiaAlbert JohnsonHarpo JohnsonMary AgnesMamaOl' Mister JohnsonSamuel AveryFirst LadyAlphonso HarrisHenry BroadnaxGrady
Locations
GeorgiaAfricaMemphisHarpo's Juke JointCelie's Fancy PantsMister's HouseElmira Movie TheaterGeneral StoreDeadwood BeachShug's HouseTennessee
Songs
1985 film: MakidadaJunk Bucket BluesThe Dirty DozensMiss Celie's Blues (Sister)Don't Make Me No Never Mind (Slow Drag)Heaven Belongs to YouOld Ship of ZionMaybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'Hot LipsScarification Chant and Katutoku CorinneBody and Soul
2023 film: Huckleberry PieMysterious WaysShe Be MineKeep It Movin'Lily of the FieldWorkin'Too Beautiful for WordsH--- No!Arkansas BluesShug AverySing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)Shake That ThingDear God - ShugProve It On Me Blues(It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes AlongPush Da ButtonWhat About Love?AgooHeaven Help This Heart Of MineMy Faith Looks Up To TheeMiss Celie's Pants(What Did I Do To Be So) Black And BlueI'm HereThe Color PurpleSuperpower (I)
Music From and Inspired By: Risk It AllNo Love LostLifelineFinallyWhen I Can't Do BetterThere Will Come a DayAny WorseYou See MeAll I Need100EternityNo TimeGirls
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