The Truth About Sanaa Lathan’s Life

Sanaa Lathan’s life includes a steady career in the entertainment industry. The Tony award-nominated actress has appeared in Love and Basketball, Out of Time and The Perfect Guy. When she’s not in front of the big and small screens, she does a good job at flying under the radar. However, we were able to find some surprising facts about the Love and Basketball star.

Here’s the truth about Sanaa Lathan’s life.

Sanaa Lathan was a bi-coastal kid

She was born in New York City on September 19, 1971, and was given the name Sanaa — which means “work of art” in Swahili, according to Esquire magazine. She’s the daughter of Hollywood director Stan Lathan. Her mom, Broadway actress Eleanor McCoy, has appeared in the original productions of Timbuktu and The Wiz.

Sanaa told Bay State Banner that during her childhood, she spent a lot of time backstage at her mom’s plays. After her parents’ divorce, she split her time between California and New York.

Sanaa Lathan shifted her dreams

She always had dreams of being a lawyer. But while in high school, she got involved in theater. Sanaa Lathan told NPR that when she finally revealed to her dad, Stan Lathan, that she wanted to become an actress he was very disappointed. He had been working in that same industry for years, and he knew how many talented people had been rejected. The last thing he wanted was for his daughter to go through that same disappointment.

Sanaa Lathan was a Yale student

After seeing Sanaa Lathan perform in various plays, her dad, Stan Lathan, could tell how passionate she was about her craft. He finally gave his full support, and she enrolled at Yale School of Drama. Unlike some celebrities who are proud to say they’ve never taken an acting class, Sanaa was serious about becoming the best actress she could be.

After her portrayal of the character Nina in the 1999 film Catfish in Black Bean Sauce, her incredible performance caught the industry’s attention. From then on, her career was on fire.

Sanaa Lathan’s physical flaw

She has long been considered one of the most beautiful celebrities in the world. But she does have one physical imperfection, aside from her widely reported clubbed thumbs. Sanaa also has a smooth scar on her right cheek. She told Esquire magazine it was the result of an unfortunate childhood encounter with an oven and a lump of Play-Doh.

Sanaa Lathan’s hectic dating life

Being beautiful and single means Sanaa Lathan’s life has been shrouded by numerous rumors, including the time she was accused of having an affair with her Out of Time co-star, Denzel Washington. By the way, Sanaa denied having any involvement with the veteran actor. So can we put this rumor to rest already?!

During an interview with African-American Literature Book Club, she said she understands that when you’re in the spotlight, people are going to gossip. Nonetheless, she was ready to move on from all the rumors and get back to focusing on her job.

Denzel isn’t the only star she has been linked to. She was also rumored to have been dating Colin Kaepernick and French Montana (pictured, right).

In 2009, The YBF reported she showed up to Essence Atkins’ wedding with Loud Records executive Steve Rifkind. According to documents obtained by the website, Steve had been separated from his wife, Nicole Rifkind, for six years when he began dating Sanaa. His divorce was finalized sometime in 2009, and Heavy.com reports Sanaa and Steve got engaged at on point.

In 2011, he told Page Six his divorce settlement and unpaid taxes left him with $2.8 million dollars in unpaid bills. Unsurprisingly, his relationship with Sanaa was rumored to be over that same year.

When will Sanaa Lathan get married?

Her family and friends always wonder when she’s going to settle down. She told USA Today (via Atlanta Daily World) that she’s quite content living a solitary life and being on her own. But if her perfect partner walked through her door today, she would be so happy.

Her personal Pinterest account has a board dedicated to love, relationships, and her dream wedding. She told Health.com that she always imagined having a life partner, but she has accepted it might not happen. For now, she’ll continue to be a free spirit because she refuses to be with someone just for the sake of saying she has a man.

How she stays mentally healthy

She wakes up every morning and gets in a quick exercise, followed by deep meditation. She told Health.com that she began meditating in 2014 when her best friend passed away after battling the flu. Sanaa said she began experiencing panic attacks, and learning how to breathe and relax was just what she needed.

Sanaa Lathan’s industry beefs

After comedian Tiffany Haddish accused Sanaa of biting Beyonce, some people began to look at the actress in a different light. Sanaa denied the allegations and said she adored Beyonce and would never do something like that.

In Sept. 2018, Sanaa attended the New York City premiere of Netflix’s Nappily Ever After (via Essence). She said during the course of her career, she has been treated “horribly by some women that you may know.” She refused to name any names. However, she did say that the competition between women in the industry has led to jealous and weird vibes.

Hmm…was she talking about Tiff?

What’s next for Sanaa Lathan?

With a resume that spans over two decades, Sanaa continues to excel as an actress. When she’s not entertaining us, she’s behind the scenes at the Sanaa Lathan Foundation — an organization that provides mentoring and services to underprivileged children.

Looking back on her life, Sanaa told Bay State Banner she wants to be remembered as someone who left behind a legacy of great art that entertained an uplifted the world. We have no doubt she’ll be remembered for all of that and more!

What are your thoughts on the truth about Sanaa Lathan’s life?

 

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