Welcome to Retro Rewind, the new TGJ original feature that invites our readers on a journey to Entertainment’s glorious past.

As a powerful minority in Hollywood continue to deny the important of diversity on-screen, the brains behind the hit show ‘Dynasty’ learned just how lucrative it could be for ratings when they introduced to the African-American character Dominique Deveraux to the series in 1984.

Created by the writing duo Richard and Esther Shapiro, Dominique, portrayed by Diahann Carroll, stepped on to the scene as a secretive woman with a keen interest in the lives of the show’s leading family, the Carringtons.

Eager to slay in the face of the stereotypical, offensive and one dimensional roles often dished out for actors of colour, the Shapiros teamed up with Carroll to create a character just as complex as the show’s villain Alexis Carrington, played by Joan Collins.

The result? A moving story about a young African-American girl from modest beginnings who exposes the plight of biracial children rejected by a society and fathers infected by prejudice, classism and racism.

Watch below…

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Times are a-changing at the Academy Awards.

How?

Details below…

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‘Star Wars‘ actress Lupita Nyong’o has revealed that she is disappointed by the lack of diversity in this year’s Academy Awards nominations list.

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Hollywood is embroiled in a heated race debate after not a single actor or actress of color was nominated at the 2016 Oscars (in the four main acting categories).

In the time since the announcement, a host of names of weighed – most notably Jada Pinkett  whose video complaint has gone viral.

Now, following claims from ‘Fresh Prince‘ actress Janet Hubert that Jada is only jarred because her husband Will Smith wasn’t honored, Will himself has broken his silence.

Sitting down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America moments ago, the wildly successful star shared his view on the matter – which unsurprisingly echo those of his wife. Interestingly, though, he reveals that he never knew she made the clip.

Watch the insightful chat after the jump…

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In a case of look who’s talking now (the Oscars Edition), Stacey Dash has weighed in with her take on the race row that has divided Hollywood.

As widely reported, debate erupted when not one actor or actress of color landed a nomination in the four main acting categories.

In the time since, the likes of Jada Pinkett, Janet “Aunt Viv” Hubert, and even the President of the Academy have spoken up and out.

Now, Dash – the ‘Clueless’ actress turned political commentator – has added her two cents to the conversation – and as predicted

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The official high quality trailer for the Will Smith-led ‘Suicide Squad‘ has surfaced today!

Also starring ‘How To Get Away with Murder‘ actress Viola Davis the release tells the story of a group of DC Comics villains who are forced to combine their diabolical powers to reach a commo goal.

What that goal is?

Press play to peep the must-see trailer and weigh in on it after the jump..

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‘Empire‘s Jussie Smollett is to be honoured by the NAACP Image Awards for his contributions to society.

Good news below…

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The talkshow circuit is ruthless, just ask Tyra Banks.

Today it has been confirmed that the model-turned-mogul’s new daytime talker ‘The FABLife’ has been axed by ABC after just one season on-air.

Details below…

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Get ready to say “hellur” to Madea once again!

Tyler Perry‘s fictional alter-ego will back on the big screen later this year, Lionsgate have announced.

Details below…

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How you doing?!

For Wendy Williams, the answer must be “pretty darn good.”

The media maven’s reign on the talk-show circuit won’t be easing up anytime soon. Because FOX have renewed the daytime series for another four years.

Details below…

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Movie trailer alert!

Terrence Jenkins makes a romantic foray into film in the forthcoming release ‘The Perfect Match‘ directed by Billie Woodruff.

Joining him in the RomCom is Cassie Ventura, Donald Faison (‘Clueless’ & ‘Scrubs’) and Robert C. Riley who celebrate the release of its trailer before its 11th March 2016 due date.

Check it out below…

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As widely reported, a row over race erupted following the nominee announcement of the 2016 Oscars.

Much to the dismay of cultural commentators, not one actor or actress of color garnered a nomination in any of the 20 slots available in the 4 main acting categories.

What’s more, in other categories, there was some yet not much in the way of ethnic diversity.

The episode has reached such intensity that it has forced the president of the Academy, Cheryl Boone Isaacs (a lady of color herself) to issue a statement.

Thankfully, it’s not a run of the mill series of words, it reads like an actual acknowledgement that change is more than needed. It’s necessary.

Her words below…

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