The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae) Cover
Podcast Mentions

The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae)

Alice Walker

Read the original inspiration for the new, boldly reimagined film from producers Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, starring Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Fantasia Barrino. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary,

Podcasts 24
Quotes 84
The Tucker Carlson Show

It was mentioned as an example of a literary work that someone suggested was less important than architectural draftsmanship.

"

architectural draftsmanship is more important than say The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

— Episode: How Casey Putsch Built the Most Efficien...

Episode: How Casey Putsch Built the Most Efficient Car in t...

It was mentioned as an example of a literary work that someone suggested was less important than architectural draftsmanship.

"

architectural draftsmanship is more important than say The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Stuff You Should Know

It was briefly mentioned as one of the challenged books during the discussion of frequently challenged books.

"

a few of these are the Color of Earth series by Kim Dong Hua and the Reasons Why, nudity, sex education, the Hunger Games trilogy.

— Episode: SYSK Selects: How Book Banning Works

Episode: SYSK Selects: How Book Banning Works

It was briefly mentioned as one of the challenged books during the discussion of frequently challenged books.

"

a few of these are the Color of Earth series by Kim Dong Hua and the Reasons Why, nudity, sex education, the Hunger Games trilogy.

Episode: SYSK Selects: How Book Banning Works

It was discussed as a challenged book, due to the content and themes, including nudity and sexual education.

"

A few of these are the Color of Earth series by Kim Dong Hua and the Reasons Why, nudity, sex education, the Hunger Games trilogy.

Episode: SYSK Selects: How Book Banning Works

The book series was listed as one of the books challenged in the past year, for reasons such as nudity and sex education.

"

A few of these are the Color of Earth series by Kim Dong Hua

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

The title was brought up when Deon Cole described being cast as the father in its film adaptation, noting the character's controversial traits and the producers' confidence in his ability to handle the role. The discussion focused on the casting process rather than recommending the book itself.

Episode: Deon Cole Returns

Deon Cole discussed his role in the film adaptation of Alice Walker's novel. He was initially surprised to be cast as the father, a character depicted as a pedophile in the original film.

"

They was like, yeah, they want you to be a part of this movie, The Color Purple.

And they was like, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, they're producing it.

And then the original movie, the father is a pedophile. He touches the girl.

So I was like, the pedophile you want me to be?

And they was like, yeah, we think you can. The minute we saw you. We think you can, we believe in you to pull this off.

Episode: Deon Cole Returns

Deon Cole discussed his role in the film adaptation of Alice Walker's novel, where he played the father, a character described as a pedophile in the original movie. He talked about how the casting directors believed he could convincingly portray this complex and challenging role.

"

And they was like, yeah, we think you can. Yeah, the minute we saw you. The minute we saw you. We think you can, we believe in you to pull this off.

The Dan Le Batard Show

He performed in a production of The Color Purple, noting the long lag between filming and release compared to stage shows.

"

I did The Color Purple, which was the average lag time of a movie.

— Episode: South Beach Sessions - David Alan Grier

Episode: South Beach Sessions - David Alan Grier

He performed in a production of The Color Purple, noting the long lag between filming and release compared to stage shows.

"

I did The Color Purple, which was the average lag time of a movie.

The Megyn Kelly Show

Megyn Kelly mentioned Alice Walker's book, 'The Color Purple', while criticizing Gayle King for giving Walker a fawning interview without addressing her antisemitic views.

"

But she's the same person who had Alice Walker on, the one who wrote The Color Purple, who's like a vile anti-Semite and did a fawning interview with her, didn't raise any of her literally like lizard...

— Episode: Exclusive Reaction From Rob O’Neill on V...

Episode: Exclusive Reaction From Rob O’Neill on Viral Bin L...

Megyn Kelly mentioned Alice Walker's book, 'The Color Purple', while criticizing Gayle King for giving Walker a fawning interview without addressing her antisemitic views.

"

But she's the same person who had Alice Walker on, the one who wrote The Color Purple, who's like a vile anti-Semite and did a fawning interview with her, didn't raise any of her literally like lizard people belief about Jews in the interview, just puffed her up.

Episode: Bari Weiss on the State of the Media, Cancel Cultu...

The book's author was discussed, and her anti-Semitic views were criticized in contrast to her acclaim for her novel, despite the fact that the New York Times did not address them in two articles about the author.

"

Alice Walker wrote The Color Purple, which a lot of people love.

This is Oprah's Alice Walker.

Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast

The speaker described how the other person's story about the book was very believable because they both slept in a row of beds and the other person saw the speaker's penis. This story was told while the speakers were talking about penis size.

"

No, no, not stealing big value whatsoever. It's just an insane story because we all slept in a row in our beds. Like so it was each bed. They just like asked me if something like ticked off. And I was...

— Episode: Ep 504 - Reggie and Steve (feat. Billy)

Episode: Ep 504 - Reggie and Steve (feat. Billy)

The speaker described how the other person's story about the book was very believable because they both slept in a row of beds and the other person saw the speaker's penis. This story was told while the speakers were talking about penis size.

"

No, no, not stealing big value whatsoever. It's just an insane story because we all slept in a row in our beds. Like so it was each bed. They just like asked me if something like ticked off. And I was like, yeah, she saw my dick.

Like they're like, how do you know how big your dick is? And I was like, I thought it'd be weird to say I measured it. So I was like, oh, well, she had her cell phone next to it.

And then I measured the cell phone and the cell phones like seven inches. It was bigger than that. And then they just fucking railroad.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

The title was highlighted for its cultural impact, with a guest noting how its story shaped her career and underscored its significance as a landmark work. Another host pointed out that the massive novel served as the source material for both film and musical adaptations, while a third contributor simply referenced the author’s role in creating it. Overall, the discussion treated the book as an important piece of literature without offering a strong endorsement.

Episode: Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo mentioned the production of The Color Purple and discussed her involvement with the story, noting its impact on her career and its significance as a cultural work.

"

You have seen her in Harriet, Windows, Bad Times at El Royale, The Color Purple on Broadway.

I think that it's been in The Color Purple.

Episode: Taraji P. Henson

They noted that the story originated from a massive book and that the novel was the source for the film and musical adaptations.

"

The book is massive.

Episode: We are supported by... Gloria Steinem

Monica Padman mentioned that Alice Walker wrote The Color Purple while discussing colors and literature.

"

Alice Walker wrote the color purple.

The Moth

Podcast

The Moth

The host mentioned it as one of the influential banned titles that shaped her perspective.

"

Here, I'm speaking about Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Toni Morrison's The Song of Solomon, and Margaret Atwood's...

— Episode: Banned Books Week: The Moth Podcast

Episode: Banned Books Week: The Moth Podcast

The host mentioned it as one of the influential banned titles that shaped her perspective.

"

Here, I'm speaking about Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Toni Morrison's The Song of Solomon, and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.

The Journal.

The episode referenced the title as a recent reading assignment in an advanced women's writing class, noting its relevance to conversations about book bans. The hosts mentioned it without a detailed endorsement, resulting in a neutral, casual mention.

No quotes extracted yet.

We Can Do Hard Things

It was mentioned in the context of a quote from the book, referencing the idea of noticing and appreciating beauty, specifically the color purple, which inspires a feeling of uplift and spiritual connection.

"

I think it pisses God off when people walk by purple and don't notice it.

— Episode: 217. Start a Daily Delight Practice with...

Episode: 217. Start a Daily Delight Practice with Abby, Gle...

It was mentioned in the context of a quote from the book, referencing the idea of noticing and appreciating beauty, specifically the color purple, which inspires a feeling of uplift and spiritual connection.

"

I think it pisses God off when people walk by purple and don't notice it.

I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it. And then she says back, what does it do when it pissed off? Oh, it makes something else.

Episode: 103. How to Be More Alive with Cole Arthur Riley

It was discussed in the context of appreciating beauty even in the midst of tragedy and the importance of recognizing beauty in ordinary places and people, as opposed to just collecting experiences for a portfolio or to feel superior.

"

I think it pisses God off anytime you walk past the color purple and don't appreciate it.

NPR News Now

The book was referenced when Jeff London noted that Cynthia Erivo burst onto Broadway in 2015 playing Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

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After playing many theater roles in London, Cynthia Erivo burst on the Broadway scene in 2015 as Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

— Episode: NPR News: 02-19-2025 8PM EST

Episode: NPR News: 02-19-2025 8PM EST

The book was referenced when Jeff London noted that Cynthia Erivo burst onto Broadway in 2015 playing Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

"

After playing many theater roles in London, Cynthia Erivo burst on the Broadway scene in 2015 as Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

The Matt Walsh Show

The book was mentioned in passing while critiquing Spielberg's film choices, highlighting it as an occasional project.

"

Steven Spielberg has a similar pedigree nonwithstanding occasional projects like the color purple and Amistad.

— Episode: Ep. 741 - The Hallucinatory World Of The...

Episode: Ep. 741 - The Hallucinatory World Of The Critical...

The book was mentioned in passing while critiquing Spielberg's film choices, highlighting it as an occasional project.

"

Steven Spielberg has a similar pedigree nonwithstanding occasional projects like the color purple and Amistad.

The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Danielle Brooks was inspired to pursue acting after seeing a Broadway performance 10 or 11 years prior. The experience deeply impacted her, leading her to study theater and eventually land a role in the same production.

"

Yes, 10, 11 years ago, my father took me to see my first Broadway show.

— Episode: Oscar Nominated Actors Danielle Brooks &...

Episode: Oscar Nominated Actors Danielle Brooks & Da'Vine J...

Danielle Brooks was inspired to pursue acting after seeing a Broadway performance 10 or 11 years prior. The experience deeply impacted her, leading her to study theater and eventually land a role in the same production.

"

Yes, 10, 11 years ago, my father took me to see my first Broadway show.

And it was The Color Purple.

And so I remember sitting in the audience just like this, 15 years old, just crying.

Fresh Air

Podcast

Fresh Air

The book was brought up as a memorable childhood experience, highlighted as a classic comparable to other literary giants, and described by a guest as a treasured, formative read that he carried around obsessively. Hosts and guests recalled its impact and noted its significance in their personal and cultural narratives.

Highly Recommended

Episode: Best Of: Jude Law / Pedro Pascal

The host noted that the novel was interesting to discuss because it was experienced via cable TV during their childhood.

"

The process around The Color Purple is very interesting because we had cable TV.

Episode: Robert Reich: The Baby Boomers Fell Short

Maureen mentioned this classic novel when comparing the new picks to earlier literary giants.

"

Neither are in league with say Portnoy's Complaint or The Color Purple, but nor are they mental styrofoam.

Episode: Pedro Pascal Got Fired A Lot

Pedro Pascal said he read the novel and even carried the paperback around, recalling how it moved him as a child. The host noted his longtime obsession with the story.

"

you being obsessed with the color purple ... to kill a mockingbird

so I had to get the book and I read the book ... I would hold it like a treasure

Episode: Can't Sleep? You're Not Alone

The documentary segment mentioned Alice Walker's early work, noting she was published in Ms. before she wrote The Color Purple.

"

Alice Walker, published in Ms. before she wrote The Color Purple.

Episode: Ghanaian Artist Blitz Bazawule Is Breaking Down Do...

The novel was referenced as the classic Alice Walker masterpiece and as an insular text that informed the musical film adaptation.

"

Alice Walker's The Color Purple ... the classic Alice Walker masterpiece. ... the book hadn't fully gone

I was thinking about how The Color Purple is such an insular text, meaning like it's a black world.

Episode: Taraji P. Henson / Pianist Brad Mehldau

The novel was highlighted as the PulitzerPrizewinning 1982 book that inspired both the film and the musical adaptation discussed in the interview.

"

The Color Purple, which was first a Pulitzer Prizewinning novel written by Alice Walker in 1982, tells the tale of the lifelong struggles of Celie, an African American woman living in the South during the early 1900s, and the sisterhood of three women.

Well, it goes without saying that The Color Purple, it's really considered an American masterpiece, especially for black people. It was a Pulitzer Prize winning book, as we know, a Steven Spielberg film, an iconic musical, and now this film adaptation to the musical.

Episode: Taraji P. Henson On 'The Color Purple'

The novel was described as a PulitzerPrize winning American masterpiece that tells the story of Celie and the sisterhood of three women in the early 1900s South.

"

The Color Purple, which was first a Pulitzer Prize novel written by Alice Walker in 1982, tells the tale of the lifelong struggles of Celie, an AfricanAmerican woman living in the South during the early 1900s, and the sisterhood of three women.

Well, it goes without saying that The Color Purple, it's really considered an American masterpiece, especially for Black people. It was a Pulitzer Prize winning book, as we know, a Steven Spielberg film, an iconic musical, and now this film adaptation to the musical.

Episode: Best Of: Colman Domingo On 'Rustin' / Cord Jeffers...

The novel was referenced as the source material for the film and musical adaptations, and the guest said he had read the book to prepare for his role.

"

The Color Purple was a novel, still is a novel, by Alice Walker that was adapted into a film starring Oprah Winfrey and later into a Broadway musical, and I went back to the source material and read the book to prepare for my role.

Episode: Actor Colman Domingo

The novel was referenced as the source material for the film and Broadway musical adaptations, and Domingo mentioned reading it to prepare for his role.

"

The Color Purple was a novel, still is a novel by Alice Walker that was adapted into a film starring Oprah Winfrey and then that was adapted into a Broadway musical starring Cynthia Erivo.

Did you go back and watch any of them and reread the book for the movie?

I first saw the movie in 1985 and I think I've watched it maybe 50 to 100 times in my life and then I saw both versions of the musical... And then when I was offered Mister I went back all the way to the source material and read the book.

I feel like you know when people come and see this experience of The Color Purple they'll see it's a hybrid of sorts but it really is honoring the book in many ways.

Episode: Ben Stiller / Pedro Pascal

The host noted the guest's fascination with the color purple, linking it to the wellknown novel.

"

I keep coming across these little details, like you being obsessed with the color purple. James Baldwin for colored girls to kill a mockingbird.

The Rewatchables

The hosts brought up the title while noting Danny Glover's appearance in its film adaptation, referencing his role as an older cop. Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan (with Van Lathan in one episode) mentioned that Glover had been in the movie before his later roles. The discussion was limited to his involvement rather than the book's content, resulting in a casual mention.

Episode: ‘Lethal Weapon 2’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, a...

The hosts noted that Danny Glover appeared in the film adaptation of The Color Purple.

"

Danny Glover is playing an older cop, ... He was in The Color Purple, done some other films.

Episode: ‘Lethal Weapon’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

They mentioned that Glover had been in The Color Purple before his later roles.

"

Glover was in color purple before that he bounced around.

Mick Unplugged

Brenda Russell cowrote the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple and discussed the extensive fiveyear effort required to develop the production with Alice Walker.

"

When we think about entertainment, and especially you, right? Grammy winner. Our show, I cowrote Color Purple for Broadway. You sure did. I was going there next. It was an honor to write that and to w...

— Episode: Brenda Russell | Timeless Tunes: Craftin...

Episode: Brenda Russell | Timeless Tunes: Crafting Songwrit...

Brenda Russell cowrote the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple and discussed the extensive fiveyear effort required to develop the production with Alice Walker.

"

When we think about entertainment, and especially you, right? Grammy winner. Our show, I cowrote Color Purple for Broadway. You sure did. I was going there next. It was an honor to write that and to work with Alice Walker, who is to me, she's amazing. She's like a goddess.

Talk about the Color Purple a little bit and what it was like working with Alice Walker, taking someone's vision, and then somewhat making it your own because you have to do that a little bit too, right? Our priority was to get it right for Alice because she's the creator and we wanted to honor her. So we always asked her, what do you think? What didn't you like in the first movie? And what do you like?

The Dan Patrick Show

The hosts mentioned the title in two episodes when introducing Grammy‑, Emmy‑ and Tony‑winning actress Cynthia Erivo, noting her role as Harriet in the story. The reference served only to identify her well‑known performance rather than discuss the book itself.

Episode: Hour 2 – Dan Woike, Brendan Haywood

The hosts referenced the novel when describing Emmy and Tonywinning actress Cynthia Erivo's notable roles.

"

They grab the Emmy and Tony Award winning actor and singer you know from the color purple, Harriet, and Wicked, Cynthia Erivo.

They grab the Emmy and Tony Award winning actor and singer you know from the color purple, Harriet, and Wicked, Cynthia Erivo.

Episode: Hour 1 – The Dan-asty, Steve Levy

The book was referenced as a wellknown work associated with guest Cynthia Erivo, highlighting her awardwinning background.

"

A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awardwinning actor and singer you know from the color purple, Harriet, and Wicked, Cynthia Erivo.

A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awardwinning actor and singer you know from the color purple, Harriet, and Wicked.

Episode: Hour 1 – Thunder Win Game 5, College World Series...

The hosts referenced the novel while introducing Cynthia Erivo, noting her fame from the story.

"

A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actor and singer you know from the color purple, Harriet, and Wicked.

Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, and I'm the host of the On Purpose podcast. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back to On Purpose, Cynthia Erivo. A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actor and singer you know from the color purple, Harriet, and Wicked.

Episode: Hour 2 – George Kittle, Shohei Pitching

They mentioned the book as a wellknown work the guest was famous for from the musical adaptation.

"

you know from the color of Purple, Harriet, and Wicked.

Episode: Hour 3 - Covino & Rich Guest Hosting

They mentioned the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, saying they had heard good things about it and were surprised it was a musical.

"

The Color Purple. You know, it's a musical, right? I didn't know it was a musical until someone told me. I would have walked completely into that trap.

Lovett or Leave It

A participant praised an actress's performance in the Broadway adaptation, noting she was great in The Color Purple.

"

She was great in The Color Purple on Broadway.

— Episode: What a Weekday: Caught at McDonald's

Episode: What a Weekday: Caught at McDonald's

A participant praised an actress's performance in the Broadway adaptation, noting she was great in The Color Purple.

"

She was great in The Color Purple on Broadway.

What A Day

Podcast

What A Day

The hosts highlighted the upcoming movie musical adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, noting its previous film by Spielberg and a Broadway version. Trayvell Anderson introduced the topic in both episodes, and the conversation focused on the adaptation history rather than recommending the reading. The overall tone was neutral and informational.

Episode: 2023 And Me

The podcast discussed the upcoming movie musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, mentioning its previous adaptations into a film by Steven Spielberg and a Broadway musical.

"

Later this year, we are getting a movie musical based on Alice Walker's seminal 1982 Pulitzer Prize winning novel.

It's been adapted a few times, perhaps most notably by Steven Spielberg.

Episode: 2023 And Me

A movie musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was anticipated for release later in the year. The podcasters discussed the previous adaptations, including the 1985 film and Broadway musical.

"

Later this year, we are getting a movie musical based on Alice Walker's seminal 1982 Pulitzer Prize winning novel.

The Breakfast Club

This film's box office performance was compared to that of "The Book of Clarence", highlighting the disparity between budget and revenue for films with predominantly Black casts. It had a \u0024140 million production budget and made \u002455 million.

"

color purple \u0024140 million production budget, ... It's made like \u002455 million does far

— Episode: FULL SHOW: Doja Cat Allegedly Abused By...

Episode: FULL SHOW: Doja Cat Allegedly Abused By Brother, M...

This film's box office performance was compared to that of "The Book of Clarence", highlighting the disparity between budget and revenue for films with predominantly Black casts. It had a \u0024140 million production budget and made \u002455 million.

"

color purple \u0024140 million production budget, ... It's made like \u002455 million does far

Episode: Is There A Solution To Teaching Black History If R...

This book appeared on Kendrick Lamar's reading list, suggesting its relevance and recommendation.

"

the color purple by alex walker

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